Guide to visiting Beijing in 2025

Beijing, the capital of China, seamlessly blends ancient history with modern technology. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, the city boasts numerous historical and cultural attractions, including the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City. Before traveling to Beijing, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the essentials of navigating this city. Luckily for you, we are here to help. Here are some Beijing travel tips that you need to know before you travel to this city.

Weather in Beijing 

Beijing has a continental climate and experiences four seasons. The winters are extremely cold and dry and the summers are hot, humid, and with frequent thunderstorms. The temperate and clear seasons are spring and autumn. The average temperature throughout the year is 12°C, with January being the coldest month and July being the warmest.

Best time to visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is around spring (March – May) and autumn (September – October). These months provide mild and pleasant weather, where the skies are clear and the seasons bring colorful scenery. Aside from these seasons, you should generally avoid public holidays, as these draw millions of tourists to Beijing’s famous historical and cultural attractions. 

Enjoy a private car transfer from the Beijing Daixing Airport to downtown Beijing via KKday.

What to pack for Beijing’s weather?

If you’re visiting Beijing in spring or autumn, it’s best to pack lightweight clothing that can easily be layered. During these seasons, the temperature can reach a comfortable 20°C during the day and then quickly drop to 7°C during the night. Bring a warm jacket, a thin sweater, and comfortable shoes. 

Seasonal highlights and weather tips

Here are additional seasonal highlights and weather tips when traveling to Beijing.

• Spring (March-May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Beijing, with the season bringing in mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The daily average temperature is around 15°C but can be cooler in the evenings. Pack a light jacket or sweater if you’re visiting during spring.

• Summer (June – August): Summers in Beijing are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching 30°C or higher. This season also brings frequent rainfall and thunderstorms. Pack loose, breathable clothing, and hats, and be sure to stay hydrated if you’re traveling during summer.

• Autumn (September – October): Like spring, autumn brings mild temperatures and clear skies to Beijing. The average temperature is around 15°C but can be cooler in the evenings. Pack a light jacket or sweater and be prepared for the occasional rain showers.
• Winter (November – January): Winters in Beijing are extremely cold and dry, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is also common, so be sure to pack warm clothing including a heavy winter coat, padded jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. 

Getting around in Beijing

Beijing may be a huge and populous city but for what it’s worth, this city is fairly easy to navigate. Don’t let the language barrier overwhelm you — it’s tourist-friendly! In this city, you’ll find plenty of signage that makes it easy for you to get from point A to point B.

Metro System: Fast and Efficient

Beijing’s metro system is the fastest and most convenient way to get around, allowing you to avoid traffic jams. The city has 29 subway lines, including rapid transit, airport express, and tram lines, with over 500 stations connecting you to suburban and major tourist destinations.

Explore Beijing seamlessly with this transportation card that you can use on the city’s subways and buses.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

Do you prefer the comfort of taxis? Then, you’ll be happy to hear that Beijing doesn’t only offer plenty of taxi and ride-hailing services — they’re also pretty affordable here! The only catch: you’ll have to get used to getting stuck in traffic now and then. 

Ride-hailing services are a popular alternative to taxis. Most of them also offer English language support, making your experience smoother. DiDi Chuxing is the leading ride-hailing service in China, often compared to Uber. Other famous ride-hailing apps include Meituan and Gaode. 

Stay connected everywhere you go and book ride-hailing services in Beijing easily when you have a Chinese 5G Data SIM Card. Book this easy-to-install eSIM through KKday.

Buses and Public Transportation

If you prefer to go distinctly local, buses are another way to navigate the city. Buses are cheaper and offer multilingual announcements and signage, but they’re relatively slower and more challenging to use compared to other public transportation options.

Explore the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, the one closest to Beijing, through this bus group tour. 

Payment methods in Beijing

While traveling to Beijing, knowing how to pay for things is important. Mobile payments like Alichat and WeChat Pay are super popular, but it’s always recommended to have some cash on hand, especially when you’re buying from smaller shops. 

Mobile methods: Alipay and WeChat Pay

Mobile payments are super popular among locals in China. These are QR code-based methods that you can easily access through your smartphone. The most popular ones are Alipay and WeChat Pay. You can see them almost everywhere — from taxis to restaurant counters.

