Quick facts
Daily budget
For a full category-by-category breakdown of accommodation, food, transport, and activity costs in Beijing, see the dedicated budget guide.
Practical info
Getting Around
- 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
Connectivity
- China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and most Western apps. Download a VPN before arriving (Astrill, ExpressVPN)
- WeChat is essential, so download and set up before arrival. Used for payments, bookings, translations, and communication
- China Mobile or China Unicom SIM at airport (¥100–200 for 7–30 days). eSIMs from eSIMDB bypass the Great Firewall with included VPN
Money
- China is nearly cashless. WeChat Pay and Alipay are used everywhere, even for street vendors. Set up mobile payment before arrival
- Some places refuse cash. Bank of China ATMs accept foreign cards. Withdraw ¥1,000+ per transaction to reduce fees
- No tipping in China. Prices are as shown. Bargaining at markets is expected, and starting at 20% of asking price is standard
Visa & Entry
- 144-hour visa-free transit through Beijing for many nationalities. You must have an onward ticket to a third country within 144 hours
- Standard tourist visa (L visa) requires embassy application, 4–7 business days processing
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) and Daxing Airport (PKX): confirm which one your flight uses. They're 70km apart
Health & Safety
- Beijing is safe with low violent crime. Petty scams exist, so decline invitations from strangers near tourist sites (tea house/art scams)
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink, so buy bottled water or use hotel kettle. Hepatitis A/B vaccination recommended
- Air pollution varies, so download an AQI app and wear a mask on bad days. Autumn (Sep–Nov) has the cleanest air and bluest skies
Packing Tips
- Download VPN, WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, and offline maps BEFORE entering China. Many apps can't be downloaded inside the country
- Carry toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as most public restrooms don't provide either. This is especially true at tourist sites
- Beijing winters are brutal (-10°C). Summers are hot (35°C+) and humid. Autumn (Sep–Nov) is ideal, so pack layers for temperature swings
Cultural tips
Imperial Respect
At the Forbidden City and temples, don't step on raised door thresholds. Step over them. This is an ancient superstition still observed. Don't sit on the throne platforms or touch artifacts.
WeChat Everything
WeChat is China's super-app: messaging, payments, booking, ride-hailing, food delivery. Without WeChat, navigating China is exponentially harder. Set it up before arrival.
Dining Culture
Meals are communal, with dishes in the centre and everyone sharing. Use serving chopsticks for communal dishes. Slurping noodles is fine. Don't finish everything, as empty plates imply the host didn't provide enough.
Language
Very few Beijingers speak English outside hotels and tourist sites. Learn "ni hao" (hello), "xie xie" (thanks), and "bu yao" (no thank you). Translation apps are essential, and Google Translate camera mode works offline.
Photography
Photography is generally welcome but avoid photographing military installations, government buildings, and police. At temples, check for no-photo signs near specific Buddha statues.
Gift Giving
If invited to someone's home, bring fruit or tea, never clocks (associated with death) or white flowers (funeral). Give and receive items with both hands as a sign of respect.
