Beijing Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit and What to See

Beijing is the capital and largest city of China, known for its rich history, world-class attractions, and vibrant cultural scene. Visiting Beijing offers a unique experience with its imperial past, modern architecture, and delicious local cuisine, making it an ideal destination for travelers, with the best time to visit being from September to October.

Why Visit Beijing?

Beijing is a city that seamlessly blends its ancient history with modern innovation, making it an attractive destination for travelers. Here are four compelling reasons to visit Beijing:

• Rich History: Beijing has a rich cultural heritage, with landmarks like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Great Wall of China showcasing its imperial past.
• Modern Architecture: Beijing is home to some of the world's most impressive modern structures, including the National Aquatics Center, National Stadium, and CCTV Tower.
• Vibrant Cultural Scene: Beijing is a city that never sleeps, with a lively arts and cultural scene that includes traditional opera, street performances, and world-class museums.
• Delicious Local Cuisine: Beijing is famous for its unique flavors and dishes, including Peking duck, jiaozi (dumplings), and zhajiangmian (noodles).

Quick Facts

Country	Currency	Language	Population	Timezone	Best Months	Daily Budget	Visa
China	RMB (CNY)	Mandarin Chinese	20 million	China Standard Time (UTC+8)	September to October	$50-100/day	Required for most nationalities

Best Time to Visit

Beijing has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Here's a month-by-month breakdown of the city's weather, crowds, and prices:

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices
January	Freezing cold	Low	Low
February	Chilly	Low	Low
March	Mild	Medium	Medium
April	Warm	Medium	Medium
May	Hot	High	High
June	Very hot	High	High
July	Very hot and humid	High	High
August	Hot and humid	High	High
September	Mild	Medium	Medium
October	Cool	Low	Low
November	Cool	Low	Low
December	Freezing cold	Low	Low

Top 10 Things to Do

1. The Forbidden City: The largest palace complex in the world, with over 980 buildings and more than 8,000 rooms. (2-3 hours, CNY 60)
2. The Great Wall of China: A series of fortifications built to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions. (2-3 hours, CNY 50)
3. The Temple of Heaven: A Taoist temple complex used for emperors to pray for good harvests. (2 hours, CNY 35)
4. The Ming Tombs: The final resting place of 13 Ming dynasty emperors. (2 hours, CNY 50)
5. The Summer Palace: A vast imperial garden and palace complex. (2-3 hours, CNY 30)
6. The National Aquatics Center: A futuristic aquatic center built for the 2008 Olympics. (1 hour, free admission)
7. The National Stadium: A massive stadium built for the 2008 Olympics. (1 hour, free admission)
8. The CCTV Tower: A 530-meter-tall skyscraper with panoramic views of the city. (1 hour, CNY 50)
9. Wangfujing Street: A lively shopping and entertainment street. (2 hours, free admission)
10. Beijing Zoo: A popular zoo with a variety of animals, including giant pandas. (2-3 hours, CNY 20)

Hidden Gems

Beijing has plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path, but worth exploring:

• Liulichang: A traditional street lined with shops selling art supplies, crafts, and souvenirs.
• Qianmen Street: A historic street with a mix of old and new buildings, offering a glimpse into Beijing's past.
• The Beijing Hutongs: Narrow alleys that crisscross the city, offering a glimpse into traditional Beijing life.
• The Yonghe Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist temple complex with stunning architecture and peaceful gardens.

