If you're traveling to China chances are Beijing is on the itinerary. Not only is Beijing the capital of China but it is the nations political, economical, and cultural center. With bucket list sights like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City who wouldn't want to visit Beijing! With this guide, I've got you covered with everything you need to know about visiting this vibrant city.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Obtain a Chinese Visa - Check out my article here for how to apply in detail.
Purchase a VPN
Download DiDi, WECHAT, and a Bikeshare App.
Purchase World Nomad's Travel Insurance
Read my article on How to Prepare for China: 10 Must Know's
DAILY BUDGET:
Budget: $40 and Under
Dorm Bed
Eating Street Food
Free Museums
Subways and Bike Shares
Mid Range: $120 and Under
Double Room in a Mid Range Hotel
Meals at a sit down restaurant
Drinks and a few nights out
Taxis
Luxury: $120 and Up
High End Hotel
Fine Dining
Personal Driver
HOW TO GET THERE:
Arriving by Plane
Beijing is serviced by two major airports: Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Nanyuan (NAY) and both airports are connected to the metro.
Arriving by Train
Beijing has three major train stations for long distance travel and all three are on a subway line.
Arriving by Bus
There are five long distant bus stations that service Beijing, within walking distance of a metro station.
HOW TO GET AROUND:
Metro
The Chinese metro system is clean, fast, and efficient. With 21 lines and one airport express line, it can get you anywhere that you want to be within the city and costs 3 CNY to 6 CNY per ride depending on the distance being traveled. I'm a huge fan of public transportation when I travel because it allows you to understand the lay out of the city, feel like a local, and its easy on the wallet.
Buses
Run throughout the city but are usually crowded and not as user friendly as the metros.
Taxis
Plentiful and cheap.
DiDi
If you've read some of my previous posts about China, you'll know that I highly recommend download and set up the DiDi App before you arrive in China. DiDi is the Uber of China and is very useful as you plug your destination into the App before you request a driver eliminating the language barrier and possibility of getting lost because its already translated in the App. Brilliant!
Rent a Bike
Bikes are abundant and the big cities in China have bike share, which I am a huge fan of. MoBike and Ofo are popular bike share Apps that let you unlock the bike, ride it for however long you need to, and leave it at any of the bike share locations.
Tuk Tuk
You can find them everywhere, be ready to bargain.
NEIGHBORHOODS:
Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central
This neighborhood contains Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, Chinas largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings. Check out the National Museum of China or stroll through Workers Cultural Palace or Jingshan Park.
Drum Tower & Dongcheng North:
In this neighborhood you can find the Drum and Bell Towers, which used to mark the time of day by beating the drums and sounding the bells. Visit the Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist temple that is still active to this day. Lastly do a walking tour of the Hutongs, the narrow alley ways which are considered the heart and soul of Beijing.
Temple of Heaven Park & Dongcheng South:
The highlight of this neighborhood is you guessed it Temple of Heaven Park. The Temple is surrounded by a huge park and if you buy a through ticket you can enter various parts inside the Park like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall. Get there before two to book this ticket though as they stop letting people into these areas at four.
Sanlitun & Chaoyang:
Check out the Birds Nest, the 2008 National Olympics Stadium. Then dip into one of the microbreweries or craft cocktail bars in the area to reward yourself after a long week of sightseeing.
Beihai Park & Xicheng North:
Explore and stroll around Beihai Park, it contains a large lake that you can rent a boat and row around in the summer. Check out the White Dagoba in the center of the lake which used to be Kublai Khans Palace before the Forbidden City was constructed.
Dashilar & Xicheng South:
Contains the Niujie Mosque, Beijings largest mosque. Try out the Muslim food around for some tasty eats.
Summer Palace & Haidian:
Take the Metro all the way to the end of line 4 and check out the Summer Palace. Warning there will be lots of stairs but its worth the views from the top. The Botanical Gardens are also nearby.
