The best months to visit Beijing are Sep – Nov. 15–25°C, blue skies, autumn foliage.
Quick facts
Currency CNY (Yuan/RMB) 1 USD ≈ ¥7.25
Language Mandarin Chinese Very limited English
Timezone CST (UTC+8) No daylight saving
Best Months Sep – Nov 15–25°C, blue skies, autumn foliage
Daily Budget ~$35–55 USD ¥250–400 budget
Visa 144-hour transit Visa-free transit for many nationalities
When to go
Three thousand years of empire compressed into a city where golden-roofed palaces stand in the shadow of the world's longest wall.
Getting Around in Beijing
- Beijing Subway: 27 lines, ¥3–9 per ride. Use Yikatong card (¥20 deposit) or scan with WeChat/Alipay. Runs 5:30am–11pm
- DiDi app for taxis is essential as most drivers don't speak English. The app translates your destination. Base fare ¥13
- Shared bikes (Meituan, Hellobike) cost ¥1.5 per 15 min, scanned with Alipay. Great for hutong exploration and flat-city riding
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Beijing travel guide.
Timezone: CST (UTC+8) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
The best months to visit Beijing are Sep – Nov (15–25°C, blue skies, autumn foliage), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Beijing budget breakdown.
