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Looking for Flights to Beijing?
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Looking for Accommodation in Beijing?
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Flights to Beijing: Experience the Diversity of China
Ready to take a journey through Chinese history? A trip to Beijing is the perfect choice. This vibrant metropolis in Asia seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern cityscapes, offering a unique experience like no other.
Discover all you need to know about hotels in Beijing China and going on a Beijing vacation below.
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Beijing: Where ancient culture meets modern city life
At the heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, an architectural masterpiece that once stood as the exclusive residence of emperors. Ordinary citizens were forbidden from entering, which explains its name.
Surrounding the Forbidden City, you’ll find traditional alleyways that capture the charm of historic Beijing. Today, Beijing is a bustling metropolis, offering a mix of cultural experiences, shopping, nightlife, and an impressive variety of delicious and exotic foods.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your Beijing city trip.
Getting to Beijing
Beijing serves as the final stop for the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, making it a fantastic destination for bucket-list adventures.
Direct flights to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) are available from major US cities, often with layovers in European or Asian hubs. Once your business class Beijing flights land, transportation into the city is easy and affordable.
Airport Express Train: The quickest and most convenient option, taking about an hour and costing around $4 dollars.
Bus: Multiple bus lines are available for approximately $2 dollars, with frequent departures every 15 minutes.
Taxi: While more expensive, it’s a reliable option. Be sure to allow extra travel time during rush hour, especially when planning your return to the airport.
Best time to visit Beijing
Beijing experiences a humid monsoon climate, with hot summers and cold, dry winters. For a city break, spring and autumn are the ideal seasons, as the temperatures during these times are comfortably warm. Autumn is particularly recommended, as the city takes on a golden hue that enhances its beauty.
To explore Beijing’s main attractions and get a good overview of the city, plan your Beijing vacation for at least four or five days.
Pirate tip: If you’re traveling to Beijing in winter — perhaps to take advantage of cheaper flights to Beijing — make sure to pack plenty of layers. To save even more money, take economy class instead of business class flights to Beijing.
Public Transportation in Beijing
Beijing boasts a massive and modern subway system, which provides quick and efficient transport throughout the city. Bilingual signage makes it easy for foreigners to navigate. However, a downside of the subway is the immense crowds during rush hours, which can make the experience a bit overwhelming.
Buses are an even more affordable way to get around Beijing. However, it’s crucial to know your exact boarding and disembarking points since announcements are typically only made in Chinese.
Taxis in Beijing are also quite affordable. To make hailing a taxi easier, consider using helpful rideshare and taxi apps, which are widely used in the city.
Accommodations: Where to Stay in Beijing
While Beijing has prominent landmarks like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square that define its historical heart, the city doesn’t have a distinct tourist center. When booking hotels in Beijing China, choosing where to stay depends on your interests and travel style.
Historical Downtown: Ideal for immersing yourself in Beijing’s rich history, this area offers proximity to cultural landmarks and traditional hutongs.
Central Business District: Known for its modern architecture, this district is a great choice for travelers interested in nightlife and high-end shopping.
Student District: Perfect for young travelers, this area has a vibrant, youthful vibe with budget-friendly accommodations and lively hangout spots.
Must-See Attractions in Beijing
No trip to Beijing is complete without these world-famous landmarks:
Forbidden City and Imperial Palace
Tiananmen Square
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Beihai Park
Summer Palace
Ming Tombs
Lama Temple
Hutongs near the Forbidden City
Museums in Beijing
At the top of your must-visit list should be the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palace complex in the world, covering an astounding 178 acres. It’s an iconic representation of China’s imperial history and architectural grandeur.
Other notable museums and cultural sites in Beijing include:
National Museum of China: Located near Tiananmen Square, this museum offers comprehensive exhibits on Chinese history and art.
Capital Museum: A modern facility showcasing Beijing’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Chairman Mao Memorial Hall: Dedicated to the founder of the People’s Republic of China, this hall is a significant historical site.
Prince Kung’s Mansion: A well-preserved Qing Dynasty residence offering insight into traditional Chinese aristocratic life.
Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution: Highlights China’s military history with an impressive collection of artifacts.
798 Art District (Dashanzi): A vibrant hub of contemporary art housed in repurposed factory buildings.
Great Wall Museum: Located near the Badaling section of the Great Wall, this museum explores the history and construction of this architectural wonder.