WHERE TO STAY:
There are accommodations for every budget, hostels are the best bang for your buck. You can be minimal and book only a bed in a dorm room or a private room and bath with a/c, plus chances are the reception speaks English!
Accommodation Recommendations:
Budget
Red Lantern House - Clean and simple rooms with A/C that surround a pleasant, lush courtyard. All rooms come with shared bathrooms. There are multiple toilets and showers and its kept very clean. Great location. Prices start at $40 a night.
Qian men Hostel - A 5 minute walk from Tiananmen Square, these clean, affordable accommodations come with free Wi-Fi and has a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk. Prices start at $23 a night.
Mid Range
Hotel Cote Cour - Located in the ancient Yanle Hutong the elegantly designed guestrooms combine modern chic designs into the traditional architectural structures. Great courtyard to relax at or have drinks on the beautiful rooftop. Located close to the Beijing Railway station. Prices start at $100 per night.
The Orchid Hotel - A gem located in the heart of the hutong area. Small but tastefully decorated rooms, amazing staff and very helpful with organizing tours. Prices start at $100 a night.
Luxury
Beijing 161 Hulu Courtyard Hotel - This hutong converted into a hotel has old school feels with a modern design. This hotel is a great choice for travelers interested in monuments, sightseeing and temples. Prices start at $115 a night.
Jingshan Garden Hotel - Located in the center of Beijing, walking distance to the Forbidden City. Modern yet traditional design and has phenomenal views of Jingshan Park. Prices start at $115 a night.
The Opposite House - Japanese architecture, surrounded by chic bars, unique restaurants and boutique shops. Ideal for someone who wants to enjoy shopping, eating and drinking. Has a wellness center, fitness center and a fabulous pool. Prices start at $230 a night.
WHERE TO EAT:
There are tons of restaurants and cafes all over so finding food won't be a problem. A must eat Peking Duck- A classic imperial dish. Also try the Zha Jiang Mian, a very popular noodle dish. It is a thick wheat noodles with ground pork and cucumber shreds mixed together in a salty fermented soybean paste.
WHERE TO SHOP:
Silk Market - clothes, shoes, bags, and fabrics
Antique Market - you guessed it for antiques
Pearl Market - jewelry, electronics, and of course pearls. I went to the Pearl Market and got some great camera gear at a really good price. If I wasn't on a backpacking trip and was headed home after I would have bought a lot more!
WHAT TO SEE:
Tianamen Square
The Forbidden City
The Summer Palace
The Hutongs
Drum and Bell Towers
Temple of Heaven
BEST DAY TRIPS:
Ming Tombs
SURVIVAL TIPS FOR BEIJING CITY:
A visa is required for most countries to visit China
Food is served family style
Beijing is flat so explore the city by bicycle
If you have a student ID show it when purchasing tickets to enter places as you'll get half off the ticket price
Carry your passport on you at all times, you'll need it to get a ticket for the Forbidden City and police could ask you to show it to them at any time.
Subways close at 10:30 pm
Basic Chinese Phrases to know for your Trip:
Nǐ hǎo (Nee how) - Hello
Xiè Xie (sshyeah-sshyeah) - Thank you!
Bù kèqì (Boo kuh-chi) - You’re welcome
Bù shì (Bu-sheh) - No...I used this a lot when you're being haggled
Jiù mìng - Help!
Duō shǎo? (Dwuh shauw?) - How much?
Măi dān (My dahn) - Check, please.
Cèsuǒ (tser-swor) - Restroom
Hào chī (How chir) - Delicious
Zài nǎlǐ? (... dzeye naa-lee?) - Where is...?
Nǐ hǎo ma? (Nee-haoww-mah?) - How are you?
Ganbei (gon bay) - Cheers
Pijiu (pee-joo) - Beer
I hope you found this guide useful and helpful. Subscribe to www.IMJESSTRAVELING.com for more travel and city guides. Thanks for reading, leave a comment and tell me what you love about Beijing.