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Update April 12, 2024

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China Travel Advisory

Travel advisory april 12, 2024, mainland china, hong kong & macau - see summaries.

Updated due to new national security legislation in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Summary:  Reconsider travel to Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions.

Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Reconsider travel to the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services . Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Macau SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

See specific risks and conditions in each jurisdiction . 

Mainland China – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws , including in relation to exit bans, and the risk of wrongful detentions .

Summary:  The People’s Republic of China (PRC) government arbitrarily enforces local laws, including issuing exit bans on U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries, without fair and transparent process under the law.

The Department of State has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the PRC government exists in the PRC.

U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the PRC may be detained without access to U.S. consular services or information about their alleged crime. U.S. citizens in the PRC may be subjected to interrogations and detention without fair and transparent treatment under the law.

Foreigners in the PRC, including but not limited to businesspeople, former foreign-government personnel, academics, relatives of PRC citizens involved in legal disputes, and journalists have been interrogated and detained by PRC officials for alleged violations of PRC national security laws. The PRC has also interrogated, detained, and expelled U.S. citizens living and working in the PRC.

PRC authorities appear to have broad discretion to deem a wide range of documents, data, statistics, or materials as state secrets and to detain and prosecute foreign nationals for alleged espionage. There is increased official scrutiny of U.S. and third-country firms, such as professional service and due diligence companies, operating in the PRC. Security personnel could detain U.S. citizens or subject them to prosecution for conducting research or accessing publicly available material inside the PRC.

Security personnel could detain and/or deport U.S. citizens for sending private electronic messages critical of the PRC, Hong Kong SAR, or Macau SAR governments.

In addition, the PRC government has used restrictions on travel or departure from the PRC, or so-called exit bans, to:

• compel individuals to participate in PRC government investigations;
• pressure family members of the restricted individual to return to the PRC from abroad;
• resolve civil disputes in favor of PRC citizens; and
• gain bargaining leverage over foreign governments.

U.S. citizens might only become aware of an exit ban when they attempt to depart the PRC, and there may be no available legal process to contest an exit ban in a court of law. Relatives, including minor children, of those under investigation in the PRC may become subject to an exit ban.

The PRC government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a U.S. citizen and choose to enter Mainland China on travel documents other than a U.S. passport and are detained or arrested, the PRC government may not notify the U.S. Embassy or the U.S. Consulates General or allow consular access.

Check with the PRC Embassy in the United States for the most updated information on travel to the PRC. In some limited circumstances travelers to Mainland China may face additional COVID-19 testing requirements to enter some facilities or events.

The Department of State does not provide or coordinate direct medical care to private U.S. citizens abroad. U.S. citizens overseas may receive PRC-approved COVID-19 vaccine doses where they are eligible.

Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC. A positive drug test, even if the drug was legal elsewhere, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC. PRC authorities may compel cooperation with blood, urine, or hair testing. Penalties for drug offense may exceed penalties imposed in the United States.

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

XINJIANG UYGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION, TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, and TIBETAN AUTONOMOUS PREFECTURES

Extra security measures, such as security checks and increased levels of police presence and surveillance, are common in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. Authorities may impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice.

If you decide to travel to Mainland China:

• Enter the PRC on your U.S. passport with a valid PRC visa and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for Mainland China .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid demonstrations.
• Exercise caution in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Avoid taking photographs of protesters or police without permission.
• Keep a low profile.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Embassy Beijing or the nearest U.S. Consulate General immediately.
• Review the  China Country Security Report  from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the PRC or prior to arriving in the PRC.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Embassy Beijing on  Twitter ,  WeChat , and  Weibo .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the PRC.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
• Review the Traveler’s Checklist .

Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws .

Summary: Hong Kong SAR authorities have dramatically restricted civil liberties since the Government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) imposed the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR on June 30, 2020. Following the Hong Kong SAR government’s enactment of its own Safeguarding National Security Ordinance on March 23, 2024, Hong Kong SAR authorities are expected to take additional actions to further restrict civil liberties.

The 2020 National Security Law outlines a broad range of vaguely defined offenses, such as acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign entities. The 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance builds on this framework with additional vaguely defined offenses, such as treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, sabotage against public infrastructure, and external interference. According to the legislation, these offenses are applicable to foreign nationals within the Hong Kong SAR and to individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, located outside its borders. Under these provisions, anyone who criticizes the PRC and/or Hong Kong SAR authorities may face arrest, detention, expulsion, and/or prosecution. Hong Kong SAR authorities are attempting to enforce these provisions against individuals, including U.S. citizens and permanent residents, residing outside of their jurisdiction by offering cash rewards for information leading to their arrests in the Hong Kong SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Hong Kong SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter Hong Kong SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges under the 2020 National Security Law and/or the 2024 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Hong Kong SAR:

• Enter the Hong Kong SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Hong Kong SAR .
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau immediately.
• Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Hong Kong SAR or prior to arriving in the Hong Kong SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Hong Kong SAR.
• Monitor local media, local transportations sites, and apps like  MTR Mobile  or  Citybus  for updates.

Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) – Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. Exercise increased caution due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

Summary:  The U.S. government has a limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Macau SAR due to People’s Republic of China (PRC) Ministry of Foreign Affairs travel restrictions on U.S. diplomatic personnel.

Even in an emergency, the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires all U.S. diplomatic personnel, including those accredited to the Macau SAR, to apply for and receive visas before entering the Macau SAR. Approval takes at least five to seven days, significantly limiting the U.S. government’s ability to offer timely consular services in the Macau SAR.

Dual Nationality: The Macau SAR government does not recognize dual nationality. Dual U.S.-PRC citizens and U.S. citizens of Chinese descent may be subject to additional scrutiny and harassment. If you are a dual U.S.-PRC citizen and enter the Macau SAR on a U.S. passport, and you are detained or arrested, PRC authorities are under an obligation to notify the U.S. Embassy or a U.S. Consulate General of your detention and to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to you. In practice, however, U.S. consular officers may be prevented from providing consular assistance, even to those who have entered on their U.S. passports. For more information, visit Consular Protection and Right of Abode in HK(SAR) for Dual Nationals - U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau .

Demonstrations : Participating in demonstrations or any other activities that authorities interpret as constituting an act of secession, subversion, terrorism, or collusion with a foreign country could result in criminal charges. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid demonstrations.

If you decide to travel to the Macau SAR:

• Enter the Macau SAR on your U.S. passport and keep it with you.
• Read the travel information page for the Macau SAR .
• If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify Review the China Country Security Report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council.
• Do not consume drugs in the Macau SAR or prior to arriving in the Macau SAR.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter . Follow U.S. Consulate General Hong Kong & Macau on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to the Macau SAR.
• Monitor local media and the Macau Government Tourism Office website for updates.
• Review your flight status with your airline or at the Macau International Airport website.

Travel Advisory Levels

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It's easier to travel to China — as Beijing lifts more COVID pandemic rules

Dwane Brown

John Ruwitch

China has ended mandatory quarantine for inbound travelers — dismantling one of the final pieces of its "zero COVID" policy. The change will have a big impact on the global economy and for visitors.

Copyright © 2023 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

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Being capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing is the nation's political, economic, and cultural center. Located in north China, close to the port city of Tianjin and partially surrounded by Hebei Province, it also serves as the most important transportation hub and port of entry. As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travelers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

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14 things you can do only in Beijing

Feb 23, 2024 • 8 min read

Beijing has many personalities – here are the best things to do in this dynamic megacity © Maridav / Shutterstock

It's incredible to think that a little over a century ago, Beijing was a kind of low-rise walled fortress, its nine humongous gates locked shut every night. 

Today, it's the very model of a modern megacity, hurtling toward a brave new future – though with one foot planted in the past. To put it simply, Beijing does things its own way: it's a city of 9 million gig-economy e-bikes and about as many tech workers, of historic hutong lanes overhung with facial-recognition cameras, of endlessly inventive ways to get your foodie fix.

Things move forward so quickly in China's capital, so it's almost futile trying to pin down exactly what the city is. What is Beijing known for? It's better to go there and figure it out for yourself.  Here's our guide to the most memorable, unusual things to do in Beijing.

1. Get lost in Beijing's hutong alleyways

Beijing's highly wander-able matrix of residential lanes has been shrinking for decades, but despite the demolitions, it's still possible to lose yourself in neighborhoods that time (almost) forgot, where old folks play xiangqi (Chinese chess), walk their songbirds and haggle over a few jin of persimmons from a handcart seller.

Head to Xisi to stroll the alleyways, hear  Beijinghua (the local dialect) and marvel at the majestic White Dagoba Temple rising up over tapering tiled rooftops. After dark, a stroll through hutong streets is one of the best things to do at night in Beijing.

2. Eat jianbing for breakfast (every single day)

Take one giant crepe-style pancake, crack an egg or two on top, lather on some furu (fermented bean curd) and chili sauce, sprinkle with cilantro and scallions, fold around a shatteringly crisp sheet of fried dough… and eat! Jianbing is a Beijing street snack you can get all over the city for around a dollar – and it's so tasty that it's now trending as far away as London and New York.

Full disclosure: the dish actually originates in the neighboring city of Tianjin , where locals use chewy crullers called youtiao  instead of the crispy dough. Tianjin's version may be slightly more authentic, but Beijing's is better.

3. Go on a "wild" Great Wall hike

Seeing the Great Wall in its naturally eroded state, snaking away over the ridgelines of mountains with trees erupting from buckled watchtowers, is a sight more fantastical than anything the Game of Thrones art department could dream up.

It takes a bit of planning to skip the cable-car stretches rebuilt for tourists (and avoid the security guards posted at popular wild wall-hiking spots near the city), so it's a good idea to sign up for a day hike with Beijing Hikers . Let them handle the details so you can concentrate on the photographs.

4. Delve deeper into the Forbidden City

Most visitors to Beijing's UNESCO-listed centerpiece focus their energies on the Three Great Halls and parade grounds that comprise the outer court, and t hey are indeed awe-inspiring.

Yet it's by venturing into the tightly woven labyrinth of rooms and corridors to the north that you'll dig up the most remarkable sights. Don't miss the Palace of Prolonging Happiness , an unfinished, Western-style building of marble, cast-iron and glass designed to be a kind of walk-in aquarium; or the Belvedere of Pleasant Sounds, an elaborate three-story opera house with trap doors, tunnels and pulleys for special effects.

5. Go on a historical run

Keeping fit, exploring the city and learning about old Peking at the same time: what more could you want? The founder of a local tour company Beijing Postcards has combined his twin passions of Beijing history and jogging into a series of themed runs, clocking in at about 10km each, that stitch together hutong alleyways, leafy canal paths and little-visited parks.

Planning tip: You don't need to be super fit, as the run stops every few minutes for a brief intro to a particular sight or topic and finishes up at the company's hutong HQ for drinks and snacks.

6. Explore China's most fantastical garden

Meaning "Garden of Preserving Harmony" but known in English as the Summer Palace , Yiheyuan served as a private royal playground on a truly epic scale.

Kunming Lake, at its heart is over 2 kilometers across, while Longevity Hill, raised from earth dug out to expand the lake, climbs 60m (197ft) over the water and is crowned with majestic halls, towers and pavilions. All this opulence was created for just one person: the Empress Dowager Cixi, who siphoned off funds earmarked for a new Chinese navy to design her dream retirement home. 

7. Gorge on the world's best Peking duck

Molecular gastronomy has nothing on proper kaoya (roast duck), and the dish Beijing gave the world tastes better in the capital than anywhere else.

T he distinguished birds served at Sìjì Mínfú  take days to prepare:  The ducks are dried, inflated with compressed air to separate the meat from the skin, basted in molasses, then roasted in open-fronted ovens over crackling fruitwood. Even the precise method of carving takes years to master and is an essential part of the culinary theater that's an exciting accompaniment to one of the world's great dishes. 

8. See the sunrise at Tian'anmen Square

Every day as dawn breaks, a People's Liberation Army honor guard marches out from under the giant portrait of Mao Zedong to raise the five-star Red Flag over Tiananmen Square . It's an iconic spectacle, full of pomp and swagger. (Supposedly, the immaculately attired soldiers are drilled to march at precisely 108 paces per minute.)

Planning tip: Don't worry if you're not an early riser; the same ceremony happens in reverse at sunset. 

9. Climb Beijing's twin towers

The magnificent Drum and Bell Towers are inseparable icons of Beijing. Until a century or so ago they were the city's official timekeepers, sounding out curfews and coordinating the patrols of the night watch. These days, you can climb both to see old-world views, hear an hourly drumming performance and gawp at China's largest bell.

But the monuments are actually at their most inspiring when seen peeking over rooftops as you wander the surrounding hutong alleyways of Gulou (literally "drum tower"). Beijing's hippest neighborhood, it's home to third-wave cafes, quirky boutiques and speakeasy-style cocktail bars.

10. Dig for treasures at Panjiayuan Market

Even knowing that pretty much every antique at this huge market is fake, Panjiayuan still offers an unforgettable shopping experience. In addition to ersatz Ming vases "aged" with fake dust and artificially tarnished Buddha statues, you can find replica Qing furniture, traditional handicrafts, calligraphy brushes, ink stones and more among the thousands of dealers. Stick to the last century, and you might dig up genuine Mao busts, Little Red Books, faded cigarette posters and the like.

Planning tip: On weekends, Panjiayuan starts trading well before dawn, which is when the best of the loot gets snapped up.

11. Drop a line to the gods at the Temple of Heaven

Less a place of worship than a divine conduit to the cosmos, the Temple of Heaven used to be reserved for the emperor alone, who twice a year would set forth with great fanfare from the Forbidden City in an entourage that included horse chariots, elephants and a gigantic sedan chair. After arriving at the open-air Round Altar, he would perform esoteric rites and ceremonies in the hope of summoning divine blessing for his continued rule.

Every detail of the Temple of Heaven's architecture is cosmologically significant, making it a fascinating place to ponder millennia of Chinese thought. 

12. Meet China's biggest dragon-tortoise

You'll see bixi (dragons with tortoise shells) at temples all over Beijing, holding up stone stelae upon which are inscribed the virtuous deeds of emperors of old. But the alpha bixi resides at the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 emperors in a secluded valley outside Beijing. Weighing in at 50 tons, this stone giant carries a stele over 6m (20ft) tall and guards the Spirit Way leading to the tombs, an astonishing funerary avenue lined by a dozen pairs of carved animals, mythical beasts and officials. 

13. Ride a bullet train to the Great Wall

At the turn of the 20th century, travelers in Beijing went to the Great Wall by mule litter, a kind of sedan chair lashed between two donkeys. The reward for this grueling, two-day trek was Badaling , an astounding sprawl of brick battlements and watchtowers in the Jundu Mountains.

Since 2020, the bullet train makes the same trip in just over 20 minutes, stopping at the world's deepest underground station directly beneath Badaling, which has now morphed into a kind of Great Wall resort with its own Starbucks and KFC. Times have changed.

14. Dine in an imperial deep freeze

Royal Icehouse is a hard-to-find hutong restaurant near the Forbidden City with an icy secret in its basement: a royal refrigerator. The arched stone cellars were used to keep the emperor's victuals cool in summer, helped in the task by giant blocks of ice cut from the adjacent lake in Beihai Park .

It's a quirky setting for classic Peking duck and Shandong-style sweetmeats, like sugared crab apples, best washed down with a tot or two of the in-house own rice wine and medicinal liquor. (You'll spot it brewing in pig bladders and clay jars along the walls.)

This article was first published Feb 9, 2022 and updated Feb 23, 2024.

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Beijing Travel Guide 2024

Beijing is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China and the political, cultural and economic center of China. It has a glorious history which can be dated back three millennia. The most highlighting part is its great role of the ancient capital city since the past eight centuries. The city preserves the most magnificent imperial culture of China, including numerous historical architectures, relics, tradition, etc. Many world famous tourist sites are located in or near Beijing, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, etc.

Why visit Beijing:

• City of World Heritage Sites - Beijing preserves seven World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Dynasty Tombs and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), ranking first among all the cities around the world. Visiting these sites helps travelers to touch the best essence of ancient Chinese culture and history.
• Great Wall of China - Though the Great Wall sketches though more than a half territory of northern China, the best pieces which are regarded as the masterpiece are located in Beijing, such as Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, etc.
• Transportation Hub of China - Beijing is the most important transportation hub of both the economy and tourism. It is mostly chosen as an international flight arrival city. Furthermore, the flights and trains radiate to most other regions of China, including the far western Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.

Travel News: Tourists from 53 countries (US, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Australia...) are allowed to stay in Beijing for 144 hours without China visa after checking in customs in Beijing Capital International Airport.

Top Attractions

Beijing is one of the most popular travel destinations in China. The diverse experiences here attract millions of people to visit this ancient capital city each year. The imperial culture is the essence of Beijing. During its playing as the capital of more than 800 years, many brilliant imperial sites were created, and preserved well, such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc. There are many other places for you to explore, the most recommended is the Great Wall. Read more about All Beijing Attractions >>

It is the largest palace complex in the world, and used to be the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 600 years ...

The masterpiece of Great Wall of China with fabulous design, sublime surrounding landscape. Conveniently located 50km from Beijing city ...

In Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace was the private garden for the Emperors and his families to retreat during hot summer months ...

Built in Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is the largest architecture for sacrificial ceremony in the world which is featured in outstanding arrangement...

Beijing Hutong, connecting the quadrangle dwellings, is the pulse of old Beijing. It is the place where stories and memories are hidden...

Mutianyu is a less-crowded and well-preserved segment of Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty, lives up to all of your nice expectation about Great Wall of China ...

Featuring themes from Hollywood blockbusters, Universal Studios Beijing has recently become a must-hit place for Chinese and foreign tourists visiting Beijing...

Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing City and the largest center plaza in the world, known as the site for important national events...

More than 13 powerful emperors of Ming Dynasty were interred here. Experience the solemn architectures, listen to the legendary stories...

Juyongguan Great Wall is considered as the north gateway to Beijing. You can appreciate beautiful views, fine stone carvings, 14 watchtowers while hiking...

Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is the only section of Great Wall in Beijing that is connected with a lake. It boasts both bold northern-frontier and gentle...

Right next to Gubei Water Town and it was served as a vital military base from the ancient time, and impresses a lot of visitors for its breathtaking scenery, especially at night...

Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most challenging wild sections next to Mutianyu section. It has impressed a lot visitors who had an adventurous hike here...

At the foot of Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town is a theme resort of ancient northern architecture, built by a lake. Its beautiful nightscape attracts many visitors...

With over 1 million precious and rare artifacts, covering Chinese history from 1.7 million years ago till the present, National Museum of China is one of the largest museums...

798 Art District is a new landmark of art and culture in Beijing. Here is full of high-standard galleries, stylish boutiques, creatives sculptures and architectures...

Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Temple or Yonghe Lamasery, is the highest-standard Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. The buildings are a combination of Han and Tibetan styles...

Jingshan Park, located in the central axes of Beijing and adjacent to Forbidden City, is old Beijing's highest point offering a fantastic panoramic view of Forbidden City...

Yandaixie Street, also called Yandaixiejie or Yandai Byway, is a 232m northeast-southwest Hutong in downtown Beijing. This oldest commercial street in Beijing is now lined with...

Nanluoguxiang is the most popular and one of the oldest Hutongs in Beijing with a history of more than 740 years. It looks like a fish bone with a 787m main street (Nanluoguxiang)...

Beijing Olympic Park, also called Olympic Green, is a spacious park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It contains 10 Olympic venues, 7 non-competitive venues, and a forest park...

Weather & When to Go

Beijing is featured in the temperate and continental monsoon climate. Weather differs in different season. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -4 °C. Hottest month is July with average temperature of 26 °C.

