Beijing
China's capital city. 3,000+ years of history, iconic landmarks, imperial palaces, and modern development. Population: ~22 million.
🚇 Getting Around
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is 25km northeast. Beijing Daxing International (PKX) opened 2019, further south. Both have airport express trains to the city center. Metro: 29 lines and 523 stations as published by the Beijing municipal government in June 2025. Airport express lines are part of that network; their fares are not confirmed here. Eligible contactless bank cards (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex) tap directly at fare gates across all lines and stations. DiDi is widely available in major Chinese cities.
💳 Payment
All major payment methods work. International cards accepted at luxury hotels and high-end restaurants. Smaller vendors prefer Alipay/WeChat Pay.
Beijing — Quick Practical Guide
Getting Around
- From Airport to City: Capital Airport Express ¥25; Daxing Airport Express ¥10–35 depending on distance. Both reach central stations in 20-45 minutes
- Metro: Best for tourists. Clean, cheap, easy to use. Use Alipay/WeChat Pay QR codes, an eligible contactless bank card, or buy a ticket.
- DiDi: Widely available. Fares start around ¥13 (~$1.80) base rate
- Walking: Excellent for hutong neighborhoods and Wangfujing
Must-See Tips
| Attraction | Time Needed | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Forbidden City | Half day | Book tickets online in advance, entrance via south gate only |
| Great Wall (Mutianyu) | Full day | Take the cable car up, toboggan slide down. 1.5hr drive from city |
| Tiananmen Square | 1-2 hrs | Free, but security check required |
| Summer Palace | 3-4 hrs | Boat on Kunming Lake recommended |
Food Notes
- Find Peking Duck at Quanjude or Dadong — expect ¥150-300/person
- Night markets and street stalls (Wangfujing, Guijie) are popular, but hygiene varies from stall to stall — choose busy stalls with food cooked fresh in front of you, and skip anything that has been sitting out
- Dumpling chains are a reliable budget option — check the name on the storefront before you go in, since similar-sounding chains are easy to confuse
Beijing-Specific Tips
- Smog can be an issue — check air quality before outdoor activities
- Pedicabs near tourist spots may overcharge — negotiate before getting in
- Hutongs are being renovated — some traditional ones remain in areas like Shichahai
- Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot (30-35°C) and humid. Winter (Dec-Feb) is cold (-5 to 5°C)