Beijing

Understand

History

Beijing (formerly transliterated "Peking") literally means Northern Capital, a role it has played many times in China's long history. Beijing's history dates back several thousand years but it first became notable in Chinese history after it was made the capital of the State of Yan under the name Yanjing. Yan was one of the major kingdoms of the Warring States Period, some 2,000 years ago. After the fall of Yan, during the later Han and Tang dynasties, the Beijing-area was a major prefecture of northern China. In 938, Beijing was conquered by the Khitans and declared the capital of the Liao Dynasty. The Mongols seized the city in 1215. From 1264 Beijing served as the capital of a united China under Kublai Khan. His victorious Mongol forces renamed the city, Great Capital (大都). From there, Kublai and his descendants ruled their empire from a northern location closer to the Mongol homelands. During this period, the walled city was enlarged and many palaces and temples were built. After the fall of the Mongol-founded Yuan dynasty in 1368, the capital was initially moved to Nanjing. However, in 1403 the 3rd Ming emperor, Zhu Di, also known as Emperor Yongle, moved it back to Beijing and gave the city its present name. The Ming period was Beijing's golden era. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and many other Beijing landmarks were built in this period. The capital developed into a huge city becoming the religious and cultural center of Asia. In 1644, the Ming Dynasty was overthrown by the rebel leader Li Zicheng, though his rule would be short lived as he was quickly overthrown by the Manchus, who established China's last imperial line - the Qing. Despite the changing political climate, Beijing remained the capital. The Manchu imperial family moved into the Forbidden City and remained there until 1911. The Qing built both the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace. These served as summer retreats for the emperors and their entourages. During the 19th century, Western countries established foreign legations in the Qianmen area south of the Forbidden City. These came under siege during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The Qing dynasty fell in 1911 and was replaced by the Republic of China, with Sun Yat-sen as its first president. In the chaotic first years of Republican China, Beijing was beset by fighting warlords. Following the Northern Expedition, the Kuomintang moved the capital to Nanjing in 1928, and renamed Beijing as Beiping (北平, literally "Northern Peace") to emphasize that it was no longer the capital. Beijing remained a center for education and culture throughout the Republican Era. The Kuomintang lost the city to the Communists in January 1949. After 6 months, the new government proclaimed a People's Republic with its capital at Beijing. After over 20 years of isolation from Western countries, the visit of US President Richard Nixon in 1972 marked a significant turning point for China. Following this visit, Beijing experienced a spurt of international visitors, leading to the addition of Block D to the historic Beijing Hotel in 1974. By the end of 1978, the era of reform and opening-up had begun, transforming the city into a thriving economic hub. In the early 1980s, Beijing welcomed hundreds of thousands of foreign tourists annually, prompting the construction of the 1,000-room luxury Great Wall Hotel, completed in 1983-84, to accommodate the growing influx. The 1980s introduced new modes of thought and lifestyle, with the emergence of supermarkets, fast food outlets, high-rise apartments and offices, as well as numerous luxury hotels. By the 2000s, Beijing had transformed into a global city with a stunning skyline of contemporary architectural wonders, further highlighted by its hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Notably, Beijing remains the only city in the world to have hosted both the Summer Olympics (in 2008) and the Winter Olympics (in 2022). In the post-pandemic era, China has shifted its focus from Western countries to strengthening relationships with the Global South. However, effort is still made to attract European tourism, introducing short-term visa-free policies in 2024 for several European and Southeast Asian countries.

