Beijing
Beijing is China's grand capital city, steeped in over 3,000 years of imperial history. Situated on the Northern China Plain, it boasts immense historic treasures like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace, framed by modern Olympic architecture and bustling alleyway hutongs.
- Country
- China
- Main airport (of 3)
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
- Time zone
- Asia/Shanghai
- Tracked routes
- 12 inbound routes
- Originfacts stories
- 1 story
Where to stay in Beijing
Dongcheng District around Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square is the top location for tourists, offering walking access to imperial sites, shopping streets, and central metro lines. Xicheng District provides authentic lodging inside traditional quadrangle courtyards (Siheyuan) tucked away in historic hutongs. Chaoyang District around Sanlitun and Guomao caters to business travelers and nightlife seekers with luxury international hotels and sky bars.
Things to do in Beijing
Walk across immense Tiananmen Square and tour the opulent halls of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Walk along the ancient ramparts of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu or Badaling. Admire the marble architecture of the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for good harvests. Stroll through the lakeside gardens of the Summer Palace. Cycle through traditional alleyways (hutongs) around Houhai Lake.
Getting around Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) lies 32 km northeast, while Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) lies 46 km south. Both airports connect via high-speed Airport Express subway lines to the city network. Beijing Metro is extensive, affordable, and fully bilingual (English/Chinese). Riders pay using contactless transit cards, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
When to visit Beijing
Autumn (September to November) is universally considered the finest time to visit Beijing, bringing clear blue skies, comfortable temperatures averaging 18°C, and golden autumn foliage. Spring (March to May) brings mild weather, though sandstorms occasionally occur. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, while winter (December to February) is freezing and dry.
Practical tips for Beijing
- Download WeChat or Alipay prior to arrival and link your credit card for digital payments across China.
- China uses Type A, C, and I power outlets operating at 220 V.
- Carry your physical passport everywhere, as security checkpoints at sights and metro stations require it.
- Book Forbidden City and Great Wall entry tickets online days in advance as daily visitor caps apply.
- Avoid traveling during Chinese National Day Golden Week (first week of October).
Read before you go to Beijing
1 story
Summer Palace Beijing: Boats, Corridors and a Half-Day Route
Skip the three-hour wander. Here's the gate-to-gate route through Beijing's Summer Palace, its 728-meter painted corridor, and the Kunming Lake boats worth the extra yuan.
Popular hotels
Popular hotels in Beijing
Compare highly rated Beijing hotels from live Google Hotels data before choosing where to stay. Use the filters to scan central, airport, luxury, budget and family-friendly options for the city.
Getting to Beijing
3 airports
12 tracked routes
Flown by Air China, China Southern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Juneyao Airlines and 8 more.
What are the top things to do in Beijing?
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FAQ
Beijing — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
5 common questions
- Take the Capital Airport Express subway line from Terminal 2 or 3 directly to Sanyuanqiao or Dongzhimen stations in 25 minutes, then transfer to Beijing Metro Line 2 or 10.
- Mutianyu is the most recommended section, located 70 km northeast of Beijing. It features fully restored wall ramparts, cable cars, a toboggan ride, and fewer crowds than Badaling.
- Forbidden City tickets must be reserved online via the official booking mini-program on WeChat up to 7 days in advance. Tickets are tied to your passport number and sell out rapidly.
- Cash and international credit cards are rarely accepted at local shops and restaurants. Visitors should set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international credit card prior to arrival.
- Hutongs are narrow, historic residential alleyways lined with traditional single-story quadrangle courtyard houses (Siheyuan) characteristic of imperial Beijing's urban layout.