Beijing
As China's capital and one of the world's most historic metropolises, Beijing offers an extraordinary blend of ancient civilization and modern development, where imperial palaces stand alongside contemporary architecture.
Beijing is located in northern China, surrounded by Hebei Province and Tianjin Municipality. The city is served by Beijing Capital International Airport and the new Beijing Daxing International Airport, two of Asia's major aviation hubs. Beijing is renowned for its imperial landmarks, from the magnificent Forbidden City to the stunning Temple of Heaven, as well as modern marvels like the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium and the CCTV Headquarters.
The Dongcheng District houses many historical sites and traditional hutongs (alleyways), while the Central Business District (CBD) in Chaoyang showcases Beijing's modern face with impressive skyscrapers. Wangfujing and Sanlitun are major shopping districts, offering everything from traditional crafts to luxury brands. Beijing is a culinary capital, famous for Peking duck, imperial cuisine, and countless regional Chinese specialties found in both high-end restaurants and vibrant street food scenes.
Beijing Weather
Beijing experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. Spring can bring occasional sandstorms, while autumn offers comfortable temperatures and clear skies, making it the most pleasant season to visit. Snow is common in winter, particularly from December to February.
How to Get There
Beijing is accessible through two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Both are connected to the city center via express trains, subway lines, and airport shuttles. The extensive subway system operates from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with trains running every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. For shorter trips, shared bikes are readily available throughout the city.
Explore Beijing
Trending Attractions in Beijing
Great Wall
Forbidden City
Jingshan Park
Temple of Heaven
Shichahai
Prince Kung's Palace Museum
National Museum of China
Lama Temple
Nanluoguxiang
Temple of Confucius
Where to Stay
- Wangfujing and Dongdan Area: Perfect for first-time visitors, close to major attractions like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Features luxury hotels but tends to be more expensive.
- Xidan: A trendy area popular among young people, offering diverse accommodation options from budget hotels to boutique stays. Well-connected to major attractions with plenty of dining options.
- Qianmen and Dashilan Area: Ideal for experiencing traditional Beijing life in converted courtyard houses (四合院). Walking distance to Tiananmen Square and other historical sites.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Consider areas along subway lines like Songjiazhuang or Huoying, offering affordable accommodations with easy access to the city center.
Don't Miss
- Walking the Great Wall of China, accessible from several nearby locations including Mutianyu and Badaling
- Exploring the vast Forbidden City, home to 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors
- Experiencing traditional life in the hutongs, Beijing's historic alleyways and courtyard homes
- Visiting the Summer Palace, an imperial garden featuring stunning lakes, gardens, and traditional architecture
- Sampling authentic Beijing cuisine, from Peking duck to dumplings and street food at the Donghuamen Night Market
Local Specialties
Beijing Roast Duck (北京烤鸭)
The city's most famous dish can be enjoyed at several renowned establishments:
- Quanjude (全聚德): Established in 1864, known for its traditional preparation methods
- Da Dong (大董烤鸭): Famous for its lean yet crispy duck and innovative presentation
Traditional Beijing Hot Pot (老北京涮羊肉)
Experience authentic copper pot hot pot at these locations:
- Donglaishun (东来顺): A century-old establishment specializing in lamb hot pot
- Nanmen Shuanrou (南门涮肉): Popular for its quality meat and traditional atmosphere
- Jubaoyuan (聚宝源): Known for its authentic flavors and historic setting
Travel Tips
- Carry a light jacket even in summer, as temperature variations between day and night can be significant
- Consider renting audio guides when visiting historical sites to better understand their cultural significance
- Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded areas like Tiananmen Square
- Respect local customs and use polite language when interacting with locals
- Prepare for Beijing's distinct seasons: bring sun protection in summer and warm clothing in winter
- Choose established restaurants for local delicacies and carry basic medication for digestive issues
Local Specialties
Peking Duck
Beijing's most famous dish, featuring crispy duck skin and tender meat served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. The traditional preparation method dates back to the imperial era.
Beijing Opera Masks
Handcrafted masks used in traditional Peking Opera, each with distinctive colors and patterns representing different characters and personalities.
Cloisonné
Known as 'Jingtailan' in Chinese, this ancient metalworking technique creates intricate designs on copper vessels using colorful enamels. Beijing's cloisonné is renowned worldwide for its craftsmanship.
Jingdezhen Porcelain
Although originated in Jingdezhen, Beijing has its own style of imperial porcelain, featuring distinctive blue and white patterns that were favored by the royal court.
Beijing Silk
Fine silk fabrics produced in Beijing, known for their quality and often featuring traditional Chinese patterns. Historically supplied to the imperial court.
Instant-boiled Mutton
Known as 'Shuanyangrou', this hot pot dish features thinly sliced lamb meat quickly cooked in boiling broth, perfect for Beijing's cold winters.