Orientation

Beijing is one of China's four municipalities (直辖市), cities that are not part of any province, and whose governments instead report directly to the central government. It is a vast city spanning 16,800 km² and divided into 16 districts, with significant distances between them. The city is bordered by Hebei province to the north, west, and south, and by Tianjin to the east. Beijing is a central part of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (Jing-Jin-Ji) regional development strategy, launched in 2014, which aims to create a mega region with enhanced connectivity. High-speed rail now allows travelers to reach Tianjin from Beijing in just 30 minutes, and the newly developed Xiong'an New Area in Hebei in 20 minutes. Xiong'an is envisioned as a techno and eco-utopia, designed to relieve some of Beijing's non-capital functions, though only time will prove whether Xiong'an will prosper or not. The city used to be almost entirely made up of hutongs with narrow lanes and single story buildings. Now, many of the hutongs have given way to broad boulevards and modern buildings, contributing to an airy, sprawling feel, in sharp contrast to cities like Hong Kong and Shanghai. Beijing is the political centre of the country, with official buildings and embassy areas dominating the city and many historical buildings and sites especially within the 2nd Ring Road.

People

Beijingers take great pride in being citizens of the capital, given the city's historical, cultural, and political significance. This pride is sometimes described as 大北京主义 or "Great Beijing-ism," reflecting their distinct attitude toward people from other regions of China. Compared to people elsewhere in the country, Beijingers are often more interested in politics and more willing to discuss current events. They also tend to be mindful of maintaining face and frequently use humor to navigate social situations. Despite this, many Chinese from other provinces find Beijingers to be friendly and straightforward, especially when compared to people from Shanghai. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a fast-growing, developing metropolis with occasional horse-drawn wagons on city streets in the 2000s, into an affluent, middle-class society marked by rampant consumerism and trendy hangout spots by the 2020s.

What's inside

Beijing has a total of 16 districts.

Central districts and inner suburbs

The two central districts are located within or just beyond the 2nd Ring Road. This is the location of the old walled city of Beijing and is where you will find most of the sights and also a good deal of sleeping, eating and drinking and entertainment options. The districts are:

The next four districts are also fairly close to the centre, and highly urbanized. They are often referred to as the inner suburbs. Here you will find universities, business and embassy areas, entertainment and bars, art districts, and parts of the Western Hills. The districts are:

Getting there

Visas

Travelers from 54 countries can enjoy a visa-free stay of up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through Beijing to a third country. This policy allows visa-free movement within designated areas across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. For example, you could fly from Japan to Beijing, visit Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai, and then continue to Hong Kong. To qualify, you must have an onward ticket to a different country from the one you arrive from and the necessary entry documents for your destination. Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan are considered separate countries with regard to this scheme.

By plane

Beijing (BJS IATA for all airports) is served by two major international airports; Beijing Capital International Airport is older and larger of the two, while Beijing Daxing International Airport is a newer airport opened in September 2019. Eventually, the plan is for Star Alliance carriers to serve Capital, and for Skyteam and OneWorld carriers to serve Daxing. Nanyuan Airport, which used to serve China United Airlines, has been closed and all its flights have been transferred to Daxing.

1 Beijing Capital International Airport (北京首都国际机场 Běijīng Shǒudū Guójì Jīchǎng PEK IATA), ☏ +86 010-96158. Open 24 hours all day. Beijing's main airport is located 26 km northeast of the city center. It serves numerous domestic and international destinations and is the primary hub for Air China. The most convenient way to reach downtown is by taking the Capital Airport Express subway line with a fare of ¥25. Trains operate every 10-15 minutes between 06:30 and 23:00, departing from Terminal 2 and stopping at Sanyuanqiao on Subway Line 10 , Dongzhimen on Line 2 , and Beixinqiao on Line 5 (the Beixinqiao section opened on 31 Dec 2021, and some maps may not yet reflect this). The journey to the city takes 25 minutes, after which you'll need to purchase a separate ticket for the Subway. Outbound trains reach Terminal 3 in 25 minutes, and Terminal 2 ten minutes after that. From Terminal 1, it's an 8-minute walk to Terminal 2. (updated Feb 2022)

