Beijing Travel Guide

Being capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. Located in north China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry.

As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

Beijing Facts Beijing History

Attractions

Recommended Guided Tours

Beijing Day Tours from $89

2 Days Beijing Mini Group Tour from $169

6 Days China Tour to Beijing & Xi'an from $949

8 Days China Tour to Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai from $1304

Travel Planning

Transportation

It is northern China's main transportation hub. Frequent flights, modern roads and rail make it easy for visitors to reach Beijing. Crisscross roads make the urban transportation generally fast and convenient; however, you may encounter traffic jam sometimes due to the millions of vehicles that the city owns.

Weather

Best Time to Visit

Maps

Dining

Interested in trying the local food? The Roast Duck and the Imperial Court Food are highly recommended. Nowhere else on earth will you find such a variety of gourmet restaurants offering the very best of Chinese and western dishes.

Shopping

Whether you plan to buy curios and tourist souvenirs with traditional Chinese flavor, or you are keen on seeking quality products from world famous brands, you will find the city truly a shopper's paradise. The most famous and popular shopping destinations are the Yansha and Guomao Shopping Malls, Xidan Street and streets near Tiananmen Square such as the Wangfujing and Qianmen Streets.

Nightlife

After a day's tour, nighttime can hold other surprises for you. These can vary from traditional performances such as the traditional opera, acrobatics and martial arts to modern ones like concerts, pubs and clubs. Tianqiao Area and Laoshe Teahouse are good venues for tourists to enjoy Chinese folk culture; while Sanlitun Bar Street and the nearby embassy area is an ideal choice if you are a party-loving night owl.

Travel Tips

Fast facts and practical travel tips facilitate your travel, business, study or life.

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- Last updated on Oct. 13, 2024 by Catherine He -

Questions & Answers on Beijing Travel

Asked by Merle Armstrong from NEW ZEALAND | Nov. 03, 2024 15:18

Temple of Heaven

Will the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests be open on Monday 18 November 2024?
What time does it open?

Xie xie

Answers (1)

Answered by Emily | Nov. 03, 2024 22:29

Yes, it will open from 08:00 - 17:00.

Asked by Zinse from UNITED STATES | Nov. 01, 2024 22:38

performing arts

I am a West African percussionist who works as a contract drum music teacher. I am the composer and chorographer of the drum ballet which is a very interesting performance piece. For a living, I conduct drum ballet clinics in schools and communities regularly and have built great teaching skills over the years. I want the oportunity to teach Chinese Junior High schoolers, a number between 3-5 thousand to play and present the drum ballet to the world and in the process, win a Guinness Book of Records Award. My question is who are likely to be interested or what Chinese institutions should I approach with this idea? This is why I want to visit China in 2025 for three weeks to possibly make demonstration presentations and teach a few people to play.

Answers (1)

Answered by Lori | Nov. 03, 2024 22:26

Sorry, I know few about this. I think you may contact some ballet companies to see if they offer such kind of opportunity.

Asked by ZINSE from UNITED STATES | Nov. 01, 2024 22:00

pen friendship

A West African resident in the USA. I would like to correspond with an adult Chinese person to learn about each other's country. I want to visit China in 2025 for 2-3 weeks.

Asked by Evelyn from SINGAPORE | Nov. 01, 2024 01:44

For Badaling Great Wall tickets, the definition of entry time of 7.30am - 12pm

Hi I am at the site to purchase the Badaling tickets and it states 2 types of entry times, 7.30am - 12pm or 12pm - 4pm. Does it refer to the time frame in which we can enter the Great Wall, or 7.30am - 12pm implies that we can only enter within this timing and exit the Great Wall by 12pm? Thanks

Answers (1)

Answered by Emily | Nov. 03, 2024 22:22

You can enter in the afternoon as long as holding a same day ticket and just exit before the close time.

Asked by Rain from MALAYSIA | Oct. 28, 2024 18:22

Food gift boxes

Arriving Beijing on 31/10. Hotel at Xuanwumen Nei. May I knw where is nearest wholesale to find festive gift boxes for food item?

Answers (1)

Answered by Lori | Oct. 29, 2024 23:09

I found no such a wholesale market nearby but you can find some at 朝悦百惠, a shopping center near Wangsiying Bridge in Chaoyang District. It takes 1.5h to there by bus from the hotel.