Guide: Everything you need to know for your first trip to Beijing
- Júlia Partal
- Mar 21
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Beijing is a big city (or rather, a GIANT), with almost 22 million inhabitants. This can be overwhelming for anyone who lands there for the first time, especially those of us who are used to compact and walkable European cities. The distances are much greater than we imagine and, moreover, being the political center of China, there is a control that, for someone who is used to living in Europe, may seem excessive. But, at the same time, there are moments when it seems like a small town, full of quiet corners and people occupying public space in a way that, unfortunately, we rarely see in our cities.
I feel a lot of tenderness for the version of myself that landed in Beijing full of fears, doubts and prejudices, and very little prepared. In this article I want to share everything I learned during my time there so that you don't end up like me, who walked almost an hour to get to Tian'anmen on the first day, thinking it would be like visiting Plaça de Catalunya.
I must admit that I envy those of you who, for the first time, are willing to look at the capital of this great Asian giant with kinder and more understanding eyes, willing to be surprised. I am sure that you will do so very positively and I hope that my advice will help you enjoy an easier and more enriching trip.
Table of contents |
🚇How to get around Beijing
Metro: This is the best option. Fast, comfortable and cheap. Base fare of 3 yuan, which increases according to the distance. Closes at 23:00. From the airports, this is the most recommended option to go to the city (with the airport Express lines). No need to buy tickets, just scan the transport code > metro in AliPay.
Bus: Slower but comfortable and very cheap (2 yuan fixed fare). Its main advantage is that it allows you to see the city and is recommended for some short distances. No need to buy tickets, just scan the transport code > bus on AliPay both when getting on and off.
Taxi/Didi: Avoid traditional taxis, but don't be afraid to take a Didi (the equivalent of an Uber or Cabify). It's safe, practical and economical.
Payments : Use the Alipay app to pay for the metro, the bus and even Didi.
Navigation apps: Google Maps DOES NOT WORK. The best option is to use Amap (formerly known as Gaode), which is accurate and can be set to English.
I explain it in more detail in my Guide: How to get around Beijing .
🏮What to visit in Beijing
The list of attractions in Beijing is endless, but I have chosen the 5 that are essential for me. Plus, all of them (except the Summer Palace) are quite close!
Summer Palace
⏱ 3–4 h | 💸 RMB 30 | 🚇 Xiyuan 西苑 (Line 4)
For me (and for everyone who has visited me) it is the most beautiful place in Beijing. Just outside the city is the summer residence of the Qing dynasty, the last to rule China before the arrival of the Communist Party. It is a true oasis within Beijing, with some of the most beautiful imperial gardens in the entire country, lakes, pavilions and bridges that invite you to stroll without rushing. The nature is beautiful all year round and the architecture, full of history, shows how the imperial court lived when they escaped the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tips: I recommend entering through the north door and exiting through the east door to take a complete but realistic tour with only a few hours of visit (you could spend an entire weekend there).
Tiananmen Square
⏱ 30 min | 💸 Free | 🚇 Tian'anmen West/East
This square is the political and historical heart of Beijing and the entry point to the Forbidden City , the largest imperial palace in the world. Although Tian'an'men Square is not exactly "beautiful", it impresses with its size and all the historical and symbolic load it carries.
Tips: Book your ticket at least one day in advance via their official website or Wechat miniapp at least one day in advance. On the day of your visit, bring your passport and be prepared for a strict security check.
Jingshan Park
⏱ 1–2 h | 💸 RMB 10 | 🧭 North of the forbidden city
Jingshan Park is an artificial hill in the heart of the city, with a very interesting history and, above all, spectacular views. Going up to the Wanchun Pavilion you have a panoramic view of the Forbidden City which, for me, is much more beautiful from here than from inside. The hill was built with earth and rubble from the construction of the Forbidden City and the canals that surround it. And it is no coincidence that they decided to build it to the north of the palace, as it also served as a watchtower (threats - the Mongols - came mainly from the north) and to ensure that the Forbidden City had good fengshui.
Tips: If you can go on the weekend, it will be an even better experience, as the park is filled with people singing, dancing,...living!
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
⏱ Variable | 💸 Optional | 🚇 Gulou Dajie/Shichahai
These two historic towers served as watchtowers and to mark the time in the ancient city. Today they are the center of Beijing's most popular hutong neighborhood . You can visit them from the inside with a reservation and for about 30 RMB , but what I recommend is to go to the square between the two towers, preferably at dusk or during the weekend when there is more atmosphere, and let yourself get lost in the neighboring alleys, observing local life.
Tips: Walk around the area calmly and with your eyes wide open. Go up to the terrace of a bar or café to have a perspective of the sea of grey roofs so characteristic of the traditional neighbourhoods of Beijing.