September and October are the best months to visit Beijing. In autumn days, Beijing greets tourist with pleasant cool weather, better air condition and golden autumn landscape. But actually Beijing is suitable for travel all year around. You can explore different landscape and culture in different season. If you come between December and February, you have chance to witness constant temple fair and the jubilant Spring Festival.

Learn more about Beijing weather >>

Transportation

International Arrival

Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the most important arrival hubs for international flight arrivals. It runs flight schedules to most major cities in the world (except sub-Saharan Africa and sub-USA American).

Domestic Transfer

Beijing has built a developed domestic transportation system of air, train and highway. One can transfer between Beijing and all provincial cities and other major cities in China, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Lhasa, and so on, by flight, regular train or high speed train.

Recent years, taking high speed train traveling is becoming more and more popular. Beijing is fully connected by high speed rails with many other important cities. You can take the fastest bullet trains from Beijing to Shanghai, or experience the world longest High Speed rail from Beijing to Guangzhou. For travelers, the high speed trains from Beijing to Xi’an are very popular. Since the new Fuxing trains of higher speed and more advanced technologies are used for some trains from Beijing to Shanghai (6 trains during 09:00~15:00), from Shanghai to Beijing (6 trains during 07:00~19:00), from Beijing and Guangzhou (G65 at around 10:30), from Guangzhou to Beijing (G80 at around 12:10), and intercity trains from Beijing and Tianjin (19 trains during 06:00~22:40), and from Tianjin to Beijing (19 trains during 07:00~22:50), travelers can experience the truebred Chinese high speed train in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and some midway destinations like Wuhan, Changsha, Zhengzhou, etc. you could contact us for detailed time schedule.

Beijing has highly developed transportation system for inner-city travel. You can go to many major sights by subway, city bus or taxi.

Learn more about Beijing transportation

Accommodation

Beijing offers top-class also flexible choice of accommodation. There are many luxury international hotel brands satisfying who pursuit deluxe stay, such as Shangri-La, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, etc. At the same time, many domestic hotels with local features are also recommended as your choices for their more budget price while pleasant service.

Most hotels are conveniently located in or nearby the city central area. You can easily transfer to the surrounding tourist sites easily.

Learn more about Beijing hotels >>

Useful Maps

Top help you learn better about Beijing's location, attractions, etc., we have collected following tourist maps which are latest, downloadable and printable. View more Beijing maps >>

Bejing Attractions Map

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destination among more than 70 tourist destination and regions. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China

Chinese Name: Beijing

Chinese Pinyin: Běi Jīng

English IPA: /'bei'dʒiŋ/

Population: 21.148 million

Language: Mandarin & Beijing Dialect

Tel Code: 010

Zip Code: 100000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan Your Beijing Tour

Usually, 2~6 days are needed to explore Beijing and surrounding. The city central area gathers most of highlights of Beijing, including Forbidden City, Temple Heaven, Hutongs and so on, which can be done in two days. Spend a full day out of the city to hike the Great Wall and discover the Tombs of Ming Dynasty.

From Beijing, you can easily extend your trip to close destinations, such as Pingyao, Chengdu, Xian, Datong, Tianjing, and Hohhot within short transfer. Beijing is usually the starting point of an in-depth China tour to other famous destinations, such as Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, etc.

> Beijing Trip Planner

> Top Beijing Tour Packages

> Beijing Great Wall Tours

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Beijing for the past few years. Among them, a special team of over 50 VIPKID teachers from North America traveled with us to see their dear studends in China with amazing experience in Beijing and shared us their special travel story ! Travel with China Discovery to create your great China trip memories!

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to China.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to China.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

• Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
• Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
• Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

• Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
• Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season. 

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in China. However, if you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in China, rabies treatment is often available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to China. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

For travelers moving or traveling to TBE-endemic areas

TBE vaccine is recommended for persons who will have extensive exposure to ticks based on their planned outdoor activities and itinerary.

TBE vaccine may be considered for persons who might engage in outdoor activities in areas ticks are likely to be found. 

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1 Travelers with itineraries limited to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) or Macao SAR are exempt from this requirement.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite

Airborne & droplet

Avian/bird flu.

• Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
• Avoid domestic and wild poultry
• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in China, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Tap water is not drinkable in China, even in major cities. Bottled water is easily available.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in China. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Some diseases in China—such as dengue and leishmaniasis—are spread by bugs and cannot be prevented with a vaccine. Follow the insect avoidance measures described above to prevent these and other illnesses.

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in China include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in China. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call China’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of China. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of China may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in China, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in China, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for China .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

To call for emergency services while in China, dial 999 (Beijing) or 120 (Shanghai) for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police. Write these numbers down to carry with you during your trip.

Learn as much as you can about China before you travel there. A good place to start is the country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for China for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Traveling to Beijing, China: Your Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Beijing is a captivating city that combines the allure of narrow, picturesque alleys, traditional teahouses, vibrant bar streets, bustling commercial districts, contemporary elements, and the authentic charm of old Beijing. This unique blend has contributed to Beijing’s extensive and profound cultural heritage, as well as its orthodox yet elegant lifestyle.

Must-visit attractions in Beijing include iconic landmarks such as Summer Palace, the majestic Forbidden City, and the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Moreover, Beijing offers a diverse range of choices tailored to individual interests, whether it’s a couple seeking romantic experiences or a family in search of cultural wonders. Whether your heart yearns for royal monuments or fashionable neighborhoods, Beijing has the perfect place waiting to be discovered.

You might also be interested in: 🍳 25 BEST PEKING DUCK RESTAURANTS IN BEIJING, CHINA 2023 🍜 15 Best Noodle Dishes in Beijing|Restaurants Included 2023 🍚 62 Best Beijing Chinese Foods & Snacks You Must Try 2023 🏠 91 Best Restaurants in Beijing China in 2023 [Locals’ Guide]

Table of Contents

🌟beijing travel planning guide.

• 🔍Where is Beijing China Located?

🌏Getting to Beijing, China

🚗how to get around beijing, ☀️weather for beijing travel (best time to visit), 🌟34 best things to do in beijing, china, 🏨where to stay in beijing, 🌸final tip on traveling to beijing, china travel planning guide&faq.

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Considering a last-minute trip to Beijing? Check out the finest tours, hotels, and more below! Remember to plan in advance for the top attractions in Beijing! 🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Beijing: 1. Beijing Classic Full-Day Tour : With an informed guide, delve into the enigma of the Forbidden City, a highly popular Chinese landmark, while also appreciating the grand allure of the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. 2. Best Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Tour : Immerse yourself in the rich historical ambiance while discovering the local way of life, and indulging in traditional cuisine at hidden gems and authentic family-run eateries. 3. Best Great Wall Tour: Discover the best-guided group tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall , Badaling Great Wall , and Jinshanling Great Wall , renowned for their ancient splendor, including lunch and an uncrowded experience. 4. Universal Beijing Resort Admission : Experience the grandeur of the largest Universal Studios with seven themed areas, 37 exhilarating rides, iconic landmarks, and exclusive early entry benefits. 🏨 Top Hotels in Beijing: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (luxury) Manxin Courtyard Hotel (affordable luxury) Crystal Orange Hotel (mid-range) Atour Light (budegt-friendly) 🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

🔍 Where is Beijing China Located?

Beijing, the capital city of China, is located in the northeastern part of the country. It is situated at approximately 39.9 degrees north latitude and 116.4 degrees east longitude.

Beijing is surrounded by the province of Hebei to the north, west, and south, while the municipality of Tianjin lies to its southeast. With its strategic position in northern China, Beijing serves as a cultural, political, and economic center.

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Vancouver, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

✈️Getting to Beijing by Plane

Beijing is served by two primary airports: Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport.

Capital International Airport , situated approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, stands as China’s busiest civil airport. It serves as the preferred arrival point for most tourists visiting Beijing. The airport offers comprehensive facilities and transportation options. There are five airport bus lines connecting it to downtown, providing convenient access. Additionally, taking the subway from the airport to the city is also highly convenient. Taxis are readily available at Terminals T2 and T3.

Daxing International Airport , a newly constructed airport completed in 2019, serves as the second-largest international airport in Beijing after Capital International Airport. It is located approximately 47 kilometers from downtown. The airport provides 12 airport bus lines for transportation to the city. Passengers can catch the airport bus at Gate 20 on the east side of the first floor of the terminal. Taxis are available on the first floor of the terminal building, with three designated platforms. For online car bookings, the designated area is the 1M floor of the P1 parking building.

🚆Getting to Beijing by Train

For train and high-speed train travel, Beijing has five main stations . The majority of trains make stops at Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station.

Among these stations, Beijing Railway Station serves routes to cities such as Jinan, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and others. Beijing South Railway Station primarily handles trains heading to Tianjin, Harbin, and other northeastern regions, as well as Hefei, Shanghai, Nanjing, Jinan, Qingdao, and other eastern areas. Beijing West Railway Station is mainly used for journeys to destinations including Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Xi’an, and other regions in the northwest and south.

Subway : The subway system in Beijing offers the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation. Currently, there are 16 subway lines and 1 dedicated airport line operational, providing coverage to major commercial areas and tourist attractions within and around the city. The subway operates from around 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, with slight variations in the schedule for each line. The fare for subway journeys starts at CNY 3 and is based on the distance traveled, with a maximum fare of CNY 7.

Bus : Beijing’s public bus system is highly developed, encompassing comprehensive routes. Buses generally operate between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm, with some routes extending until 11:00 pm. Additionally, 15 night buses continue to operate during late hours. On urban bus lines, the fare is typically CNY 1, except for buses whose numbers begin with “6” or above, which are charged based on the distance traveled. It’s important to swipe your transportation card when boarding and alighting the bus. Failure to swipe when getting off will result in the full fare being charged.

Taxi/Online Car-hailing : In the absence of subway and bus options, taking a taxi or utilizing online car-hailing services is a convenient choice in Beijing. The initial cost for a taxi ride within a 3-kilometer distance is CNY 14. The regular price per kilometer is CNY 2.3, and during nighttime, an additional 20% of the regular price per kilometer is charged.

🔥Tip : A helpful tip to note is that traffic congestion in Beijing, particularly during rush hour, can be quite severe. Hence, the subway is recommended for travel during these periods. It is important to avoid unlicensed taxis , as they tend to be exorbitantly priced. Official taxis in Beijing have license plates starting with “京 B.”

Beijing experiences distinct seasons, including hot and rainy summers and cold and dry winters. January is the coldest month, often with temperatures below 0°C, while July is the hottest, occasionally reaching nearly 40°C.

March-May : During the spring months of March to May, Beijing experiences a short and fluctuating season. The temperature alternates between rises and falls, and there are occasional dust storms. Despite these challenges, there are still pleasant and warm days in May to enjoy outdoor activities.

June-August : Beijing has a relatively brief but hot summer, with many days reaching high temperatures, particularly around noon, up to 40°C. However, the suburbs around Beijing offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Additionally, this period coincides with the summer vacation for Chinese students, leading to increased tourist activity.

⭐ September-November : Autumn is the most suitable season for traveling to Beijing . The temperature is pleasant, not too cold, and it is considered the most beautiful time of the year. From late October to early November, Fragrance Hill in Beijing is renowned for its red autumn leaves, attracting climbers and photography enthusiasts to flock to witness this breathtaking spectacle. It is also the best time to climb the Great Wall, showcasing the most beautiful scenery of the year.

December-February : Winter in Beijing is characterized by naked trees and very cold weather. However, it is also the liveliest time of the year , featuring bustling temple fairs from early December to mid-February. These fairs attract large crowds and create a vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect time to enjoy a hot pot of instant-boiled mutton and partake in a festive Chinese New Year celebration, adding to the charm of visiting Beijing during winter.

1. Explore the Forbidden City – One of the Best Places to Visit in Beijing

The Forbidden City, also called the Palace Museum, is a remarkable complex of ancient wooden structures, renowned as the world’s largest and best-preserved. It is also home to millions of invaluable cultural artifacts, constituting one-sixth of China’s total cultural relics.

When visiting Beijing, most first-time visitors prioritize a trip to the Forbidden City. The typical tour follows a specific route, starting at the Meridian Gate and progressing through the three main halls of the Outer Court including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony, then proceeding to the three main halls of the Inner Court consists of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and finally exploring the Western Six Palaces. The tour concludes by passing through the back of the Imperial Garden, visiting the Palace of Benevolent Peace and the Western Six Palaces, and exiting through the Gate of Divine Prowess.

The tour of the central axis, including the primary three halls, is the busiest but offers the best views along the way. It is recommended to have a guide who can provide detailed historical insights. For those wishing to avoid crowds, an alternative option is to bypass the main three halls and head directly to the east and west six palaces, where visitor numbers are significantly lower.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY60 | Nov to Mar: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 8:30-17:00 | Nov to Mar: 8:30-16:30; it is closed on Mondays, except for the Chinese statutory holidays. 🚇By subway: Take subway line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit B) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), and walk 900 meters to arrive

2. Glimpse the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is situated at the central point of Beijing’s north-south axis, adjacent to the Forbidden City to the south and Beihai Park to the west. It was once the tallest point in the city’s center. The park boasts a wide variety of impressive old trees and picturesque peaks with each hosting a lofty pavilion and a stunning array of peonies that bloom in May every year. The Wanchun Pavilion is recognized as the commanding peak on the central axis of Beijing, offering a commanding view of the Forbidden City and providing a panoramic view of the city.

Jingshan sits at a mere 43 meters above sea level, but it claims the title of the highest viewpoint in the vicinity of the Forbidden City. Tourists flock here every day to marvel at the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. However, not everyone is privy to the most stunning view of the palace. Timing is crucial! The optimal time to glimpse the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park is up until noon when the sun rays bathe the red walls and yellow tiles, resulting in a majestic and beautiful rosy red hue that surpasses the first-hand experience.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY2 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:00 – 21:00 | Nov to Mar: 06:30-20:00 🚍By bus: Take bus 5 or 58 and get off at Xibanqiao Station.

3. Explore the Beihai Park

Beihai Park, located in the heart of Beijing, is considered China’s most ancient, well-preserved, and historically significant classical royal garden. The park is divided into four distinct areas: the Eastern Shore Area, the Botanical Garden of Qiongdao, the Northern Shore Area, and Round City.

The Eastern Shore Area features courtyard-style gardens like Painted Boat Hall and Hao Pu Creek Garden (Haopujian), surrounded by tall pines and cypress trees, creating a charming naturalistic ambiance reminiscent of traditional southern gardens.

In the Northern Shore Area, from east to west, visitors can explore scenic spots such as Minor Western Heaven, Quieting Heart Room (Jingxin Room), Western Heaven Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, Chanfu Temple, and the Five-Dragon Pavilions. These structures blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings and offer breathtaking views of the lakeside. A notable landmark in Beihai Park is the White Pagoda, which is a Tibetan lama’s Pagoda.

The north gate of Beihai Park can be reached easily by taking subway Line 6, and both the north and south gates can be accessed by various bus routes. On the opposite side, you can find the iconic Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, while Shichahai is located next to the north gate.

Visitors can also observe local Beijing elders singing, dancing, and engaging in physical exercise, imparting an authentic and rich flavor of life to the park. While there are shops and restaurants within the park, they tend to be more expensive than those outside.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY10 | Nov to Mar: CNY5 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:30 – 21:00 | Nov to Mar: 06:30-20:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6 and get off at Beihai Bei Station, and get out from Exit B.

4. Visit the Temple of Heaven – A Sacred Place with Historical Significance

The Temple of Heaven was a sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held the Heaven Worship Ceremony to pray for abundant rainfall and a plentiful harvest . The complex is comprised of an outer and an inner section, separated by two encircling walls.

The Circular Mound Altar(Huanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven(Huangqiongyu), and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests(Qiniandian) are the most impressive buildings in the complex, arranged from south to north. Visitors can also appreciate the ingenious design of the Echo Walls and Three Echo Stones.

To make the most of your visit , the typical tour order begins at the South Gate and proceeds to the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Three Echo Stones, Danbi Bridge, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Palace of Abstinence, the Divine Music Administration, and exits through the North or East Gate.

The Temple of Heaven holds great historical significance and is definitely a must-visit destination. To ensure that you don’t miss out on the core parts of the temple, purchasing a combined ticket is advised . If time permits, it’s recommended to delve deeper into the park to enjoy its relaxing atmosphere and admire the ancient trees. Exiting from the North Gate is suggested, where you can find a Ciqikou bean juice shop across the street, offering authentic Beijing snacks at an affordable price. Taking the subway from the North Gate is also a convenient option.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY15 | Nov to Mar: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-22:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, and leave from Exit A

5. Witness the Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tian’anmen Square

As the largest square in the world , Tian’anmen Square is surrounded by several notable landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China on its west and east sides, respectively.

Continuing south of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall will lead you to ZhengYang Gate (also known as Qianmen). The Monument to the People’s Heroes is located in the center of the square, while Tiananmen Tower can be found on the opposite side of the square, on the north side of Chang’an Street, and nearby the sparkling Jinshui River. Daily, the flag-raising and lowering ceremony is held in a solemn manner at Tian’anmen Square, so it is highly recommended for newcomers to Beijing attend this important event.

The flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square takes place every day at a fixed time, regardless of weather conditions. During early summer, the ceremony takes place at 4 o’clock, while in winter, it is at 7 o’clock. If you miss the flag-raising, you can still witness the lowering ceremony in the afternoon at sunset. The flagbearers team is located inside Tiananmen Square and the training takes place outside the east side of the gate. You can observe the flagbearers practicing their swing posture up close.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Subway Station and walk about 333 meters

6. Visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, situated in Tian’anmen Square south of the Monument to the People’s Heroes, was erected as a tribute to Chairman Mao. Its construction was completed in 1977, and it has a sprawling area of more than 57,000 square meters, out of which the construction area is about 28,000 square meters.

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is the main building consisting of two floors. The roof of the hall is a double-eave roof that is supported by forty-four granite pillars on a large Burgundy granite base. The hall also has six memorial rooms and a movie theater. Every year, thousands of visitors come to pay their respects to Chairman Mao.

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall remains closed every Monday, but it is accessible to the public from Tuesday to Sunday during the morning hours between 8-12 PM. It is free to visit the hall upon presenting a valid ID, but visitors are required to undergo a security check. Kindly note that bags, cameras, water cups, and other items are not allowed inside and must be stored before entering. There is a long queue that typically forms during peak periods.

🚇By subway: Take subway line 1 to Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West Station, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is to the south.

7. Pay A Visit to the National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is the largest contemporary museum in the world , covering almost 200,000 square meters and boasting an extensive collection of over one million artifacts. The museum comprises five floors and 48 exhibition halls, making it one of the Chinese museums with the most extensive and diverse collections of cultural relics.

Its collection is comprehensive and spans a vast historical period, featuring a wide array of materials and forms such as tortoise shells, bronze ware, porcelain, jade, gold and silverware, coins, Buddhist sculptures, ancient books, calligraphy, imperial seals, paintings, Ming & Qing furniture, enamelware, glassware, silk goods, handicrafts, ethnic relics, folk relics, and revolutionary relics. The museum offers an exhaustive showcase of the country’s traditional and exquisite cultural heritage.

There are numerous galleries within the museum, but the Ancient China Gallery and the Ancient Chinese Bronze Art Gallery are both unmissable for those with a bit of background knowledge. While the staff are well-groomed and provide good service, it’s unfortunate that no tour brochures are available and the electronic interpreter only covers a portion of the cultural artifacts. However, visitors can take advantage of the professional free and volunteer interpreters present in the museum to gain significant knowledge and learn about a plethora of amazing treasures. Furthermore, to save time amongst the crowds, online appointments can be made before visiting the museum.

