Beijing

北京

China's capital and political heart, blending ancient imperial heritage with cutting-edge modernity across 16 districts. Essential for experiencing traditional culture, world-class museums, hutong neighborhoods, and contemporary Asian dynamism.

Things to do

• Forbidden City — Explore the vast imperial palace complex of 980 buildings spanning nearly 6 centuries of Chinese dynastic rule.
• Great Wall at Mutianyu — Hike or cable car through this well-preserved section of the Great Wall just 70km northeast of Beijing with stunning mountain views.
• Temple of Heaven — Walk through this UNESCO site where emperors performed annual ceremonies, featuring the iconic circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
• Hutong Walking Tour — Wander through narrow alleyways of traditional courtyard neighborhoods in central Beijing to experience local life and visit family-run shops.
• Summer Palace — Stroll through vast gardens and lakeside pavilions of this royal retreat, showcasing traditional Chinese landscape design.
• National Museum of China — Discover comprehensive exhibits of Chinese art, history, and culture spanning from ancient times to the modern era.
• Tiananmen Square — Stand in the world's largest plaza surrounded by iconic government buildings and monuments central to Chinese history.

Food to try

• Peking Duck — Crispy-skinned roasted duck served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and julienned vegetables, Beijing's most famous dish.
• Jianbing — A savory crepe stuffed with egg, crispy wonton, scallions, and spicy bean sauce, commonly eaten for breakfast from street vendors.
• Hot Pot — Cook thin slices of meat, vegetables, and noodles in a bubbling broth at your table, a communal dining experience especially popular in winter.
• Zhajiang Noodles — Wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce made from fermented bean paste, diced pork, and cucumber, a Beijing comfort food staple.
• Roasted Lamb Skewers — Tender lamb pieces grilled on skewers and seasoned with cumin and chili, a popular street food and Muslim cuisine specialty.
• Steamed Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) — Delicate soup dumplings filled with pork and rich broth, traditionally served in bamboo steamers at dim sum restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly in Temples — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites and temples to show respect for sacred spaces.
• Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases — Outside central tourist areas, few people speak English, so memorizing greetings and key phrases significantly improves interactions.
• Respect Queue Culture — Lines for transportation and attractions are taken seriously; cutting in line is considered very rude and will draw disapproval.
• Gift-Giving Etiquette — Avoid giving clocks, sharp objects, or gifts in sets of four, as these carry unlucky meanings in Chinese culture; use both hands when presenting gifts.