To use these apps, all you have to do is download them on your mobile phone and then register your account. You can link your international bank cards to fund your account. Once that’s done, you just need to either 1) scan the merchant’s QR code or 2) let the merchant scan your unique QR code to complete a payment transaction.

Tip: Set up WeChatPay or Alipay ahead of your trip for a more seamless experience.

Credit Cards and Cash Payments

Alternatively, you can also use credit cards to make a purchase when you’re in Beijing. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, JB, American Express, and Diners are accepted in many large establishments in the city, such as department stores, restaurants, and hotels. However, do note that credit cards might not be accepted everywhere, especially in smaller stores like street vendors or rural areas.

For your convenience, always carry some small cash with you. Having some cash in case of emergencies or small purchases is always a good idea.

Currency exchange tips

The currency accepted in Beijing is the Chinese yuan (CNY) or Renminbi (RMB). Keep an eye out for this currency code when you’re looking for exchange rates. As a general rule, it’s best to know the current exchange rate before you go so you can choose the best deals. 

Try to avoid exchanging your money at airports. They usually have poor exchange rates and high transaction fees. Avoid street vendors and unofficial exchange services too — if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid falling victim to scams or fraudulent services.

If you’re using an ATM abroad, opt for local currency. Let the ATM charge you in local Chinese yuan (CNY) as this will always offer a cheaper rate.

Here are some of the popular foreign exchange services in Beijing:

​CURRENCY
Address: 133 Xi Dan Bei Da Jie, 西单 Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100031

Beijing Foreign Exchange Cooperation Office
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, Dong Jiao Min Xiang, 东交民巷乙23 邮政编码: 100051

Huan Jiuzhou Currency Exchange
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 2层 CN 北京市 朝阳区 秀水东街 8 8号秀水大厦 邮政编码: 100020

Currency Exchange
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, CN 北京市 朝阳区 北京首都国际机场 1 层 邮政编码: 100621

United Money
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, Shi Fo Ying Lu, 八里庄北里129号院8-6 邮政编码: 100026

Safety in Beijing

As a major city, Beijing is generally safe for tourists and most visitors experience a smooth and enjoyable stay in the city. Still, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Here are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe.

General safety tips four tourists

• Be mindful of your belongings. Avoid displaying large amounts of cash and valuables in public places. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded areas, so secure your valuables, especially when visiting touristy or busy areas like markets, buses, and train stations.
• Carry a photocopy of your essential information in Chinese. Before exploring, carry a piece of paper with your hotel’s business card and contact information in Chinese in case of emergency.

• Always use reputable transportation. Use public transport, licensed taxis, or ride-hailing services like DiDi. Avoid using rides from unlicensed or unmarked vehicles.

• Have a translation app at hand. While many tourist hotspots and establishments have English signage, it’s always helpful to have a translation app or Chinese phrasebook ready just in case you need to communicate something. 

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

Here are the emergency hotlines you should take note of.

• • Police: 110
  • Fire: 119
  • Ambulance: 120 or 999 (exclusive to Beijing)

Here are other contact numbers that might be useful.

• Traffic accidents: 122
• Police text message: 12110
• Beijing health hotline: 12320
• Chaoyang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention: 6777 3512
• Tourist hotline: 6513 0828
• Consulting hotline: 12301

The official International SOS Assistance hotline is 86-10-6462 9100. Additionally, you’d want to know the emergency number of your home country’s embassy or consulate. You can check them out here. 

Health and Medical Safety Tips

• Drink bottled water. Tap water in Beijing is not potable.

• Check the air quality. Beijing experiences significant air pollution, especially in the colder months. Check the air quality index in Beijing regularly. If the index is particularly high, consider wearing a mask or staying indoors. 

• Bring basic medicine from your home country. Remember to pack a basic medical kit with essentials from your home country, especially if you rely on specific prescription medications for allergies, respiratory issues, or digestive problems. These may not be readily available or have the same formulation in Beijing’s pharmacies.

• Avoid street food if you have a sensitive stomach. While Beijing’s street food is tempting, it’s best to avoid this altogether if you have a particularly sensitive stomach or are worried about food hygiene. 

Language and Communication

• Learn basic Mandarin phrases. While many people in Beijing’s tourist areas know basic English, it wouldn’t hurt to learn key Mandarin phrases such as “hello”, “thank you”, and “how much?”. These can make your interactions with locals easier.

