Trip to Beijing
Beijing, Asia · PEK
Beijing is a city of immense scale and striking contrasts, where ancient imperial structures stand shoulder-to-shoulder with soaring modern skyscrapers. Unlike the more laid-back pace of Xi'an or the coastal breezes of Shanghai, Beijing feels like the nation's undisputed political and cultural heart. Its rhythm is grand and deliberate, marked by wide avenues and monumental architecture. The dominant ambiance is one of power, history, and a relentless forward momentum, yet pockets of traditional life persist in its labyrinthine alleyways.
Neighborhoods to know
Hutongs (around Houhai Lake)
These traditional narrow alleyways, lined with siheyuan (courtyard houses), offer a glimpse into old Beijing. They surround the picturesque Houhai Lake, a popular spot for evening strolls and teahouse visits. Expect a mix of local residents and tourists exploring by foot or bicycle. Prices for guesthouses can range from 30€ for basic to 80€ for boutique options. Best visited during spring or autumn for pleasant weather.
Sanlitun
This is Beijing's buzzing diplomatic and shopping district, known for its trendy bars, international restaurants, and designer boutiques. It’s where expats and fashionable locals converge, especially in the evenings. While accommodation here leans towards the higher end (expect 100€+ per night), street food stalls and casual eateries offer more affordable bites. Come for the nightlife and people-watching.
Dongcheng District (near Wangfujing)
Centrally located and packed with historical sites, Dongcheng is a hub for tourists. It encompasses areas like Wangfujing Street, famous for its shopping and snacks, and also borders the Forbidden City. You'll find a wide range of hotels here, from budget-friendly (around 40€) to mid-range (around 70€). It's busy year-round but particularly vibrant during public holidays.
798 Art District
A former factory complex transformed into a sprawling hub of contemporary art galleries, studios, and quirky cafes. It attracts artists, art enthusiasts, and those seeking a creative atmosphere. While not a residential area, it's a popular day-trip destination. Entry to most galleries is free, but expect to pay around 4-5€ for a coffee. Best explored on a weekend afternoon.
Top attractions
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a vast complex of courtyards, halls, and gardens. A must-see for its historical significance and architectural grandeur. Entry costs around 9€ (peak season) or 6€ (off-season). Book tickets online in advance, especially for weekend visits, as daily visitor numbers are capped. Allow at least 3-4 hours.
Tiananmen Square
One of the world's largest public squares, facing the Forbidden City. It's a significant political landmark, often bustling with activity and uniformed guards. Entry is free, but security checks are rigorous. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and witness the flag-raising ceremony, or in the evening when illuminated.
Temple of Heaven Park
A sprawling park where emperors performed annual rites. Famous for its stunning Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Entry to the park costs about 1.5€, with an additional 2€ for access to the main structures. Locals gather here for morning exercises and socialising. Visit on a weekday morning to see traditional activities like tai chi and calligraphy.
Summer Palace
A vast imperial garden offering beautiful landscapes, lakes, and traditional palaces. It's a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Entry is around 3€, with an additional 3€ for combined tickets to key attractions within. Renting a boat on Kunming Lake is popular. Go on a clear day and dedicate half a day to explore.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu section)
While not strictly in the city, Mutianyu is a well-preserved and scenic section of the Great Wall, about 1.5 hours from Beijing. It offers stunning views and fewer crowds than Badaling. Entrance fee is around 6€, with optional cable car or chairlift rides costing an additional 10-12€ round trip. Go early to beat the tour buses.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
An impressive Tibetan Buddhist monastery with vibrant prayer halls and intricate artwork, including a colossal Maitreya Buddha statue carved from a single sandalwood tree. Entry costs around 3.5€. It's an active place of worship, so dress respectfully. Visit during opening hours (typically 9:00 to 17:00).
When to go to Beijing
Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October) are ideal, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C and clear skies. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid (25°C-30°C) with a higher chance of rain. Winters (December-February) are very cold and dry (-10°C to 3°C), offering fewer outdoor activities but fewer tourists. Major holidays like Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb) and National Day week (Oct 1st) see peak crowds and higher prices.
Eating out
Dishes to try
- Peking Duck: A signature dish featuring a whole duck roasted to crispy perfection, typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and hoisin sauce. The rich, savory flavor is iconic.
- Jiaozi (Dumplings): Versatile dumplings available steamed, boiled, or pan-fried, filled with various meats and vegetables. A staple comfort food found everywhere.
- Zha Jiang Mian: 'Fried Sauce Noodles' consist of thick wheat noodles topped with a savory, fermented soybean paste sauce, often mixed with ground pork and vegetables. A hearty, flavorful Beijing specialty.
Where to eat
For authentic local flavors, explore the hutongs around Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang, though the latter can be touristy. For a wider variety, head to Guijie (Ghost Street) in Dongcheng District, famous for its concentration of restaurants, particularly spicy Sichuan cuisine, open late. Street food snacks can be found in places like Wangfujing Snack Street, though quality varies. Expect to spend 5-10€ for a casual meal.
Getting around
From the airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is well-connected. The Airport Express train runs frequently to Dongzhimen station (approx. 25 minutes, ~5€). Taxis are readily available, costing around 20-25€ to the city center (45-60 minutes depending on traffic). Ride-sharing apps are also an option.
In the city
Beijing's subway system is extensive, efficient, and affordable, covering most major attractions. Single tickets cost from 0.4€ to 1.5€ depending on distance. Buses are even cheaper but can be crowded and harder to navigate for non-Chinese speakers. Consider a rechargeable 'Yikatong' card for seamless travel on both. Walking is great for exploring neighborhoods like the hutongs. Ride-sharing apps like DiDi are popular and cost-effective.
Local culture & tips
Beijingers are generally direct and practical. Tipping is not customary and can even cause confusion. While English is spoken in major tourist areas and hotels, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases (like 'Ni hao' for hello) is appreciated. Meal times are typically earlier than in Western countries. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, though Beijing is generally very safe. Be prepared for large crowds at popular sites, and book tickets online whenever possible.
How long to stay in Beijing?
We recommend at least 7 days on site to enjoy Beijing without rushing. Add 1-2 extra days if you're pairing it with another Asia stop. For a short city-break, 3 days already cover the highlights.
Quick facts
- AirportPEK
- RegionAsia
- CountryCN
Travel budget in Beijing
A frugal traveler could manage on 35-40€/day, staying in hostels (20€/night), eating street food or local eateries (10€/day), and using public transport (3€/day). A standard budget of around 53€/day (as estimated) is comfortable: mid-range hotel (35€), varied meals (15€), attractions (5€), local transport (3€). For comfort, expect 90-100€+/day, with 4-star hotels (80€+), nicer restaurants (30€+), taxis, and more paid attractions.
Where to stay in Beijing
Plan ~€35/night mid-range in Beijing — central neighbourhood, double room with breakfast. To compare availability and real pricing for your dates, we send you straight to Booking.com with a pre-filled search.
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Other destinations in Asia
Beijing pairs well with other cities in the same region. Add one or two to your itinerary to amortize the long-haul flight and mix up the experience.
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