Explore Beijing with Our Ultimate Beijing Travel Guide

Beijing rewards curiosity and appetite in equal measure. It is a city of ancient courtyards and futuristic skylines, of quiet temple incense and neon-lit food streets. Arrive hungry, keep your camera handy, and be ready to cover a lot of ground. With smart planning and a few local tricks, you can move between dumpling stands, imperial palaces, and late-night jazz without missing a beat. Three Bears Travel can help stitch it together with guided food walks, tailored day plans, and airport-to-hotel transfers that keep things simple.

Beijing Travel Guide: Food, Transport, and Essential Tips

This guide balances the flavours you’ll want to chase with the practical details that make a trip smooth. Expect ideas for the food of Beijing, transport from Beijing airport options to the city, iconic Beijing attractions, and weather notes so you pack right.

Culinary Beijing – Must-Try Foods

One big truth: this city eats well. Whether you’re a seasoned Beijing foodie or a first-timer, the classics still thrill.

Signature Dishes & Street Food

Let’s start with the headliner. Beijing duck, also known as Beijing roast duck, is crisp-skinned, lacquered perfection. The ritual matters: pancakes, spring onion, cucumber, and hoisin or sweet bean sauce. Book a table at a respected roaster and watch the carving at your table. You will talk about it later.

Set aside time for Beijing barbecue, particularly in the cooler months. Skewers of lamb dusted with cumin and chilli arrive sizzling from the grill. Pair them with a cold beer and you’re set.

 

Dumplings and buns appear everywhere. Pork and chive jiaozi, soup-filled xiaolongbao, and pan-fried shengjian deliver comfort at all hours. Hunt down old-school holes-in-the-wall, or let Three Bears Travel steer you into neighbourhood spots you might miss. Guided walks focus on family-run stalls and tiny kitchens that punch above their weight.

• Wangfujing Snack Street: a lively introduction to street food, from candied hawthorn to grilled seafood

• Ghost Street (Gui Jie): late-night crayfish, hotpot, and skewers in a long strip of red lanterns

• Niujie: halal favourites and baked breads in a historic Muslim area

• Huguosi Street: fritters, soybean milk, and breakfast nibbles that locals swear by

 

Other flavours to hunt:

• Zhajiangmian: noodles with a rich bean paste and fresh garnishes

• Douzhi and jiaoquan: traditional fermented mung bean drink with a crunchy ring bread, a true old-Beijing taste

• Tanghulu: candied fruit on a stick that crunches and shines

If you’re ticking off Beijing things to do, consider pairing meals with local experiences: tea tastings in a courtyard, a calligraphy lesson tucked between lunch and an afternoon museum, or a hutong photo walk that ends with dumplings and beer.

Pro tip: most popular roasters are busy. Reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Bring cashless payment or small notes, and don’t stress over tipping. It’s not standard in mainland China.

 

Travel & Transportation Tips

Beijing is enormous. The city spreads well beyond the historic core, so a bit of planning pays off. The subway is extensive and cheap, taxis are plentiful, and high-speed trains are brilliant for quick hops on the Beijing to Shanghai train.

Airports & Connectivity

You’ll likely arrive at one of two major hubs:

• Beijing Capital International Airport: the long-time workhorse in the northeast

• Beijing Daxing International Airport: a striking starfish-shaped terminal in the south

You might also see references to Beijing Shoudu Airport. Shoudu means capital in Mandarin, and many people use it as another name for Beijing Capital International Airport.

Here’s a quick comparison to help with arrivals and transfers.

• Both airports support ride-hailing via DiDi. At peak times, trains are often quicker.

• If you’re eyeing same-day connections, the Airport Express and Daxing Airport Express are reliable and well signposted.

• Flights from Sydney and Melbourne usually arrive early morning or late evening. Factor immigration and luggage collection into your first-day plan.

Transit tips:

• Visa-free transit: many nationalities can enjoy 72 or 144 hours without a visa when transiting. Check current rules before you fly.

• Wi-Fi and eSIMs: most terminals sell local SIMs. An eSIM is even easier to set up.

• Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay work almost everywhere. Bank cards are accepted at mid to high-end venues, though smaller stalls may prefer QR code payments.

Getting around the city

The subway network is vast, clean, and frequent. You can ride with a physical transit card or scan QR codes via mobile apps. English signage is widespread. Avoid peak crush if possible: 7.30 to 9.30 in the morning, and 5 to 7.30 in the evening.

• Taxis: flag down or use DiDi. Keep your destination in Chinese characters to show the driver.

• Buses: handy for shorter hops. Cashless cards make them painless.

• Cycling: dockless bikes are everywhere. Watch traffic and stick to bike lanes.

Map savy:

• Save an offline Beijing map on your phone before leaving the hotel Wi-Fi.

• Zoom into a Beijing CBD map to orient yourself around Guomao, CCTV Headquarters, Sanlitun, and Embassy areas. Traffic in the CBD can be slow in late afternoons.