• Use translation apps. If you’re not familiar with Mandarin, downloading translation apps like Google Translate can help you communicate better.

• Have important addresses written in Chinese. When riding local taxis or ride-hailing services, have your hotel or destination address written in Chinese. Many drivers don’t speak English, and this can help them understand you better and minimize confusion.

Basic Chinese Phrases for Travelers
Here are some basic Chinese phrases and words that you need to know before you go.

• Hello: Nǐhǎo (Nee how)
• Thank you: Xièxiè (Shieh-shieh). 
• Where is the bathroom: Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? 
• How much?: Duō shǎo? 
• Can I get a discount?: Néng gěi wǒ gè yōu huì ma?
• Very beautiful: Hĕn piàoliang 
• Check, please: Măi dān
• I don’t understand: Wǒ bù dǒng 
• Please say that again: Qǐng nǐ zàishuō yībiàn

Aside from learning key Mandarin phrases and using translation apps to overcome language barriers in Beijing, remember to be patient and polite. A little smile goes a long way, especially when interacting with locals, as it’s often a sign of goodwill. If you’re struggling with words, try using pictures or gestures.

Useful Apps for Translation and Navigation

China has a digital universe that is entirely the country’s own. There are apps you can use everywhere else in the world but not in China (for example: Facebook). As such, you must download and get familiar with certain apps — particularly those that are for translation and navigation.

Here are the top apps you need to know before going to Beijing.

Google Translate
Google Translate is by far one of the most accurate multilingual translation apps available in both iOS and Android. It can translate multiple forms of text and media, which includes text, speech, and text within still and moving images. Got stuck with a Chinese menu that has no English translation? Simply scan the text through your phone and Google Translate will do the rest of the work for you.

Tip: Google Translate is blocked in China. To access this app, you have to download a VPN so you can use it along with many other blocked apps. Google Translate also has an offline mode where you can download a Chinese language pack. However, this mode only works with text and doesn’t allow voice-to-text translations.

Download the app: iOS | Playstore

Microsoft Translate
Similar to Google Translate, Microsoft Translate also allows you to translate multiple forms of media, including real-time conversations through its voice-to-text feature. You can also translate texts from photos — it even allows you to translate from photos while offline, as long as you have already downloaded its language pack.

The best part? Microsoft Translate is currently free of charge and not blocked in China.

Download the app: iOS | Playstore

Pleco Chinese Dictionary
Aside from translation apps, another useful app you can use while you’re in Beijing is the Pleco Chinese Dictionary app. It’s a digital Chinese phrasebook that can come in handy when you want to learn a few Mandarin words. It also provides a Pinyin and text-to-speech translation, so you can learn and practice useful Mandarin phrases.

Download the app: iOS | Playstore

Apple Maps
If you have an iPhone, then you can use Apple Maps while you’re in China.

Apple Maps provides English support and it’s relatively accurate. It provides detailed data on public transport and 3D data It also features Indoor Maps, which you can use to navigate inside major Chinese airports.

Google Maps
Google Maps is reasonably accurate and easy to use: it works on both iOS and Android and provides English support.

However, it’s blocked in China. But don’t worry! You can still access Google Maps while you’re exploring Beijing, as long as you use it alongside a VPN that works in the country. Just make sure you’ve already set up the two before your trip.

Download the app: iOS | Android

Maps.me
Maps.me is another popular choice and a good alternative to Google Maps when you’re in China. It’s free to use and not blocked. However, take note that Maps.me only works fine when looking up routes, but doesn’t offer accurate info when you’re searching for public transport, restaurants, and other establishments.

Download the app: iOS | Android

Baidu Maps
Baidu Maps is by far the most accurate and popular map app in China. It’s the map app used by locals and is supported by Baidu, China’s version of Google. It provides a street view, a 3D city map, and even has info on public transport routes. But unless you can understand Chinese characters, then Baidu Maps is probably not for you.

Download the app: iOS | Android

Understanding Beijing’s Local Culture

It’s always important to familiarize yourself with the local cultural norms if you want to truly have an enjoyable time and ensure a respectful experience while you’re in Beijing. Keep these cultural etiquette and Beijing travel tips in mind so you can navigate the city with ease and respect. 

As a general rule, it’s always polite to say Ni Hao (“Hello”) when greeting someone. People also slightly bow to show respect. If you’re unsure about how to greet someone, a little smile, and a small nod can go a long way. Don’t go straight for a hug or back slaps, especially when you’re meeting someone for the first time  — the locals are uncomfortable with strangers touching them.

