Beijing (北京)
Explore 198 spots discovered from 25 YouTube travel videos.
Based on 25 videos
Popular Spots
Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven
Forbidden City
Mutianyu Great Wall
Summer Palace
Jingshan Park
Tiananmen Square
Houhai Lakes
Fang Zhuan Chang Zha Jiang Mian
Wangfujing Walking Street
Nanluoguxiang
Beijing Capital International Airport
Practical tips from creators in Beijing
Helpful advice mentioned across multiple travel videos
ATMs may retain foreign cards
Be aware that ATMs in China, specifically those from Agricultural Bank of China, may retain foreign bank cards without warning. It's advisable to have a backup plan for cash or rely primarily on digital payment methods like Alipay.
Affordable Accommodation in Beijing (Off-peak)
Accommodation in Beijing can be reasonably priced, especially during the off-peak season (e.g., averaging 383 RMB per night). It's advisable to check travel apps ahead of time for deals.
Affordable Electronics Shopping in Guangzhou
Guangzhou is an excellent place in China to buy electronics and gadgets at very good value prices, much cheaper than elsewhere.
Affordable and Delicious Beijing Breakfast
Beijing offers amazing and affordable local breakfast options. You can enjoy hearty meals like lamb dumplings, lamb offal soup, and beef buns for a very reasonable price.
Air China In-Flight Meal Service
On Air China's long-haul night flights, expect two meal services. For instance, the first meal included a chicken curry, bread, and a dessert like raspberry cheesecake, followed by a full breakfast closer to arrival.
Beijing Capital Airport Express Train Tickets
At Beijing Capital Airport, tickets for the airport express train can be purchased from vending machines that offer an English language option. Payment can be made conveniently via Alipay by scanning a QR code.
Beijing Subway System & Payment
The Beijing subway is modern, clean, and quiet. Tickets can be purchased using Alipay's payment code (requiring face ID activation) by scanning it at the vending machine, then tapping the ticket card at the gate to enter.
Best time to see Giant Pandas
Visit the Giant Panda Research Base very early in the morning for a better chance to see pandas active in their outdoor enclosures before they move inside due to heat.
Book Forbidden City tickets 7 days in advance
To secure tickets for the Forbidden City and avoid premium prices and sellouts, book online exactly 7 days before your visit at 8:00 p.m. Beijing time, especially for morning slots which sell out quickly. Use the official website to avoid third-party markups.
Book Forbidden City/Tiananmen Square tickets in advance
During peak season, tickets for the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square must be booked at least a week in advance as they sell out quickly.
Book a private tour with a local guide
Booking a private tour with a local guide like Alice can help you skip queues, navigate sites, and translate, especially for filming permissions.
Book tours through a reputable operator
A tour operator like Odinovo can handle all aspects of your trip, including transport, tickets, and overcoming language barriers, making travel seamless.
Cable Car Rides for Panoramic Views
Cable car rides provide stunning aerial views of the towering peaks and deep valleys in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Carry Passports for Tiananmen Square Entry
Foreign visitors are required to carry their physical passports for entry into Tiananmen Square and will undergo security checks. Local residents use ID cards.
Carry dietary restriction note in local language
Carry a note with your dietary restrictions written in Chinese to easily communicate food preferences to restaurant staff.
China Transit Visa Requirements
If traveling to China on a transit visa, ensure you have a direct flight in and out of China to different countries (e.g., Bangkok to Beijing, Beijing to Hanoi) with no layovers within China.
China Visa Application Process
Applying for a China visa requires an in-person visit to the visa application center, which includes an interview-like process. The creator was nervous about being selected.
Chongqing Cable Car Experience
The Chongqing cable car can involve very long waiting times (up to 2 hours) which might not be worth it for the short ride, especially given the many other great river views available.
Communicating with locals in China
Many locals in China, including taxi drivers, do not speak English, which can make communication challenging. The creator found herself trying to learn basic Mandarin phrases to be polite and facilitate interactions.
Convenient and Inexpensive Food Delivery
Food delivery in Beijing is fast (15-20 min), inexpensive ($14 for a large spread), and offers a wide variety of options, making it very accessible.