Intercity rail:

• The Beijing to Shanghai train on the high-speed G-series runs in around 4 hours 20 minutes to 5 hours. Comfortable seats, spotless carriages, and easy boarding make it hard to beat flying.

• Other popular lines head to Tianjin, Qingdao, and Xi’an. Book first-class or business-class seats for more space.

Three Bears Travel can book airport transfers, rail tickets, and guided orientation rides on your first day, which saves time when you’re shaking off jet lag.

Things to Do & Attractions

Historic grandeur sits right beside cutting-edge architecture. You’ll move from imperial red to steel and glass in a single morning.

Top Sites

• Forbidden City Beijing China: the Palace Museum is the heart of the old capital. Enter from Tiananmen Square, reserve a timed ticket, and give yourself a few hours. Climb Jingshan Park afterwards for a rooftop view of yellow-glazed tiles stretching to the horizon.

• Temple of Heaven Beijing China: a masterclass in symmetry and ritual. Visit early to see locals practising tai chi, flying kites, or singing in groups beneath the cypresses.

• Summer Palace Beijing China: lakes, bridges, and painted corridors that seem to go on forever. Go in late afternoon for golden light and soft breezes.

• Great Wall of China Beijing: multiple sections are reachable from the city. Badaling is classic and busy, Mutianyu offers views and a fun chairlift or toboggan, while Jinshanling lures hikers with wilder stretches. Start early, carry water, and wear proper shoes.

Modern icons:

• Bird’s Nest Beijing and Water Cube Beijing in the Olympic Park: striking lines, great for night photography, and a reminder of the city’s sporting moment.

• 798 Art District: galleries, installations, boutiques, and cafes in a former factory area.

• CCTV Headquarters near the CBD: an architectural statement worth a look on any Beijing CBD map.

Neighbourhoods with character:

• Hutong Beijing lanes around Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang, and Yandai Xiejie blend tea houses, boutique shops, and courtyards. A rickshaw ride is touristy but fun; a guided walk gets you into the quieter alleys.

• Lama Temple Beijing and Yonghegong Temple Beijing: two names for the same Tibetan Buddhist site, a peaceful stop with ornate halls and spiralling incense.

 

Evening entertainment and shopping:

• Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre, acrobatics at Chaoyang Theatre, and live jazz at hutong bars deliver very different nights out.

• Sanlitun and Taikoo Li Sanlitun: fashion, craft cocktails, late-night energy.

• Wangfujing and Qianmen: big-name stores, snack streets, and glowing signage ideal for a post-dinner stroll.

 

Where to stay:

• Beijing luxury hotels cluster around the CBD, Wangfujing, and Sanlitun. These areas mean quick access to transport and dining. Properties often include spa floors, grand lobbies, and panoramic bars.

Need help sequencing all this? Three Bears Travel designs themed days: imperial highlights in the morning, a hutong food hop in the afternoon, and a stadium-lit Olympic Park walk after dinner.

Weather & Best Seasons

Beijing’s climate swings with the seasons. Winters are cold and dry, summers are hot and humid. Spring and autumn are short and delightful, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.

• Best months: late March to May, and mid-September to late October

• Summer: June to August, warm to very hot with summer storms

• Winter: December to February, cold with occasional snow

Average temperatures offer a clear picture for packing. Keep an eye on Beijing China weather before you go, since wind can shift conditions quickly.

Check temperature Beijing again the week you travel, and bring a light mask if you’re sensitive to dust or pollen in spring. A compact down jacket earns its place in winter. Sunscreen and a hat are useful even in cooler months because the sky often sits cloudless.

Practical Notes That Make Days Easier

A few small habits simplify your visit, especially on busy days moving between the Forbidden City and evening shows.

• Tickets: many major sites require or recommend booking with your passport. Reserve early for prime time slots.

• ID: carry your passport; you will use it for tickets and sometimes at hotel check-in or SIM purchase.

• Cash vs mobile payments: QR codes rule. If your bank supports Alipay or WeChat Pay, set it up before you leave home.

• Language: simple Mandarin phrases help. A translation app covers the rest. Screenshots of your hotel address in Chinese avoid confusion.

• Sockets: China uses 220V. Plugs can be Type A, C, or I. Australian Type I works in many hotels, though a universal adapter keeps you covered.

• Water: bottled water is easy to find. Your hotel may provide complimentary bottles.

• Toilets: public facilities range widely. Carry tissues and hand sanitiser.

• Etiquette: stand on the right on escalators, queue patiently, and be mindful of quiet zones in temples.

Food-Focused Day Plans

When time feels tight, channel your appetite with a plan. These outlines mix classics with snacks and transport that keeps things moving.

One perfect day for a first visit:

• Early: Temple of Heaven Beijing China to catch morning tai chi. Metro to Tiantandongmen.

• Late morning: noodle stop near Qianmen for zhajiangmian.

• Afternoon: Forbidden City Beijing China with timed entry. Exit north, climb Jingshan Park.

• Evening: roast duck dinner near Wangfujing, then a slow wander to try candied hawthorn.

A relaxed hutong and art day:

• Morning: Lama Temple Beijing and Yonghegong Temple Beijing. Tea break nearby.

