Beijing — Travel Notes

🌍 East Asia 🏳 China 🗂 6 sections 🕒 Updated: Aug 2026

Beijing — Overview

Overview – Beijing

Beijing’s skyline fuses imperial stone with glass modernity. The moment you step into the Forbidden City you feel the heartbeat of one of the world’s oldest capitals. Below you’ll find concise, verified details on arrival, key sights, practical advice, weather, and more—all compiled from official portals and trusted travel guides.

Getting to Beijing from Abroad

High‑speed rail (CRH)
T‑class and G‑class trains depart from Shanghai Main Station, Shanghai Hongqiao, and Guangzhou South to Beijing South Railway Station (≈ 12 km south of the city centre).
Beijing North and Beijing East stations also serve high‑speed trains; Beijing North is accessed by Metro Lines 10 and 14, and Beijing East by Line 14 via a free bus shuttle.
Schedules and fares: https://www.china-railway.com.cn
Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): 30 min to city centre via Airport Express (Line 4).
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): 35 min via Daxing Airport MRT.
Shuttle to Metro – free from Beijing South to Line 14 and 8.

Forbidden City (Palace Museum) – ¥60 adult; 9:00‑17:30 (closed Tuesdays; also closed Jan 1, 5, 10, 15, Oct 1‑7, Chinese New Year).
Tiananmen Square – free; best during sunrise (≤ 7:30 am).
Great Wall
Mutianyu: bus departs 8:30 am every 30 min; cable‑car ¥70 one‑way.
Jinyunling: shuttle bus at 9:00 am.
National Museum of China – free; 9:00‑18:00 weekdays.
798 Art District – open 10:00‑19:00; galleries free entry.

Tip: Purchase a 7‑day Yikatong (≈ ¥60) for unlimited metro, and use skip‑line passes for major sites.

{{< /fold }}{{< fold title="Practical Tips – Culture, Food & Transportation">}}

Metro – fastest method; buy single‑trip tickets or top‑up Yikatong at stations, convenience stores (7‑Eleven, FamilyMart), or via the official app.
Bike‑share – Beijing City Bike app: 30 min free, then ¥1 per 30 min. Red‑light loops around western hutongs, popular for leisurely walks.
Cash & Digital Payments – WeChat Pay and Alipay accept QR‑code payments at restaurants, markets, and most shops. 7‑day Yikatong can also be topped up via WeChat.
Dining –
Jianguomen Jiaozi jianbing: ¥12.
Quanjude Peking duck: ¥200‑¥300 per person (≈ US$30‑$45).
Crowd‑management – Arrive before 8:30 am or after 16:00 pm to avoid peak crowds.

Season	Avg. Temp	Notes
Spring (Apr–May)	12–22 °C	Mild, low humidity, fewer tourists
Autumn (Sep–Oct)	14–26 °C	Golden foliage, comfortable walking
Summer (Jun–Jul)	23–32 °C, ↑ rainfall	Umbrella essential; crowd peak
Winter (Dec–Feb)	-6 – 3 °C	Snowy Forbidden City; winter clothing

Recommendation: Visit in Spring or Autumn for optimal temperatures and manageable crowds.

Pre‑arrival: Negative PCR test (≤ 72 h before arrival).
Upon arrival: Mandatory health declaration via the Health Code app (WeChat).
Isolation: May be required for travelers from high‑risk regions; duration 14 days, subject to current national regulations.
Latest updates: https://healthgateway.cndo.org

(Stay tuned to official announcements; rules may change.)

Internet:
Buy a local SIM in the airport or at a convenience store.
Portable Wi‑Fi hotspot rental available (e.g., China Unicom, China Mobile).
Apps:
Beijing Bus & Metro (real‑time schedules).
Mobike / Ofo for bike‑share.
WeChat – essential for payments, messaging, and official health code.

