Beijing

Beijing (北京, Běijīng), meaning "Northern Capital," is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the world's great historic cities. With over 3,000 years of history and more than 21 million residents, Beijing is a sprawling metropolis where ancient imperial grandeur meets cutting-edge modernity. As the country's political, cultural, and educational center, Beijing has been the capital of China for most of the past 800 years.

The city is defined by its layered history: the Forbidden City at its heart, surrounded by the hutongs (narrow alleyways) of the old city, ring roads, and modern skyscrapers. Beijing served as the capital of the Ming and Qing dynasties, leaving a legacy of magnificent imperial architecture, temples, and gardens. The city hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and has since become a global hub for business, technology, and culture.

Beijing has a continental monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the most pleasant seasons. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer can exceed 35°C. Air quality varies significantly — check forecasts and wear a mask on high-pollution days.

By Plane

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK IATA), 25 km northeast of the city center, is one of the busiest airports in the world, with flights to virtually every major global city. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX IATA), 46 km south, opened in 2019 and serves many domestic and international routes. The Airport Express train connects PEK to Dongzhimen station (¥25, 20 min). Daxing is linked by express train to Caoqiao station (¥35, 19 min). Taxis from PEK cost ¥70–120 to central Beijing.

By Train

Beijing has several major railway stations. Beijing South serves high-speed trains to Shanghai (4.5 hr), Tianjin (30 min), and Nanjing. Beijing West serves trains to Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Beijing Station handles trains to northeastern China. China's high-speed rail network makes Beijing easily reachable from most major cities.

By Car / Road

Beijing is the hub of China's expressway network. Major roads include the G1 (Beijing–Harbin), G4 (Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau), and G6 (Beijing–Lhasa). Long-distance buses arrive from all over China at terminals including Liuliqiao, Sihui, and Xinfadi.

Beijing has one of the world's largest metro systems, with 27 lines covering the city and suburbs. Single rides cost ¥3–9; a Yikatong card (available at any station) is the most convenient payment method. Buses are cheap (¥1–2) but slower and harder to navigate without Chinese. Taxis start at ¥13; Didi is widely used. Cycling is popular — rent a shared bike via Meituan or Hellobike apps.

• Forbidden City (故宫): The world's largest imperial palace complex, home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Allow at least half a day. Entry ¥60. Book tickets online in advance.

• Tiananmen Square (天安门广场): The world's largest public square, flanked by the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum.

• Temple of Heaven (天坛): A Ming-era temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is an iconic Beijing image. Entry ¥35.

• Summer Palace (颐和园): A vast imperial garden with Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Entry ¥30.

• Great Wall of China: Several sections are accessible from Beijing — Badaling (busy but easiest), Mutianyu (well-restored, less crowded), and Jinshanling (more rustic).

• Hutongs: Historic alleyways in central Beijing. Take a rickshaw tour or walk through Nanluoguxiang, Yandai Xiejie, or the Shichahai area.

• Jingshan Park (景山公园): A hill behind the Forbidden City with the best panoramic view of the palace rooftops.

• 798 Art District: A contemporary art zone in former factory buildings — galleries, cafes, and street art.

• National Museum of China: Covers Chinese history from prehistoric times to the modern era, located on Tiananmen Square.

• Peking Opera: Watch a performance at the Liyuan Theater or Huguang Guild Hall.

• Hutong Cycling Tour: Rent a bike and explore the old alleyways of central Beijing.

• Tea Tasting: Visit the Maliandao Tea Market or a traditional tea house in the hutongs.

• Cooking Class: Learn to make Peking duck, dumplings, or Beijing-style noodles.

• Kung Fu Show: The Red Theatre in Qianmen hosts nightly performances.

• Peking Duck (北京烤鸭): Beijing's most famous dish — crispy roasted duck served with pancakes, spring onions, and hoisin sauce. Top restaurants: Quanjude, Dadong, or Sijimin.
• Zha Jiang Mian (炸酱面): Noodles with fermented soybean paste and shredded vegetables.
• Jianbing (煎饼): A popular breakfast crepe filled with egg, scallions, and chili sauce.
• Hotpot: Beijing-style lamb hotpot (涮羊肉) — sliced lamb cooked in a copper pot of boiling broth.
• Street Food: Wangfujing Night Market and Guijie Street offer everything from skewered scorpions to candied hawthorn.

Tea is central to Beijing culture — try jasmine tea (茉莉花茶), the city's traditional drink. Beijing craft beer has grown rapidly; try Great Leap Brewing or Slow Boat. Yogurt drinks (老北京酸奶) sold in clay pots are a local favorite. Tap water is not potable — drink bottled or boiled water.

• Budget: Hostels in the hutongs, such as Beijing Downtown Backpackers, from ¥60 per dorm bed.
• Mid-range: Chain hotels like Hanting and Jianguo offer reliable rooms from ¥300–600 per night.
• Upscale: The Peninsula Beijing, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, and the Four Seasons offer world-class luxury from ¥1,200 per night.

• Silk Street Market (秀水街): A multi-story shopping complex for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Bargain hard.
• Hongqiao Pearl Market (红桥市场): Famous for pearls, jade, and electronics.
• Liulichang Cultural Street: Antiques, calligraphy, and traditional art supplies.
• Dashilan (大栅栏): A historic shopping street with time-honored brand stores.
• Wangfujing: A modern pedestrian shopping street with department stores and night market snacks.

• Tianjin (30 min by high-speed train) — A port city with colonial architecture, the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel, and street food.
• Chengde (2 hr by train) — The imperial summer resort of the Qing emperors, with the magnificent Putuo Zongcheng Temple.
• Great Wall at Mutianyu (80 km, 2 hr) — A well-restored section ideal for hiking and photography.
• Shanhaiguan (300 km, 1.5 hr by high-speed train) — Where the Great Wall meets the sea, with the historic Old Dragon's Head.
• Beidaihe (280 km, 2 hr) — A popular beach resort town on the Bohai Sea coast.