北京旅行常见问题
FAQ

Most visitors need a visa. However, citizens of 53 countries can enjoy 144-hour visa-free transit if you're continuing to a third country. This is perfect if you want to visit Beijing for a few days before flying elsewhere. For longer stays, apply for an L (tourist) visa at your nearest Chinese embassy. Processing takes 4-7 business days.

Yes, Beijing is very safe. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. The main concerns are pickpocketing in crowded areas (like the Forbidden City and subway) and taxi scams. Use Didi (Chinese Uber) instead of hailing taxis. Avoid unlicensed tour guides at the Great Wall. Overall, you'll feel safer walking at night in Beijing than in most Western cities.

Your phone will work, but most Western apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. You have three options: 1) Get a VPN before arriving (ExpressVPN and NordVPN work best), 2) Buy a Chinese SIM card at the airport for $15-25, 3) Use international roaming (expensive). I recommend option 1 + 2 for the best experience.

Less than you think. China is largely cashless. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted everywhere — from street vendors to luxury malls. However, setting them up as a foreigner can be tricky. Bring $200-300 in cash as backup, and get a Chinese SIM card to set up mobile payments. Most ATMs accept international cards.

Surprisingly yes! All signs are in English and Chinese. Stations are numbered by line. Buy a transit card (Yikatong) for $5 deposit and load it with credit. Fares are $0.50-1 per ride. The subway is clean, safe, and punctual. Rush hours (8-9 AM, 6-7 PM) are extremely crowded — avoid if possible. Download the 'Beijing Subway' app for offline maps.

Almost never. Always have your destination written in Chinese. Use Didi (the Chinese Uber) instead — you can input destinations in English, and the app translates for the driver. Didi also shows the price upfront, avoiding scams. Keep in mind Didi requires a Chinese phone number or WeChat.

Three options: 1) Airport Express train ($4, 30 mins to city center, runs 6 AM - 11 PM), 2) Didi/taxi ($15-25, 45-60 mins depending on traffic), 3) Airport shuttle bus ($5, slower but cheap). I recommend the Airport Express — it's fast, reliable, and avoids traffic. From the train station, take subway or Didi to your hotel.

International credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels, upscale restaurants, and international brands. However, most local restaurants, shops, and street vendors only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Always carry some cash as backup. Ask your hotel to help set up mobile payments — it's worth the effort.

Compared to Western cities, Beijing is quite affordable. A meal at a local restaurant costs $5-10. Subway rides are $0.50-1. Budget hotels start at $40/night. However, Western restaurants and luxury hotels can be as expensive as London or New York. A realistic daily budget is $80-150 for mid-range travel.

No, tipping is not expected and can sometimes be awkward. The only exceptions are high-end Western hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists, where a 10% service charge may be added automatically. Taxi drivers don't expect tips. Tour guides appreciate tips ($10-20 per day is generous).

Generally yes, if you follow common sense. Eat at busy stalls with high turnover (fresh food). Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruits from street vendors. Stick to cooked, hot food. Wangfujing Snack Street is touristy and overpriced — better street food is found in hutong areas. If you have a sensitive stomach, start with cooked foods and avoid ice in drinks.

Yes, but it requires planning. Vegetarians: Buddhist restaurants are fully vegetarian. Many dishes can be made without meat if you ask. Vegans: More challenging — eggs are used in many dishes. Gluten-free: Soy sauce contains wheat, but you can request dishes without it. Nut allergies: Peanuts are common. Carry a card explaining your restrictions in Chinese.

Street food: $1-3 (noodles, dumplings, breakfast items). Local restaurant: $5-10 per person. Mid-range restaurant: $15-30 per person. Peking Duck dinner: $40-80 for two. Western food: $15-25 per meal. Convenience store meal: $3-5. You can eat very well for $20-30 per day.

Avoid Badaling — it's overcrowded and touristy. Mutianyu is the best balance of accessibility and crowd levels (1.5 hours from city). Jinshanling is more authentic and less crowded but requires more hiking (2.5 hours). Simatai offers night tours and is connected to a historic town. For first-timers, Mutianyu is ideal. Book a private car or join a small group tour.

The Forbidden City REQUIRES advance booking (up to 7 days ahead). It sells out, especially on weekends. The Great Wall can usually be booked on arrival, but online booking saves time. Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven rarely sell out. Book acrobatics shows 1-2 days ahead. I recommend booking everything online to avoid lines.

Minimum 3 days to see the highlights: Day 1 — Forbidden City + Tiananmen + Jingshan Park. Day 2 — Great Wall (full day). Day 3 — Temple of Heaven + Summer Palace + hutongs. With 4-5 days, you can add the Olympic Park, 798 Art District, and more food experiences. A week allows for day trips to Chengde or Tianjin.

Not essential, but helpful. Major tourist areas have English signs. Hotels and upscale restaurants have English-speaking staff. However, taxi drivers, street vendors, and local restaurants rarely speak English. Download Google Translate with offline Chinese pack. Learn basic phrases: 'Ni hao' (hello), 'Xie xie' (thank you), 'Duo shao qian' (how much). A translation app is your best friend.

Don't discuss sensitive political topics. Don't stick chopsticks vertically in rice (funeral symbol). Don't lose your temper in public (saving face is important). Don't drink tap water. Don't forget to carry toilet paper (many public toilets don't provide it). Don't haggle in supermarkets or restaurants (haggling is for markets only). Don't tip unnecessarily.

Absolutely! Beijing is very safe for solo travelers. The subway is easy to navigate. Many young Chinese speak some English. Solo dining is common and accepted. Join walking tours to meet other travelers. The main challenge is the language barrier, but translation apps solve most problems. Female solo travelers report feeling very safe.