Beijing Tourism Department: https://beijing.gov.cn
China Railway Official Site: https://www.china-railway.com.cn
China National Tourism Administration: https://en.cnta.gov.cn
Lonely Planet – Beijing Guide: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/beijing
Official Great Wall Shuttle Information: https://www.greatwall.com
Health Gateway – COVID‑19 updates: https://healthgateway.cndo.org

Tokyo Overview Seoul Overview Dubai Overview

Beijing — Getting There

Getting There

Flights to Beijing land at two airports, but the main decision is whether you’ll land at PEK or PKX.

From New York or Rome: only direct flights go to PEK.
From London, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur: you can choose. I usually pick PEK because it’s 15.5 km from the city centre, but if you’re coming from Kuala Lumpur, PKX is a good bet—just 46 km and the transfer via the Daxing Airport Express is faster and cheaper than a taxi.

From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)

Mode	Cost (CNY)	Time	Notes
Airport Express train	¥25	20–30 min to Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao	Trains every 10 min from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Airport shuttle bus	20–50	40–60 min	9 routes to the city centre, 15–80 CNY depending on destination
Taxi	¥230–260	30–50 min	Flat rate for rides inside city limits; add ~¥50 for tolls

If you’re in a hurry, the Airport Express is by far the fastest and safest; it keeps you out of the city‑wide traffic jams. Take the East Line directly to Dongzhimen, then hop on the subway to any of the 12‑street‑block sights. For budget travelers, the shuttle bus to Wangfujing costs only ¥25–¥35 (~US$3.50–US$5) and runs every 30 min. If you’re staying in the suburbs, a taxi is only ~US$33 and can bring you straight to your hotel.

Shuttle bus routes from PEK (price chart)

Badaling Great Wall: ¥80
Beijing West Railway Station: ¥35
Beijing South Railway Station: ¥30
Jianguomen Square: ¥25
Wangfujing: ¥35
Tongzhou: ¥25
Dongzhimen: ¥25
South‑East District (Chaoyang): ¥15–¥20
North‑West District (Qinghe): ¥35

Triage prices: 15 CNY for local loops, 20 CNY for mid‑range, and up to 80 CNY for far‑flung destinations. Check ticket booths on the 1st floor of Terminals 2 and 3 (Gate 11 for T2, Gate 7 for T3).

From Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX)

Mode	Cost (CNY)	Time	Notes
Daxing Airport Express	¥35 (Ordinary) / ¥50 (Business) + ¥6 subway	40–50 min to Caoqiao	No traffic delays, 10‑min intervals
Intercity train (Beijing‑Xiong’an)	¥30	20–30 min to the hub	Requires pre‑booking
Shuttle bus	¥45	1–1.5 h	Pick‑up at Gate 20
Taxi	¥230	40–60 min	Same rate as PEK

The express train stays on a dedicated track, so you can ignore the Beijing‑ring‑road congestion entirely. If you’re staying near Chaoyang, the express stops at Caoqiao, right next to the subway. Otherwise, take the intercity for the fastest hop into the city centre. The shuttle bus is cheapest but the longest (~90 min during rush hour).

Quick tip: If you’re arriving mid‑night and the express hasn’t run yet, a short walk to the nearest subway station (within 5 min of the terminal) can get you downtown in ~40 min.

Money‑Saving Hacks

Book the Airport Express online: 15–20 % discount and you’ll get a seat (especially handy in summer when trains are packed).
Use a QR code at the ticket shop to pay in RMB with apps like Alipay or WeChat; you’ll often get a 2 % cashback coupon.
Avoid peak‑hour flights (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM) when the airport shuttle buses are the heaviest.
Skip the taxi if you’re only staying in central Beijing and hop onto the S1 line from the Airport Express; the first stop is Dongzhimen, right next to Chaoyang Park.

With these options, you’ll be in the heart of Beijing in under an hour, no matter which airport you land at. Enjoy the city!

Travel to Tokyo Visit Seoul Explore Singapore

Beijing — Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhoods of Beijing

Beijing’s streets are organized into distinct districts, each with its own vibe and must‑see spots. Below you’ll find a quick‑look at the most visited neighbourhoods, a snapshot of what they’re best for, and practical travel tips.

