If you are traveling to China, chances are that Beijing is on your itinerary. Not only is Beijing the capital of China, but it is also the political, economic and cultural center of the country. With bucket list attractions like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, who wouldn’t want to visit Beijing! With this Beijing travel guide, I have everything you need to visit this vibrant city.
The Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing China Travel Guide
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Download the Drip, WeChat and Bike Share apps.
Purchase travel insurance from World Nomad
Read How to Prepare for China: 10 Must-Knows
27 Things I Learned Backpacking in China
Beijing Daily Budget
Mid-range luxury on a budget
40 USD and under
Dorm beds
Eat street food
Free museums
Subway and shared bikes
How to get to Beijing
Arriving by air – Beijing is served by two major airports, Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY), both of which are connected to the metro.
By Train – Beijing is served by three major long-distance train stations, all of which are on a single subway line.
By Bus – Beijing has 5 coach stations and is within walking distance to the subway.
Exploring Beijing
Metro Bus Taxi Drip Bike Atsu
China’s metro is clean, fast and efficient. With 21 lines and one airport express line, it can take you anywhere you want to go in the city and costs between RMB 3 and RMB 6 each way, depending on the distance traveled. I really like public transportation when I travel because it gives you an idea of the layout of the city, feels like a local, and saves money.
Beijing’s neighborhoods
Forbidden City and Dongcheng Center
This neighborhood includes Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Not only is it the largest and best preserved ancient architectural complex in China, but it is also one of the country’s most famous attractions. Visit the National Museum of China or stroll through the Workers’ Cultural Palace or Jingshan Park. The highlight of this Beijing travel guide.
Drum Tower is & Dongcheng North
In this neighborhood you can find the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, which used to mark the time of day by beating drums and bells. Visit the Yonghegong, a Tibetan Buddhist temple that is still active today. Finish with a walking tour of the Hutongs, the narrow alleys considered the heart and soul of Beijing.
Temple of Heaven Park and Dongchengnan
The highlight of this neighborhood is, you guessed it, Tiantan Park. The temple is surrounded by a huge park and if you purchase a pass you can access various parts of the park such as the Hall of Prayer for the Year and the Echo Wall. Get there before 2pm to reserve this ticket, as they stop letting people into these areas at 4pm.
Sanlitun & Chaoyang
Check out the 2008 National Olympic Stadium Bird’s Nest. Then treat yourself after a long week of sightseeing with a tour of one of the area’s small breweries or craft cocktail bars.
Beihai Park and Xichengbei
Explore and stroll through Beihai Park, which has a large lake where you can rent boats for paddling in the summer. Visit the White Pagoda in the center of the lake, which served as Kublai’s palace before the Forbidden City was built.
