Beijing Travel Guide: Travel to Beijing for the First Time

• 1. What is Beijing best known for?+

  Beijing is best known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks that have come to symbolize China's centuries-old civilization. The following are the top sites to explore:

  The Forbidden City
  The Great Wall of China
  Hutongs
  Tiananmen Square
  Summer Palace
  The Temple of Heaven

• 2. What is the reason for visiting Beijing?+

  Beijing is a city of stunning contrasts, where tourists can marvel at China's imperial past in perfectly preserved palaces, buildings, courts, and parks, while also discovering its vibrant modern lifestyle and dynamic energy. The city's vastness and large distances between locations can be daunting, but it is well worth the effort to explore its many fascinating neighborhoods, such as the historic hutongs that were until recently the mainstay of Beijing's urban landscape, with their narrow lanes and single-story buildings that provide a unique and authentic glimpse into the city's old way of life.

• 3. How many days is enough in Beijing?+

  How many days to spend in Beijing for a tour? The ideal length of time to explore in Beijing depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. However, to get a good feel for the city and see the major attractions, we would recommend to spend at least 2-4 full days in Beijing.

  During this time, you can visit iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven, discover historic neighborhoods like the Hutongs, sample delicious food (such as Beijing Duck & dumplings) at local eateries and markets, and experience the vibrant culture and nightlife of the city. Of course, there are many other interesting sites to explore in and around Beijing, such as the Confucius Temple (Guozijian), Lama Temple (Yonghegong), and the Olympic Park (Birds' Nest & Water Cube), among others.

  When you have 5 or more days, you can travel to another city like Xian by high speed train after touring Beijing.

• 4. Why visit Great Wall sections in Beijing?+

  As one of the world's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles (21,000 kilometers) across northern China. It was built over several centuries by various Chinese dynasties to protect against invasions from the north. This vast and complex system of fortifications are mainly located in several Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Gansu, Shanxi, Henan, and Inner Mongolia.

  But some of the most popular and well-known sections of the wall are located near Beijing, such as the Mutianyu Great Wall, Jingshanling Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Jiankou Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall.

  1. Badaling Great Wall (Most Famous One and The Most Tourists Visited):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 47 miles (75 kilometers) north of Beijing and is the most popular and well-preserved section of the wall.

  2. Mutianyu Great Wall (Most Popular with Foreign Tourists):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 55 miles (88 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its scenic views and well-preserved fortifications.

  3. Jingshanling Great Wall (Most Popular Among Photographers):
  This section of the Great Wall is located about 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking views.

  4. Simatai Great Wall (The Only Great Wall that can be Visited at Night): This section of the Great Wall is located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing and is known for its steep slopes and watchtowers.

  You can also visit Juyongguan Great Wall (one of the eight scenic spots in Beijing), Jiankou Great Wall, and Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall (a holiday resort integrating the Great Wall, lakes and mountains).

  Overall, a Beijing Great Wall Tour is a must-do for many visitors to China, offering a unique and unforgettable experience of China's rich history and natural beauty. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, a Great Wall tour is sure to be a highlight of your trip to Beijing.

• 5. How to get to Beijing? By air & By Bullet Train?+

  Beijing is a major transportation hub in China, with several options for getting there. The two most popular options are by air or by high-speed train. Here are some useful information for your reference:

  1. By Flight: If you are traveling from another country or a distant region of China, flying to Beijing is usually the most convenient option. Beijing has two major airports, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both airports serve domestic and international destinations and have multiple daily flights from major cities in China and around the world. The flight time from major Chinese cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu to Beijing is usually around 2-3 hours.

  2. By bullet train: If you are traveling from nearby provinces or cities, taking a high-speed train to Beijing can be a more cost-effective and convenient option, as there are many high-speed rail lines connecting Beijing to other parts of China. Beijing has several high-speed train stations, including Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station. High-speed trains connect Beijing with many major cities in China, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. The travel time from Shanghai to Beijing by high-speed train is around 4-6 hours, while the travel time from Guangzhou to Beijing is around 8-10 hours.

  Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preferences, budget, and travel plans. If you're looking for a faster travel time and don't mind the higher cost, flying may be the best option. However, if you prefer a more scenic and affordable option or want to experience China's high-speed train network, taking the train may be a better choice. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which transportation method best suits your needs.

• 6. What food is Beijing known for?+

  Beijing is known for its delicious cuisine, which is characterized by its strong flavors, rich history, and unique cooking techniques. Some of the most famous and popular Beijing dishes include:

  1.Peking Roast Duck (Beijing Duck): A succulent and crispy dish that is considered one of Beijing's most famous and iconic foods, and is traditionally served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.

  2.Jiaozi (Chinese Dumplings): Jiaozi are dumplings that are a staple in Beijing cuisine. A type of dumpling that is often filled with pork, vegetables, or seafood and served boiled, steamed, or fried.

  3.Mongolian Hot Pot: This is a popular dish in Beijing that originated in Inner Mongolia. A communal dish that involves cooking a variety of meats, vegetables, and noodles in a boiling broth at the table.

  4.Zhajiang Mian (Noodles with Soybean Paste): This is a noodle dish that is popular throughout China, but Beijing has its own unique version. A classic Beijing Zhajiang Mian made with thick wheat noodles, a savory bean sauce made from fermented soybeans, and a variety of vegetables and meats.

  5.Douzhi: This is a fermented drink made from mung beans that is popular in Beijing. It has a sour and slightly sweet taste and is often served with fried dough sticks.

  6.Chaogan: This is a type of snack made from pig organs, including the liver, heart, and intestines. It's served with a spicy sauce and is a popular street food in Beijing.

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