Destination Introduction
Beijing, the capital of China, has a history of over 3,000 years as a city and more than 800 years as a capital. This city perfectly blends the ancient and the modern: the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City complement the skyscrapers of the CBD, while old Beijing life in the hutongs coexists with the international fashion of Sanlitun. As a capital of six dynasties, Beijing brings together the most glorious heritage of Chinese civilization—the Forbidden City is the world's largest ancient palace complex, the Great Wall is one of the greatest architectural projects in human history, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven carries centuries of imperial sacrificial tradition. Walking into Beijing's hutongs, the Beijing accent and charm in the courtyards, the leisurely life of carrying birdcages and keeping birds, and the chess games under old locust trees are all the most vivid cultural memories of this city. Meanwhile, the avant-garde exhibitions in the 798 Art District, world-class performances at the National Centre for the Performing Arts, and the trendy nightlife in Sanlitun make Beijing one of China's most internationally charming metropolises. Whether overlooking the magnificent panorama of the Forbidden City from the top of Jingshan or listening to stories deep in the hutongs by the shores of Shichahai, Beijing always lets you feel the depth and vitality of a great city.
As a capital of six dynasties, Beijing is the best starting point for understanding China's history and culture. World heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven let you touch thousands of years of civilization, while the 798 Art District and the National Centre for the Performing Arts showcase contemporary China's creativity. A stay of at least 4 days is recommended to slowly savor the depth and vitality of this city. Beijing is most beautiful in autumn, when the golden ginkgo avenues and deep blue skies are the city's most enchanting moments.
As a capital of six dynasties, Beijing is the best starting point for understanding China's history and culture. World heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Temple of Heaven let you touch thousands of years of civilization, while the 798 Art District and the National Centre for the Performing Arts showcase contemporary China's creativity. A stay of at least 4 days is recommended to slowly savor the depth and vitality of this city. Beijing is most beautiful in autumn, when the golden ginkgo avenues and deep blue skies are the city's most enchanting moments.
Travel Highlights
Popular Attractions
Featured Cuisine
Peking Duck
Beijing's most famous dish, originating from the Ming dynasty court, roasted over fruitwood charcoal, with crispy skin and tender meat, eaten wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion shreds and sweet bean sauce.
📍 Quanjude, Dadong, Siji Minfu, Bianyifang
Zhajiangmian
A traditional old Beijing noodle dish, with diced meat fried sauce served with cucumber shreds, bean sprouts, radish shreds, and other garnishes; after mixing, the noodles are fragrant and the sauce is rich.
📍 Haiwanju, Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Dawang
Douzhir
A unique Beijing snack made from fermented mung beans, with a special sour and tangy taste, eaten with fried ring cakes; it is an authentic old Beijing flavor.
📍 Huguosi Snacks, Yaoji Chaogan, Jinfang Snacks
Accommodation Recommendations
Wangfujing/Dongdan
A core commercial area, within walking distance of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen, with convenient shopping and dining.
Sanlitun/Chaoyang
A modern and fashionable area with a strong international atmosphere and rich nightlife.
Houhai/Nanluoguxiang
Experience old Beijing hutong culture, with distinctive guesthouses and boutique hotels.
Transportation Guide
How to Get There
💡 The Capital Airport Express reaches the city center directly for 25 yuan (Sanyuanqiao/Dongzhimen), the Daxing Airport Express costs 35 yuan to Caoqiao Station, and all high-speed railway stations are connected by subway
Getting Around the City
🚇 Subway: 27 lines cover major attractions, one-way fare 3-9 yuan
🚌 Bus: Dense routes, suitable for short trips, 1-2 yuan
🚕 Taxi: Starting fare 13 yuan; using Didi ride-hailing is recommended
💡 The subway is crowded during peak hours, so traveling outside peak times is an option. Attractions are relatively far apart, so it is recommended to rely mainly on the subway
Budget Reference
Budget Travel
300-500 yuan/day
Accommodation: Youth hostel 50-150 yuan, budget hotel 200-300 yuan
Dining: 100-150 yuan
Transportation: 20-50 yuan
Comfort Travel
600-1,000 yuan/day
Accommodation: Three- or four-star hotel 400-600 yuan
Dining: 200-300 yuan
Transportation: 50-100 yuan
Luxury Travel
1,500 yuan or more/day
Accommodation: Five-star hotel 1,000 yuan+
Dining: 500 yuan+
Transportation: Chartered car 300-500 yuan
Practical Information
Payment Methods
WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted; some time-honored snack shops only accept cash
Language
Mandarin is mainly used; scenic areas have English signs and audio guides
Safety
Public security is good; keep your belongings safe, and beware of illegal tour guides and touts around scenic areas
Communications
It is recommended to buy a Chinese SIM card or activate international roaming; 5G network coverage is good
Population
21.54 million
Area
16,410 km²
Altitude
43 m
Time Zone
UTC+8
Coordinates
39.9°N, 116.4°E
Founded
1045 BC
Recommended Routes
Classic Imperial City 4 Days 3 Nights (Small Group Tour for 2-8 People)
In-depth exploration of world heritage sites + old Beijing hutong cultural experience + full coverage of classic cuisine
Beijing + Chengde + Gubei Water Town 7 Days 6 Nights In-Depth Tour
World heritage cluster + imperial summer resort + starry sky town at the foot of the Great Wall
Frequently Asked Questions
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