Getting around

Beijing boasts a world-class public transportation network, featuring an extensive subway system that reaches most major tourist attractions. Frequent buses and dockless shared bicycles available outside stations complement the subway, providing convenient last-mile connectivity. Many locals use ride-hailing apps like DiDi for transportation. For visitors, ordering a taxi in English is possible through the Alipay app (using Amap) or WeChat (using DiDi). Alternatively, you can install the DiDi app and link it to Alipay for seamless payment. Do not count on finding a taxi driver or passerby who knows English well. Neither should foreigners with minimal experience with the Chinese language put faith in their ability to pronounce Chinese place names correctly. Before embarking on a trip around the city, it is best to print out the names of places you want to visit in Chinese characters or get your hotel front desk staff to write them out for you. When going to specific addresses, writing nearby intersections or basic directions can be helpful as well. Show the text to the taxi driver or just ask for help on the street. In general, you will have a better chance of getting help in English if you address younger people. Crossing the road in Beijing may be challenging for pedestrians unused to the local driving styles. Before crossing, assume that none of the road users will yield to you, even if a policeman is present. Zebra crossings are often ignored. Chinese drivers frequently use their horns and may play games of chicken with pedestrians and other vehicles. Should you hear a loud horn when crossing the road, always look around as there is probably a car right behind you or heading straight for you. If you find several cars and bicycles veering towards you from different directions, do not try to run to safety; instead, stand still. For drivers and cyclists, a stationary obstacle is easier to avoid. Traffic light crossings have zebra stripes painted on the road, but you should only cross when the walk light is green. When a mass of people crosses together, cars are more likely to stop or slow down.

By subway

The Beijing Subway is one of the world's most extensive systems with 29 lines and over 500 stations covering an impressive 879 km. It is clean, reliable and efficient. The network’s grid-like design and bilingual signage make it surprisingly easy to navigate, especially given its size. Announcements are also bilingual in Mandarin and English. Operating hours are from around 05:15 to 22:45, with specific times posted at station entrances. Subway entrances are easy to spot, marked with a large blue "G" and smaller "B" inside it. Fares range from ¥3 to ¥10, with the Capital Airport Express costing ¥25 and the Daxing Airport Express between ¥10 and ¥35. Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase from the station where they were issued, so keep your ticket handy for both entry and exit. Most stations have ticket machines with English instructions, though some stations, like Tian’anmen East, require a Chinese ID or a Foreigner's Permanent Resident ID Card for machine transactions. Other travelers can buy tickets at manned counters found at each station, though not every entrance/exit is staffed, and counter staff rarely speak English. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets using the smartphone app or a stored value card, called yikatong (一卡通), is available. An e-card can be bought in the Apple Wallet app, although this is only possible if you have a UnionPay card. Cards purchased in other cities in China with the “T-Union” marking can also be used for travel, but you cannot add value to such cards while in Beijing. The physical card can be refunded at major stations like Xizhimen and Haidianhuangzhuang. As of Sep 2025, it is not possible for foreigners to activate a digital yikatong. This is as you need to login to the COVID-19 tracking portal, which has disabled new user registrations.

Due to Beijing’s high population, rush hours can be crowded, especially on lines 1, 4, 10, and 13. Avoid peak times if possible, and keep an eye on personal belongings in crowded areas. Each station has X-ray security checks for bags, and passengers carrying liquids may be asked to drink a sip in front of security staff. Central subway lines:

See

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles

Great Wall

The Great Wall of China (长城 Chángchéng) is the must-see on any trip to Beijing and a destination worth visiting multiple times due to its vastness and the variety of views, landscapes, and hikes it offers. The Wall is located about an hour by train or 1½ hours by bus from the city (be aware of bus scams, as mentioned in the "Stay Safe" section below). For general information on the Great Wall, see Great Wall, and for details on specific sections, refer to Northeastern Beijing, Yanqing District, Huairou District, and Northern Suburbs. The Badaling section is the most famous but also heavily restored and crowded. For a more enjoyable tourist experience, Mutianyu is recommended over Badaling; it offers similar restoration but with fewer crowds. Closer to the city center, about 60 km away in Changping District, is Juyongguan Pass, a well-known section of the Great Wall located in a deep gorge of the Taihang Mountains north of Beijing. For those seeking less crowded areas, Jinshanling and Huanghuacheng are more challenging to reach by public transportation but offer stunning views of the wall away from the crowds. The distant Simatai section in the northeast can be combined with a night visit or an overnight stay at Gubei Watertown, a recreated historical village beside the wall.