🎫Admission ticket: most galleries are free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, and leave from Exit A

8. Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution – Fans of Weapon Must See

Established in 1959, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution is situated on the extension of Chang’an Street, which is located west of Tiananmen Square. It is the only all-encompassing military history museum in China, boasting an exhibition area of almost 60,000 square meters and a construction area of around 159,000 square meters, showcasing an array of historical weapons, cultural relics, artworks, and gifts exchanged during foreign military alliances .

The grand building features an impressive 7 floors, including two wings of four stories each and a large military emblem at the top. The venue consists of 10 exhibition halls, which include the Ancient Wars Hall, and Weapons Hall, as well as two halls dedicated to the War of Liberation and Anti-Japanese War, among others.

If weaponry intrigues you, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution in Beijing is a must-see. This museum provides a miniature portrayal of China’s entire war history, from ancient to modern times, with detailed and well-crafted exhibits. The Anti-Japanese War display showcases a complete collection of weaponry, including a vast array of Chinese, American, and Japanese weapons.

The exhibit halls are arranged chronologically, from the shallow to the deep, making it easy to understand each weapon in a particular historical period. Additionally, there are many unique models and souvenirs available for purchase, making this a perfect destination for model enthusiasts. A single day may not be enough to fully explore everything the museum has to offer.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 9 and get off at Junshi Bowuguan (Military Museum) Station and get out from Exit A

9. Explore Another Museum at Capital Museum

The Capital Museum is a large and comprehensive museum in Beijing spanning over an area of 24,832 square meters with five floors above ground and two floors underground. The exhibition of the museum consists of three main components: Main Display, Fine Collection Display, and Temporary Exhibition. With 5622 cultural relics on display, visitors can see a range of items such as bronze ware, ceramic ware, Buddha statues, jade, gold and silver, coins, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, and more.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Muxidi Station, and get out from Exit C1.

10. Wander the YuYuanTan Park

This park in downtown Beijing is one of the largest and offers various picturesque spots, making it an ideal place for residents to unwind and take a leisurely walk. One of its most renowned attractions is the Cherry Garden , which boasts thousands of cherry trees imported from Japan. During the months of March and April, visitors can witness the stunning display of cherry blossoms that lasts for over a month.

Yuyuantan Park enjoys a convenient location with easy access through subway and bus transportation, and it generally doesn’t get overly crowded. However, the Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in April, tends to attract a large number of visitors, resulting in long ticket queues. During summer, visitors can enjoy boating and swimming in the park, while an ice festival takes place every winter, adding to the park’s diverse attractions.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-21:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Military Museum Station and enter from the northern side of China Millennium Monument

11. Stroll Qianmen Street

Qianmen Street is Beijing’s well-known shopping and sightseeing street situated on the central axis of the city, extending from the north end of the Archery Tower of Qianmen to the turning point of Tiantan Park in the south, covering roughly 845 meters. It was formerly called Zhengyangmen Street during the Ming and Qing Dynasties till the Republican era, and in 1965, it was officially renamed Qianmen Street.

The street boasts many renowned old-fashioned restaurants , including Quanjude, Donglaishun, Siji Minfu, and Yitiaolong, among others. While maintaining its original traditional and historic shops, new stores such as clothing department stores, food stores, and watch stores have also emerged. The street is worth a visit if one is interested in exploring Beijing’s heritage and culture.

Qianmen Street underwent renovations before the 2008 Olympic Games, and since then it has lost some of its former vibrancy and popularity. However, the street still boasts numerous old buildings adorned with archways, traditional brands, and red lanterns, providing a glimpse into old Beijing’s flavor- perfect for sightseeing and photo opportunities. While strolling along the pedestrian street, visitors can also opt for a small sightseeing trolley called Dang Dang Che, which spans several hundred meters and costs around CNY 20.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station and get out from Exit B or C.

12. Walk in Dashilar Street

Dashilar is a popular commercial street located in the central part of Beijing. Its total length is 275 meters from east to west, and it is an essential part of the south-central axis, situated south of Tian’anmen Square and on the west side of Qianmen Street. The street boasts numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options, along with time-famous brands, making it a go-to place to experience Beijing culture. In the past, it used to serve as Beijing’s center for entertainment, with various notable opera houses, teahouses, book shops, and the earliest cinema in Beijing’s history located there.

Situated in the heart of ancient Beijing lies an array of options for purchasing Beijing’s old objects and tasting the city’s famous delicacies in Liubiju, Rui Fu Xiang, and Quanjude. Dashilar boasts an exquisite display of traditional Chinese architecture, a popular spot for foreigners to capture memorable photographs. However, the current reality of modern times has commercialized the area, resulting in the appearance of modern signage that takes away from the charm of old Beijing.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station. Get out from Exit C and then walk south for about five minutes.

13. Enjoy Peking Duck at Quanjude

Beijing Quanjude is a legendary restaurant that has become an iconic symbol of Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its mouthwatering Peking duck . With a rich history spanning over 150 years, it has earned a reputation as one of Beijing’s must-visit culinary destinations.

Quanjude’s roast duck is a culinary masterpiece, boasting crispy skin and succulent meat, served with delicate pancakes, scallions, and a delectable hoisin sauce. The restaurant’s skilled chefs meticulously prepare the ducks using traditional techniques, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Over the years, Quanjude has welcomed countless dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, adding to its allure. Beyond the famous roast duck, Quanjude offers a range of delectable dishes that showcase the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine. It is truly a gastronomic delight that captures the essence of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

⏰Opening Hours: 11:00 – 14:00 16:30 – 21:00 📍Address: No.30 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District

14. Appreciate the Charm of Old Beijing at Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang, also known as South Gong and Drum Lane, is a historical and cultural landmark situated in Beijing. This 786-meter-long and 8-meter-wide alley is one of the oldest surviving hutongs in Beijing and is listed among the city’s 25 protected areas. It dates back to the time of the Yuan Dynasty and has the distinction of being the only well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Hutong courtyard structure. This historic residential area is truly remarkable due to its large scale and highest-grade checkerboard traditional layout.

Today, it features various specialty shops with different styles, elegant private houses, and restaurants that provide an exciting combination of old Beijing hutong and modern appeal . It now has become a fashionable hotspot in Beijing, blending modern elements with the historical essence of old Beijing. Anyone who wants to appreciate the quiet charm of old Beijing could visit the traditional courtyard dwellings on both sides of the road. These houses feature former residences of celebrities and historic buildings that can be explored.

Nanluoguxiang remains the most intact alley of conventional courtyard houses in Beijing. The majority of the courtyard residences in the hutong are private dwellings, which are not accessible for visiting. It is noteworthy that making sure to visit the Wenyu Nai Lao store to purchase cheese or yogurt is recommended. Nowadays, Nanluoguxiang is increasingly crowded with tourists, particularly during weekends and holidays; and many of the goods sold here are more expensive than anywhere else.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6/ Line 8 directly to Nanluogu Xiang

15. Taking a Stroll Down the Yandai Xiejie

Yandai Xiejie, which spans 232 meters in length, is renowned as the oldest commercial street in Beijing. During the Qing Dynasty, this street was primarily dedicated to selling cigarette sets, mounted calligraphy and painting, and jade artifacts. Its enigmatic name was inspired by its resemblance to a smoking pipe, with the eastern entrance being likened to a cigarette holder.

A trip down this avenue is a quintessential experience showcasing ancient customs , including Beijing paper-cut, sugar-blowing figures, and characteristic snacks. A range of local and traditional delicacies such as Yaoji fried liver, and roasted lamb prepared by Master Ji can be found in the vicinity, so don’t miss out!

The route to the street can be accessed by taking a leisurely walk from Nanluoguxiang, which is in close proximity to the street. It is quite narrow and is lined with small shops selling varying specialties. You can also come across numerous small souvenirs being sold, however, due to the flocks of people, waiting in line is almost inevitable for purchasing anything.

Taking a stroll down the street for a while can take you to Houhai which is quite bustling, especially during the evening hours. If you get tired walking, you can opt for a tricycle tour that is popular for hutong sightseeing.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai, get out of the station from Exit A2, and then walk west for 1 minute

16. Learn Chinese Cuisine at Black Sesame Kitchen

If you’re all about exploring different food cultures, then Black Sesame Kitchen is the spot for you! It’s been hailed as one of Asia’s finest by Miele Guide, guaranteeing you a truly unique experience. By day, the kitchen transforms into a hotspot for private Chinese cooking classes tailored to international folks. You can roll up your sleeves and learn the art of dumplings and noodles, among other tasty techniques. But here’s the deal: those classes are super popular, so snag your spot ahead of time. When evening rolls around, the restaurant switches gears and serves up a delicious set menu of Chinese dishes . It’s a fantastic chance to mingle with folks from all over the globe and delve deeper into Chinese cuisine and culture. And yes, you can totally make advance bookings for this culinary adventure.

⏰Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 📍Address: 28 Zhong Lao Hutong The Courtyard Institute, Dongcheng District

17. Admire the Serene Bell and Drum Tower

The Bell and Drum Tower is a group of ancient buildings located at the northern end of Beijing’s north-south central axis. It served as the time-telling center of the Han, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and played a crucial role in the city’s history . The pair of towers stand in the front and back and have an imposing and magnificent appearance. And This scale and height of the tower construction are unparalleled in the history of the urban bell and drum towers.

While the Bell and Drum Tower may not offer a multitude of sights, its modest size in comparison to other world cultural heritage sites in this imperial capital ensures a serene and tranquil experience for the few tourists from home and abroad who come to explore its historical significance.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY20 ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Guloudajie Station, walk 10 minutes to the tower

18. Enjoy A Night at Houhai Bar Street

Houhai stretches from Menwai Street in the east to Xinjiekou Street in the west and boasts of an ancient historical atmosphere that imbues the place with a mysterious color. The bars here are distinct and not excessively noisy , offering a unique cultural atmosphere and melodious singing that make for a modern urban alternative. To ensure the best clubbing experience here, it is advisable to avoid getting lost among the numerous choices and feeling embarrassed when rejecting a waiter’s warm greetings.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station and leave from Exit A2.

19. Visit Prince Gong Mansion – A Best-Preserved Imperial Mansion

Prince Gong Mansion also referred to as Gong Wang Fu in Chinese, is the most extensively conserved imperial mansion in China that comprises more than 30 buildings showcasing Western architecture and traditional garden designs. Its compact layout and distinct style have made it a remarkable place to visit.

Initially serving as the dwelling of Heshen, a Qing Dynasty official, the mansion witnessed the historical transition from the dynasty’s prosperity to its decline. The divided complex includes two parts – the mansion and the garden area . Within the mansion, there are multiple luxurious courtyard houses as the residential section, while the garden area located at the back of the mansion is called Jincui Yuan. Within the garden precinct, there are three unique features which include the Western-Style Gate, the Grand Theater House, and the ‘fu’ Stele, which are also known as the Three Uniqueness in Prince Gong Mansion.

The mansion from the Qing Dynasty boasts an artistic beauty that is just as impressive as that of the Forbidden City, showcasing some things that even the royal family doesn’t have. Currently, there are museum exhibitions that relate to Qing history. During spring, visitors can bask in the beauty of the garden, which boasts different types of blooming flowers.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6 to Beihai North and leave from Exit B

20. Go to See the Lama Temple – The Largest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Beijing

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is situated in the northeast corner of Beijing and is regarded as the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the area, widely visited by locals for worship . It spans a total area of 6.6 square meters, featuring more than one thousand temples that seamlessly blend various ethnic architectural styles such as Han, Manchu, and Mongolian.

The temple comprises five main buildings, including the Yonghe Gate Hall, the main hall Yonghe Gong, the Yongyou Hall, the Falun Hall, and Wanfu Pavilion, which stand apart in their specific courtyards. The height of the buildings lessens as one proceeds northwards.

Currently, the Lama Temple in Beijing has become the most prosperous religious site for praying for good fortune. Adjacent to the entrance gate, there is a small window that offers the free distribution of Buddha incense. It is strictly prohibited to take photographs of the Buddha statues within the temple premises. Visitors are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the temple.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY25 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 09:00 – 17:00 | Nov to Mar: 09:00-16:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong (Yonghe Temple) Station, get out of the station from Exit F

21. See the Confucius Temple and The Imperial College

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial College (Guozijian), constructed during the Yuan Dynasty, served as places of worship for emperors to Confucius and as the central government’s most prestigious institution of learning , respectively. Located symmetrically along the central axis, these two architectural complexes make up a magnificent and comprehensive display of ancient Chinese architecture.

Some of the key structures found in the Beijing Confucius Temple are the Xianshi Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongshengci (Worship Hall), with the Dacheng Hall being the holiest temple in the Confucian Temple. The Imperial College’s main building remains well-preserved after more than seven centuries and is currently the sole fully-preserved site of China’s highest ancient university.

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial College may not hold the status of being a world cultural heritage or a 5A scenic spot, but they are still worth a visit, especially for individuals who are interested in Chinese ancient architecture along with the history and culture. Not as crowded as the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace, one can find towering ancient trees and splendid temples inside, and the 14 stone stele pavilions from the Ming and Qing dynasties are highly valuable sources of historical information about ancient China. Visiting this place can provide a great insight into the tradition of honoring Confucius during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and one can also gain knowledge about the ancient education system’s highest university.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY30 ⏰Opening hours: May to Oct: 08:30 – 18:00 | Nov to Apr: 08:30 – 17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghegong Station, and get out from Exit G

22. Enjoy Coffee at Wudaoying Alley

Wudaoying Hutong is a notable hutong in Beijing with a length of a little over 600 meters. The buildings are in the Chinese style and feature mottled red paint that adds an aged feel to the area. The big red gate, gate pile, and drum-shaped bearing stone are juxtaposed with modern shops, signs, and advertisements, forming a strong contrast between Chinese and Western cultures.

It is now becoming a hub for young people in Beijing, with a plethora of creative shops, cafes, and boutiques to explore. The street is adjacent to an ordinary residential area, blending street life with the latest fashion trend. Though there aren’t many tourists here, it’s an excellent spot to grab a coffee and feel at peace.

Wudaoying Hutong, which is often frequented by young people and foreign tourists, can be included in an itinerary alongside The Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and The Imperial College Museum. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane), this location offers a quieter experience. The area boasts an array of cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, jewelry shops, and clothing stores. It is known that many of the shop owners here are expatriates and returnees.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Station, get out of the station from Exit F

23. Stroll Around Ditan Park

Ditan Park, alternatively referred to as the Temple of Earth, holds the position of being the second of the five altars present in Beijing. It was a place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties offered sacrifices to the “imperial deities” and still remains the most substantial sacrificial altar in China . The ancient trees within the premises are worth admiring, especially during autumn when the ginkgo trees turn golden, and the place is relatively less crowded. Additionally, every Spring Festival, a bustling temple fair takes place, which showcases a sacrificial performance resembling the Qing Dynasty and displays the grandeur of its ceremonies.

The size of the Temple of Earth may not be huge but it has a relatively high number of vegetation covered with a variety of old trees. During the autumn season, many photographers visit there to capture the beauty of the ginkgo leaves in shades of yellow. People also gather there to perform various activities such as singing, dancing, and playing guitar. Overall, it’s a tranquil location.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY2 ⏰Opening hours: May to Oct: 06:00 – 21:30 | Nov to Apr: 06:00-20:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Subway Line 5 to Yonghegong Station and get out from Exit A

24. Find Art at 798 Art District

The 798 Art District is situated in the northeast part of Beijing and is referred to as the Dashanzi Art District, situated in the Dashanzi zone. Art enthusiasts will find solace in this old, converted factory that showcases various contemporary and innovative artistic expressions from around the world, including art exhibitions, galleries, photography, clay sculpture, coffee, bars, graffiti, boutiques, design studios, and art performances. Additionally, it hosts significant international art exhibitions, art events, and fashion shows.

🎫Admission ticket: Free; some galleries and exhibition halls sell admission tickets ⏰Opening hours: The art district is open all day long. Most shops and galleries inside are open from 10:00 to 18:00 and some may close on Monday 🚍By bus: Take bus 401, 402, 405, 418, 445, 973, 988, 991 or Fast Transit Line 117 to Wangyefen Station or Dashanzi Lukou Nan Station

25. Purchase Second-hand Goods at Panjiayuan Flea Market

Beijing Panjiayuan Flea Market, established in 1992, is the most extensive and well-known market for second-hand goods and curios in China . It covers 48,500 square meters and is situated in the southeast corner of Beijing’s Third Ring Road, Chaoyang district. Stores are open every day, while street stalls are only available on weekends.

If you happen to be a collector or enthusiast of Chinese antiques, crafts, or collectibles, then you might want to consider visiting this marketplace. The best time to drop by is on Saturdays and Sundays as there is a wider selection of items on offer. You can find cultural relics, paintings and calligraphy, the four treasures of the study, pearl, and agate, Beijing Opera facial masks, porcelain wood, furniture crafts, and other collections here. However, be cautious when making any purchases as there are many counterfeit goods being sold. Make sure to carefully examine the items, compare prices, and choose your sellers wisely to avoid being taken advantage of.

⏰Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00-17:30 | Sat to Sun: 04:30-17:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 10 to Panjiayuan Station and leave from Exit B

26. Visit Beijing Olympic Park

The Olympic Park in Beijing is situated at the north end of the central axis of Beijing, spreading over an area of 11.59 square kilometers. The most iconic landmarks of the park include the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube , which are located in the southern part and are representative of the Beijing Olympics; The Beijing National Indoor Stadium is one of the three main venues for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, its shape resembles an unfolded folding fan, and adjacent to the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”.

The Olympic Forest Park , the most extensive urban park in Beijing, is situated north of the Olympic Park and is now a natural scenic getaway for the city’s residents. The Sunken Garden , composed of seven courtyards with elements of Chinese culture, effectively showcases China’s cultural heritage in a modern context.

The southern section of the Olympic Park features a diverse range of natural beauty, such as lakes, woodlands, hills, and wetlands, across the entire park, conveniently located near the subway station. The lakeside is a popular spot for people to relax, read books, and watch movies, while many joggers can be seen on the jogging paths. Visitors can rent bikes or electric scooters to explore the lake’s surrounding scenery. Despite being busier on weekends, the park’s vast size ensures it never feels overcrowded.

🚇By subway: Take Line 8 or 15 to Beijing Olympic Park and leave from Exit B

27. Stop by Silk Street

Silk Street, also known as Xiushui Street, is a popular shopping market situated in the Chaoyang District of the city, which is close to the international CBD business district. It is considered the most influential worldwide tourist shopping mall in China and is on par with the renowned Great Wall and Forbidden City tourist attractions.

In 2005, the “Silk Street” was replaced with a new “Silk Street” department store, spanning over an area of 28,000 square meters and containing 1,500 stalls. The store sells a diverse range of ethnic products including silk, fine clothes, pearls, tea, handicrafts, and Chinese food such as Quanjude roast duck. Silk Street attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from dignitaries and their wives to international sports stars, which emphasizes its unique position as a leading international market in China.

In fact, the New Silk Road retains the form of the old market’s shopping street while featuring a wider range of specialty products and longer shopping hours. The vendors communicate in English, utilize calculators, and haggle with foreign traders. And multitudes of merchants remain active and diligent.

⏰Opening hours: 9:30-21:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Yonganli

28. Go Shopping in Taikoo Li Sanlitun

Taikoo Li Sanlitun, which covers an area of about 61,014 square meters and consists of 30 independent buildings, is now known as an ultimate destination for fashion trends in Beijing . The site offers a wide range of facilities including shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment, which are divided into three areas: South, North, and West Districts.

Taikoo Li South hosts the largest Adidas brand center in the world as well as the first Apple Store in China, both of which attract a large number of young people who are interested in limited-edition releases. Meanwhile, Taikoo Lee North is the home of many international luxury brands, creative and cutting-edge designer stores, and art galleries.

