Beijing is truly a magical city, where ancient history and modern life coexist in harmony. Every landmark and every dish leaves a deep impression.
If you’re planning a meaningful trip, Beijing is definitely a great choice!
I’ve stayed up late to carefully prepare this superdetailed Beijing travel guide — covering everything from transportation, accommodation, food, and attractions to tips for firsttime visitors.
If you haven’t got time to go now but are planning a future trip, make sure to bookmark this guide — it’ll definitely come in handy when you’re ready to explore!
Entry Visa & Document Preparation
Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents (Tai Bao Zheng) & Endorsement
Who needs it: All travelers holding a Taiwan passport.
Application Process:
Firsttime application: Must go through a travel agency.
Required documents: 2inch whitebackground ID photo, front and back copies of your Taiwan ID, and passport copy.
Processing time: about 7–10 working days.(Fee: around NT$1,800)
Endorsement renewal:
If you already have the cardstyle Taiwan Compatriot Permit, you can apply for an onarrival endorsement at Beijing Capital International Airport (for direct flights from Taoyuan or Kaohsiung only).
Emergency replacement:
If your permit is lost, visit the Beijing ExitEntry Administration Bureau at No.2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, to apply for a temporary document.
Entry Regulations
Health Declaration:
Must be completed online within 24 hours before arrival. Generate the QR code via the customs app.
Cash Limit:
You may not carry more than RMB 20,000 (≈ NT$88,000) in cash.
Medication Rules:
Drugs containing ephedrine (like cold medicine “Fumao tablets”) require a doctor’s prescription.
Up to 1kg of Chinese herbal medicine is allowed.
Best Time to Visit Beijing
The ideal months are April to November — the weather is pleasant, flowers are in bloom, and there’s plenty to see and do.
Two Key Tips for FirstTime Visitors
1. Avoid cheap group tours — they often have poor itineraries and force shopping stops.
2. Tickets: Prebook online for discounts and to skip queues.
Internet & Communication
1. SIM Card Recommendations
Where to Buy:
Taoyuan Airport Terminal 2 – Xiangyi Telecom counter
Preorder via Klook for pickup at Beijing Airport
Or use an eSIM: China/HK/Macau/Taiwan 4G/5G eSIM card
2. VPN Tools
Recommended VPNs: Astrill, ExpressVPN (install and test before arrival).
If your SIM includes unblocked access, VPN may not be necessary.
Alternative: Use Microsoft Edge with Bing AI for searching information.
MustVisit Attractions in Beijing
Dongcheng District:
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Yonghe Temple, Nanluoguxiang, National Museum of China.
Xicheng District:
Prince Gong’s Mansion, Shichahai, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park.
Haidian District:
Tsinghua & Peking Universities, Beijing Botanical Garden, Beijing Aquarium, Summer Palace, Fragrant Hills, Old Summer Palace.
How to Book Tickets
The Forbidden City:Search “故宫博物院 观众服务” → “购票”. Tickets released at 8 PM, bookable 10 days in advance.(Online reservation required)
Summer Palace:Search “颐和园” → “任你购”. Tickets released at midnight, bookable 7 days in advance.Entry requires ID matching your booking.
Temple of Heaven:Search “天坛公园 官方购票平台” → “服务 → 预约购票”.Tickets released at midnight, bookable 7 days in advance.
Old Summer Palace:Search “圆明园遗址公园” → “服务 → i票预定”.Tickets released at midnight, bookable 7 days in advance.
Other Parks:Search “Trip” app → “服务 → 预约购票”.
Transportation Guide
From Beijing Capital Airport → City Center
Private Car Pickup:
Book via Klook (English/Chinesespeaking driver).
50 minutes, around NT$1,200 (great for groups).
City Transport Tips
Metro Card: Buy the “One Card for Bus & Metro” without downloading apps.
Metro App: Download “Yitongxing” and link a Taiwan credit card for QR code entry (10% off fare).
Bike Sharing: Use Meituan Bike (requires realname verification, online payment accepted).
Ridehailing Comparison: Use Amap (Gaode) to compare Didi, CaoCao, and Shouqi prices.
Suggested Routes
1. Classic Route:
Tiananmen Square → Tiananmen Gate → Forbidden City → Quanjude → Prince Gong’s Mansion → Nanluoguxiang
2. Cultural Route:
Yonghe Temple → Confucius Temple → Wudaoying Hutong → CBD → The Place (LED Sky Screen)
3. Nature Route:
Mutianyu Great Wall → Wangfujing → Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
Detailed Itinerary Highlights
Tiananmen Square
Security check required (different queues for groups and individuals).
The flagraising ceremony happens around 4–5 AM — only for early risers!
From the square, you can walk directly to the Forbidden City.
The Forbidden City
Ticket: RMB 60 (book via Klook).
Rent an audio guide at the entrance for RMB 20 — automatically explains each hall as you walk.
Visit the Clock Exhibition Hall for intricate ancient clocks and daily demonstrations at 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM.
Related Reading：【2025 Beijing Forbidden City One-Day Tour】Ticket Reservations, Panoramic Views, and Travel Guide
Prince Gong’s Mansion
Ticket: RMB 40.
The former residence of Heshen, one of the richest officials in Qing history.
Don’t miss the famous “福 (Fu)” character for good fortune — visitors often touch it to bring luck home.
Nanluoguxiang
Now more of a shopping street, but still worth a stroll for snacks like Wenyu DoubleSkin Milk Pudding.
Also try Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodles and Beibingyang Soda — nostalgic and refreshing.
Quanjude Roast Duck
Famous but pricey (~RMB 160 per person).
Other alternatives: Siji Minfu or Bianyifang — equally authentic.
Yonghe Temple
Ticket: RMB 25.
A Tibetan Buddhist temple once used as Emperor Yongzheng’s palace.
Complimentary incense is provided inside (no need to buy outside).
Remember: never step on thresholds in temples — it’s considered disrespectful.
Confucius Temple & Imperial Academy
Ticket: RMB 30.
A mustvisit for students seeking academic blessings.
You can “walk the Dragon Gate Bridge” for symbolic good fortune in exams.
Wudaoying Hutong
Next to Confucius Temple — a charming alley full of small boutiques and cafes.
Beijing CBD: Guomao & The Place
Guomao Mall: Home to luxury brands like Prada, Fendi, Gucci.
CCTV Headquarters (“The Big Pants”) is nearby — worth a photo.
The Place: Features a 250mlong LED sky screen — nightly light shows at 8 PM.
On special days like May 20 (520), love messages fill the screen!
Mutianyu Great Wall
Combined ticket (entry + shuttle + cable car): RMB 160 (book via Klook).
Less crowded than Badaling, steeper but scenic.
Take bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen → Huairou North Street → taxi/black car to the site.
Bring at least 2 bottles of water and snacks — prices on the wall are high.
Only Tower 14 has restrooms.
Wangfujing Street
A bustling shopping street like Shanghai’s Nanjing Road.
Musttry: Wuyutai Matcha Ice Cream — rich and delicious!
Bird’s Nest & Water Cube
Best viewed at night for the light show.
Take the metro or local bus for easy access.
Dinner: Xian Lao Man Dumpling Restaurant
Order by weight (~10 dumplings per 2 liang).
Try with traditional Douzhi (fermented mung bean drink) — though it’s sour and an acquired taste!
In summary:
Beijing offers an unforgettable mix of imperial grandeur and modern vibrancy — from the Forbidden City to futuristic skyscrapers, from roast duck to ancient hutongs. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find new stories at every corner.
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