Central Axis

The heart of Beijing is defined by the Central Axis, a historic north-south line that runs through the city's core, showcasing its rich heritage and urban planning. Originating during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) when Beijing, then known as Dadu, became the capital, the Central Axis was further developed in the Ming (1368–1644) and refined in the Qing Dynasty (1636–1912). The urban layout reflects the ideal capital city as prescribed in the ancient text Book of Diverse Crafts. In 2024, it was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site World Heritage Site under the title "Beijing Central Axis: A Building Ensemble Exhibiting the Ideal Order of the Chinese Capital." At the northern end of the Central Axis in the Gulou neighborhood stand the iconic Drum and Bell Towers, remnants of the medieval city that served as timekeeping centers during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Proceeding south along the axis, you reach the Forbidden City (故宫博物院), the most significant landmark along the Central Axis. This vast imperial palace complex served as the residence of emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Remarkably, it remained largely untouched during the Cultural Revolution, thanks to Premier Zhou Enlai's intervention. Just south of the Forbidden City lies Tiananmen Square, located in the Dongcheng District. As the world's largest public square, it is a must-see destination surrounded by monumental buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. The square also features the Monument to the People's Heroes and provides a grand entrance to the Forbidden City through the Tiananmen Gate. Continuing further south is the arrow tower gate of Zhengyangmen, which marked the southern boundary of the Ming Dynasty's Inner City Wall. From the gate stretches Qianmen Street, a long, wide pedestrian street and perpendicular to it is Dashilar Commercial Street (see the Hutong section for more details). To the east of Zhengyangmen, slightly off the Central Axis, lies a 1.5-kilometer preserved section of the Inner City Wall, now repurposed as a park. The axis then leads to the Temple of Heaven (天坛), an iconic symbol of Beijing. This magnificent temple complex, surrounded by a lively park, was where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. The park is a popular gathering place for locals who enjoy activities like tai chi, calligraphy, and tea drinking. At the southern end of the Central Axis stands the Yongdingmen Gate, a reconstruction completed in 2005. It looks like a Lego piece flanked by expressways. The gate serves as a poignant reminder of the Ming Dynasty's dismantled Outer City Wall rather than a tourist site.

Do

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles

Hiking, camping, and tobogganing on the Great Wall: There are numerous hiking options available on the Great Wall, with various tours and groups offering guided experiences, such as the well-established but expensive tour operator Beijing Hikers. The unrestored Jiankou section, although dangerous, is often considered the most beautiful. Many of the "wild" sections of the Wall are ideal for both hiking and camping. A recommended overnight camping spot can be arranged by visiting the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District, where the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh offers homestays and tent rentals. Alternatively, just further west of Chenjiapu village in Huailai County, in the neighboring province of Hebei, you can find an empty 1 km stretch of restored Wall and bring your own tent. At the Mutianyu section in Huairou District, there is even a toboggan rail slide that allows visitors to ride down the Great Wall in a wheelless sled. Bike through the hutongs: Exploring the remaining hutongs by bicycle is a fantastic way to experience Beijing firsthand. See above for bike rental information. Cesar from Barcelona, a top hutong aficionado, organizes biking tours of the hutongs in English and Spanish. Get a foot massage Have a highly enjoyable and relaxing foot massage and/or pedicure etc (for a fraction of the price in the West) from any of the respectable and professional offerings in central Beijing (in the vicinity of the Beijing Hotel for example).