Sanlitun is a unique area in Beijing where ordinary and extravagant lifestyles come together to create a melting pot of culture and indulgence. It is a popular spot among young people on weekends as it offers a diverse range of experiences, from high-end fashion brands and luxury goods to local street food and upscale Western-style Chinese cuisine. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee at a quiet cafe or unwind at a smoky bar. All in all, Sanlitun is a confluence of diverse elements that must not be missed.

🚇By subway: Take subway line 10, get off at Tuanjiehu Station, and exit from A

29. Enjoy Your Nightlife at Sanlitun Bar Street

Sanlitun is the answer to the question of where to find Beijing’s liveliest nightlife, especially for those who are fashionable and enjoy the high-end atmosphere. Being close to the embassy district, it’s common for foreigners to frequent the area. Sanlitun bar street offers a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to different tastes like wine bars, gay bars, and music bars. However, visitors should be aware that prices in Sanlitun can be quite costly.

30. Do Half-day Trip to the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, which is situated in the western parts of Beijing, China, holds the distinction of being the largest and best-preserved royal park in the country , spanning an area of approximately 290 hectares. This heritage site was added to the World Heritage List in 1998.

The palace has three main areas, namely, a political center focused around the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the emperor’s living quarters consisting of the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity, and the scenic tourist area of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace has a small purple “waterfall” with thin vines adorned with purple blooms, creating a romantic and charming view.

To fully explore the vast Summer Palace, set aside approximately five hours on foot. Begin at the East Palace Gate, prioritizing visits to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, as well as the Garden of Virtue and Harmony—spaces where the emperor worked and entertained. Nearby, well-proportioned attics housed the emperor and concubines. Continue along the Long Corridor, leading to the Tower of Buddhist Incense Pavilion. If fatigue sets in, consider taking a boat to Suzhou Street, exiting through the North Palace Gate. Alternatively, keep walking the Long Corridor to the West Causeway, modeled after the Su Causeway. Follow the lake path, eventually reaching the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Finally, exit through the new palace gate or continue north toward the East Palace Gate.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY30 | Nov to Mar: CNY20 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:30 – 18:00 | Nov to Mar: 07:00 – 17:00 🚇By subway: Take line 4 to Beigongmen, and exit from D

31. Explore the Ruins of Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace, which consists of Yuanmingyuan(the Old Summer Palace), Wanchunyuan(the Garden of Blossoming Spring), and Changchunyuan(the Garden of Eternal Spring), was a significant imperial palace of the Qing Dynasty for over 150 years. Unfortunately, the main constructions were burned down by the Anglo-French Allied Force in 1860, and today only the wreckage remains as a reminder of its past imperial glory.

Wanchunyuan is the smallest garden with many small attractions and pavilions scattered throughout. Nowadays, it is mainly used as the venue for the annual Lotus Festival in Yuanmingyuan. Changchunyuan boasts large-scale waterscapes and the Great Fountain Ruins (Dashuifa) is the most comprehensively conserved ruins in the area.

The Old Summer Palace appears to be less attractive in reality than it is described in the book. There are ruins and broken walls as far as the eye can see, and despite repairs, weeds and stones still occupy the area. The destruction of Yuanmingyuan was heavily influenced by the materials used for construction at that time, with the wooden houses consumed by the fire.

The ruins park may not be visually stunning, but it can create a significant psychological impact on people due to the ruins . What once was the magnificent Garden of Gardens, now lies in ruins and holds little beauty in its current state.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: May to Aug: 07:00-19:00 | Apr, Sep, and Oct: 07:00-18:00 | Nov to Mar: 07:00-17:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Yuanmingyuan Station, and get out from Exit B

32. Admire the Charm of the Fragrant Hills Park

Xiangshan Park, also known as Fragrant Hills Park, is located in the western suburbs of Haidian District, Beijing. It is a famous forest park and an imperial garden with a long history. In ancient times, emperors would come here to hunt and keep cool during the summer. It is a famous maple leaves landscape area in Beijing. Every autumn, the maple leaves all over the mountains are as red as flames.

The best viewing season is from mid-October to early November, which lasts about a month. Famous scenic spots are Bright Temple (Zhao Miao), a large and attractive building with Tibetan temple style, and quaint courtyard with Jiangnan characteristics –Study of Reading Heart (Jianxin Zhai), Chairman Mao Zedong and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stationed earliest living and office place – Shuangqing Villa.

The annual Red Leaves Festival , which runs from mid-October to mid-November, attracts tourists from all over the country. But catching up with the peak of weekend tourism can be really a sea of people. If you want to come here, you need to arrange both the time and the route. There are two options for going up the mountain: cable car and walking, you can walk up to the top can enjoy the scenery first, and then go down with the cable car is not too bad for the knees.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Nov 15: CNY10 | Nov 16 to Mar: CNY5 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00 – 19:30 🚍By bus: Take bus 563, 318, 360, or 698 and get off at Xiangshan Station

33. Hiking the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a remarkable architectural feat that spans approximately 13,000 miles. It was constructed over several centuries to defend China against invasions. The wall varies in age, with some sections dating back over 2,000 years. It is made of various materials, such as stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood. The wall’s purpose extended beyond defense, serving as a transportation route, a symbol of national unity, and an engineering masterpiece. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views and insights into China’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Hiking the Badaling Great Wall Section

Badaling is a renowned section of the Great Wall of China, located in the Yanqing District of Beijing. It is widely recognized as one of the most well-preserved and popular segments of the Great Wall . Known for its beautiful scenery and steep terrain, Badaling offers a captivating experience for visitors.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Badaling served as a crucial military fortification, protecting the northern borders of China. Stretching approximately 7.6 kilometers, it features a series of watchtowers, beacon towers, and defensive walls that wind their way along rugged mountain ridges.

Since its opening to the public, Badaling has attracted countless tourists from around the world. In 1988, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance. Over the years, extensive restoration work has been carried out to preserve its original grandeur.

Visitors to Badaling can embark on an awe-inspiring journey by walking along the ancient walls, exploring the watchtowers, and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. For those who prefer a more convenient option, there is a cable car that transports visitors to the highest point of the Wall, providing stunning panoramic vistas without the need for strenuous hiking.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY40 | Nov to Mar: CNY35 ⏰Opening hours: 06:30 – 14:30

How to Get to Badaling Great Wall

• Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station, located near Jishuitan Subway Station on Line 2. The bus operates from early morning until late evening, with a travel time of about 2 hours. The fare is approximately CNY 12.
• Take the Tourist Bus Line 1, which departs from the southwest of Qianmen Arrow Tower. This bus will take you to the Badaling Guntiangou Parking Lot. The payment fee is CNY20 in cash per person. The estimated duration for a one-way journey is around 100 minutes.

Hiking Juyong Pass Great Wall Section

Juyongguan, also known as Juyong Pass, is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the Changping District of Beijing. It is one of the three most famous mountain passes of the Great Wall , along with Jiayuguan in the west and Shanhaiguan in the east.

One of the notable features of Juyongguan is its steep terrain, which makes it a natural defensive position. The pass is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and its narrow valley is flanked by steep cliffs. To enhance its defensive capabilities, various fortifications were built along the pass, including watchtowers, gates, and beacon towers. These structures provided both defensive functions and served as signaling stations for communication along the Great Wall.

The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall is also renowned for its architectural beauty. It features several well-preserved structures, such as the Cloud Platform (Yun Tai), which is a marble terrace built during the Ming Dynasty. This platform served as a base for ceremonies and provided a vantage point to observe the surrounding landscapes.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY40 | Nov to Mar: CNY35 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚍By bus: Take bus line 883 or 919 from Deshengmen West or Deshengmen to Nankou Lukou South or Nankou Lukou North. Then, change to bus line Chang 20 to Juyongguan Great Wall.

Hiking Mutianyu Great Wall Section

Located in Huairou County, approximately 70 km northeast of central Beijing, the Mutianyu Great Wall is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and remarkable preservation. This section of the Great Wall stands out as one of the most picturesque and sought-after destinations for both local and international tourists , offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Stretching across a length of about 2.5 kilometers, the Mutianyu Great Wall claims the title of the longest segment of the Great Wall in China. It boasts an impressive array of features, including 22 watchtowers and three primary defensive barriers, among them a moat designed to deter potential intruders from approaching the wall.

Upon reaching the Mutianyu Great Wall, visitors have various options to explore this magnificent structure. They can choose to hike along the wall, opt for a cable car ride , or even embark on an exhilarating toboggan descent. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along water and snacks, as the dining options on the wall itself are limited.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚍By bus: Take the bus from Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station and get off at Mutianyu’s Parking Lot P1. The bus operates from 8:30 am, with a travel duration of about 1.5 to 2 hours. The fare is roughly CNY 30.

Hiking Jiankou Great Wall Section

Jiankou Great Wall is renowned for its challenging nature and is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Great Wall to hike . Its steep and treacherous segments add to its reputation. The name “Jiankou” derives from its resemblance to an arrow, with the collapsed ridge forming the arrow nock. This segment is also home to noteworthy landmarks, including the “Eagle Flies Facing Upward” watchtower and the “Beijing Knot.” Although Jiankou Great Wall is not as well-preserved as other parts, it remains a favored destination for adventurous hikers and history enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that due to its rugged terrain and limited safety measures, hiking Jiankou Great Wall is recommended only for experienced hikers equipped with proper gear and precautions .

🚍By bus: Take bus line 916 Express at Dongzhimen Transit Hub. After approximately 1-1.5 hours, alight at Yangjiayuan. From there, head north on foot until you reach a crossing, then make a right turn and board the H25 bus to reach the Xizhazi Village West stop.

Hiking Jinshanling Great Wall Section

Explorers of the Jinshanling Great Wall can embark on a hike along the wall while relishing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. This section of the Great Wall extends approximately 10.5 kilometers and boasts an impressive collection of 67 watchtowers. It is revered as one of the most well-preserved segments, attracting hikers and tourists alike.

During the autumn, Jinshanling Great Wall showcases its awe-inspiring beauty as the foliage of the surrounding trees transitions into vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange, creating a picturesque landscape. This time of year is particularly favored for visiting. Additionally, the wall offers an enchanting setting for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset when the wall radiates a golden glow.

Jinshanling Great Wall is renowned for its challenging hiking trails, featuring steep inclines and rugged terrain . Due to these challenging features, it is not advisable for families with young children or elderly individuals. However, for those who are up for the adventure, it promises an unforgettable experience.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY65 | Nov to Mar: CNY55 ⏰Opening hours: 6:00 – 17:30 🚍By tourist bus: Between mid-March and mid-November, a tourist bus departs at 7:40 am from Beijing’s Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station, returning from Jinshanling at 16:00 pm. Tickets cost around CNY 120.

34. Come to Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs encompass the burial sites of thirteen Ming Dynasty emperors and rank among China’s most expansive and significant imperial mausoleum complexes. Presently, only the Changling Tomb, Dingling Tomb, Zhaoling Tomb, and Sacred Way are accessible to the public. The entire scenic area is a harmonious whole, with each mausoleum functioning as an independent unit and strategically situated in front of a mountain. Among the thirteen tombs, the Changling Tomb holds significant prominence as it was the first constructed and serves as the tomb of the third Ming Dynasty Emperor. It boasts the distinction of being the largest, most original, and well-preserved tomb among the 13 Ming Tombs. The Changling Museum exhibits a wide range of unearthed relics, including the phoenix crown, the civilian official’s top hat, jade belt, and hairpins, offering a captivating display. In addition to exploring the historical aspects, it is recommended to visit the Zhaoling Tomb and take a leisurely stroll along the Sacred Way. The Sacred Way features captivating stone statues, while the Zhaoling area provides a serene and less crowded environment, ideal for peaceful walks.

🎫Combo Ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY130 | Nov to Mar: CNY100 (four open tombs) ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 08:30 – 17:00 | Nov to Mar: 08:30 – 16:30 🚇By subway: Take the Changping Line subway to Changping Dongguan Station. From there, transfer to bus 314, which will take you directly to Changling or Dingling.

MOST LUXURY : Mandarin Oriental Hotel (⭐️ 9.6) This upscale hotel offers tranquility amidst the bustling city and provides stunning sunset views of the Forbidden City from its Mandarin room. It excels in all aspects, including considerate service, outstanding facilities, superb dining options, and a relaxing spa, making it highly recommended.

BEST CULTURAL ARCHITECTURE : Manxin Courtyard Hotel (⭐️ 9.8) This hotel is perfectly situated and resembles Beijing’s Hutongs, featuring narrow passages leading to open courtyards and guest houses. Amidst the busy ambiance, it offers a tranquil traditional luxury. The service is exceptional. You can enjoy tea and capture moments in the courtyard.

MID-RANGE PICK: Crystal Orange Hotel(⭐️ 9.6) This highly affordable hotel boasts an excellent location near Wangfujing shopping street and within walking distance of the Forbidden City. It’s conveniently situated right across the subway entrance. The rooms, though not spacious, are well-kept and clean. Additionally, the hotel provides free luggage delivery.

TOP BUDGET PICK : Atour Light Hotel(⭐️ 9.4) Atour Light, China’s leading humanistic hotel, charms with its serene color scheme, artful decor, and wooden floors. Guests enjoy custom mattresses, smart room controls, and cityscape views. United Park is a multifunctional public space that combines a coffee bar and reading area.

To maximize your Beijing experience, plan your itinerary strategically, prioritizing popular attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds. Prepare for variable weather by packing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and an umbrella. Engage with locals for authentic experiences and explore lesser-known neighborhoods for hidden gems. Respect local customs, indulge in Beijing’s diverse cuisine, and savor every moment of your journey. With these tips, your Beijing adventure will be truly remarkable.

🎫Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

🤔 Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?

In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.

📲 Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?

Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online .

🔮 Should I buy China travel insurance?

Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.

🚙 Can you rent a car in China?

Unfeasible . Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.

✈️ What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?

I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.

🏡 What is the best way to book hotels in China?

Not only does Trip offer a wider range of flight options, but it also provides a greater selection of hotels to choose from. Moreover, Agoda is a reliable resource for hotels throughout Asia.

🎒What do I pack for China?

Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops.   Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.

📚 Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?

Yes . If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.

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26 AWESOME Things to Do in Beijing, China (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From exploring the Forbidden City to walking along the famous Great Wall of China, here is our list of the absolute best things to do in Beijing. 

Welcome to one of the most awe-inspiring, mind-blowing and just plain crazy cities on the face of the earth.

Beijing has everything: history, culture, stunning scenery, food and a healthy dose of culture shock.

I first visited Beijing back in 2008 just before the Beijing Olympics and I loved it so much that I returned in 2011 and lived there for over 7 years.

It became my home in a way I never imagined and to this day it is still my favourite city in the world.

There are so many awesome things to do, that you will be spoilt for choice. 

Beijing is a city that has changed constantly throughout its history.

Walls, palaces and temples have been knocked down and replaced as the city grew from a small settlement to one of the largest cities on earth.

Beijing’s history is intertwined with the story of China.

The city was a great power until the industrial revolution when the colonial powers came knocking on China’s door demanding it open for trade.

At this point, Beijing was the seat of power, and the Forbidden City was the centre of the known universe and the heart of one of the largest empires on earth.

Over the course of the 1800’s China and Beijing’s fortunes reversed.

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive China travel guide if you’re planning a visit!

Wars, unequal treaties and poor governance lead to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and Imperial China.

What followed was the Civil War, the Japanese invasion and more Civil War.

Beijing was at the centre of this change and strife. So it was fitting that in 1949 Chairman Mao’s People Liberation Army marched into Beijing and Mao himself stood atop the gate of heavenly peace saying the Chinese people had stood up.

The Peoples Republic of China was formed and power was back in Beijing.

As China continues it’s rapid ascension to the upper echelons of the geopolitical tower this only enhances the importance, power and prestige of Beijing. 

Table of Contents

1) See The Flag-Lowering Ceremony At Tiananmen Square 

2) visit chairman mao’s mausoleum, 3) check out the forbidden city , 4) take a relaxing wander around jingshan park, 5) get lost wandering around the national museum of china, 6) visit the lamma temple , 7) escape the crowds at the confucius temple and imperial college, 8) take a wander around xiangshan, 9) be amazed by the summer palace, 10) wander around the ruins of the old summer palace , 11) visit tianyi’s mausoleum, 12) be amazed by the stunning frescos at fahai si, 13) see where many historians say world war 2 started , 14) take a wander through the city’s hutongs , 15) check out some awesome art in 798, 16) explore the temple of heaven, 17) get stuck into some square dancing, 18) eat real peking duck (北京烤鸭), 19) find all manner of awesome stuff at the panjiayuan antiques market, 20) get a foot massage, 21) take a wander down the foreign legation quarter , 22) get stuck into bargaining around xidan, 23) throw down some baijiu, 24) explore one of beijing’s many hidden temples, 25) take a trip to stunning cuandixia, 26) visit the great wall of china, best hostel in beijing – peking international youth hostel, best accommodation for couples in beijing – ming courtyard hotel, best mid-range accommodation in beijing – the emperor, best luxury accommodation in beijing – the orchid, beijing classics , hot pot (火锅), crawfish (小龙虾), beijing bbq (北京烤肉), roast lamb leg (烤羊腿), chuan’er (串), the best things to do in beijing.

There is no other city in the world like Beijing.

From some of the most impressive structures ever built in the ancient world to the hutongs (胡同 narrow alleyways) that are the city’s heart and soul, this is a city of contradictions, chaos and a healthy dollop of China. 

Beijing is most famous for the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Hutongs.

However, there are plenty of other cool things to do here, so enjoy our list of awesome things to do in Beijing. 

Not sure what to do in Beijing? Then start with a visit to Tiananmen square.

For many, this is what first springs to mind when anyone thinks of China’s capital.

This gargantuan public square (the seventh-largest in the world) is flanked by the National Museum of China on one side and the Great Hall of the People (the building that hosts various meetings and events of the Communist Party) on the other. 

Every day the Chinese flag is risen at sunrise and lowered at sunset.

Either of these times is atmospheric. However, the sunset is particularly beautiful.

As the sky darkens the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are lit up.

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Beijing. 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East on Line 1 
• Opening Hours: Flag raising to flag lowering. Therefore if you watch the flag-lowering ceremony, you will watch it from the roads next to the square itself. 

Located in the centre of Tiananmen Square is Chairman Mao ’s Mausoleum.

To get onto Tiananmen Square itself you will need to bring your passport and go through a bag check.

The lines to get in and pay your respects can be very long, especially during national holidays. During this time it can seem like this is the most popular Beijing attraction.

Going earlier in the day can usually avoid this.

You cannot take camera’s in, and they are very strict about it. However, this rule may change.

Again, to get in you will need to show your passport and have your bag checked. Shorts, flip flops and vests are not permitted. 

You can purchase flowers to show your respects if you would like.

As you pass through be silent and do not stop walking. When you exit the mausoleum you will be at the south end of Tiananmen Square, so you a stone’s throw from exploring the Qianmen area.

Be prepared to be offered all kinds of Mao memorabilia.

• Nearest Subway: Qianmen or Tiananmen East
• Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

READ MORE: If you’re visiting China, make sure you check out Mount Huashan , the world’s most dangerous hike!

If you’re wondering what to do in Beijing, then you can’t miss this…

Welcome to one of Beijing’s, and indeed China’s, most stunning historical destinations.

From 1368 – 1911 this was the home of 24 emperors and the centre of the Chinese world.

Make no mistake the Forbidden City is huge. Inside is a mixture of palaces, courtyards, temples, gardens and museums.

The sheer size and majesty are overwhelming and it’s hard to believe this it’s over 600 years old. This is definitely a must-do in Beijing.

You can only book tickets online so as the number of visitors can be controlled.