• Lunch: dumplings in a family-run shop in the alleys around Nanluoguxiang.

• Afternoon: 798 Art District. Galleries and coffee.

• Night: Bird’s Nest Beijing and Water Cube Beijing lit up for photos.

A city and wall combo:

• Early: drive to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China Beijing. Chairlift up, toboggan down if you fancy.

• Late lunch: Beijing barbecue skewers back in the city.

• Evening: Chaoyang Theatre acrobatics or live music in a hutong bar.

Three Bears Travel can adjust these with private guides, transport, and restaurant bookings so you can focus on the fun parts.

A Quick Cost Snapshot

It helps to budget for taxis, meals, and tickets. Prices vary with season and exchange rates, but the ranges below are typical.

• Subway ride: 3 to 10 RMB depending on distance

• Taxi from CBD within 6 km: 30 to 60 RMB off-peak

• Roast duck meal for two: 200 to 500 RMB depending on venue

• Dumpling plate at a local shop: 15 to 40 RMB

• Major site entry: 20 to 60 RMB, peak-season surcharges possible

• Great Wall transfer: 600 to 1200 RMB return by private car, lower by bus

A Handy Checklist Before You Fly

• Reserve key site tickets: Forbidden City, Summer Palace Beijing China in peak weeks

• Download offline Beijing map and a readable Beijing CBD map segment

• Set up a payment app that works in China

• Buy an eSIM or plan for a local SIM at the airport

• Screenshot your hotel address in Chinese

• Pack a light scarf or mask for blustery spring days

• Confirm airport and train transfers if heading out on the Beijing to Shanghai train soon after arrival

Nightlife, Nibbles, and Late Strolls

Beijing turns on the lights and keeps feeding people long after dinner. Sanlitun bars pour everything from craft gin to baijiu flights. Shichahai’s lakes mirror lanterns as you walk past live music and tea houses. Hotpot steam curls into winter air, while summer brings patios and cold noodles. Even if you only have energy for a short walk, aim for one evening outside after dark. The city feels different then, confident and relaxed, and it leaves a lasting impression.

If you’d like a curated taste of it all, Three Bears Travel runs evening food crawls that cover street snacks, a sit-down plate of Beijing roast duck, and a bar with a view of the skyline. It’s an easy way to fill in gaps on a tight schedule.

Beijing rewards those who plan a little and stay flexible on the day. With the right meals pencilled in, easy rides from Beijing airport to the CBD, and a few anchors like the Temple of Heaven or the Great Wall, you’ll see why the city lingers long after you go home.

Beijing Travel Guide FAQs

Explore the vibrant city of Beijing with confidence using these frequently asked questions, crafted to cover essential information for any curious traveller. From navigating the city efficiently to indulging in local culinary delights, we guide you through common queries and provide succinct, helpful answers.

What is Beijing best known for?

Beijing is renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and its vibrant food scene—especially Beijing duck. The city blends ancient culture with modern innovation, offering a truly unique travel experience.

Is Beijing an expensive city to visit?

Beijing offers a range of options for every budget. While luxury hotels and high-end dining can be pricey, affordable street food, public transport, and budget accommodations make it accessible for cost-conscious travellers.

Which city is cheaper to visit, Beijing or Shanghai?

Generally, Beijing is slightly more affordable than Shanghai, especially for accommodation and local dining. However, both cities offer a wide range of choices, so your costs will depend on your preferences and travel style.

Do I need a visa to visit Beijing from Australia or New Zealand?

30 November 2024, China will implement a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Australia and New Zealand, allowing stays of up to 30 days. This policy is valid until 31 December 2025. For stays longer than 30 days or for other travel purposes, you will still need to apply for a visa in advance through the Chinese consulate or an authorised visa centre. Always check for the latest updates before your trip, as entry policies can change.

 

What should I know about using cash and cards in Beijing?

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used, but international cards may not always be accepted. It’s best to bring some Chinese yuan in cash and set up a local payment app if possible.

How safe is Beijing for tourists?

Beijing is considered very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. Still, take standard precautions against pickpocketing in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.

What are the biggest culture shocks for first-time visitors?

Expect differences in personal space, queuing habits, and public behaviour. The language barrier can be significant, but translation apps and friendly locals help bridge the gap. Public toilets may not always have Western-style facilities, so carry tissues and hand sanitiser.

How do I access the internet and popular apps in Beijing?

Many Western websites and apps (like Google, Facebook, and Instagram) are blocked in China. Download a reliable VPN before you arrive, and use local alternatives for maps and messaging.

What’s the best way to get around if I don’t speak Mandarin?

The Beijing subway is tourist-friendly with English signage. Ride-hailing apps like DiDi offer English interfaces. Having your destination written in Chinese or using a translation app is helpful for taxis and directions.

Are there any local customs or etiquette I should be aware of?

It’s polite to greet with a nod or handshake, avoid pointing with your finger, and show respect at temples and historical sites. Tipping is not customary in China, but appreciated in some tourist settings.

 

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