Beijing

Beijing is China's capital and its second-largest city after Shanghai, with a population of around 22 million. With a rich history as the capital of Imperial China for much of its past, Beijing became the political and cultural heart of the People's Republic of China following the Chinese revolutions. The city is renowned for its flat terrain and orderly layout. Beijing's urban structure is marked by its concentric "ring roads," which are actually rectangular in shape. Beijing is a city where the old meets the new, particularly within the 2nd and 3rd Ring Roads. Here, cutting-edge technologies and modern social innovations coexist with historical architecture and alleyways.

Beijing is served by two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). The Capital Airport Express subway line connects PEK to downtown for ¥25, while Daxing Airport Express serves PKX. High-speed trains arrive at multiple stations including Beijing South (for Shanghai, Tianjin) and Beijing West (for Chengdu, Xi’an), with affordable fares from other Chinese cities.

Beijing has a monsoon-influenced continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The best time to visit is in September and October, during the "Golden Autumn". In spring, dust storms from the Gobi Desert can turn the sky yellow and significantly reduce air quality. Masks are advisable during these events. Summer can be oppressively hot and the tourist crowds tend to be the largest as well. Winter is cold and dry, with infrequent but beautiful snow. Temperatures can easily fall below -10°C in winter or rise above 35°C in summer.

The language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese. Mandarin was the imperial court language of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Standard Mandarin is based mainly on the Beijing dialect. For language students, this makes Beijing an excellent place to practice your Mandarin. That being said, Beijing dialect has the "er" sound at the end of many words. English speakers are not common in Beijing, so it's advisable to carry your hotel's business card in case you get lost. Likewise, ask the hotel staff to write down the names of any tourist attractions you plan to visit in Chinese.

For the most up-to-date maps, use Baidu or AutoNavi Maps (Amap) on your smartphone. Baidu Maps is in Chinese, whilst AutoNavi Maps are available in foreign languages inside Apple Maps (when in China). Apple's built-in Maps app remains accessible and is a common alternative. Google Maps is blocked in China. Beijing boasts a world-class public transportation network, featuring an extensive subway system that reaches most major tourist attractions. Frequent buses and dockless shared bicycles available outside stations complement the subway, providing convenient last-mile connectivity. Many locals use ride-hailing apps like DiDi for transportation. For visitors, ordering a taxi in English is possible through the Alipay app (using Amap) or WeChat (using DiDi). Do not count on finding a taxi driver or passerby who knows English well. Before crossing, assume that none of the road users will yield to you.

Hiking, camping, and tobogganing on the Great Wall: There are numerous hiking options available on the Great Wall, with various tours and groups offering guided experiences, such as the well-established but expensive tour operator Beijing Hikers. The unrestored Jiankou section, although dangerous, is often considered the most beautiful. At the Mutianyu section, there is even a toboggan rail slide that allows visitors to ride down the Great Wall in a wheelless sled. Bike through the hutongs: exploring the remaining hutongs by bicycle is a fantastic way to experience Beijing. Get a foot massage for a fraction of the price in the West.

Beijing is a major hub for business and technology companies. The Central Business District (CBD) around Guomao and Wangjing are popular office areas for international business. Haidian District is home to many of China's largest tech companies. For entrepreneurs, the German Centre offers office space within a unique ecosystem. Teaching English at a training center is relatively easy for native speakers, but policies have become stricter.

Beijing is home to many high-net-worth households and offers a wide range of upscale shopping destinations. Tourists can enjoy shopping at Wangfujing, the Qianmen area, and Hongqiao Pearl Market. Wangfujing is a long, bustling pedestrian street lined with shopping complexes. For a more traditional experience, visit Qianmen Street and Dashilar Commercial Street, which have historical Chinese architectural backdrops. Panjiayuan Market is famous for cultural gifts and imitation antiques.

Beijing provides an ideal opportunity to sample food from all over the country. Some of Beijing's best restaurants serve food from Sichuan, Hunan, Guangzhou, Tibet, Yunnan, Xinjiang, and more.

Beijing offers a wide range of accommodations starting with budget options under 300 yuan. Rates for a four-star hotel typically start at around 500 yuan, while five-star hotels range from 1,200 to 2,100 yuan. For unique overnight experiences, consider camping on the Great Wall: the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh can rent you a tent for 100 yuan. Since the pandemic, a limited number of hostels cater to backpackers. A notable option is Pagoda Light, located next to the 13th-century Baitasi stupa in Xicheng District, featuring a rooftop café and restaurant.

Tap water in Beijing is not safe for drinking. Hygiene for cooked food is generally not an issue. Air pollution has traditionally been a big problem; check air-quality readings online. N95 or KN95 masks provide good protection against smog. Chinese public hospitals are generally not recommended due to lack of English-speaking staff. Recommended hospitals include Raffles Medical Beijing, Beijing United Family Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, and Beijing Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital.

Tianjin — one of China's largest cities, accessible by high-speed rail in 31 minutes. Chengde — home to the Summer Mountain Resort, about 1 hour by high-speed rail. Shanghai — reachable by 2-hour flight or 4.5-hour high-speed train. Mongolia — overland travel via Erlian, or a low-cost 1h35m flight.