You will need to bring your passport with you as this is the ID you use when booking your tickets. 

Do be aware that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays and can be particularly busy during national holidays.

Even with the crowds, this is definitely a Beijing must-see . 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm from April to October, and 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from November to March. Closed on Mondays.
• Cost: 60 Yuan

At the northern end of the Forbidden City (the exit), you will find Jingshan Park.

If you’re looking for some excellent views of the Forbidden City then this is the place to come.

Sunset is particularly nice and is certainly one of the top things to do in Beijing.

However, for convenience, you could just visit this park straight after visiting the Forbidden City. It would certainly be a nice change of pace from the crowds and chaos nestled within the walls of the Forbidden City.

• Nearest Subway: It’s probably Beihaibei on line 6, but it’s a fair trek away. You will be better off getting a bus if you are coming here directly and not coming from the Forbidden City. For anything bus-related, you will need to download Baidu Ditu , the Google Maps of China.
• Opening Hours: April to October: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm, ticket sale ends at 8:30 pm. November to March: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm, ticket sale ends at 7:30 pm
• Cost: 2 Yuan

Located on the eastern edge of Tiananmen Square is the phenomenal Museum of China.

Bring your passport and expect long queues to get in.

There is a lot to see here and the English captions are generally very good throughout. 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East on line 1 or Qianmen on line 2
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets are issued until 3:30 pm and the last entry is 4:00 pm. 

This spectacular Tibetan Buddhist Temple is a central pillar of the Buddhist world in Beijing.

It certainly one of the most spectacular Tibetan temples outside of China’s far-flung Himalayan province.

There are a couple of interesting museums inside that are well worth checking out. 

If you’re here during a major holiday there is a good chance that the temple will be chock full of worshippers coming and lighting incense.

With 3 stunning archways, 5 main halls that grow in size and a giant prayer wheel it’s easy to see why this is such a focal point for Buddhism in Beijing.

• Nearest Subway: Yonghegong (Lamma Temple) on line 2 and 5. 
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm from April to October and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from November to March.
• Cost: 25 Yuan

Nestled in the hutongs to the west of the Lamma Temple you will find the Confucius Temple.

Head down Guozijian from the Lamma Temple and you will soon see it on your right-hand side. 

This is the site of the second-largest Confucian Temple in China. (The largest temple is in the great philosopher’s hometown of Qufu in Shandong.)

It has an almost ethereal atmosphere as if time has stood still.

Upon stepping over the threshold the sights, sounds and smells of a city of 20 million or so people disappear.

As well as being a homage to Confucius himself, this was also the site of the Imperial Examinations.

Passing these guaranteed wealth, status and life in the government during the time of Imperial China.

These tests focused on the candidates’ knowledge of the classics and literary style, not technical expertise, which as you can imagine lead to more than few issues before the Imperial Examination system was abolished in 1905.

Students would be tested in 1.5-metre cells over the course of 3 days.

Within the temple grounds, you will find the 13  Confucian classics written on 190 stelae, all 630,000 characters worth. 

•   Nearest Subway: Yonghegong (Lamma Temple) line 2 and line 5.
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (sales end at 5:30 pm) from May to October. From November to April its 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (sales end at 4:30 pm).
• Cost: 30 Yuan.

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our guide on how to spend 3 days in Chengdu !

Literally translated as ‘fragrant hills’ in English, this spectacular park out in Beijing’s north-west is home to some lovely views, great walking trails and a memorial hall dedicated to Sun Yat-Sen, the man who founded the Republic of China after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. 

With its own stop on the Beijing subway system, Xiangshan is easier to visit than ever.

Head up to the parks highest point, Xianglu Peak for some lovely views out over western hills.

From here you can hike further into the hills to escape the crowds if you wish.

This spot is very popular in autumn as Beijingers flock to view the hills become splashed with red and orange. 

Between the entrance and Xianglu Peak, there are a variety of trails, pathways pavilions and temples that snake their way up to the parks highest point.

Make sure you check out Zhao Miao (Zhao temple) as well.

Close to the north gate of Xiangshan is the Azure Clouds Temple (Biyun Temple) which costs 10 Yuan and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Here you can visit the memorial hall of Dr Sun Yat Sen, one of the most important and revered figures in Chinese history. 

• Nearest subway station: Xiangshan on the western suburban line. From here it’s just under 1km to the park entrance. 
• Opening hours: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm – April to June and September to mid-November. 6:00 am – 7:00 pm July to August. 6:00 am – 6:00 pm mid-November to March.
• Cost: Park and Biyun Temple – 15 Yuan from April to mid-November and 14 Yuan outside of that. 

Way out in Western Beijing, close(ish) to Xiangshan, is the stunning Summer Palace.

This was built by the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century with the help of 100,000 labourers.

After the Summer Palace was badly damaged by British and French forces, the Empress Dowager Cixi began a major refit in 1888.

However, the money that she used for this refit was originally destined for the Chinese navy.

After China’s crushing defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War 1894-95, this act of corruption certainly came to the fore. 

After the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace fell into a state of disrepair and an overhaul began upon the formation of the PRC in 1949. 

Longevity Hill offers some stunning views over Kunming Lake and then snakes down through a number of Pagodas and pavilions giving you a true insight into the opulence of Imperial China.

After exploring the Longevity Hill area head out towards Kunming lake.

Be under no illusions, Kunming Lake is pretty large so it’s certainly not a short walk.

However there a number of gorgeous bridges that are well worth checking out. The pick of these being the 17-Arch Bridge . 

On a clear day, this really is one of the best things to do in Beijing, with views from the top of Longevity Hill stretching right the back into Central Beijing. 

• Nearest subway: Xiyuan on line 4 
• Opening hours: April to October – 6:30 am to 6:00 pm and November to March – 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
• Cost: April to October – 60 Yuan and November to March 50 Yuan.

The Old Summer Palace is actually the former site of the Imperial Gardens.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the site was burnt and looted by British and French forces.

Numerous artworks were stolen and can now be found in 47 museums around the world.

At over 800 acres in size, it took 4,000 men 3 days to burn it to the ground. 

The Great Fountain Ruins are some of the best-preserved and offer the opportunity to reimagine the gardens at the grandest and most spectacular.

The gardens are home to numerous pavilions, temples and lakes.

There are also some excellent exhibits focusing on the history of the Old Summer Palace. 

• Nearest subway station:  Yuanmingyuan on line 4. 
• Opening hours: May to August – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. April, September and October – 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. January, February, March, November and December – 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Cost: 10 Yuan, with additional costs for other exhibitions and sites. 

Way out in Beijing’s Babaoshan district is the home of two of cities most off the beaten track destinations. 

Tianyi was a eunuch that was castrated at the age of 9 and went on to serve in the imperial court for 63 years.

Upon his death, the emperor demanded 3 days of mourning and ordered the creation of the mausoleum.

As well as being a monument to the life of Tianyi, there are also some excellent exhibits discussing the importance of eunuchs in Imperial China. A rather gruesome, yet fascinating area of Chinese history.

This is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Beijing and one that is very much off the beaten track.

• Nearest subway station: Take line 1 all the way to Pingguoyuan, and then take bus 116, 396, 336 or 972 to Shougangxiaoqu ( 首钢小区 ). 
• Opening times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Cost: 8 Yuan. 

A short walk from Tianyi’s Mausoleum is the stunning Fahai Si (Fahai Temple).

It what’s inside the temple that is most notable; its stunning Buddhist frescos.

Due to the sensitivity of the paintings, the doors are kept closed and you need to go with a tour that can be arranged when you have arrived.

Safe to say they are stunning, although the tour is in Mandarin. You can just enter to look around the temple grounds itself as well.  

• Nearest subway station: Same as for Tanya’s mausoleum. 
• Opening times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed on Mondays. 
• Cost: 20 Yuan to enter the temple grounds, 100 Yuan to combine this with a tour of the frescos.

Another trip out to Beijing’s far western suburbs will take you to the Marco Polo Bridge and the small fortified town of Wanping .

It was here in 1937 that the Imperial Japanese Army demanded to enter Wanping to search for a missing soldier.

When this was refused they opened fire. Crucially, things did not calm down after this incident as had been the case in previous skirmishes across Manchuria.

It leads to a full-blown invasion of China by the Imperial Japanese Army.

Hence why it is this point that is considered the beginning of the second Sino-Japanese War and thus, by extension, World War Two.

The Chinese forces held Wanping and the Japanese forces surrounded them and crossed the famous Marco Polo Bridge.

This name comes from the fact it was included in Marco Polos famous travel diaries in which he believed the bridge to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The bridge and Wanping are both riddled with bullet points, a stark reminder of one of the darkest periods in Chinese history. 

• Nearest subway station: Head to Beijing West Station and then take bus 309 to Lugou Xinqiao.
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm April to October, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm November to March. 
• Cost: 20 Yuan

For many, this is where the heart of Beijing lies.

The winding alleyways of homes and businesses are what Beijing used to be made up of.

However, Beijing’s rampant growth over the last few decades has seen the number of hutongs decline dramatically.

In truth, these wonderful examples of old Beijing are not modern homes.

Insulation and sanitation are poor in many cases. Some of the really old hutong homes don’t have bathrooms and there will be a shared bathroom used by the neighbourhood. 

Taking a wander through the hutong’s is one of the best things to do in Beijing.

This is especially true early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the life and soul of the community are out and about. 

My favourite hutongs are the areas around the Drum Tower (head to Gulou Dajie and then head south-east), the area between Qianmen and Qiaowan subway stations and the area south-west of Caishikou subway station.

The joys of the hutong’s come from getting lost in the maze of alleyways and getting a taste of the old Beijing life.

Ride a rickshaw through Beijings Hutongs on this great tour on Get Your Guide !

Up in the city’s northeast, you will find a sprawling area home to an incredible array of galleries and art exhibitions.

This area is home to some of Beijing’s hippest and funkiest hangouts.

Take a day to explore the wide variety of art on offer when you visit Beijing.

• Nearest subway station: Wangjing South on line 14
• Opening times: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Cost: Free to enter most galleries, however, some will charge fees

One of China’s most important religious sites, the Temple of Heaven is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a true demonstration of the power and majesty of Imperial China. 

The site is huge. However, the highlight is the temple itself.

If you want to see a true slice of Beijing, get here very early in the morning, around 6 am then you will be treated to huge groups doing tai chi.

Later on in the day, you may be able to catch one of the marriage markets where parents try to fix their single children up with desirable suiters. 

The latter of these is certainly one of the more unique Beijing sights.

Our tip – Book your ticket online and skip the line!

• Nearest subway station: Tian Tan on line 5
• Opening times: April to October – 6:00 am – 10:00 pm and November to March – 6:30 am – 10:00 pm. 
• Cost: 35/30 Yuan.

This rather modern Chinese activity happens in a number of public spaces in the evenings.

Activities range from outdoor karaoke to inline skating. However the most common and accessible is dancing.

Huge groups of Beijingers get together as the sun goes down to dance the night away.

You may have to pay to join some of these classes. However, they are great fun. 

The best place to find these is in some of the cities residential areas. Check with your accommodation where the best place is to get involved.

Incidentally, the area around the Birds Nest Stadium , at the Olympic Park, is a particularly awesome place to see this in action.

Plus you get the sight of the Birds Nest Stadium lit up at night! 

For many, this is THE quintessential Beijing dish.

Head over to Sijiminfu (四季民富) close to Dongsishitiao subway station.

They do not take reservations so you will need to turn up, get a ticket and wait.

Fortunately, you can head off and explore the surrounding area while you wait and leave your phone number with the restaurant.

They will call you when your table is ready. However, if you can’t be back in time you will lose your spot.

Getting stuck into some Peking Duck and some of the other mouth-watering dishes here is definitely one of the top things to do in Beijing. 

Eat Peking Duck while taking in a kung fu show with this tour !

This fantastic market, located in the cities south-east, is home to all manner of antiques, artwork, books, knick-knacks and just about everything in between.

If you are looking to pick up some classic Mao-era posters and some walnuts (to roll around in your hands, not eat) then this is a great place to start.

Shopping here is absolutely one of the most fun things to do in Beijing, however, get ready to bargain hard. 

• Nearest subway: Panjiayuan on line 10
• Opening hours: Roughly 9:00 am till 6:00 pm but they may go on a little later. 

You will find these places all over Beijing, you just need to look for these characters – 足疗.

But be prepared for these to hurt. It’s not soft and relaxing, however, you will feel much better afterwards. 

Although there certainly will be a language barrier, most places will understand the inevitable ‘ow.’ More often than not your pain will get plenty of laughs from the masseurs.

This definitely becomes one of the top Beijing activities, as it will set your feet right as rain after a day hiking on the Great Wall. 

Close to Tiananmen Square, you will find Dongjiaomin alley.

This street was home to the foreign legations during the Qing Dynasty at a time where China was at the mercy of the Western Powers.

It is definitely a historical point of interest in Beijing.

• Nearest subway: Chongwenmen line 2 and line 5 and take exit E and it’s immediately on your left. 

If you’re looking for a place to find some bargains and get lost amongst the market stalls then Xidan is a great place to start.

Many tourists end up at the Silk Market (also known as Silk Street) near Yonganli.

However, you will likely get ripped off here and will end up sharing the entire place with tourists as the locals do not shop here.

Xidan is full of bargains, hardly any tourists and an opportunity to really test your bargaining skills. 

• Nearest subway station: Xidan on line 1 and 4 

Chinese liquor consists predominantly of rice wine. The fieriest of which is called Baijiu.

More often than not this is 50% or higher and tastes like what I imagine rocket fuel tastes like.

However, do not be surprised if drinking it will attract the interests of some local Beijingers.

Beijing is home to a number of incredible temples that receive hardly any visitors wandering around them is very enjoyable.

Amongst them, some highlights would be the Fayuan Temple , close to Caishikou subway station, the Tianning Temple , close to Daguanying subway station and the White Cloud Temple just north of it. 

If you’re looking for quiet relaxing places to go in Beijing then this is a great start.

Usually, they are open from 8 am to 4 pm and cost between 10 and 20 Yuan to enter.

The chances are you that you will share your visit with barely even a handful of people.

Enjoy the opportunity to get a bit of zen in this city of 20 million.

This gorgeous town way out in West Beijing is nestled in a valley offering spectacular views and some decent hiking trails.

Although it’s a reasonable trek from the city centre it is one of the best things to do in Beijing giving you the chance to experience something more in line with many peoples perceptions of China.

The narrow alleyways that make it a fascinating place to explore and the trails into hills offer some stunning views.

The long trek out here is absolutely worth it. 

• Getting there: Take the subway Pingguoyuan on line 1 and then take a bus or a minibus from there. Drivers will find you, one way should be between 30 and 50 Yuan. 

The Great Wall of China is possibly the ultimate Beijing sightseeing spot.

There are numerous sections of the Great Wall stretching as far as Gansu in Western China.

However, it’s important to know that these sections are not all interconnected. 

It is possible to get out to the Great Wall with public transport with most of the buses going from Dongzhimen or Deshengmen bus stations.

It is possible to camp on portions of the Great Wall if you are interested in that unique experience.

Be warned, any walk on the Great Wall is no easy endeavour, so be prepared for a serious workout.

If you want to get onto the quieter and more wild sections of the wall, then check out some organized hikes that are available.

It’s certainly more expensive than taking public transport, but the routes are amazing and they will get you to some spectacular sections of the wall.

This is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Beijing.

Of all the sections around Beijing, Badaling is the one to avoid. It’s poorly restored, overcrowded and chock full of tourist tat.

Particularly great sections are Gubeikou, Mutianyu , Simatai and Jinshanling . 

Beijing Travel Guide

Now that you know all the great Beijing activities to check out on your next visit, I want to help you plan the rest of your trip.

In this Beijing travel guide, I’ll share with you tips on how to get around, where to stay, and most importantly, where to eat!

Getting Around Beijing

English is not widely spoken in Beijing, which means that you will definitely need to make the most of translation apps and a hearty dose of sign language occasionally. 

Beijing’s subway system is excellent and cheap.

The maximum you can pay for a journey is 9 Yuan, approximately USD$1.25.

The exception is if you take the airport express line with is 25 Yuan return.

You can pick up a subway card that you can pre-charge. You will need to pay a 20 Yuan deposit which is returned when you return the card.

Curiously they are not available at every station. But generally, the larger stations will have them.

To buy one simply show them this 我要买地铁卡 and then hold up your fingers to indicate how many.

The chances of finding an English speaking subway worker is slim to none. These cards also work on the buses.

Do be aware that subways end at 11:00 pm at the latest.

Beijing’s bus network is absolutely outstanding. The announcements are in English and Mandarin Chinese. However, the timetables at bus stops are usually only in Mandarin.

Download Baidu maps (the Chinese version of google maps) and you can use this to work out which buses you need to take.

Taxi is a potentially good option. However, scams do operate and with various ride-sharing services hailing a cab can be a frustrating affair.

Also, Beijing’s rush hour traffic is a truly awful thing to be caught in so be aware. 

Where to Stay in Beijing 

The best place to stay is probably the Dongcheng district, which is really the heart of Beijing.

Although there would be plenty of other people that would argue differently.

Whatever you decide, the nearer you are to a subway station, the better.

The Peking International Youth Hostel is located in the heart of the Gulou area, which is home to some of the cities most pulsating hutongs.

Incidentally, there are a number of great places to eat in the area, as well as hutongs galore to explore.

This place consistently gets excellent reviews from travellers.

Being in one of the cities most central locations public transport links are excellent, but hailing a taxi in this area can be difficult.

This great little courtyard option is in the heart of Dongcheng making it a short walk to some of the cities best bits.

Also if you want a quintessential Chinese experience then staying in a courtyard hotel like this a must.

In addition, the area surrounding the hotel is great to explore. Like the Peking International Youth Hostel, the public transport links are excellent but hailing a taxi can be a pain.

In the mornings there are plenty of food carts nourishing Beijingers with jianbing (煎饼), a pancake with egg, lettuce, meat and some other bits, a great way to start the day.

This excellent value hotel is about 10 minutes walk from Tiananmen square and finds itself on the edge of the funky hutong area Dashilian’r, again with an almost never-ending ‘r.’

There are a number of awesome hutongs to explore in this area, a perfect evening activity.

Head south-west down towards Caishikou through Dashilian’r. This area is full of shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative head south-east towards Qiaowan subway station.

This absolute gem of a hotel is hidden on Baochao hutong in the heart of the Gulou district, one of Bejing’s funkiest spots.

Check out nearby Nanluoguxiang and Beiluoguxiang, these alleyways are chock full of people and action.

If you’re looking for some real luxury it is possible to hire entire hutong homes giving you your own piece of privacy in the heart of Beijing’s hutongs.

Offering a variety of excellent spaces, top-notch food, a courtyard feel and wonderful rooftop views, this is a gem in every sense of the word. 

Eating in Beijing 

Chinese cuisine sometimes seems like an unending adventure of flavours, spices and styles and Beijing is the best place to sample it.

Nowhere else in China can you find such a wide range of phenomenal Chinese cuisine.

Simply put Beijing is the best place in China to sample the stunning variety of Chinese cuisine has to offer. 

These restaurants are some of my favourites. But as a word of warning, do not expect much English to be spoken.

Also, food hygiene standards are not the same in China as they are in the West. However, the Chinese have a saying 苍蝇馆子 which literally translates as the best restaurants are the ones with flies .

Zha Jiang Mian (炸酱面) – This dry salty noodle dish is classic Beijing fare and you can find it all over the city.

There are a number of excellent hole in the wall noodle restaurants around the Gulou/Jiaodaokou areas of the city that serve an excellent version of this dish. 

This classic Sichuan/Chongqing delicacy can also be found all over Beijing.