Theaters and concert halls

The National Centre for the Performing Arts in Xicheng District offers a variety of performances including opera, music, and theatre. Even if you don't attend a performance, the egg shaped building itself is worth a visit. The exterior is made from a steel oval structure that includes over 18,000 titanium plates and 1,000 sheets of ultra-white glass. Beijing Opera (京剧 jīngjù) is most popular style of traditional Chinese opera nationwide. This kind of opera is nothing like Western opera, with the costumes, singing style, music and spectator reactions being distinctly Chinese. The plot is usually quite simple and drawn from popular stories set in ancient China, so you might be able to understand some of what happens even if you do not understand the language; some theatres also provide English surtitles for the benefit of tourists. The most distinctive feature of Beijing opera you will notice that distinguishes it from other traditional Chinese opera styles is the elaborate face paint worn by the main characters. Some of the best places to watch Beijing Opera are found in Xicheng District including Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn), Liyuan Theatre (梨园剧场 Líyuán Jùchǎng) and the Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre (梅兰芳大剧院 Méi Lánfāng Dà Jùyuàn). There are also a number in Dongcheng District including Chang'an Grand Theatre (长安大戏院 Cháng'ān Dà Xìyuàn). Acrobatics shows are also worth a visit if you want to see some traditional Chinese entertainment. Some of the best shows are found in Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre in Xicheng District and in Chaoyang Theatre in Chaoyang District. Beijing is famous among the Chinese for its drama plays (话剧 huàjù), and some of the more famous theatres for contemporary Chinese plays include the Capital Theatre in Dongcheng District and Century Theater in Chaoyang District. However, performances of Western plays are rare. Classical music is also popular in Beijing. Some of the best places to go are the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Century Theater both mentioned above as well as Beijing Concert Hall in Xicheng District.

Shopping

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles

Beijing is home to many high-net-worth households and offers a wide range of upscale shopping destinations catering to locals. Tourists can enjoy shopping at popular spots like Wangfujing, the Qianmen area, and Hongqiao Pearl Market. Wangfujing in Dongcheng District is a long, bustling shopping street with additional stores around the large shopping area. This expansive pedestrian street spans several blocks and is lined with numerous shopping complexes, including the iconic Wangfujing Department Store, easily recognizable by its clocktower overlooking the avenue. Big-name brands are well represented here, and one intersection even features flagship Huawei and Apple stores directly facing each other. The Wangfujing Bookstore offers a small selection of English-language books, mostly classics like Hamlet and 1984. It's also a great spot for kids due to its large children’s section. As of Jan 2025, the Beijing Foreign Languages Bookstore is closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in late 2025. Wangfujing is one of two classic shopping areas in Beijing that have evolved into high-end districts, the other being Xidan Commercial Street in Xicheng District (west of the central axis, while Wangfujing is to the east). For a more traditional and touristy shopping experience, visit the bustling streets of Qianmen Street in Dongcheng District, located near one of the city’s Ming Dynasty wall gates. Nearby is the perpendicular Dashilar Commercial Street in Xicheng District. Both streets has a historical Chinese architectural backdrop. In Qianmen, you can find traditional Chinese food shops such as Daoxiangcun, famous for its pastries, and Liubiju Pickle Shop, which offers a variety of pickled delicacies—though both might be an acquired taste. The Qianmen-Dashilar area also features markets selling cultural goods, including silk clothing, porcelain, teas, and other traditional items. For those seeking a quieter and more authentic experience than the tourist-heavy Qianmen-Dashilar area, a short walk west leads to Liulichang, a relatively peaceful hutong lane renowned for its art supplies, including calligraphy materials, paintings, and books. Panjiayuan Market in Chaoyang District is famous for cultural gifts and imitation antiques, making it a great spot for unique souvenirs. If you're interested in exploring local markets, two other options are worth considering. Chongwenmen Market (崇文门市场), a market for vegetables and groceries, has a reptuation throughout the city for quality. For tea enthusiasts, Maliandao Tea Street (马连道) is a vast wholesale market for tea but not a tourist destination. For upscale malls, two standout options are perfect for shoppers seeking a high-end experience. Taikoo Li in the Sanlitun neighborhood showcases Beijing's trendy consumer scene. Along with Sanlitun Soho across the street, it forms a hub ideal for people-watching. Entering Taikoo Li feels like stepping onto a runway—the narrow walkway from the main intersection opens into a spacious outdoor mall buzzing with activity, including photographers snapping pictures of stylish girls. Nearby is Parkview Green, a distinctive high-end mall featuring contemporary art installations and a cozy café on the 10th floor. Both destinations are located in the Chaoyang District.