1. Dongcheng District (Historic Core)

Walkability: 90 % of sights are within a 20‑minute walk.
Best for: First‑timers craving imperial history and budget shopping.
Key spots: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, North‑South Hutongs (e.g., 北海园, 南锣鼓巷).
Daily life: Street stalls sell dumplings for ~12 RMB (~$1.70).
Practical tip: Arrive at Tiananmen before 9:30 am on weekdays to sidestep peak crowds; the first visitors get a clearer view of the Monument to the People’s Heroes.[^1]

Where to bite in Dongcheng

Jiang Nan – Classic jianbing for 20 RMB ($2.80).
Yanjing Chicken – Golden‑skin Peking duck meal starts at 200 RMB ($28).

Transport: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 4 to Tiananmen East/West stations. For a broader tour, hop on Bus K1 at the Forbidden City.

2. Wangfujing Street (Shopping & Street Food)

Walkability: 70 % of shops lie along the single‑row avenue.
Best for: Neon nights, adventurous eaters, quick souvenir hunting.
Key spots: Wangfujing Snack Alley (stairs above the department store), New World department store, night market.
Practical tip: Visit after 7 pm but before 10 pm for freshest “fire‑grilled” seafood and the lowest prices.[^2]

Price guide for Wangfujing snacks

Stinky tofu – 5 RMB ($0.70).
Scorpion – 8 RMB ($1.10).
Fruit skewers – 4 RMB ($0.56).

Transport: Subway Line 4 to Wangfujing station; exit A.

3. Chaoyang District (Modern & Cosmopolitan)

Walkability: 60 % of cafés, galleries, parks are a 30‑minute stroll.
Best for: Business travelers, expats, nightlife seekers.
Key spots: 798 Art District, CBD (Central Business District), Sanlitun bars, Olympic Forest Park.
Practical tip: Take Line 10 to Olympic Green then walk to Jingshan Park – a 10‑minute climb offers a 360° view of Beijing if you’re willing to step off the pavement.[^3]

Transport to Chaoyang

Subway Line 10 (most direct from city centre and airport).
For Olympic Park, exit at Olympic Green station and walk south.

Transport: Subways 10, 14, 16; buses K3, 2, 26 serve key spots.

4. Sanlitun (Expats & Nightlife)

Walkability: 80 % of bars & eateries are within a 10‑minute walk.
Best for: Socializing, late‑night food, boutique shopping.
Key spots: Soi 3, Sanlitun Tower, Happy Valley (outside the district).
Practical tip: Avoid July heat by strolling 5:30‑7:30 pm when bars open “happy hour” and arcades are still cool.[^4]
Prices: Craft beer in western‑style bar ~25 RMB ($3.50); dumpling set ~30 RMB ($4.20).

Transport: Subway Line 1 to Sanlitun East; Bus K23 to Sanlitun Square.

5. Xicheng District (Quiet & Authentic)

Walkability: 70 % of village‑like alleyways & markets within 15‑minute walk.
Best for: Cultural immersion, temples, off‑the‑beaten‑track dining.
Key spots: Temple of Heaven, Dongsitong Hutong, CCTV Tower.
Practical tip: Temple gates open 6:00 am; arrive early for sunrise over the Pavilion of Harmony. (Entry fee 45 RMB [$6.25].)

Temple of Heaven tour guide

Entry fee: 45 RMB.
Guided walk lasts 1 hour; book via the official app to skip the line.

Transport: Subway Line 5 to Yong'an; bus 6E to Temple of Heaven.

6. Haidian District (Academic & Green)

Walkability: 55 % of universities and parks reachable on foot.
Best for: University‑life observation, science museums, hiking.
Key spots: Peking University, Tsinghua University, Beijing National Museum, Zhushuqiao Park.
Practical tip: For a quick campus tour, take Line 8 to Haidian station then hop a bus that stops next to both campuses (e.g., Bus K1).
Prices: Peking duck at Jin Ding Dian (near Peking University) ~160 RMB ($22).
Sandwich at Tsinghua campus ~20 RMB ($2.80).