Check out Hiadilao (海底捞), one of the biggest restaurant chains in China or Huangmen (黄门). They can be found all over the city. 

A tray of steaming crawfish that have been cooked in some seriously spicy sauce is certainly not the tidiest thing to eat but it is simply outstanding.

Head to Tian Yi Ge (天一阁) very close to Dongzhimen subway station on the edge of ghost street.

If this isn’t your cup of tea then there is a huge menu serving other Chinese classics. 

Head to the phenomenal Long Men Xia (龙门峡) on Jiao Dao Kou East Street (交道口东大街) to sample so excellent Beijing BBQ.

Do not expect English to be spoken and the menu is written in Chinese.

However, the staff will be willing to help you to translate!

Located on Andingmennei Dajie (安定门内大街) you will find the excellent Zhang Ji (张记烤羊腿).

As well as serving whole roast legs of lamb, they also have amazing chuan’r (串 skewered meat cooked over a barbecue). 

Pronounced chwar , with what seems like an endless ‘r’ at times, you can find this all over this city.

In the summer these small restaurants spill out onto the street.

Enjoy skewered meat and vegetables washed down with a couple of beers.

Check out Stone Age (石器时代) for some excellent options. 

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Many thanks for this great article with things-to-do in Beijing.

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Warnings and insurance

This travel advice covers mainland China. See travel advice for the Special Administrative Regions, Hong Kong and Macao .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel 

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• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks 
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers 

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

China travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: May 8, 2024 09:10 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, china - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in China due to the risk of arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

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Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region

Local authorities have put in place invasive security measures in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Chinese authorities are increasingly detaining ethnic and Muslim minorities in the region without due process. There are reports of extrajudicial internment and forced labour camps. Family members of Canadian citizens with Chinese citizenship have been detained. You may be at risk of arbitrary detention if you have familial or ethnic ties to the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

The situation in the region is tense and accurate information is hard to obtain. Authorities may impose curfews and restrictions on short notice.

• Avoid gatherings and demonstrations
• Always carry ID
• Expect a heightened security presence and frequent security checks
• Expect significant travel delays
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tibet and Tibetan autonomous prefectures

You must obtain a permit and be taking part in an organized tour to travel to Tibet. Chinese authorities occasionally suspend issuing permits to foreigners and can arbitrarily deny tourist entry to certain districts and communes of the Tibetan autonomous prefectures in Sichuan and Qinghai, despite not having proactively published notification of these changes. If you enter a restricted area without the requisite permit, you could be fined, taken into custody, and deported for illegal entry.  Local authorities may also impose curfews and travel restrictions on short notice, even if you have a permit.

Where possible, make full payment for travel conditional upon a travel permit being secured while noting that changes in Tibet's security situation can affect travel and related government policies at any time.

In these regions, expect:

• increased security measures and police presence
• surveillance measures
• that unauthorised gatherings may be dispersed by force
• that some places of worship or cultural sites of interest may be off-limits to foreigners

If you travel to these regions despite the risks:

• contact a reputable travel agency and the Chinese Embassy or a consulate before you leave to learn about entry requirements 
• be aware of your surroundings
• exercise caution due to increased scrutiny on foreigners
• follow the instructions of security forces if you are stopped
• if you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the Canadian Embassy or the nearest consulate immediately
• don’t film or photograph unauthorised gatherings or outbreaks of violence

Our ability to provide consular support in the Tibet Autonomous Region is limited.

Check with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to know about the specific entry requirements for Tibet and other restricted areas.

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft of mobile phones and other electronic devices occurs, even during the day. Criminals target foreigners, especially in major cities and tourist areas.

• Be vigilant in all crowded locations
• Don’t carry large sums of money
• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times

Petty crime and sexual harassment can occur on buses and overnight trains.

• Ensure that the train compartment contains packages belonging only to you and other occupants
• Store personal belongings in a safe place, and don’t leave the compartment unattended
• You should securely lock the doors

Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare, but incidents do occur.

There is a risk of armed bandit attacks in remote parts of China.

Police presence may be poor around border areas.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
• use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Counterfeit currency

Counterfeit currency is a significant problem in China. Counterfeit bills are widely distributed in local stores, restaurants and taxis. If you use cash, avoid moneychangers on the street and use small bills or exact change.

Exercise caution in popular tourist areas (particularly in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and Shanghai’s the Bund, East Nanjing Road and People’s Square), where scammers target foreigners.

Scammers may invite you to a nearby establishment for a drink (usually tea or alcohol), a massage or other services. They will then ask you to pay an exorbitant bill (up to thousands of dollars), sometimes under threat of injury. In some cases, foreigners were harmed.

Be cautious of unsolicited requests from strangers to “practice English” or to accompany them to an art gallery, teahouse or an unknown location.

If you’ve been scammed:

• get to a safe location immediately
• take note, as soon as possible of the name and address of the facility where you were held; this information is required by police to identify the persons involved and issue a report
• notify the police and obtain a report
• call your credit card company to report the scam; they will likely request a copy of the police report to cancel the transaction

Telephone scams

Foreigners have received calls from scammers claiming to be the police. The caller says that local authorities are investigating them for identity theft or money-laundering operation and requests a fund transfer to resolve the issue.

Don’t send any money in this type of situation.

Since most Chinese use their mobile device as payment method, digital and mobile phone scams are a common issue. You should be vigilant if you use your smartphone to scan, transfer funds or make payments.

Overseas fraud

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Internet censorship and cyber security

China blocks access to several websites, social media, search engines and online services within its territory.

You shouldn’t expect internet privacy. Your communications may be monitored at any time, and authorities may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices.

Cyber security while travelling.

Journalism and research

Foreign journalists and other media workers in China face considerable restrictions in the context of their work. The Chinese government may employ measures such as:

• movement controls
• physical and electronic surveillance
• public smear campaigns
• delaying or refusing renewals of press cards and visas
• intimidation and harassment.

There are cases of foreign journalist arrests on national security violations.

You should be particularly vigilant if researching or reporting on subjects critical of or sensitive to the government and in areas such as Tibet or Xinjiang.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are illegal without prior approval from the Chinese government. Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.

If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have experienced intimidation and detention for reporting on demonstrations.

The security situation around large gatherings could change quickly. Be vigilant about your safety.

You should be particularly vigilant in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

• Don’t film or take pictures of demonstrations
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety can vary greatly throughout the country. Drivers often don’t respect the rules of the road, and traffic laws are not consistently enforced.

Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers don’t always give pedestrians and cyclists the right of way.

Public transportation

China has an extensive passenger train system, including high-speed trains. You must present a passport to purchase a ticket and to board the train.

Taxis are available in major cities and are easier to obtain at hotels or taxi stands. Self-drive (rental), chauffeur-driven cars and ride-sharing services are also available in major cities.

Most taxi drivers don’t speak English nor French and will sometimes avoid picking up foreigners to avoid the inconvenience of clients who don’t speak Chinese. You should arrange for a person to write out your destination in Chinese characters before you go.

Taxi, motorcycle and pedicab drivers sometimes overcharge clients, especially at airports. They may also attempt to give you counterfeit currency.

To minimize the risk of being overcharged:

• use only reputable taxis
• avoid unlicensed “black taxis”
• do not agree to multiple passengers
• negotiate fares before entering the taxi, and/or request that the taxi driver use the meter
• request that the driver provides you with a receipt or “fapiao”
• request that the driver removes your luggage from the trunk before paying the fare

Marine transportation

Ferry accidents have occurred in China.

• Exercise caution when using marine transportation
• Always use available safety equipment, such as life jackets and seatbelts
• Don’t board ferries that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

If you intend on engaging in trekking activities:

• never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you are properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp
• know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in coastal waters, and in some cases, farther out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

Tensions on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could escalate with little notice, and the security situation could deteriorate suddenly.

Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests, military exercises or as the result of incidents or military activities at or near the inter-Korean border.

Monitor developments, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities. We strongly recommend that you register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest updates.

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Authorized and unauthorized demonstrations can take place with little or no notice. They can quickly spread to surrounding areas, including those frequented by tourists.If you participate in or are witness to a demonstration, you may be subject to scrutiny and severe legal action. Foreign journalists have also been intimidated and detained for reporting on demonstrations.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Chinese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months upon entry into China.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required  Student visa: required  Working visa: required

Ensure that you apply for the proper type of visa for the specific purpose of your trip.

Thoroughly review all information available regarding the visa-issuance process.

Pay particular attention to the length of stay permitted after each entry on your Chinese visa. Overstaying can lead to fines and administrative detention.

Transit without visa and visa-free stays

While you may be eligible for a visa on arrival, there is no guarantee that it will be granted. You should obtain a visa before travelling to China.

You may be eligible for a visa on arrival if you are:

• transiting between two international destinations
• visiting certain areas for short periods
• visiting certain areas as part of an organized tour or travelling in a group

Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more information on visa exemptions.

Visa application outside of Canada

If you apply for a visa outside of Canada, check with the Chinese embassy or consulate nearest you to make sure that it issues visas to Canadians.

If you are already travelling or living in China, contact the Foreigners Entry and Exit Administration Section of the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) for visa information.

Visiting Hong Kong and Macao

Obtain a visa allowing multiple entries if you plan to travel between Hong Kong, Macao and mainland China.

Applying for visas for mainland China in Hong Kong - Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in Hong Kong

Proof of onward travel

Be prepared to show proof of onward travel, including all of the documents you need to enter your next destination.

Fingerprints

Chinese immigration officials will take and retain the fingerprints of Canadians between 14 and 70 years old upon their entry into the country. Some exceptions may apply.

Screening of digital devices

Border officials may review the content stored or consulted on your electronic devices, particularly at border crossings between mainland China and Hong Kong.

Residency registration

All foreigners (tourists, visitors and long-term residents) must register their place of residence with the local public security bureau within 24 hours of arrival.

If you’re staying in a hotel, registration is normally done as part of the check-in process. Those staying with family or friends in a private home must register themselves. Failure to do so can result in fines and or detention. Carry proof of your registration.

Foreigners holding Z, X or J-1 visas must also apply for a residence permit, within 30 days of entry, from the Exit and Entry Department of the local public security bureau.

Health entry requirements

Medical tests, including a test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, might be required to register and renew residency permits for stays of more than 6 months. Local authorities may not approve your work/residence permit application if you obtain an HIV-positive test result. You may also be subject to termination of employment and deportation.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Chinese authorities may place an exit ban on specific individuals to prevent them from leaving the country. An exit ban can relate to investigations into an individual, their family or an employer, and in criminal and civil matters, including business disputes.

You may not be aware that authorities have placed an exit ban on you until you try to leave the country. It is difficult to obtain information on bans from Chinese authorities.

If you’re unable to leave the country because of an exit ban, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Avian influenza - 20 December, 2023
• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk  during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

In this destination, rabies is carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. Rabies treatment is often available in this destination. 

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain.  It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

• travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
• making multiple trips to endemic areas
• staying for extended periods in rural areas
• visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
• engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Human cases of avian influenza have been reported in this destination. Avian influenza   is a viral infection that can spread quickly and easily among birds and in rare cases it can infect mammals, including people. The risk is low for most travellers.

Avoid contact with birds, including wild, farm, and backyard birds (alive or dead) and surfaces that may have bird droppings on them. Ensure all poultry dishes, including eggs and wild game, are properly cooked.

Travellers with a higher risk of exposure include those: 

• visiting live bird/animal markets or poultry farms
• working with poultry (such as chickens, turkeys, domestic ducks)
• hunting, de-feathering, field dressing and butchering wild birds and wild mammals
• working with wild birds for activities such as research, conservation, or rehabilitation
• working with wild mammals, especially those that eat wild birds (e.g., foxes)

All eligible people are encouraged to get the seasonal influenza shot, which will protect them against human influenza viruses. While the seasonal influenza shot does not prevent infection with avian influenza, it can reduce the chance of getting sick with human and avian influenza viruses at the same time.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is widely available in urban areas but not in remote areas. Ask doctors and dentists to use sterilized equipment. Medical care in clinics offering international standard services to foreigners is much more expensive. Payment is expected at the time of service.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Altitude sickness

Tibet, Qinghai, western Sichuan and parts of Xinjiang are situated at altitudes exceeding 3,000 metres. Acute mountain sickness may occur at high altitudes.

Know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Criminal proceedings

If you are suspected of a crime, Chinese authorities can prevent you from leaving China (by withholding your passport or applying an exit ban) or may detain you for up to 37 days without charges.

Detention during the investigative period before charges are laid is common and can be lengthy. Some defence lawyers may be reluctant to accept cases involving foreigners.

Consult a Canadian government office in China if you experience such difficulty.

Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in China for more information.

Death penalty

Chinese authorities apply, sometimes arbitrarily, the death penalty for both violent and non-violent crimes, including for serious drug offences.

Penalties for possession, use, production or trafficking of illegal drugs, including cannabis, are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, jail sentences or the death penalty. These laws are strictly enforced and apply to persons 14 years and older. Penalties can be assigned arbitrarily.

Local authorities conduct random drug tests (urine or hair). Police have raided nightclubs and bars and subjected patrons to on-the-spot drug testing.

Based on positive drug test results, authorities can prosecute drugs crimes regardless of where or when drugs were consumed. This applies to drugs consumed legally in a foreign country before entering China.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Identification

Police carry out random checks, and failure to produce proper identification could potentially lead to fines or detention.

• Carry adequate identification, such as a passport and valid visa or residence permit, at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case of its loss or seizure

If your passport is lost or stolen, visit the nearest police station or Public Security Bureau to report the incident and obtain information on the visa replacement process.

If you renew your passport while you are in China, you must register your new passport with the authorities promptly. If you fail to do so, you may be fined.

National security, social order, and public interest

Chinese authorities may define certain behaviours and activities as “endangering national security,” upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest, that would not be considered as such in Canada. This could include activities that occurred outside of China. National security, and "state secrets", are broadly defined and interpreted. "State secrets" could be interpreted to include documents, data, materials, or other items. If you are suspected of endangering national security, upsetting social order, or damaging the public interest you will be subject to questioning.

Chinese authorities may detain you for up to 6 months before you are formally arrested. Note that access to legal representation is frequently denied in the initial stages of a national security case, and trials often take place in closed court.

If you are detained, you should immediately request access to a lawyer and request notification of the nearest Canadian diplomatic mission. Canadian diplomatic missions can provide you or your family with a list of lawyers.

If you previously occupied a position that was in any way affiliated with the government of China and left your position without receiving authorization or without following formal procedures, you may be considered a defector by Chinese authorities.

This can be the case regardless of the seniority of the position you occupied, even if you left this position a long time ago and you did not handle sensitive or classified materials. Authorities may detain you even if you have previously travelled to or resided in China without issue.

Consult a Chinese criminal lawyer to understand how this may apply to you.

Bans and Sanctions

The Chinese government may ban or sanction entities or individuals for actions, including oral or written statements, and associations with entities that are critical of:

• the Communist Party of China
• the Chinese government
• Chinese leaders and policies

The Government of the People's Republic of China does not publicize a list of banned or sanctioned entities or individuals, and the implementation of bans or sanctions remains vague. The effect on individuals associated with banned or sanctioned entities is unknown.

It could include:

• a ban on travel to Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau
• freezing of assets
• prohibition of business or association with Chinese citizens and organizations

If you believe you may be subject of a ban or sanctions, consult a lawyer and contact the closest office of the Government of Canada.

Consult entry and exit requirements for information on exit bans

Political activities

China has imposed severe restrictions on political activities, including advocating for causes, participating in public protests or sending private electronic messages critical of the government.

Chinese authorities may detain you if you participate in political activities and restrict your future travel to China.

Non-Governmental Organization activities

Activities conducted by foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are strictly regulated and scrutinized in China.

If you plan to work or volunteer for an NGO in China, ensure the organization is properly registered and that you possess the right visa for the activities you plan to perform.

Religious activities

There are restrictions on certain religious activities, such as preaching, distributing literature and associating with unapproved religious groups, including some Christian, Buddhist and Muslim organizations.

Chinese law also prohibits overseas non-governmental organizations from engaging in or sponsoring religious activities.

The Falun Gong movement is banned in China. Participants in Falun Gong activities or Falun Gong-related demonstrations are subject to legal action that may include detention, arrest, imprisonment and deportation.

Be cautious about visiting certain places of worship, which may have been, explicitly or not, declared off-limits to foreigners by local authorities. If you are not prompted to buy a ticket to visit the site, it could be an indication that the site is off-limits to foreigners.

Facial recognition and use of video surveillance (CCTV)

Law enforcement agencies in China widely rely on facial recognition technology and video surveillance to police, monitor and control illegal or restricted activities, including participation in demonstrations.

Privacy rights may differ substantially from Canadian standards. You should assume that local authorities have access to your biometrics as soon as you enter the country.

Military installations

Travel near military installations is restricted. Photography of military installations or government buildings is prohibited, and offenders may be detained, arrested and imprisoned.

Seek permission from local authorities before taking photographs.

Gambling and the promotion of gambling activities are illegal in mainland China.

Commercial surrogacy is illegal in China, and surrogacy arrangements are not legally recognized.

If you're planning to visit China for the purpose of commissioning surrogacy arrangements, you should consider the potential challenges involved in pursuing international surrogacy and seek specialist legal advice on Chinese and Canadian laws prior to making any arrangements.

The Embassy of Canada to China can't provide recommendations on surrogacy arrangements.

Prohibited or controlled items

There are absolute prohibitions against the importation of arms, drugs and plant or animal products that could carry disease or pests. There are also restrictions on the entry of printed material, film, photos, videotapes, and CDs considered detrimental to China's interests.

Importation and use of drones are subject to strict regulation. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China to consult the rules regarding registration and use of drones.

Importing pets

If you intend to reside in China, be advised that you can only import one pet (dog or cat) per person.

A Canadian animal health inspection certificate and vaccination certificate should be stamped by your local Animal Health Office of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Animals without the proper documentation will be held in quarantine at the port of arrival and could be euthanized if the proper documentation is not provided.

Animal Health Office - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Getting married in China

Marriages that are legally performed in China are usually valid in Canada. Chinese civil authorities don't perform marriages between two foreigners. If you plan to get married in China, you should contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic representative in Canada to confirm the requirements.

Marriage overseas

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Chinese law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, some prejudice still exists against 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and authorities sometimes censor social media content on 2SLGBTQI+ related topics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Canadian and international driving licences are not recognized in China. You must hold a foreigner residence permit and meet local requirements to obtain a Chinese driver's licence.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.02%. If a police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver's licence on the spot. If you're convicted, you can expect heavy fines and jail.

Foreign drivers involved in an accident face harsh penalties. If you're suspected of being responsible for road accidents, police officers can detain you until their case is closed, which can take years.

Carefully consider the implications of driving in China.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in China.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of China, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. If you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the Chinese government will usually not permit the Embassy of Canada to provide you with consular assistance.

If you're a Canadian of Chinese origin travelling to China, you may be asked to provide your Chinese name by border authorities. Ensure that you are well informed about Chinese law and practices relating to the determination and loss of Chinese citizenship, including cancelling a household register (hukou) and applying to renounce Chinese citizenship. Contact the nearest Chinese diplomatic or consular office for more details.

Canadian children born to at least one parent who is a Chinese citizen may be deemed Chinese citizens under China's Nationality Law. Chinese authorities may not recognize the child's Canadian citizenship, and the family may be subject to family planning regulations.

General information for travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and China.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in China by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in China to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Doing business in China

Canadian business travellers have been detained and had their passport confiscated as a result of business disputes with their Chinese counterparts.

Seek legal advice from professionals in China, as well as in Canada, before proceeding with business agreements or arrangements. Ensure that all documents are translated so that conditions, terms and limitations are understood. Disputes are often costly and prolonged, and you may be subject to a travel ban restricting you from leaving the country until the matter is resolved.