Eat

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles Beijing provides an ideal opportunity to sample food from all over the country. Some of Beijing's best restaurants serve food from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangzhou, Tibet, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and more.

Restaurant areas

One of Beijing's most famous streets for food is undoubtedly Guijie (簋街/鬼街). This vibrant street, located in the Dongcheng District, is a true haven for food lovers, offering a wide array of excellent cuisines. Stretching over a kilometer, Guijie is home to more than 150 eateries, with around 90% of its commercial spaces dedicated to dining. As a global city, Beijing offers a rich variety of international restaurants, particularly in the Chaoyang District. The dining scene is centered around Sanlitun and stretches west to the Worker's Stadium, north to the diplomatic area, and south to the Central Business District. In this vibrant area, you can find a wide range of international options, including gourmet burger joints, sandwich shops, and taquerias. Beijing’s strong diplomatic ties to the Global South also bring unique offerings, such as chicken jollof rice from Ghana and BBQ from Pakistan. Within the Sanlitun subdistrict, Xingfucun Zhonglu, a small side street, and a short section of Xindong Lu, a larger main street perpendicular to Xingfucun, is home to the city's most westernized section of dining. Here, you'll find steakhouses, craft beer, bakeries, and coffee shops located close together. April Gourmet, a small grocery store selling imported Western foods, is also nearby. For a quick, cheap bite, Greek Freak, at the corner of Xingfucun and Xindong Lu, serves Greek gyros (36 yuan) and Hungarian goulash (42 yuan). For a distinct international dining experience, visit Shenlu Jie, located north of Ritan Park, also in the Chaoyang District. This neighborhood, marked by Cyrillic signs, is lined with restaurants serving Central and West Asian cuisines and even features a Russian grocery store. One standout spot is Kavkaz, run by an Azerbaijani entrepreneur, which offers dishes from across the former Soviet Union and boasts the best sheesha in Beijing. Muslim visitors should head to the area around Niujie Mosque in Xicheng District, where you will find a vibrant Hui Muslim community with many of halal butchers and restaurants.

Peking duck

Peking duck (北京烤鸭 Bĕijīng kăoyā) is a famous Beijing speciality served at many restaurants, but there are quite a few restaurants dedicated to the art of roasting the perfect duck. Peking duck is served with thin pancakes, plum sauce (甜面酱 tiánmiàn jiàng), and slivers of scallions and cucumbers. You dip the duck in the sauce and roll it up in the pancake with a few slivers of scallions and/or cucumbers. The end result is a mouthwatering combination of the cool crunchiness of the cucumber, the sharpness of the scallions, and the rich flavours of the duck.The two best known restaurants are Dadong or Quanjude.

Drink

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles

Tea

Tea, tea, and more tea! Beijing offers a variety of tea experiences, from simple shops in malls to stand-alone establishments. Whether you're in a bustling commercial center or a quieter neighborhood, always ask the price before ordering, or you might end up paying a premium for what could be the most expensive egg-sized cup of tea in the world. In particular, the Qianmen area south of Tiananmen Square is known for its tea houses, where you can experience different styles of tea ceremonies and tastings. However, be mindful that the quality and price can vary significantly. Some tea houses are genuine cultural experiences, while others are little more than tourist traps designed to milk you of your money (see the warning below about tea tasting scams). There are teahouses around the historic Qianhai Hutong, offering a serene ambiance reminiscent of old wooden houses, with tea cups and bowls adorning the interior. You can enjoy a wide variety of teas, though be prepared for some steep prices—some teas can cost CNY200 or more. Ideal for couples and families.