Price range for Haidian eateries

Peking duck (Jin Ding Dian) – 160 RMB.
Sandwich (Tsinghua campus) – 20 RMB.

Transport: Subway Line 8 to Zhongguancun; buses K1, 6E to university gates.

Neighbourhood quick‑lookup

District	Key attraction	Avg. mid‑range meal	Ideal travel time
Dongcheng	Forbidden City	50 RMB ($6.94)	6‑10 am
Wangfujing	Snack Alley	35 RMB ($4.86)	7‑10 pm
Chaoyang	798 Art District	70 RMB ($9.72)	3‑5 pm
Sanlitun	Bars & nightlife	80 RMB ($11.11)	5‑8 pm
Xicheng	Temple of Heaven	40 RMB ($5.56)	6‑9 am
Haidian	Peking University	60 RMB ($8.33)	9‑12 pm

Tech & Connectivity

Wi‑Fi: Free hotspots at most metro stations, hotel lobbies, and popular cafés in Chaoyang, Dongcheng, and Sanlitun.
Local SIM/Pocket Wi‑Fi: Recommended for late‑night internet. Buy at Beijing Capital International Airport (SIM) or a local store (average 40 RMB/month).
Offline maps: Download the Baidu Map app → Settings → Offline Maps → "Download Beijing." Use it after 9 pm when Wi‑Fi may be spotty.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders, no shorts).
Do carry a paper umbrella or raincoat; summer can be sudden.
Do bring cash (many small vendors accept only RMB).
Don’t tip in restaurants; service charges are included.
Don’t speak loudly on the subway; use “soft mode”.
Don’t photograph security cameras or restricted areas.

[^1]: Beijing Municipal Tourism Official Guide – Forbidden City
[^2]: Wangfujing Snack Alley – Baidu Q&A, 2024
[^3]: Olympic Park – Beijing 2022 Olympics Official Site
[^4]: Sanlitun nightlife tips – Travel China Guide, 2023

Tokyo - Travel Notes Seoul - Travel Notes Singapore - Travel Notes

Beijing — Eating

Beijing Eats: Quick‑Start Guide

Peking Duck is the city's crown jewel. Try it at Quanjude (全聚德) – no. 9 Shuaifuyuan Hutong, Wangfujing. It runs 11 am–8 pm, averages US$27/ person, and the live carving shows are a must‑see. Book a private room if you arrive after 6 pm; the wait can be long.
If you’re after a quick bite and can’t wait for the main course, head to the street stalls at Wangfujing Shopping Arcade. Savory pancakes cost CNY 2.50–4 and lamb kebabs sell for CNY 10 for 6 skewers—great for a quick, cheap snack.

Local Must‑Try Spots

Quanjude (全聚德) – Classic Peking duck, live carving, US$27/ person.
Hua's Restaurant – Courtyard‑style, pan‑fried duck rolls, Yiyuan chicken, CNY 200 per head, 11:00‑14:30 & 17:00‑22:00. Nightly folk‑music & acrobatics (19:00‑21:00); reserve a table for the show.
Ziguang Yuan – Halal duck, queues long – order delivery‑style to skip the line; half‑rack duck ≈ $20.
Jubaoyuan Hotpot – Mongolian style, clear broth, lamb slices first; ask for sesame dipping sauce.
Zhajiangmian – Thick noodles with fermented soybean paste; add chilli oil & vinegar. Mid‑$15–$30 range per person.

Deep‑Dive Menus (per person)

Quanjude: Whole duck (CNY 130) ➜ Half‑duck (CNY 90); side dishes like Gongbao shrimp balls (CNY 35 each).
Hua's: Pan‑fried duck roll (CNY 50), Yiyuan chicken (CNY 70), rib dishes (CNY 80).
Jubaoyuan: Lamb slices (CNY 12), mushroom set (CNY 8), clear broth soup (CNY 10).