There have been incidents involving foreigners being held against their will at their workplace. These incidents, which can be accompanied by threats of violence, are often the result of other companies or disgruntled employees attempting to resolve business and employment disputes.

There are many teaching opportunities in China. However, make sure you are well informed before signing a contract. Ensure that the contract specifies the maximum number of classroom hours per day and per week, maximum workdays per week, and vacation periods.

Canadians teaching in China, particularly at newly established private secondary schools and private English training centres, have often found their employers unable or unwilling to honour contract terms or assist in obtaining Chinese employment visas and other permits required for foreigners to teach lawfully in China.

If you're travelling to China to work or study, you may be required to possess medical insurance (coverage of 400,000 renminbi). Verify this stipulation with the school or employer before arriving in China.

It is illegal to work on a tourist (L) visa or a working (Z) visa linked to a company other than your employer. Canadian citizens have been detained and forced to leave the country for working illegally.

Learn about studying abroad if you plan to study or conduct research in China.

Studying abroad

The currency is the renminbi (RMB). The basic unit of currency is the yuan.

Counterfeit renminbi are relatively common. It is illegal to use foreign currency. Exchange foreign currency at officially approved facilities only.

Generally, only international hotels and some larger shops accept international credit cards. Some Chinese banks will provide cash advances using credit card accounts, but they may charge for the service. It is possible to use bank cards to draw on your Canadian bank account at an increasing number of ATMs, especially in urban areas. Credit cards are not always accepted, and the availability of ATMs is limited outside major cities.

Upon entering or leaving China, you must make a declaration to customs if you travel with or more than USD 5 000, 20 000 RMB or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller's cheques or any other convertible assets.

A permit issued by a local bank may also be required to exit China with sums superior to USD 5 000. Make sure you comply with cash control regulations.

Typhoons and monsoons

The typhoon and monsoon (rainy) season extends from April to October. Typhoons usually occur along the southern and eastern coasts. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons.

Flooding is common in central, western and southern China, particularly areas bordering the Yangtze River. Seasonal flooding and landslides can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you decide to travel to China during the typhoon and monsoon season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• China Meteorological Administration
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad

Air pollution

Air pollution can be severe across much of China.

Some cities maintain air pollution alert systems. During periods of severe air pollution, expect school closures, outdoor event cancellations, car usage limitations and transportation disruptions.

Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly.

During periods of high pollution:

• limit your activities outdoors
• monitor local media
• follow the instructions of local authorities.

Air pollution in China  – World Air Quality Index

Seismic activity

China is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to earthquakes.

Familiarize yourself with the security measures in place at your accommodations while in China. In the event of an earthquake, pay careful attention to all official warnings and follow evacuation orders issued by the Government of China. Aftershocks could occur.

What to do during an earthquake

Avalanches and landslides

In mountainous regions, avalanches and landslides present a risk and have resulted in fatalities.

The Karakoram and Khunjerab Pass routes in Xinjiang can be hazardous due to landslides.

Monitor local media and weather forecasts and follow the advice of local authorities.

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• police: 110
• medical assistance: 120
• firefighters: 119
• roadside assistance: 112

Consular assistance

Beijing, Tianjin, Gansu, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Shandong, Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Shaanxi, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Xizang (Tibet), Henan and Hebei.

Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou.

Guangdong, Guangxi, Guangzhou, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan and Hainan.

Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, Hubei and the city of Shanghai.

For emergency consular assistance, call the nearest Canadian government office and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

• [email protected]
• 86-773-286-5632 (Intl rates apply)

China Entry and Exit Requirements and Procedures 2024

Until December 31, 2025 , ordinary passport holders of France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China .  

You can start planning your trip to China now! We will provide you with a flexible, tailor-made private tour of China . 

China opened its borders to tourists on March 15, 2023. If you are planning to visit China, it's important to understand the entry and exit requirements and procedures that apply to international travelers.

Now, inbound and outbound travelers no longer need to complete the China Health Declaration Form or provide a negative COVID-19 test result, either.

China Entry Requirements

To enter China, you must have a valid passport and a China visa unless you are eligible for a visa-free entry or a visa-on-arrival.

Note: Though you are not required to complete the China Health Declaration Card and provide the COVID-19 test result before entering China Mainland, you still need to inform the customs and cooperate for health checks if you have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, or if you've been diagnosed with a contagious disease.

Customs Procedures

China's custom channels are divided into two types: the red channel (also called the tax channel) and the green channel (also called a free channel).

Red Channel

Foreign travelers usually enter China through the red channel. They must declare first to customs after filling in the passenger baggage declaration form and can enter after the registration at customs.

The completed customs declaration form must be presented again when leaving China. The form must be filled in truthfully and accurately, and those who provide false information or fail to declare items will be subject to legal action by customs once identified.

The items exceeding the maximum limit listed in the document table should be processed according to other relevant provisions.

Green Channel

Foreign personnel who have been granted a diplomatic visa-passport or courtesy visa-passport by the Chinese authorities or granted free-of-examination courtesy can choose the green channel. But they have to show their credentials to the customs and the declaration document table filled according to the requirements.

Hygiene Quarantine Requirements for Entering China

Foreigners entering China must truthfully fill in health declaration forms as requested by border quarantine departments. Failure to report infectious diseases may result in punishment for evading quarantine and prevention from entering China upon identification. Those who have entered China without reporting an infectious disease may be ordered to leave in advance.

Infectious patients from affected areas must present a valid certificate of immunization-related diseases (commonly known as the "yellow book"). If they do not have a valid certificate, the Frontier Health and Quarantine infected organs will run a test for six days from the day they leave the infected environment.

Commodities from areas that may have been contaminated by infectious diseases or become media articles of epidemic diseases are subject to health and sanitation inspection and quarantine treatment.

People Forbidden from entering China

The following individuals are not allowed to enter China:

A. Those who have been deported from China are under the regulated age.

B. Those who are considered possible terrorists or may undertake violence and subversive activities after entering.

C. Those who are suspected of possible smuggling, drug trafficking, and prostitution activities.

D. Those who have mental illnesses or have leprosy, AIDS, venereal diseases, open tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases.

E. Those who cannot afford what is needed in China.

F. Those who are considered to possibly engage in activities that endanger the security and interests of China after entering.

The frontier checkpoint has the right to prevent the following individuals from entering:

A. Those who have no valid passports, certificates, or visas.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

D. Those who are forbidden to enter by the Ministry of Public Security and the National Security Ministry.

Exiting China

Foreign tourists must leave China within the allowed time limit of their visa from the allocated port. They must present effective passports or other effective certificates to the port border checkpoint.

People Forbidden to Leave China

A. Defendants in a criminal case or criminal suspects identified by the people's procuratorates, public security organs, or court.

B. Individuals are not allowed to leave the country due to unsettled civil cases according to the People's Court notice.

C. Others whose behaviors have violated China's laws and have been identified by competent authorities as needing pursuit.

The border authorities have the right to prevent the following individuals from leaving China:

A. Those who hold invalid certificates.

B. Those who have forged, defaced, or other people's passports or certificates.

C. Those who refuse to be inspected.

More Articles on How to Enter China

• How to Apply for a Visa to China
• Shanghai 144 Hours Visa-free Transit

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• 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai Tour
• 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai Tour
• 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River, Shanghai Tour

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Request a custom itinerary today and get one step closer to your personalized trip

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Top 16 do’s and don’ts of texting Chinese girls

Best time to visit the Great Wall of China (2024)

What are the main differences between China and Taiwan?

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19 quick and helpful Beijing travel tips (2024)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated December 16, 2023 | Travel

Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world and it’s packed with history and culture.

It’s also one of the largest cities in the world. Home to around 20 million people, Beijing plays host to a huge number of travelers every year.

This combination means you’ll probably find the capital of China more comfortable to travel in than other cities that don’t see as many tourists, as it’s set up for travelers.

However, beyond the surface level, it’s still very different to western countries in a number of ways. Those differences can easily trip up new visitors.

I’ve lived and worked in China, and I’ve traveled around Beijing. So, let me help you ensure your vacation is more fun and exploration than trouble and confusion.

Alright, here are the best Beijing travel tips!

1. Get the right visa

Get the L visa to travel up to a month. Image by i viewfinder on Shutterstock.

For most people, getting a Chinese visa isn’t easy compared to the visa process for some other countries.

There is Visa Free Transit if you’re from a certain country and you want to stopover in China for up to 72 hours on the way to somewhere else.

But most people have to get the L visa (tourist visa) which gives you up to 30 days to explore this magnificent country.

Make sure you start the visa process early too, because you don’t want to be rushing around at the last moment getting all the paperwork organized.

2. Work out how you want to pay

Even markets prefer digital payments. Image by Freer on Shutterstock.

Like elsewhere in China, the locals in Beijing love their technology and this impacts how they pay for things.

Most of the time, you’ll see them paying using their phone, a trend that hasn’t yet become widespread in many other countries.

So, expect most places to take digital payments when you’re in Beijing. Even small food stands prefer phone payments.

If you want to join in, you can set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your phone and link your credit card. You’ll just need to provide some personal details including your passport details.

If you’re not comfortable handing over your details, you’ll need to use cash. Try to get low-denomination notes, as smaller stores often don’t have change for big notes.

The ATMs in Beijing only dispense 100 yuan notes.

Oh, and credit cards are hardly ever used in China, so while it’s good to have different payment methods as back-up, you probably won’t use your plastic cards (apart from at the hotel).

I highly recommend using Alipay or WeChat Pay. It makes things so much easier.

3. Don’t drink the tap water

Only drink bottled water in Beijing. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

Whatever you do, don’t drink the tap water in Beijing. And don’t swallow water when you’re in the shower because the effects will be horrible.

Not even the locals can drink the water in China, so it’s even worse for travelers who aren’t used to the local microbiome.

Get used to drinking bottled water when you’re in Beijing. You’ll find it sold everywhere, because like I said, even the locals drink bottled.

And while you can brush your teeth with tap water, I choose not to. And I’ve always left Beijing with a trouble-free tummy.

4. Prepare for the language barrier

Having bi-lingual directions can help. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You will find some people who speak English in the city center, but probably not as many as you might think.

Only a small percentage of the local people speak English (or are willing to speak it). It’s usually the younger demographic, so there’s a lot of people who won’t be able to understand you at all.

Chinese people tend to be a little shy about their English-speaking abilities. If they think that they might make a mistake, they’ll often pretend they can’t speak or understand English at all rather than risk this.

This may leave you struggling to get around, especially if you’re traveling solo or you’re not part of a tour group.

But it actually isn’t as hard as you think to travel in a place where you don’t speak the language. Here are some ideas to help:

• Have your accommodation name and address in Chinese characters on your phone, or carry around your hotel’s business card
• Download a translation app that works in China and can be used offline
• Learn some basic words or even the numbers which will help you in stores
• Screenshot key phrases and keep them on your phone to show to people

Also, be prepared to use lots of body language and to look ridiculous when you do it!

5. Always carry your passport

Your most important possession in China! Image by Pexels.

Carry your passport wherever you go in Beijing.

You’ve probably heard this tip before traveling to a lot of different countries, but it’s one of the most important Beijing travel tips.

I can’t tell you how many times I was stopped by officials for a passport check in Beijing. Thankfully, I followed this piece of advice, otherwise the consequences could have been dire.

You’ll also need your passport to purchase tickets for attractions and even get on the high-speed trains, so just keep it close.

6. Visit the big attractions, and the smaller ones

The Temple of Heaven. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

There are countless things to see and do in Beijing. The biggest attractions that people tend to head for are:

• The Great Wall of China
• Forbidden City (also called Palace Museum)
• Tiananmen Square
• Temple of Heaven
• Summer Palace.

While I recommend visiting all these attractions (especially The Great Wall – it’s the best place), consider doing other things too, if you have the time.

For example, you could visit the quirky 798 Art District, sift through antiques at Panjiayuan Market, try the silk market, or even take a day trip to Tianjin . It’s just an hour away on the bullet train.

Just a few years ago, Universal Beijing Resort opened up. While it’s obviously very touristy, and quite expensive by local standards, it’s still a super-fun day out. You can read more in this Beijing travel guide .

The city is also known for hosting the Olympics, twice. While the National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, is famous the world over, there’s usually not much to do there.

7. Forget personal space

Wangfujing Market is always busy. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

This piece of advice is one of the most important and jarring for travelers and it’s also one of the hardest to explain.

Just don’t expect to have your personal space respected when you’re in Beijing. In fact, the idea of personal space doesn’t really exist in Beijing (or in China as a whole, for that matter).

Beijing is a huge, busy city and everywhere is crowded. During your time there, you will get pushed, stepped on, bumped into, and cut off when walking.

And the locals won’t say “excuse me” when they do it. In fact, they probably won’t even notice they’ve done it at all.

Whatever you do, don’t get angry about this. It’s not personal and really is just part of the Chinese culture . And if you stay for long, you’ll probably pick up this behavior as well, it’s just so accepted in China.

It’s also much easier to get around if you’re a little more aggressive and don’t care about personal space.

In fact, this was part of my own reverse culture shock. When I got home from China, I walked towards an escalator and deliberately cut off someone else who was ahead of me.

He stared at me like I was the rudest person in the world, and I got a huge shock when I realized that my behavior had changed in such a short time.

I literally had to relearn my own country’s ‘acceptable’ behaviors!

8. Bring an adapter

Bring one of these so you can stay connected. Image by Paralaxis on Shutterstock.

Beijing uses lots of different kinds of power plugs.

Depending on where you stay, you’ll find A, C, and I plug sockets, so if you want to charge your electronics, then make sure you have adapters to match.

You may also need a voltage converter to keep your electronics safe, so make sure you buy an all-in-one adapter/converter.

9. Prepare yourself for the toilets

A local squat toilet. Image supplied by Gayle Aggiss.

You’ve probably heard over and over that Beijing is a big, modern city and it is.

But this doesn’t mean that it’s western and this applies particularly to the toilets. Yes, you will come across a lot of squat toilets in Beijing. And yes, you will probably have to use them.

I wish I could tell you that the squat toilets aren’t as bad as some people say, but for me they were a constant challenge.

My advice is to always have toilet paper with you (the toilets usually won’t have any) and avoid any puddles you see on your way into your stall.

You should also carry a bottle of sanitizer with you wherever you go, as many bathrooms in Beijing don’t have soap.

Also, remember that China’s sewerage system isn’t set up to handle toilet paper, so you usually can’t flush it down the toilet. Put it in the provided bin instead and then wash your hands really well because the bins are often overflowing.

I’ve written a whole article on Chinese toilets if you want to find out more.

10. Just accept the noises

Beijingers love slurping their soup. Image by Gowithstock on Shutterstock.

Chinese culture is very different to western cultures and nowhere is this more obvious than in restaurants or in the streets.

The first time I sat down in a restaurant and heard the slurping I was appalled. But I got used to it over time, even if I couldn’t do it myself.

Slurping just isn’t considered rude in China, which kind of makes sense considering it’s natural to slurp when you drink soup.

Seeing and hearing Chinese spitting is a little harder to accept. Dodging a motorcycle rider who pulls over to spit near your feet in the gutter is confronting, as is dodging the puddles on the sidewalk.

But you do get used to it if you’re there long enough. It’s just part of local life.

11. Monitor the air quality

Gray skies over the Palace Museum. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

In recent years, the air pollution in Beijing has really improved.

Essentially, factories and industry have moved further away, but there has been some government intervention too.

You can still get the odd bad day, particularly in the winter months or when there’s the occasional dust storm.

There’s nothing you can do to change the city’s air pollution; all you can do is be prepared for it. Here’s how:

• If you have respiratory issues, try to avoid the city in winter when the air quality is the worst
• Wear a proper mask
• Look out for official air warnings on the really bad days and visit indoor sites on those days
• Avoid strenuous activities like hikes on bad air days.

Here’s a good website to track the air quality in Beijing, but if you’re fit and healthy, you’ve got nothing to worry about!

12. Get a VPN

Stay connected in China with a VPN. Image by Tracy Le Blanc on Pexels.

Out of all the Beijing travel tips I could give you, this one is extremely important for anyone who goes into withdrawal without their favorite internet sites.

China’s firewall is real, and a lot of popular western websites and apps are blocked by it. This includes sites you probably take for granted and use for everything such as Facebook, YouTube, Google, Gmail, Snapchat, and Instagram.

If you want to use one if not all of these sites during your time in the Chinese capital, then you’ll need to use a virtual private network (VPN) .

Some of the most popular and effective VPNs for Beijing are:

Top tip : Make sure that you download it before you arrive in China, as it won’t download once you arrive.

13. Don’t tip

Tipping isn’t part of Chinese culture. Image by Saelanlerez on Shutterstock.

Tipping is unnecessary in Beijing and if you try to tip, it will confuse people.

The only time you should tip is when it’s requested. If you take a private tour, then your tour company may suggest you leave a tip, but otherwise, don’t worry about it.

I never tipped during my travels to Beijing, or anywhere in China.

14. Practice your photo smiles

Having photos in the Hutongs. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

China’s capital city sees a lot of travelers from inside of China, many of them tourists from more remote areas who haven’t seen westerners in person before.

This means that you might attract attention while in Beijing. And this kind of attention usually isn’t subtle. You may find that people take photos of you as you walk down the street or ask you to take a selfie with them.

You can say no to this of course, but if you have a minute, then why not say yes?

The people asking are usually very excited and polite and it doesn’t hurt anyone to smile at the camera and make someone’s day!

15. Be patient with transport

Packed trains in peak hour. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

You will need to be patient when it comes to getting around Beijing.

Between the language barrier, the crowds, and the sheer size of Beijing’s public transportation network, it can be challenging, particularly if you’re visiting for the first time .

To be quite frank, if you want to see a lot in a short time, then it’s better to organize a car through your hotel’s front desk or a tour operator , especially if you’re visiting The Great Wall of China which is quite far out of the city.

This will save you a lot of time and isn’t as expensive as you might think.

If you’re determined to use public transport then expect crowds, give yourself plenty of time to get anywhere, and try to avoid using public transport during peak hours.

You should also expect to get lost, and to have to find your way back again, so patience is needed here as well.

And you’ll also need patience if you’re taking cars anywhere too. Beijing’s rush hour is legendary and can turn a short trip into an hours-long expedition.

You can rest assured that Beijing has plenty of subway stations. Just have a navigation app ready on your phone so you know where you’re going once you hop off.

You’re probably familiar with Google Maps but there are other China map apps too.

16. Plan your trip to the Great Wall

Some parts of the wall are less touristy and great for hiking. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

I’ve mentioned the Great Wall of China a few times now, but this really needs to be a Beijing travel tip all on its own.

After all, the Great Wall is supremely iconic and what Beijing is best known for .

This awe-inspiring construction dates back centuries, and it meanders through numerous provinces over thousands of miles. It’s not just located near Beijing.

However, the best preserved parts are closest to Beijing, which is why everyone heads there.

Here are the most popular parts of the Great Wall of China:

• Mutianyu – the best restored, and you can even toboggan down (1.5 hours drive)
• Badaling – most popular with Chinese tourists and the busiest (1.5 hours drive)
• Jinshanling – the most beautiful and wild, great for hiking (2-3 hours drive)
• Simitai – also good for hiking, and offers night tours (2-3 hours drive).

It’s important to plan your trip to the wall carefully, as each section is different and caters to different kinds of tourists.

And, they’re all different distances from Beijing (though a one-day return trip is enough time for most sections).

The folks over at China Highlights have a nice article which goes into more detail about the different sections.

17. Beware of scammers

Scammers are known to be in this area of the city. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

If you’re a first-time traveler in China, you really need to hear this.