Local Food and Drink

Beijing is famous for its unique flavors and dishes, including:

• Peking Duck: A classic dish that's a must-try when visiting Beijing. ($20-50)
• Jiaozi (Dumplings): A popular snack that's steamed or pan-fried. ($5-10)
• Zhajiangmian (Noodles): A popular dish made with noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. ($5-10)
• Baozi (Steamed Buns): A popular snack that's steamed or pan-fried. ($5-10)

Some recommended restaurants and areas to try local food include:

• Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant: A classic restaurant serving Peking duck. (Qianmen Street)
• Jingyuan Restaurant: A restaurant serving traditional Beijing dishes, including jiaozi and zhajiangmian. (Qianmen Street)
• Donghuamen Night Market: A night market offering a variety of street food, including jiaozi, zhajiangmian, and baozi. (Wangfujing Street)

Where to Stay

Beijing has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury hotels:

• Budget: Book a budget-friendly hotel or guesthouse in areas like Dongcheng or Xicheng.
• Mid-range: Book a mid-range hotel in areas like Wangfujing or Jianguomen.
• Luxury: Book a luxury hotel in areas like Chaoyang or Financial Street.

Getting Around

Beijing has a comprehensive public transportation system, including:

• Subway: A convenient and affordable way to get around the city. (2-3 CNY)
• Bus: A network of buses covering most areas of the city. (2-3 CNY)
• Taxi: A convenient way to get around the city, with many taxi apps available. (20-50 CNY)
• Uber: A ride-hailing service available in Beijing. (20-50 CNY)

For airport transfer, you can take the airport express bus (2-3 CNY) or a taxi (50-100 CNY).

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Here's a sample itinerary for a 3-day trip to Beijing:

1. Day 1:
• Morning: Visit the Forbidden City. (2-3 hours)
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Tiananmen Square. (1-2 hours)
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Peking opera performance. ($20-50)
2. Day 2:
• Morning: Visit the Great Wall of China. (2-3 hours)
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Ming Tombs. (2 hours)
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Peking duck. ($20-50)
3. Day 3:
• Morning: Visit the Summer Palace. (2-3 hours)
• Afternoon: Explore the nearby Temple of Heaven. (2 hours)
• Evening: Enjoy a shopping spree on Wangfujing Street. (no charge)

Budget Breakdown

Day	Accommodation	Food	Transportation	Activities	Total
Day 1	$20-50	$20-50	$5-10	$20-50	$65-160
Day 2	$20-50	$20-50	$5-10	$20-50	$65-160
Day 3	$20-50	$20-50	$5-10	$20-50	$65-160
Total	$60-150	$60-150	$15-30	$60-150	$195-480

Safety Tips

Beijing is generally a safe city, but here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pickpocketing and scams are common in crowded areas.
• Keep valuables secure: Use a money belt or a secure bag to carry your valuables.
• Respect local customs: Dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering temples or homes.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration, especially in the summer months.
• Learn some Chinese: Knowing a few basic phrases can help you navigate the city and communicate with locals.

Packing List

Here's a list of essentials to pack for your trip to Beijing:

• Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes, lightweight pants and tops, and a warm coat for winter.
• Electronics: A smartphone, camera, and portable charger.
• Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and any personal hygiene items.
• Travel documents: Passport, visa, and travel insurance documents.
• Medications: Any prescription medications and a basic first-aid kit.
• Language guide: A phrasebook or a translation app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best time to visit Beijing?

A: The best time to visit Beijing is from September to October, when the weather is mild and comfortable.

Q: How do I get to Beijing?

A: You can fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or take a train from other Chinese cities.

Q: What is the local currency?

A: The local currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB or CNY).

Q: Can I use credit cards in Beijing?

A: Yes, most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major credit cards, but it's always a good idea to have cash on hand.

Q: How do I stay safe in Beijing?

A: Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and respect local customs to stay safe in Beijing.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Beijing?

A: No, it's best to drink bottled or filtered water to avoid waterborne illnesses.

Q: How do I get around Beijing?

A: You can use the subway, bus, taxi, or ride-hailing services to get around Beijing.

Q: Can I use English in Beijing?

A: While many locals speak some English, it's still a good idea to learn some basic Chinese phrases to communicate effectively.

Q: What are the must-try foods in Beijing?

A: Peking duck, jiaozi (dumplings), zhajiangmian (noodles), and baozi (steamed buns) are some of the must-try foods in Beijing.