Coffee

Excellent coffee can be found in independent cafés scattered throughout the city. Within the Second Ring Road in central Beijing, you'll find numerous hutong cafés tucked away in the alleyways. A notable area in the Dongcheng District is Dongsi North Road, a wide street lined with cafés. If you venture into the alleys branching off from the main road, you’ll discover hidden gems for coffee. As you walk north toward the Second Ring Road, you’ll come across Wudaoying Hutong, a long and narrow pedestrian street filled with small cafés dedicated to high-quality coffee, alongside trendy shops and restaurants. It's also the most relaxed pedestrian street in Beijing. For a more scenic coffee experience, visit the hutongs surrounding Miaoying Temple in the Xicheng District. These cafés often have rooftop terraces offering stunning views of the 13th-century pagoda designed by a Nepalese architect. Strolling or circumabulating around the temple and through the winding hutong neighborhood paths, you’ll stumble upon charming spots for a coffee or a beer.

Sleep

Individual listings can be found in Beijing's district articles Beijing offers a wide range of accommodations starting with budget options under 300 yuan. Rates for a four-star hotel typically start at around 500 yuan, while five-star hotels range from 1,200 to 2,100 yuan. Several luxury hotels exceed the typical rates of standard five-star options, including the Rosewood Beijing, Peninsula Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, and the ultra-luxurious Bvlgari Hotel. Most of the expensive hotels are found in the Dongcheng District and along the eastern 3rd Ring Road in Chaoyang District. For unique overnight experiences, particularly near the Great Wall, consider staying in the outlying areas. One option is to pitch a tent on the Great Wall and sleep under the shelter of a guard tower. The easiest way to arrange this is by visiting the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District, where the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh can rent you a tent for 100 yuan. Since the pandemic, international tourism in China is still recovering, resulting in a limited number of hostels with foreign travelers and backpackers at any given time. A notable option for backpackers is the Pagoda Light (北京白塔之光酒店), located next to the beautiful 13th-century Baitasi stupa in the Xicheng District. This hostel features a rooftop café and restaurant with a grand view of the stupa. While Airbnb does not operate in China, you can explore alternative options by searching for hosts on Couchsurfing. For longer-term accommodation, be prepared to splurge as Beijing's real estate prices are among the highest in the world, even surpassing those in Western European cities. Expect to spend around 7,000-8,000 yuan per month for a short-term lease on a studio apartment in the city center.

Stay safe

Emergencies

Free emergency telephone numbers:

Police: 110. Fire alarm: 119. Medical care: 120. Remember these three telephone numbers; they are valid in almost every part of China.

Scams and crime

Beijing, despite its size, is a very safe city, with violent crime being incredibly rare. It is generally safe for women to walk alone at night, and there is a significant police presence in the city center. Tourists visiting Beijing should be vigilant about scams and petty crime, especially in tourist-heavy areas like Tiananmen Square and routes to the Great Wall. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded places, so it is important to keep your belongings secure and within sight at all times. Taxi-related scams are particularly prevalent, so refer to the "Avoiding scams and fakes" section under the taxi heading for detailed advice on how to navigate this issue safely. While many Beijing locals are genuinely curious about foreigners and may simply wish to chat or take a photo, it's important to remain cautious and stick to your original plans. If you are approached with an invitation to go somewhere unexpected, it's wise to politely decline and continue with your plans. Be wary of locals—often posing as students or artists—who invite tourists to exhibitions or tea tastings, which can lead to pressure to make expensive purchases.

Go next

Tianjin — One of China's largest cities, known for its history as a foreign trade port and its European-style architecture. It is accessible from Beijing by high-speed rail in as little as 31 minutes. Chengde — Home to the Summer Mountain Resort, located approximately 256 km (159 mi) northeast of Beijing. You can reach Chengde by high-speed rail in about one hour. Shanghai — The largest city in China, reachable from Beijing by a 2-hour flight or by high-speed train in approximately 4.5 hours. Mongolia — Overland travel to Mongolia is possible via the Inner Mongolia port of Erlian (二连), which can be accessed from Beijing by a low cost 1 hour, 35 minute flight.

More pictures of Beijing

From this destination's category on Wikimedia Commons. Each photograph is credited to its own author under its own licence.