Beijing Quick Prep Guide
The capital of China — massive, historic, and modern. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive.
Visa Reminder
- If your nationality is on the visa-free list (15–30 days allowed), you can arrive without advance visa.
- US, UK, and Japanese passport holders must apply for a tourist L visa in advance (see Visa Guide).
- Allow 4–10 business days for visa processing.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Apr–May | ✅ Best — warm, dry, cherry blossoms |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | ⚠️ Hot and humid (35+°C), smog possible |
| Autumn | Sep–Oct | ✅ Excellent — golden leaves, crisp air |
| Winter | Dec–Feb | ⚠️ Cold (-10°C avg), dry, some snow |
Avoid: Week-long National Day holiday (Oct 1–7) — massive crowds at all tourist sites.
Transport Tips
- Airports: Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX). Daxing is newer and farther from the center.
- Airport to city:
- Capital Airport Express → Dongzhimen (25 mins, 25 RMB)
- Daxing Airport Express → Caoqiao (19 mins, 35 RMB)
- Taxi/Didi: 50–150 RMB depending on distance and traffic
- Metro: 27 lines, excellent coverage. Single ride 2–10 RMB. English signs everywhere.
- Note: Beijing traffic is notoriously bad during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Use metro or Didi.
Payment Notes
- Same as rest of China: Alipay/WeChat Pay recommended, some credit card acceptance at international hotels.
- ATMs are everywhere in Beijing — ICBC ATMs are most foreigner-friendly.
- Carry small bills for subway ticket machines (some don’t accept cards).
Packing Tips
- Spring/Autumn: Light jacket + long pants. Comfortable walking shoes — you’ll walk 10+ km/day at the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
- Summer: Sunscreen 50SPF, sunhat, umbrella, lightweight breathable clothing.
- Winter: Heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, hat, scarf. Great Wall can be windy and -15°C. Layer up!
- All seasons: Tissues/wet wipes (many restrooms have no toilet paper).
Local Etiquette Notes
- Beijing locals speak a distinctly robust Mandarin. Don’t be alarmed by loud speaking — it’s normal.
- Great Wall vendors can be pushy — politely decline with a smile.
- Temple etiquette: cover shoulders/knees at Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven.
- Queuing: Generally better than most Chinese cities, but still watch for line-jumpers at popular spots.
Must-See Practical Tips
- Great Wall (Mutianyu/Simatai): Go early (7 AM) to avoid crowds. Book transport in advance. Bring water and snacks.
- Forbidden City: Book entry tickets 7 days in advance online — they sell out daily. No same-day tickets!
- Temple of Heaven: Early morning (6–8 AM) is magical with locals doing tai chi.
- Hutongs: Visit before they’re all gone. Shichahai area is most photographed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Forbidden City ticket rule strict?
Extremely strict. You must show a pre-purchased ticket + passport to enter. No walk-ins. Book at least 3 days ahead, 7 days during peak season.
How bad is the air pollution?
It varies day to day. Download a pollution app (like Pollution) and carry a basic dust mask for high-AQI days.
Related City Guides
Editorial Note: Forbidden City advance booking rule verified on official website. Metro line counts from Beijing Metro official maps. All information as of 2026.