Lake Sichahai ⏱ 1–2 h | 💸 Free | 🚇 Gulou Dajie/Shichahai
Sichahai Lake, right next to the Bell and Drum Towers, is one of the most peaceful and pleasant places in Beijing. It's probably the opposite of what most people imagine when they think of the city. Stroll around it both day and night; in the afternoon and evening the area fills up with young people who come to have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
Tips: Go up to the rooftop of the Sugar Café for memorable views over the lake and towers.
If you want more detailed information, I recommend you consult this itinerary .
🥟 Where to eat and drink in Beijing
Hmmmmmmm the best thing you will do on your trip to China is: EAT ! And you will also need to find aesthetic cafes -or bars- to enjoy the views and relax a bit! I don't want to tell you where to eat every day, since the best thing is to dare to try and improvise. I have never, EVER , eaten badly in a restaurant in China. It is a country where everyone eats out constantly and sometimes the ones that make us look the worst to our Western eyes are the most delicious.
That said, I do want to share some recommendations:
Food:
🌟 华夏饺耳. An interesting Chinese (jiaozi) ravioli place near Sichahai. AMap (the Chinese Google maps) link: https://surl.amap.com/QHFSIZnft5
老石水饺(南锣鼓巷店). More jiaozi (are they my favorite dish?), this time near the Bell and Drum Tower. AMap link: https://surl.amap.com/XaJc33K8YZ
🌟 Hua's Restaurant (花家怡园). For the famous Peking duck in a luxurious setting, very well priced and with vegetarian options. It is a chain with several locations throughout Beijing.
Haidilao (海底捞). The home of HotPot and fun, with dancing waiters and free manicures. More than a restaurant, it's an experience! This chain has several establishments throughout Beijing and all the major cities in China.
To have a drink:
🌟 糖房咖啡(什刹海店) - Sugar Café. A third-floor rooftop café with the best views of the Bell and Drum Tower and Sichahai . In the background, you can also see Jingshan Park and the financial district. AMap link: https://surl.amap.com/U9iEAdB7jF
🌟 大肃啤八(豆角胡同店) - Great Leap Forward. A craft brewery in the middle of the hutongs . AMap link: https://surl.amap.com/WXLG9nS01b
Cafe Zarah. Okay, this is for if you want a good coffee ... but it can also be useful if you need a break from Chinese food! In the area of the Bell and Drum Tower, they have coffee, brunch and many Western dishes (at Western prices) suitable for vegetarians. During the weekend evenings, there is usually a DJ session . AMap link: https://surl.amap.com/VrCLuB168vJ
MUJI HOTEL (北京)花店). The rooftop of this hotel offers you the best views of Tian'an'men, especially impressive when it gets dark and all the lights are turned on. The food doesn't mean anything to me, it's fusion with Japanese cuisine and they have practically no vegetarian options. But the views make me come back every time I visit Beijing, and the service is not strict at all! You can go up there to walk around for a while without having to eat anything ;)
Tribute : My quintessential bar. Every Saturday night there is a live music jam session. Very good atmosphere and community.
Modernista: an art-noveaux inspired space/concert hall. Interesting for its program of shows and concerts.
💤 Where to sleep in Beijing
I have a favorite area in Beijing: the Bell and Drum Tower (Gulou) neighborhood. In this old hutong neighborhood you can find traditional houses in charming hotels for a reasonable price. I have stayed in two, and I would recommend them.
The first is the Rong Hotel , a hotel with a lot of magic located in the middle of the hutongs and just 10 minutes walk from the metro in a pleasant walk in the middle of the day to day life of Beijingers. A very good experience. It is a very nice hotel, but it does not have a restaurant or common areas, as is usual in old houses converted into hotels. It has many restaurants and bars nearby. A curiosity is that on one street it has a pub very popular among expats called "Modernista" and which is inspired....(bingo!), by Barcelona!
The second is Lemeng Hotel and has the advantage of being very close to the metro and being a little cheaper. It also does not have a restaurant and is a bit further from the main hutong area. However, the value for money is excellent! When I was there, there was a wind storm that ruined all our plans and was a little scary. The girls at the reception, despite the uncertainty, helped us a lot and made us feel safe at all times.
Finally, I have a recommendation in another area, in Beijing Station: Beijing Zhong'an Hotel . The neighborhood, for me, has less charm but is very central and convenient for moving everywhere. This hotel is my favorite place to stay when I go alone to Beijing, since the rooms are very cheap (although I must warn you that the cheapest ones are the ones without windows), a fabulous restaurant for both breakfast and lunch or dinner and with free snacks at night, free washing machines and dryers and a very comfortable common space if you have to do work or want to interact with other travelers. In addition, it is a building with history since it was the residence of two American writers who closely followed the communist revolution, and inside the hotel itself there is a small museum. I have always felt at home there, since the people who work there are very friendly! Although it is a very simple hotel, for me this is what has the most value.
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