Expert Advice for Visiting Beijing for the First Time

Beijing is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, home to iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. It’s a must-visit destination for your next vacation. This guide covers top attractions and expert advice you should know for visiting Beijing. Enjoy the reading!

 

Top Attractions You Can’t Miss in Beijing

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

For almost five centuries, the Forbidden City was the stately heart of China. It is also a magnificent treasure trove that holds more than a million rare and valuable works of art. The collection includes ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, timepieces, jade pieces, ancient books, and historical documents.

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world. The Mutianyu Great Wall section, with less crowding and children-friendly facilities, is the most popular among foreign travelers.

Tiananmen Square

Tian’anmen Square is the most famous city square in Beijing. It sits south of the Forbidden City in the center of Beijing. Tian’anmen Square is symbolic for Chinese people, as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history, such as the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Nowadays, it is still the most significant square in China, where grand ceremonies and National Day anniversary parades are held.

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

It was a summer retreat for the royal family of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). It is also the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, with famous landscaped views and cultural points of interest. The Summer Palace has greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape gardening.

Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)

The Temple of Heaven is where emperors prayed for a good harvest. The emperor’s most important religious and political activities were the annual sacrificial ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven. The Circular Mound Altar and The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are the most important parts of the temple.

 

Beijing Olympic Park

Beijing Olympic Park is a spacious park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It contains the main venues used during the 2008 Olympics and Paralympic Games, The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube are the outstanding highlights of this park, which has become a landmark of Beijing.

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Also known as “Harmony Temple”, Lama Temple is one of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist lamaseries outside Tibet. Today, it is a museum of Tibetan Buddhism and a functioning temple where people pray.

798 Art District

Converted from an old factory compound, this zone has become synonymous with art and originality. It features a range of contemporary art galleries, stylish boutiques, creatively designed architecture, and cafes.

 

Beijing’s Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

These are some expert advice you should know for visiting Beijing:

• Most Chinese don’t use cash anymore. Practically all payments are made with digital payment apps. Also, Western credit cards are rarely accepted, except at high-end hotels and restaurants.
• Download and set up AliPay and/or WeChat Pay and bring a debit card that works internationally
• For some emergency, bring 100 $ or € in cash for emergencies.
• Be prepared: Always have tissues, hand sanitizer, and wet wipes.
• Stay calm: Public restrooms in China can be busy, especially in tourist areas. Be patient and wait your turn.
• Respect privacy: While privacy may be limited in some restrooms, respect others’ space and wait for your turn.
• It’s not a local practice to tip in China. Tips may be turned down or cause embarrassment if they’re offered.

 

How to Stay Safe: Avoid Common Scams

These are some expert advice you should know for visiting Beijing:

• Stay Informed: Research common scams in your destination before you travel. There are several scams but the most common are the Tea House Scam and the Rickshaw Overcharging.
• The tea house scam happens in tourist spots, especially in Asia. A local or group starts a conversation with tourists. They suggest visiting a local tea house or café to practice English or experience a traditional tea ceremony. After the tea or meal, the tourists are given a very high bill. If you’re in this situation, negotiate calmly and pay what you think is fair. If it gets worse, call the police.
• Rickshaw drivers might take advantage of tourists by not using the meter or taking longer routes to inflate the fare. Sometimes they charge a lot more than the usual price. To avoid this situation research the standard fare for common routes or ask locals about typical prices. Use ride-hailing apps where available, as they often provide a fair price and clear route information.
• Trust Your Instincts: It probably is if something feels off or too good to be true.
• Stay Aware: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid distractions in crowded areas.
• Have a Backup Plan: Keep a copy of important documents and emergency contacts in a secure place.

 

Preparing for Beijing’s Environmental Challenges

These are some expert advice you should know for visiting Beijing:

• Protection Against Particulate Matter (PM2.5):  The most concerning pollutant in Beijing’s smog is PM2.5. This can cause lung and heart problems. N95 masks filter at least 95% of these particles, protecting you.

• Monitor Air Quality Regularly: Check air quality with apps like AirVisual or the Beijing Air Quality Index. This helps you decide when to wear your N95 mask and when it’s safe to go outside without one.
• Prepare for Cold Winters: Beijing’s winters are cold. Wear layers to stay warm. Start with thermal underwear, add a warm sweater, and finish with a windproof and insulated jacket.
• Be Ready for Sudden Temperature Changes: Beijing’s weather can change quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Check the weather forecast and pack an umbrella or raincoat.

 

Local Language and Communication

These are some expert advice you should know for visiting Beijing:

• Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases: Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can go a long way in Beijing, where English is not widely spoken outside tourist áreas.
• Use translation Apps: Google Translate or Pleco can translate text, voice, and even camera translations, helping you understand menus, signs, and other written materials in real-time.
• Show addresses and destinations in Chinese: When using taxis, public transportation, or asking for directions, it’s helpful to have the address or name of your destination written in Chinese characters.
• Download Maps and Apps for Navigation: Offline maps are useful for navigating Beijing without the internet.

 

Expert Advice for Visiting Beijing for the First Time

• Use the Subway: The Beijing subway is affordable, efficient, and easy to navigate with signs in both Chinese and English. It’s the best way to avoid traffic and get around the city quickly.
• Beijing Transportation Smart Card: Get a smart card (Yikatong) for seamless access to subways and buses. It’s easy to top up at metro stations and saves time.
• Squat Toilets: Most public restrooms have squat toilets, which may be different from what you’re used to. It’s a good idea to carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as these are not always provided.

 

Best Time to Visit Beijing Based on Weather and Events

The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring and autumn seasons.

During the spring (April to May) the weather is mild, perfect for sightseeing. The city is in bloom, especially at the Summer Palace and Beihai Park. Around May 1st, people celebrate The May Day holiday. It can be busy, so plan.

In autumn (September to October) the weather is cool, with clear skies and the parks are beautiful with fall foliage. There are lots of festive events and the city is very lively during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday.

 

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