Beijing is where China’s imperial past collides head-on with its futuristic present. You’ll cycle past 600-year-old palace walls in the morning and sip craft beer in a restored hutong courtyard by night. It’s chaotic, grand, and absolutely unmissable.

Getting There & Around

Airports:

  • PEK (Capital): Older, closer to city center. Airport Express train to downtown in 30 min.
  • PKX (Daxing): Newer, massive, designed by Zaha Hadid. Airport Express connects to subway.

Metro: The world’s longest subway system. Buy a Beijing Transit Card or use Alipay/WeChat transit QR. Avoid rush hours (79 AM, 68 PM) unless you enjoy human sardine situations.

Didi: Uber-equivalent. Cheap and reliable. Have your hotel name written in Chinese.

Must-See Sights

The Forbidden City

Book tickets 7 days in advance on the official WeChat mini-program. Limited to 80,000 visitors daily and they sell out. Go early (8:30 AM opening) to beat the tour groups. Plan for 34 hours minimum.

Great Wall

Skip Badaling (tourist circus). Go to Mutianyu or Jinshanling instead:

  • Mutianyu: Restored, cable car available, family-friendly
  • Jinshanling: Partially unrestored, fewer crowds, better for hikers

How to get there: Book a Didi or take the tourist bus from Dongzhimen. Public bus 916 to Huairou, then transfer.

Temple of Heaven

Best at sunrise when locals do tai chi, play erhu, and practice water calligraphy. The Echo Wall and Circular Mound Altar are genuinely impressive.

Hutongs

These ancient alleyways are Beijing’s soul. Nanluoguxiang is the famous one (and crowded), but venture into the smaller lanes around Wudaoying or Guozijian for a more local vibe.

Where to Eat

  • Peking Duck: Jingzun or Siji Minfu (locals’ choice, not tourist traps)
  • Street Food: Wangfujing is for selfies; real eats are at Niujie (Muslim Quarter) or Guijie (spicy crayfish street)
  • Breakfast: Try jianbing (crepe with egg and crispy cracker) from street carts

Where to Stay

  • Backpacker: Leo Hostel or Peking Youth Hostel near Qianmen
  • Mid-range: Hotel Cote Cour Beijing (hutong boutique)
  • Splurge: Aman at Summer Palace (if your budget allows, it’s magical)

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Forbidden City → Jingshan Park (sunset view) → Hutong dinner Day 2: Great Wall (Mutianyu) → Olympic Park at night Day 3: Temple of Heaven → Summer Palace → Sanlitun nightlife

Pro Tips

  • Download an offline map. Google Maps doesn’t work without VPN.
  • Air quality varies. Check the AQI and bring a mask if it’s over 150.
  • Tap water is not drinkable. Boiled or bottled only.
  • Learn to say “bu yao la” (no spice) if you can’t handle spiceBeijing food is milder than Sichuan but still has kick.

Last updated: May 2026. Have a Beijing tip I missed? Email me.