Practical Tips

Reservations: For Quanjude, Ziguang Yuan, and Hua's, use the official app or book via Trip.com 30 min before peak hours.
Cash is king: Most street stalls only take cash; carry small bills (CNY 5, 10, 20).
Timing: Lunch runs are 12‑2 pm; dinner peaks after 7 pm.
Dress down: Street food is informal; hotels and restaurants are casual but show respect for local customs—no smoking in most venues.

Enjoy a taste of Beijing that balances historic tradition with street‑food spontaneity—your stomach and Instagram will thank you.

Tokyo - Food Adventures Seoul - Culinary Delights Istanbul - Dining Highlights

Beijing — Practical Tips

Practical Tips for Beijing

Visa & Entry Requirements

Tourist visa (L) required for most foreign visitors unless you qualify for the e‑visa.
e‑visa:
Apply via the official portal https://evisa.go-china.com.
Eligible nationalities (2026 list): United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Poland, Hong Kong (for non‑resident passports), and a few others (visit the portal for a full list).
Step‑by‑step:
1. Sign up with your e‑mail, enter passport details, upload a recent passport‑sized photo.
2. Pay the fee (≈ 30 USD) via credit card.
3. Receive the e‑visa PDF; print a copy, attach the photo to the front of the passport, and bring both to the airport or consulate for entry stamping.
Paper visa: Must be applied at a Chinese embassy/consulate or authorized visa center; allow 5–7 business days processing.
Passport: Minimum 6 months validity, one blank page.
Proof of onward travel, accommodation, and a recent passport‑sized photo required.
Keep your entry/exit stamps; Chinese authorities may request them on departure.

Currency & Payment Methods

Renminbi (¥) is the local currency.
Cash: Widely used for small stalls, rural markets; exchange at airports, banks, or licensed counters (ATMs accept VISA/Mastercard).
Mobile payments:
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate.
To register:
1. Download the WeChat/Alipay app.
2. Sign up with your Chinese mainland number (see local SIM section).
3. Upload a government‑issued ID (passport accepted) and set a 6‑digit payment PIN.
4. Add a mainland card or link your foreign debit card (must support 4‑digit PIN).
Tips: Keep small cash amounts for places that don’t accept mobile payments (e.g., many temples, small eateries).
Card payments: Accepted in hotels, large restaurants, malls; ensure the card is enabled for international use.

Language Basics & Etiquette

Mandarin is the official language; English signage is common in tourist districts.
Useful phrases:
Nǐ hǎo (Hello)
Xièxiè (Thank you)
Qǐng (Please)
Duìbùqǐ (Sorry)
Use the formal pronoun Nín when speaking to elders or in formal settings.
Courtesy: offer seats on public transport to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers.
Keep voices low in temples; avoid touching sacred statues or icons.

Safety & Emergency Information

Emergency numbers: Police 110, Medical 120, Fire 119.
Lost or stolen passport:
Report to the nearest police station (give a copy of the passport & contact details).
Contact your embassy or consulate for a replacement travel document.
Keep copies of the police report and embassy confirmation in your travel documents folder.
Pickpocket risk: High in crowds (Wangfujing, Temple of Heaven). Use a money belt or hotel safe.
Travel insurance: Must cover medical, theft, trip interruption. Check “China Packing List 2026” for recommended policies.
SIM & connectivity (see next section).

Local SIM & Mobile Connectivity

Main carriers: China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom.
Where to buy:
Airport kiosks (Terminal 1 & 2)
Street vendor stalls (licensed)
Mall electronic stores (e.g., Wangfujing, China City).
Pre‑paid plans:
China Mobile: 1 GB/30 days (≈ ¥70)
China Unicom: 5 GB/30 days (≈ ¥120)
China Telecom: 10 GB/30 days (≈ ¥170)
Purchase with QR code; just scan the sticker, pay by foreign card or cash, and the SIM is activated at the same time.

