General Tips and Notes when Traveling in Beijing

General Tips and Notes when Traveling in Beijing

• While signs in major tourist areas often include English, public transport and less tourist-focused areas may not. Use our Local AI for smoother communication.

• Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used in Beijing. It’s beneficial to set these up beforehand if possible (Learn how here), as cash usage is limited in many places.

• DO be prepared for lots of security checks, queues and people (depending on when you visit)

• Dates to Avoid: Try to avoid Chinese New Year in January or February and the Chinese National Day Holiday from October 1 to 7, the May Day Holiday (Labour Day) starting from May 1, as well as anytime there is a national or international congress.

• It should be noted that most attractions in Beijing close on Mondays.

• Nearly all attractions require prebooking and documentation verification. (View all attractions which need prebooking here)

• When riding the bus in Beijing, the ticket/QR code is scanned when getting on and off.

• For those who want to avoid traffic jams, it is highly recommended to travel via metro.

• Public restrooms are generally available in tourist areas, but not all may provide toilet paper, so carrying tissues and hand sanitizer is a good idea.

• Dining Peak Times: (lunch) 11:30 am-1:00 pm; (dinner) 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. Popular restaurants fill up fast during these times, so plan meals outside these hours for a shorter wait.

• On crowded metro lines during rush hours (7:30–9:00 am and 5:00–7:00 pm), line up outside the door but stand to the side to let passengers exit first. The middle of the train cars is often the most packed, so try for the front or back if possible.

• Bargaining is expected in many markets like the Silk Market, Panjiayuan, or Hongqiao Pearl Market. Start by offering about 30-40% of the initial price and work up from there. Vendors often price higher for tourists, so be ready to negotiate.

• At temples, avoid taking photos of Buddha statues or people praying. Also, remember to walk clockwise around halls and statues. This small gesture is culturally appreciated by locals and practitioners.

• If you’re up early, visit a local park like Temple of Heaven or Beihai Park around 6:00–8:00 am to see locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing, or singing. It’s a delightful, authentic cultural experience.

• Beijing drivers may seem aggressive, and pedestrian crossings are often treated more as suggestions. Always be cautious, look both ways, and don’t assume cars will stop.

• Dress Modestly: While not strictly enforced, more conservative attire is appreciated at cultural and religious sites. Covering shoulders and avoiding overly revealing clothing is respectful.

• Don’t be surprised if shopping assistants follow you closely in stores. This is common in Beijing but doesn’t mean you’re pressured to buy. Politely say “wo keyi ziji kan” (我可以自己看), meaning "I’ll just look around myself."