🇨🇳 The Forbidden City

Discover
Beijing

Beijing is one of the world's great ancient capitals — where imperial palaces, temple complexes and Ming dynasty walls survive alongside the hyper-modern Olympic architecture and world-class cultural institutions.

600+Years as Capital
7mForbidden City sq ft
60m+Great Wall Length
15mPopulation

Beijing's scale and grandeur are almost incomprehensible. The Forbidden City is the world's largest ancient palace complex; the Great Wall snakes across mountain ridges; Tiananmen Square is the biggest public square on earth. It rewards patient exploration.

Top Attractions in Beijing

The landmarks, museums and experiences that define Beijing.

Beijing's Best Neighbourhoods

Every district of Beijing has its own personality.

Beijing's Food Scene

Where and what to eat in Beijing.

Transport in Beijing

Everything you need to get around Beijing like a local.

🚇
Beijing Subway
22 lines, 370 stations. Buy a rechargeable IC card. ¥3–6 per journey.
💡 Line 1 and Line 2 (Circle) cover all major tourist sights
🚌
City Buses
Extremely cheap (¥1–2) but requires Chinese language ability.
💡 Only useful for specific routes — stick to the excellent subway
🚖
DiDi (Chinese Uber)
Works for foreigners with a WeChat/Alipay account. Essential for areas beyond the subway.
💡 Set up DiDi before arriving — it requires a Chinese phone number or a workaround
✈️
Beijing Capital / Daxing
Capital: Line 10 and Airport Express (¥25, 20 mins). Daxing: Daxing Airport Express.
💡 Beijing has two airports — verify which one your flight uses before planning transport

Day Trips from Beijing

Beijing is the perfect base for exploring further afield.

Essential Beijing Tips

01
VPN before you arrive
Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and most Western apps are blocked. Set up a VPN before arrival.
02
WeChat Pay & Alipay
Cash is rarely accepted. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay — essential for almost all transactions.
03
Pollution check
Air quality varies significantly. Download the AQI app and limit outdoor exposure on red days.
04
Photograph carefully
Avoid photographing military installations, government buildings or sensitive areas.
05
The Great Wall takes a day
Mutianyu requires 4 hours round trip from Beijing — plan a full day and leave by 7am.
06
Bottled water only
Tap water is not safe for drinking. Bottled water is available everywhere cheaply.

Beijing Weather Guide

What to expect season by season.

🌸
Spring (Apr–May)
12–20°C
Beautiful cherry blossoms. Some pollution. The city's most pleasant season.
☀️
Summer (Jun–Aug)
28–35°C
Hot and humid. Heavy rain in July–August. Pollution often lower.
🍂
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
10–20°C
The best season — clear skies, spectacular colours at the Summer Palace.
❄️
Winter (Dec–Feb)
−5–4°C
Very cold. Pollution can be severe. The Forbidden City in snow is extraordinary.

Tours & Activities in Beijing

Skip-the-line access, expert guides and unique local experiences — click any card to book directly.

🍽️
Popular
Food & Drink
Beijing Street Food & Market Tour
Taste the flavours that define Beijing — local specialities, hidden eateries and the stories behind the food.
⏱ 2.5 hrs👥 Small group📍 Markets
🚌
New
Day Trip
Best Day Trip from Beijing
A handpicked excursion to the most spectacular destination within reach of Beijing — transport and guide included.
⏱ Full day👥 Group📍 Nearby

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The Beijing Blog

Itineraries, insider tips, seasonal guides and neighbourhood deep-dives — everything you need to plan the perfect Beijing trip.

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