Airport Transfer & Transport to City Centre

Terminal 1 (PKX):
BRT 2A/2D: 30 min to central bus stop, fares ¥3–¥5.
Subway Line 15: 20 min to Qianmen, ¥4.
Licensed Taxi: Approx. ¥70–¥90 to Wangfujing, 25–35 min.
Terminal 2 (JFK):
BRT 2D: 25 min to central stop, ¥3–¥5.
Subway Line 15: 20 min to Xidan, ¥4.
Licensed Taxi: Approx. ¥60–¥80 to Xidan, 20–30 min.
Express shuttle: Airport Express Shuttle (company: Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus) – ¥20–¥25, 15–20 min to the city centre.

Health & Vaccinations

COVID‑19: No vaccination requirement for travel; masks optional.
Required/Recommended vaccines (2026):
Hepatitis A – 2‑dose series (first dose 2 days before departure).
Typhoid – injection or oral (first dose 1 week before departure).
Influenza – annual flu shot, especially in winter.
Routine: MMR, DPT, Polio, Varicella.
Obtain vaccines from a travel clinic; some airports offer on‑site vaccinations (e.g., Beijing Capital International Airport health service).
Travel insurance: Must include medical evacuation coverage (most reputable insurers issue a Chinese‑certified policy).

Typical Weather (2026)

Month	Avg. High (°C)	Avg. Low (°C)	Rainfall (mm)	Packing Note
Jan	2	-6	10	Warm woolens, waterproof
Feb	5	-3	15	Warm woolens, waterproof
Mar	12	2	20	Light layers, umbrella
Apr	18	8	30	Light jackets, sunscreen
May	24	14	30	Short sleeves, sunglasses
Jun	28	20	80	Cooling clothing, rain jacket
Jul	33	25	120	Light clothing, mosquito net
Aug	33	24	120	Light clothing, mosquito net
Sep	27	17	60	Light jackets, sunscreen
Oct	18	8	40	Medium layers, umbrella
Nov	8	-2	30	Warm layers, waterproof
Dec	2	-7	10	Warm woolens, waterproof

Customs & Duties

Duty‑free allowance: RMB 5 000 per adult per trip (incl. alcohol, tobacco).
Prohibited items:
All herbs, animal products, and wildlife items.
Large quantities of alcohol or cigarettes (over 5 000 RMB).
Declaration: Items exceeding the allowance, medicinal herbs, or restricted goods must be declared at customs. Failure to declare can result in fines or seizure.

Tokyo Practical Tips Seoul Practical Tips

Beijing — Related Itineraries

Related‑Itineraries for Beijing

7‑Day Itinerary: Classic Beijing + Outskirts

Day 1 – Tiananmen Square (open 6 am–10 pm) → Forbidden City (opens 8 am, skip the 9 am queues). Arrive at 7:30 am, pay 60 RMB. Walk to Jingshan Park (free, 7 am–10 pm).
Day 2 – Temple of Heaven (7 am–8 pm, 30 RMB) → walk to Wangfujing Night Market, then stroll the 798 Art District (free).
Day 3 – Summer Palace (7 am–7 pm, 30 RMB) → old ruins (30 RMB) → boat on Kunming Lake (10 RMB).
Day 4 – Great Wall day trip to Mutianyu (pre‑book the “no‑ticket” shuttle on 12306 or Maoyan; 40 RMB). Take the cable car (20 RMB), enjoy the toboggan (10 RMB).
Day 5 – Chengde Mountain Resort (bus 2 h 30 min, 50 RMB) → imperial gardens (80 RMB), Pavilion of Prince Teng (60 RMB).
Day 6 – Tianjin (high‑speed train 40 min, 100 RMB round‑trip) → Water Towns, Tianjin Eye (25 RMB), Italian Style Square.
Day 7 – Free day: National Museum of China (free), hutongs tour (20 RMB), tea ceremony (30 RMB).

Dining:

Day 1: Peking duck at Da Dong (¥190).
Day 2: Snack at Wangfujing (10 RMB).
Day 3: Hotpot at Shunfeng (¥150).
Day 4: Dumplings at Jiaju near Mutianyu (¥45).
Day 5: Grilled eel in Chengde (¥120).
Day 6: Fried rice in Tianjin (¥30).