Food and Dining in Beijing
Beijing is a culinary haven where you can indulge in a wide range of dishes without straining your budget. The city’s diverse dining scene offers an impressive mix of traditional Chinese and global cuisines.
One dish that defines Beijing’s culinary heritage is Peking Duck. For a taste of this iconic dish, DaDong, a high-end restaurant chain, is a popular choice. Another must-try is lamb hot pot, a comforting dish that’s especially satisfying in Beijing’s colder months. Dumplings and noodle soups are also staples of the local food scene, offering hearty and delicious options that are widely loved.
If you’re looking to explore Beijing’s vibrant restaurant culture, Haidilao is a favorite for hot pot lovers. For a more unique setting, the Red Capital Club is a standout choice. Housed in a historic residence, this restaurant combines exquisite cuisine with a nostalgic atmosphere featuring memorabilia from China’s communist era.
Street food enthusiasts will find Beijing an absolute delight. The city’s bustling Hutongs and subway termini are home to an array of street vendors. Popular offerings include scorpion skewers and stinky tofu, which is surprisingly delicious. For the more adventurous, Beijing’s street food culture also showcases specialties like donkey meat burgers and dumplings, which are both savory and satisfying.
To truly immerse yourself in Beijing’s culinary culture, consider taking a cooking class. These hands-on experiences offer a unique opportunity to learn traditional cooking techniques and create authentic dishes, leaving you with delicious memories and new skills to bring home.
Nightlife in Beijing
Beijing’s nightlife is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. Western-style nightclubs dominate the scene with a focus on techno and house music, often featuring international star DJs. These clubs typically stay open until the early hours of the morning, with Sanlitun in the northeast emerging as a favorite district for night owls due to its lively atmosphere.
Bars in Beijing provide a relaxed environment where draft beer is commonly served at prices comparable to those in the West. Other popular bar areas include the Chaoyang District and the Houhai Lake area. The Lotus Lane, located north of the Ba River, is another hotspot, while the Wudaokou district is a haven for students. Bars generally close around midnight, but the busiest hours are typically from 10pm to midnight.
Beijing is also known as a melting pot of underground music, with numerous venues hosting rock and punk concerts. Notable venues include the Mao Livehouse and Yigong Yushan, both situated in the city center. Beyond clubs and bars, Beijing offers a range of cinemas, theaters, karaoke bars, and even captivating Kung Fu shows, ensuring something for everyone.
City Tours and Sightseeing in Beijing
Even in a sprawling metropolis like Beijing, organized tours provide an excellent way for visitors to explore the most significant and fascinating attractions. Whether on foot or via double-decker bus tours, every corner of the city can be uncovered. Guided tours often focus on the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, offering rich insights and convenience for tourists.
Shopping in Beijing
Shopping in Beijing offers a wealth of options, ranging from international brands to traditional and contemporary local products. The affordable prices and the opportunity to bargain enhance the overall shopping experience.
Popular shopping areas include Wangfujing, a massive shopping street lined with hundreds of stalls. For antiques and unique finds, Liulichang Antiques Street is a must-visit, while Jianguomenwa boasts multiple department stores and a textile market. The Silk Street near Yonganli Metro Station is known for inexpensive clothing and souvenirs, where bargaining is a common practice.
For more distinctive souvenirs, the 798 Art District and the Panjiayuan Flea Market are excellent choices. Tech enthusiasts should head to Zhongguancun, where several malls offer affordable gadgets and devices side by side.
Additional Tips for Beijing
Since many Chinese people are only familiar with Chinese street names or big hotels in China, it’s essential to have the Chinese address of your accommodation written down. This will help ensure you can navigate easily, especially if you’re relying on local transportation. When taking a taxi, always insist on using the meter. If not, the fare could end up being much higher than expected.
Taking a rickshaw without knowing Chinese is not recommended, as you may end up being taken far from your intended destination. Be cautious of individuals who approach you in English and offer to guide you to places like tea houses or galleries, which often end up being scams.
The bustling metropolis of Beijing offers a unique blend of history and modernity. The city’s landmarks, entertainment options, and dining experiences are nearly limitless. For many, Beijing is by far the most fascinating city in China and deserves a stay of at least four to five days to fully experience its charm.
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