If anyone approaches you, especially near Tiananmen Square or the Forbidden City, and asks you to come with them to try some tea, definitely say “no”.

It’s a well-known scam , where after sampling a few small cups of tea, you’re essentially locked in the teahouse until you pay the exorbitant amount they demand.

You may also be approached by people offering to be your tour guide, especially in the Forbidden City area. Be very, very careful.

18. Come in spring or fall

Weather conditions can vary greatly in Beijing. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

So, when is the best time to come to Beijing?

If you don’t like extreme hot and cold temperatures, then spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons to visit Beijing.

Just note that this is when most travelers like to visit the city too.

No matter what season you come, it’s a good idea to avoid Chinese New Year and the other Chinese public holidays because everywhere will be unbelievably crowded. Even the hotels will be more expensive.

19. Avoid the Ming Tombs

It’s pretty, but this is kind of it. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

A lot of tour groups stop in at the Ming Tombs on the way to the Great Wall.

Honestly, there’s not a whole lot to see here. And I’m sorry to say, there are no visible tombs.

I’d head straight for the Wall and spend more time there instead.

The final Beijing travel tip

This isn’t really specific to Beijing, but it’s something that I highly recommend for anywhere in China.

Just remember that the way you’ve always done things, the way that your family and culture have always done things, isn’t necessarily the right way to do them in China.

People tend to think that their way of doing things and looking at the world is the only or even the best way. But it isn’t.

During my time in Beijing and in China at large, I found that things that seemed strange at first came to feel natural and even appropriate over time.

Travel demands a flexible mind. And if you visit Beijing with a flexible mind, you’ll have a much better and stress-free trip.

I know you’ll have a great time in Beijing. And don’t forget your VPN!

I hope you liked my Beijing travel tips. Now, check out the China travel tips page for even more helpful advice.

Main image credit: Supplied by Mike Cairnduff.

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Faq about beijing travel, is beijing open for travel.

It sure is. Following a few years of being practically shut off from the rest of the world, Beijing, along with the rest of China, is now open for travel. There are no longer any Covid restrictions.

Is it safe to travel to Beijing?

It sure is. Beijing, like the rest of China, is very safe for foreign tourists. Crime against foreigners is practically unheard of. If you’re prone to respiratory problems, you may want to bring some good quality masks in case of the odd bad pollution day or dust storm.

Is Beijing worth visiting?

Absolutely! It’s the cultural capital of China and it’s very different to other Chinese cities. There’s unique food, a local dialect, and countless historical sites. You could spend weeks in Beijing and still not experience everything.

Why is Beijing a good place to visit?

It’s full of history and culture, making it an absolute treat for tourists. There’s the world-famous Great Wall of China within a few hours’ reach, Forbidden City (or Palace Museum), Temple of Heaven, ancient hutongs (back alleys), Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and so much more.

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Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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Blinken to raise risks for American travelers on trip to Beijing

T he Biden administration is unlikely to ease high-level travel warnings for China unless the country takes concrete steps to address safety concerns, a senior administration official told The Hill ahead of Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to Beijing this week. 

Blinken will raise with Chinese officials steps they must take before the State Department lowers its Level 3 travel warning for American tourists, which urges Americans to “reconsider travel.” The State Department has four warning levels; the fourth is “do not travel.”

“The current travel advisory warning for the [People’s Republic of China] is based on a range of concerns about how Chinese law has been applied in a certain sector, about the detention of certain American citizens, and other cases that have caused us concern,” a senior administration official said in response to a question from The Hill last week, briefing reporters ahead of Blinken’s trip. 

“I’m confident that the secretary will raise these concerns while he’s in China. And it is the case, really with any country around the world, if we find that those conditions … are addressed, and through addressing those concerns there’s a material impact on the conditions that resulted in that warning level, we’ll, of course, reevaluate and, as appropriate, adjust.”

Earlier this month, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said there is “active consideration” for lowering the travel warning for China, acknowledging that the travel advisories have inhibited people-to-people ties in general, and in academia in particular.

“Some degree of academic exchange is very much in our interests, and I support that and I support steps to increase those opportunities in exchanges as we go forward,” he said at a panel interview hosted by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations.

While nearly 300,000 Chinese students are studying in the U.S., only 700 American students are studying in China, U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns said in December. 

“An American leadership in the future that is cut off from China, that hasn’t had an experience there, that doesn’t speak Mandarin — that’s not in the national interest. So we’re trying to put our students back together,” Burns said, speaking at the Brookings Institution . 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, after meeting with President Biden in Woodside, Calif., in November, said he wants to see at least 50,000 American students study in China over the next five years. 

The drop in Americans in China is a result of security concerns and the exodus of Americans following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s restrictive travel policies have put up hurdles to Americans returning to the country.

At least three Americans are considered wrongfully detained in China, including Texas businessman Mark Swidan, Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

The senior administration official said “specific cases” will be raised during Blinken’s trip, which is expected to take place April 24-26. 

“We’ve raised concerns about specific cases involving detentions and exit bans, raised concerns about the opaque and arbitrary application of certain national security laws, and we’ll continue to raise those concerns,” the official said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.

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When U.S. Diplomats Visit China, Meal Choices Are About More Than Taste Buds

Visits to China by American officials like Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken can bring fame to local restaurants, as well as scrutiny to the dignitaries.

By Yan Zhuang

Beijing beer made with American hops, to highlight the trade relationship between the two countries. Tibetan food, to send a human rights message. Mushrooms with possible hallucinogenic properties, just because they taste good.

Where, what and how American dignitaries eat when they visit China is a serious matter. Choices of restaurants and dishes are rife with opportunities for geopolitical symbolism, as well as controversy and mockery. Chopstick skills — or a lack thereof — can be a sign of cultural competence or illiteracy.

An exorbitantly expensive meal can make an official look out of touch. Too cheap or informal, and you risk appearing undignified. Authenticity, history, cooking technique and taste can all affect the perception of a meal choice.

When Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken started a trip through China on Wednesday, part of the Biden administration’s efforts to stabilize the relationship between the two countries, some on Chinese social media wondered whether he would have time on his visit to Shanghai to stop and try some of the city’s famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

One recommendation that he do so came with something of a political warning: “Eating xiaolongbao is just like handling international relations,” a commentator wrote on Weibo . “If your attention slips even a little, you’ll burn your mouth.”

Mr. Blinken did in fact visit a renowned soup dumpling restaurant that night. It’s unclear how much he considered the symbolism of his dumplings, but by indulging in a traditional popular snack, and by attending a basketball game, the optics suggested there was a more cordial spirit than on the trip he made last year, soon after a Chinese spy balloon drifting across the United States had heightened tensions.

While in Beijing, Mr. Blinken visited a notable establishment, in addition to the city’s restaurants: Li-Pi Records. Mr. Blinken — a musician who has touted “musical diplomacy” — bought two records: an album by the Chinese rocker Dou Wei, and Taylor Swift’s “Midnights,” which he described as a successful American export.

Mr. Blinken’s eating habits have drawn far less interest than that of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. Over two trips, this month and last year, her meals in China attracted so much attention that the state-run Global Times deemed it a form of “food diplomacy.”

Last year, Ms. Yellen made headlines when, at a restaurant in Beijing serving cuisine from Yunnan Province, she ate mushrooms that were revealed to be mildly toxic and could cause hallucinations if not cooked properly.

Ms. Yellen later said that she was not aware of the mushrooms’ potential hallucinogenic properties when she ate them and felt no abnormal effects. Still, the story sparked a brief craze for the mushrooms in China.

This month, during a four-day trip to China, Ms. Yellen visited a famed Cantonese restaurant in Guangzhou, and a Sichuan restaurant in Beijing. The dishes she ordered were quickly posted online, drawing broad approval from commenters for the variety and affordability of the dishes ordered, her chopstick skills and the fact that she and her team sat among other diners instead of in a private room.

The dishes Ms. Yellen and her team ordered were classic meals from their respective regions and were not modified to foreign tastes, according to Fuchsia Dunlop, a London-based cook and food writer who specializes in Chinese cuisine.

“They haven’t chosen really expensive, show-off dishes and ingredients,” Ms. Dunlop said, speaking about the Sichuan meal. “This is very much what everyday people in Sichuan like to eat. This menu was chosen for flavor, not prestige.”

According to a Treasury Department spokeswoman, the department generally solicits suggestions from staff at the local embassy for restaurant recommendations when Ms. Yellen travels. Then, Ms. Yellen will research the restaurants herself and make the final decision.

On occasion, specific establishments will be chosen to convey a diplomatic message, the spokeswoman added. She cited Ms. Yellen’s visit this month to a brewery in Beijing that uses American hops, aimed to highlight the significance of American agricultural exports to China.

Some restaurants where Ms. Yellen has dined have capitalized on her fame, like the Yunnan restaurant where she ate the mushrooms, which released a set menu based on what she ordered, called the “ God of Money ” menu, a nod to her position as Treasury secretary.

Ms. Yellen isn’t the first American dignitary to turn Chinese restaurants into overnight sensations. In 2011, a visit by then-Vice President Joe Biden to a Beijing noodle restaurant sent its business skyrocketing, according to Chinese state media, and led the restaurant to create a “Biden set” noodle menu.

In 2014, after Michelle Obama visited a hot pot restaurant in the city of Chengdu, the restaurant said it would create an “American First Lady” set menu. Articles in Chinese media noted approvingly that Mrs. Obama was able to handle the spicy soup, which was not toned down for a foreign palate.

Her visit to a Tibetan restaurant in the same city, however, attracted controversy, and her staff at the time readily acknowledged that the venue had been chosen deliberately to show support for the rights and religious liberties of Tibetans in China.

But for Mrs. Obama’s husband and other U.S. presidents, Chinese cuisine served at official state banquets is often Americanized or customized to better suit a foreign palette.

In 2009, President Barack Obama was served a Chinese-style beef steak and baked fish, according to Chinese state media, and in 2017, President Donald J. Trump ate dishes including kung pao chicken and stewed boneless beef in tomato sauce. Both meals finished with fruit ice cream, which is highly atypical of traditional Chinese meals.

But even those meals may hint at an international trend, Ms. Dunlop said. Mr. Obama’s menu contained “very safe, conservative choices that would be appealing to foreigners,” she said, while Mr. Trump’s menu was slightly more contemporary and showed off more Chinese cooking techniques.

That shift, Ms. Dunlop said, “may reflect China feeling a bit more confident with Westerners’ familiarity with real Chinese food” in 2017 versus 2009.

Ana Swanson contributed reporting.

Yan Zhuang is a Times reporter in Seoul who covers breaking news. More about Yan Zhuang

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20 Top First China Trip Tips — Know Before You Go

Planning a trip to China? China is a fascinating country, but very different, so we've listed some tips to help you get started and avoid problems, which link in with our wealth of knowledge on touring China.

1. Think what to pack for China early.

Essentials include passport (and visa), enough money (or a card to withdraw it), enough of the right clothes (check out the weather ), and any medication you need (you may need a translated doctor's note to get it through customs). Smartphones are a handy spacesaver, especially if equipped with a VPN (see next tip). You may also need an adapter for any electronics you bring as China uses 2 or 3 thin-pin sockets at 220V. See more on how to pack for China .

2. Get a VPN.

Many websites such as Facebook, Google, and Instagram are blocked here in China. Some applications on your smart devices and access to emails may require a VPN connection to work so it is highly recommended to get one. See our list of the best China VPN recommendations for paid and unpaid subscriptions.

3. Be wise to the pollution issues.

The government has been working on reducing air pollution here in China, particularly in the main tourist cities, and it is usually better than the media would lead you to expect. On some days, however, the pollution in cities like Beijing may still affect your experience, especially if you have a respiratory condition.

Beyond wearing a dust mask like the locals, consider traveling in spring or when the pollution is least, and out-of-the-city activities.

You may also be interested in China's Five Best Cities for Air Quality .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

4. Spring and autumn are the best times to come.

Whether you enjoy a winter wonderland or the warm sun shining on your skin, China has the perfect destination for you. For the most comfortable weather, consider coming in spring or fall. Spring is a great time as China is fresh and flowering, while autumn has drier weather than spring as well as moderate temperatures. Check out the best times to visit China .

Recommended tours :

• Classic Wonders (11-day) — the highlights in Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai
• The Golden Triangle (8-day) — just the big three: similar to the above, without Guilin

5. But watch out for public and school holidays.

Holidays are great. They put everyone in a joyous mood. Watch out though! Chinese locals usually travel during these periods. Travel costs (hotels, flights…) usually skyrocket during this period. Generally, try to avoid festivals too, unless you want to experience them! Find out more about the busy periods to avoid in China .

Recommended tour :

• 13-Day A Broad Taste of China (Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Guilin – Hong Kong )
• 11-Day Classic Wonders (Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai )

6. High-speed rail is better than flying for some journeys.

Long bus rides are no more comfortable in China than elsewhere, but China's swish new high-speed trains give you excellent intercity options. They may even be faster than travelling via plane as stations may be closer to the city centers than airports.

7. And private transport is the most hassle-free way to explore China's destinations.

Metros, taxis, and buses are a cheap way to experience local life and to get around easily, but the language barrier and lack of familiarity with an area may mean you're expending more time than you would like. Avoid unlicensed taxi drivers who may charge ridiculous fees or operate other scams.

Our private transport service (transfers or as part of our tours) is the most convenient and reliable way to get from place to place locally. See our transportation guide to review your options for getting around China.

Recommended tour : 13-Day China Essence and Panda Tour (Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu –Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai)

8. But watch out on the sidewalk.

Sometimes cars and motorbikes etc. are parked on the sidewalks. While walking on them, be careful of vehicles zooming past without warning. Sometimes they can drive really close to you and that is alright to them, but may cause an accident if your movements are not what they expect. Just be on the lookout and learn how to cross roads safely in China .

9. Bearing in mind close personal contact follows different rules.

Unlike in Western countries, China is more conservative with physical touch. Usually a verbal greeting would suffice and public affection is seldom shown. Personal space, however, might be a rarity. On public transport, the locals will push and shove for spaces. When queuing up, it is common to see locals cutting lines.

To better understand this and other cultural differences that you might struggle with, see How to Deal with Culture Shock in China .

10. Learn a few phrases of Mandarin.

Learning a few phrases of the local language would further enhance your experience in China. Simple phrases can be easily picked up and used everywhere. Top marks if you can bargain in Mandarin! Everyone loves a foreigner who speaks the local language, so check out these essential phrases and start practicing!

11. And do not be offended by the locals.

The locals are friendly and like to share. In some parts of China, many of them are not used to seeing foreigners on a daily basis. Do not be taken aback if they stare and spit, or ask for photos with you, or ask a lot of personal questions. Here is some more detailed advice on how to how to communicate with the locals in China .

12. Don't offend them either… Be respectful.

Everywhere you go in China, locals will be talking loudly and constantly shouting. In temples, however, shouting and talking loudly are frowned upon. Do not touch or point at the statues of deities. Show respect to monks and nuns by not taking photos without permission. Here are some more things not to do in China .

Avoid politics and religion in conversations generally, and abide by the laws and rules of the land. You may be interested in A Traveler's Guide to Chinese Law .

13. Try the local food.

China is not only known for beautiful scenery and kungfu, but also its food. Different provinces provide their own unique touch to their food. There are plenty of local classics that are available everywhere. Find out about some local delights that might entice your taste buds .

Recommdended Tour :

• 9-Day Beijing ,Xian and Shanghai Tour - China Family Classic Tour
• 13-Day Private Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Guilin – Hong Kong - A Broad Taste of China

14. But practice using chopsticks first.

The use of chopsticks is a symbol of Chinese culture. Never, never stick a pair of chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice. This symbolizes joss sticks at a funeral and it is frowned upon. In addition to that, do not "stab" food by using chopsticks like a fork. Find out more about chopsticks and how to use chopsticks properly . An alternative is to bring your own cutlery.

15. And you'll find toilets are slightly more interesting!

It is important to know that many public bathrooms here do not provide toilet paper or paper towels or soap. Always leave your accommodation with toilet paper, and you may want to carry hand sanitizer too. The public restrooms are mostly squat toilets. It is part of the Chinese experience to use a toilet here. Here is all you need to know about toilets in China .

16. There is no need to tip.

It is not customary to tip in Chinese Mainland, and tips are likely to be awkwardly refused. Conversely tipping in Hong Kong and Macau is common and much appreciated. Only at some of the most classy and international establishments in larger cities on the Chinese mainland, small tips can be given to show appreciation for good service.

For tour guides, only tip if the service is good and has satisfied you.

Here is a guide to how to tip in China .

17. But you should bring gifts when visiting.

Chinese people are great at hosting and would gladly host you. Locals would always to whip a scrumptious meal that is an experience to behold. If you visit a Chinese family, do not forget to bring gifts. The Chinese believe mutual gifting is a sign of respect.

18. Avoid tourist traps.

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is a fake or worse in China. The most common scams include overpriced taxis, services, merchandise... Counterfeit notes are also a fairly common scam. When buying souvenirs, always bargain to get the best price. See our comprehensive guide to common tourist traps in China and how to avoid them .

19. Avoid budget tour groups.

In order to save costs and maximize profits, budget tour groups are generally large, noisy, and very rushed, with lots of time-wasting lining up, and getting on and off buses for commission shop stops. Avoid this option if you want a more fulfilling and authentic experience.

See more on China Group Tours vs Private China Tours: 7 Key Differences .

20. And choose a good guide and tour operator.

Guides can make or break a trip. In order to ensure the best experience for you, China Highlights select and train the best local guides available. On our personalized tours, you are the main focus. Your experience is vital to us. We will tailor your itinerary to what you want. Make sure you know how to make the most out of your China tour guide .

Let Us Help You Enjoy a More Care-Free China Tour

Some of the biggest problems with arranging a China trip are the language barrier, China's general complexity, and the difficulty of booking everything efficiently, before you even consider getting off the beaten path. Why struggle when there are companies who can do the work for you?

To make your first trip to China a great one, contact us. We're here to help you tour China your way. 10,000+ people a year use our tailor-made China tour service. Whatever your interests, we can arrange experiences that will bring your China curiosity to life.

Most Recommended First China Trip Itineraries:

• The Golden Triangle — an 8-Day Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai tour — the three major tourist cities of China
• Classic Wonders — an 11-Day Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai tour — the most popular destinations in China
• Check out more of our Top 10 China Tour Itineraries based on bookings and feedback.

Or contact us and we'll design a custom tour for you.

• 2-Week Riches of China
• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Private Tour
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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Xi's trip to Europe may lay bare West's divisions over China strategy

• Medium Text

• China's Xi makes first visit to Europe in five years
• EU states differ on China strategy, weakening bloc's leverage
• EU threatens tariffs on China EV vehicles, green tech
• Paris, Brussels readier than Berlin to push back on subsidies
• Xi's Serbia, Hungary trips seen as move to deepen EU rifts

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Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing and Michel Rose in Paris; Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris, Andreas Rinke in Berlin and Daria Sito-Sucic in Belgrade; Editing by Richard Lough, William Maclean

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Laurie Chen is a China Correspondent at Reuters' Beijing bureau, covering politics and general news. Before joining Reuters, she reported on China for six years at Agence France-Presse and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong. She speaks fluent Mandarin.

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Japan to start hunting fin whales after five years of commercial whaling

Japan will add large fin whales to its list of commercial whaling species, government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi said on Thursday, five years after leaving an international body that regulates the commercial hunt of the marine mammals.

A Ukrainian drone attack sparked a fire and damaged several storage tanks at a fuel depot in Russia's Krasnodar region, the region's crisis administration said on Thursday.

Marine conservationists and government scientists are seeking clues to the mystery of how a 44-foot whale carcass ended up on the bow of a cruise liner, where it was discovered as the ship approached New York City's Port of Brooklyn over the weekend.