Beijing Travel Guide – Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Beijing, China capital with over 3,000 years of history, seamlessly blends ancient imperial heritage with modern urban life. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your first trip to Beijing.

Quick Facts About Beijing

Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Beijing

• Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) – Best preserved section, less crowded than Badaling
• Forbidden City – World largest palace complex, home to 24 emperors
• Temple of Heaven – Where emperors prayed for good harvests
• Summer Palace – Stunning imperial garden with Kunming Lake
• Tiananmen Square – One of the world largest public squares
• Hutongs – Traditional alleyways showcasing old Beijing life
• National Museum of China – Comprehensive Chinese history
• Lama Temple (Yonghegong) – Beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple
• 798 Art District – Contemporary art galleries in former factories
• Beijing Olympic Park – Bird Nest Stadium & Water Cube

How to Get to Beijing

By Air

Beijing has two international airports:

• Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Main airport, 30km from city center
• Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – New airport, 46km from city center

From Airport to City:

• Airport Express Train: ¥25, 30-40 minutes to Dongzhimen
• Taxi: ¥100-150 to city center
• Didi (Chinese Uber): ¥80-120, book via app

By High-Speed Train

Beijing has 5 major railway stations. High-speed trains connect Beijing to:

• Shanghai: 4.5 hours, ¥550-1,750
• Xian: 4 hours, ¥515-1,750
• Guangzhou: 8 hours, ¥860-2,800

Getting Around Beijing

Beijing Subway

Beijing metro system is one of the world largest and most efficient:

• Lines: 27 lines covering the entire city
• Fare: ¥3-10 depending on distance
• Hours: 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Beijing Yikatong card

Taxi & Didi

• Starting fare: ¥13 (first 3km)
• Per km: ¥2.3/km after 3km
• Didi app: Available in English, often cheaper

Where to Stay in Beijing

Beijing Food Guide – What to Eat

Must-Try Beijing Dishes

• Peking Duck (北京烤鸭) – Crispy skin, served with pancakes
• Zhongzi (炸酱面) – Noodles with soybean paste
• Jianbing (煎饼) – Chinese savory crepe, perfect breakfast
• Hot Pot (火锅) – Spicy Sichuan or mild Beijing style
• Dumplings (饺子) – Various fillings, boiled or pan-fried
• Tanghulu (糖葫芦) – Candied fruit skewers

Recommended Restaurants

• Quanjude (全聚德) – Famous Peking Duck, multiple locations
• Dadong (大董) – Modern Peking Duck, upscale
• Huguo Temple Snack Street – Local street food
• Ghost Street (簋街) – Late-night dining, spicy food

Suggested Itineraries

3 Days in Beijing

1. Day 1: Forbidden City → Tiananmen Square → Wangfujing Street
2. Day 2: Great Wall (Mutianyu) → Summer Palace
3. Day 3: Temple of Heaven → Lama Temple → Hutong tour

5 Days in Beijing

1. Day 1-3: Same as above
2. Day 4: 798 Art District → Olympic Park → Night market
3. Day 5: Day trip to Chengde Mountain Resort or Tianjin

Practical Travel Tips

• Visa: Most foreigners need a tourist visa (L Visa)
• Best Apps: Alipay/WeChat (payment), Didi (taxi), Baidu Maps (navigation)
• Language: Download translation app; English not widely spoken
• Weather: Winters are cold (-10°C), summers hot (35°C+)
• Air Quality: Check AQI; bring mask for polluted days
• Tipping: Not expected in Beijing
• Water: Do not drink tap water; buy bottled water

Estimated Budget for Beijing

Pro Tip: Book Forbidden City tickets online in advance – they sell out quickly, especially during holidays!