Beijing
City

Beijing

The Paris of the Middle East Rises Again

Beijing hits different than other megacities. Sure, you'll see the Forbidden City and walk sections of the Great Wall. But the real Beijing reveals itself in the hutong alleys where locals still play mahjong at dawn, in the late-night barbecue joints of Sanlitun, and in the contemporary art galleries tucked behind Ming Dynasty courtyards. This is a city where 3,000 years of history collides with China's tech boom, creating something entirely unique. The subway system puts most Western cities to shame, the food scene ranges from $2 street dumplings to Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy, and the nightlife stretches until sunrise. Beijing demands your full attention — and rewards it generously.

Explore Destinations

Chaoyang

Chaoyang

Dongcheng (Forbidden City area)

Dongcheng (Forbidden City area)

Forbidden City

Forbidden City

Hutongs (Old Alleys)

Hutongs (Old Alleys)

Sanlitun

Sanlitun

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

Explore the Region

Map showing 7 destinations
Neighborhoods
Districts
7 destinations
Dongcheng District puts you in the heart of imperial Beijing. Stay near Wangfujing Street for shopping and easy access to the Forbidden City, but expect tourist crowds and inflated prices. The hutongs around Nanluoguxiang offer boutique courtyard hotels with actual character — try Hotel Cote Cour for converted Qing Dynasty architecture. Chaoyang District is where modern Beijing lives. Sanlitun buzzes with international restaurants and rooftop bars, while the CBD area near Guomao offers sleek business hotels. The Kerry Hotel Beijing sits perfectly between both worlds. For a local experience, book a hutong homestay in Xicheng District. You'll wake up to the sound of bicycle bells instead of traffic, and authentic noodle shops sit steps from your door. Just know that traditional courtyard houses mean shared bathrooms and paper-thin walls.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Subway rides cost about 50 cents — buy a rechargeable card at any station to avoid lines
  • 2.Street food breakfast (jianbing) runs $1-2, while sit-down restaurant meals cost $8-15 per person
  • 3.Many temples charge 30-60 yuan entry fees, but hutong wandering is completely free
  • 4.Tipping isn't expected at restaurants, but round up taxi fares to the nearest yuan
  • 5.Download Alipay for mobile payments — many vendors don't accept cash anymore
  • 6.Bargain at markets like Panjiayuan, but department stores have fixed prices

Travel Tips

  • •Download a VPN before arriving — Google, Facebook, and Instagram are blocked
  • •Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer — public restrooms often lack both
  • •Learn basic Mandarin phrases or download a translation app with offline mode
  • •Air pollution varies daily — check AQI levels and pack a face mask for bad days
  • •Many attractions close on Mondays — plan your itinerary accordingly
  • •Bring a power bank — Beijing's size means long days of navigation and photos
  • •Keep your passport handy — some hotels and attractions require ID checks

Frequently Asked Questions

Beijing is very safe for solo travelers, including women. Violent crime against tourists is rare, and the subway system runs until midnight. The biggest safety concerns are air pollution on bad days and aggressive traffic when crossing streets. Trust your instincts in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.

Explore Beijing

Things to Do in BeijingWhen to Visit Beijing3 Days in Beijing7 Days in Beijing

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