Tipping in Beijing: What You Need to Know 

Most establishments have a strict no-tipping policy, including many large hotels, restaurants, and malls. Taxi drivers are not allowed to accept tips. However, if you’re staying in high-end hotels and joining group tours that cater to foreign travelers, tipping may be accepted but not required. Most service staff won’t be offended if you don’t tip or tip just a little.

Dining Etiquette in Beijing

Chinese dining customs are unique and have a few sensitivities. In China, you’ll discover that most restaurants serve dishes in family style: serving size is for sharing and the dishes are served in the center of a round table.

It’s polite to let the elders and guests of honor serve themselves first. If you’re serving yourself or others, use the serving utensils provided — avoid using your chopsticks. And concerning chopsticks, avoid sticking your chopsticks vertically upright in a bowl of rice. This is because it resembles incense sticks used for Chinese funerals. Avoid pointing using your chopsticks or tapping them on the edge of your bowl; these are considered rude. When your chopsticks are not in use, place them neatly on the chopsticks rest provided or horizontally across your bowl or plate.

Travel tips for visiting Beijing

Here are additional Beijing travel tips to help you prepare for your trip.

Dealing with jet lag and time zones

When dealing with jet lag and timezone difference, you may be afflicted with daytime drowsiness, which can affect your energy levels for your trip. To combat this, you need to plan so you can shift your sleep schedule accordingly. Days before your trip, try to prepare your body and begin to sleep early or wake earlier, so you can gradually get your body used to the new time zone.

One of the most useful ways to reset your body clock is light. If you can, get 15 to 30 minutes of direct sunlight after waking up. Go for a short walk or eat breakfast outside.

If you’re still feeling drowsy from jet lag, consider having a cup of coffee or tea before continuing with your plans. A quick nap can also help—aim for at least 20 minutes during transit between destinations to recharge and stay energized.

How to handle traffic jams in Beijing

Your worst enemy when traveling in Beijing? The traffic jams. Beijing traffic is so congested and it can get frustrating when you find yourself stuck in traffic when all you want to do is hurry to your next activity or go back to your hotel room. Still, there’s a way around to escape these traffic jams.

To make the most out of your time in the city, avoid traveling during the rush hours. These occur during 8:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. You can also take the subway; it’s efficient, faster, and free from traffic jams, although it can still get crowded during peak hours.

Avoiding tourist scams

While Beijing is generally a safe city, it’s still crucial to stay vigilant against tourist scams so you can ensure a memorable and hassle-free experience throughout your stay. Here are some common tourist scams to look out for.

Tea house scam
In tourist attractions like Tiananmen Square and Wangfujing District, a few friendly locals might invite you for a tea ceremony. After the “ceremony” is done, you’ll be charged with an exorbitant bill.

Avoid falling for this scam by being wary of your surroundings, including the locals you interact with. Never accept invitations from strangers that include going to a place of their choosing. Once you’re behind closed doors, you’re in trouble. Always trust your intuition.

Fake monks
Fake monks are also common in tourist spots. They take advantage of tourists in the guise of religion. These impostors, which commonly target tourists, would often offer “free” beads and pendants to people, then proceed to aggressively seek donations afterward. Beware of these monks and be careful with donating money.

Taxi scams
Some taxi drivers deliberately overcharge or use rigged taxi meters. If a taxi driver refuses to use their taxi meter, find another cab.

Additionally, there are ‘black taxis’ or unlicensed vehicles and drivers that charge exorbitant rates. As much as possible, only use the official taxi lanes in airports or transit stations. Always insist on using the taxi meter. Alternatively, you can always book a vehicle from ride-hailing apps instead.

Overpriced tour scams
Beware of unofficial guides offering group tours at some tourist attractions. They will initially lure you in with super cheap prices at first. Then, once you’re in, you’ll find yourself herded to some dirty tour bus, with several unscheduled stops at souvenir shops. They make money from ‘commissions’ from these tourist stops.

To avoid this, make sure to book your tours via reputable travel booking services, like KKday. A well-organized tour doesn’t only help you save time and money, it also provides you with more safety and enhances your travel experience.

Experience Beijing’s Forbidden City and learn more about the history of ancient China through this guided half-day tour.