Daily Budget (mid‑range):

Transport (metro, taxi, train): 120 RMB
Meals: 150 RMB
Entrance fees: 300 RMB
Incidentals: 50 RMB
≈620 RMB (~$90)

5‑Day Itinerary: Urban Highlights + Great Wall

Day 1 – Tiananmen → Forbidden City → Jingshan.
Day 2 – Temple of Heaven → Wangfujing → 798.
Day 3 – Summer Palace (boat optional).
Day 4 – Great Wall: choose Huanghuacheng (bus 1 h 30 min, 70 RMB, 40 RMB ticket).
Day 5 – Free choice: bike tour Chaoyang Park (10 RMB), Sanlitun nightlife (varies).

Tip: Book Huanghuacheng bus tickets via the 12306 app at 7 am to dodge crowds.

Dining:

Day 1: Dried scorpion at Sichuan House (¥60).
Day 4: Street noodles at Jingguang (¥30).

Daily Budget: 550–650 RMB.

4‑Day Itinerary: Intensive Quick‑Stroll

Day 1 – Tiananmen → Forbidden City → Jingshan.
Day 2 – Temple of Heaven → Wangfujing.
Day 3 – Summer Palace.
Day 4 – Mutianyu Great Wall (train 1 h, no‑ticket shuttle 40 RMB).

Tip: Visit the Forbidden City before sunrise (opens 8 am) to beat the crowds; the gate closes at 5 pm, last entry 4:30 pm.

Dining:

Day 2: Snack at Wangfujing snack bar (¥15).
Day 4: Peking-style hotpot at Xiaolong (¥100).

Daily Budget: 500–600 RMB.

One‑Day Day Trips (High‑Speed Train or Car)

Destination	Travel Time	Highlights	Ticket / Bus	Approx. Cost
Mutianyu Great Wall	1 h 30 min (one‑way)	Scenic wall, cable car, toboggan	12306 bus + shuttle	40 RMB (shuttle)
Huanghuacheng Great Wall	2 h	Walls amid lakes & bridges	12306 bus	70 RMB bus, 40 RMB ticket
Chengde Mountain Resort	2 h 30 min	Imperial gardens, Mount Qiu Pavilion	Intercity bus	50 RMB bus
Tianjin	40 min	Water towns, Tianjin Eye, Italian Square	CRS high‑speed	120 RMB round‑trip
Zhangjiakou (Northern Wall)	2 h 30 min	Qianmen Wall, Ming Tombs	Intercity bus	80 RMB bus

Quick Tip: For any Great Wall trip, book the no‑ticket shuttle via the official Great Wall Ticket app or authorized online agency 48 h in advance to skip the ticket line.

How Long to Stay

5–7 days = core sights + at least one major day trip (Great Wall or Chengde/Tianjin).
3–4 days = focused city tour; add a Great Wall day if you have 5 days.
1 week = deeper hutong strolls, cooking classes, and off‑the‑beaten‑path trips (e.g., Nanjiao Valley, Moganshan).

Seasonal Advice

Best months: April–June & October–November. Light jacket for early mornings/late evenings, sunscreen for midday sun.
Packing: Comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, cash (¥500–¥1 000) for small vendors, 3 x3 cm card for metro.

Entrance Fees & Opening Hours

Site	Adult Fee (RMB)	Student Fee	Opening Hours
Forbidden City	60	30	8 am–5 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
Summer Palace	30	15	7 am–7 pm
Temple of Heaven	30	15	7 am–8 pm
Great Wall (Mutianyu)	40	20	6 am–6 pm
Great Wall (Huanghuacheng)	40	20	6 am–6 pm
Chengde Mountain Resort	80	40	7 am–7 pm
National Museum of China	Free	Free	8 am–5:30 pm (closed Tue)

Explore Seoul Visit Tokyo Discover Singapore

← Back to all Travel Notes