The First-Timer's Guide to Beijing: Do's, Don'ts, and Must-See Sights
It has been ages, but this summer has been insane! From a sudden move that I’m more than knee-deep in prep for, to a short but well worth it trip home for a family situation and time to celebrate my niece’s 6th birthday, I have been a BUSY girl.
But I’m entering a much needed lull for the next few weeks, so finally finding time to catch up on this blog and my YouTube.
One of my August highlights was a long weekend trip to Beijing. Hong Kong is such a travel hub, and in my time here I’ve been country hopping all over, with amazing trips to Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia. But I hadn’t yet taken the opportunity to cross the border into Mainland China. Part of the reason was sheer intimidation and the hundreds of questions in my head that would need to be answered. How would I navigate without any of the apps I’m used to? What was I going to do if my credit cards didn’t work and I couldn’t pay for things? Is the language barrier really as bad as they say?
But I decided to take the chance with a good friend and head off for an adventure before I left Hong Kong for good and the cost got more prohibitive. And I incredibly glad I made the journey!
So here are my Beijing Do’s and Don’ts for a first time traveler, and everything I learned on my trip there! Read the entire post and check out my list of essential Beijing apps at the end for easy reference!
The First-Timer's Guide to Beijing: Do's, Don'ts, and Must-See Sights
The Must-Visit Sights: A Tale of Two Cities
Beijing's top attractions are a masterclass in history and scale. You simply can't visit without seeing these:
1. The Forbidden City: The heart of imperial China for nearly 500 years, this is the largest ancient palace complex on Earth. Stepping through the Gate of Heavenly Peace feels like walking back in time. My tip: Book your ticket online in advance to save time and ensure you get in. Go right when it opens to beat the crowds and have a moment to yourself in the massive courtyards.
2. The Great Wall of China: This is a non-negotiable. But here’s the secret: skip the famous (and famously crowded) Badaling section. Instead, head to Mutianyu or Jinshanling. Mutianyu is beautifully restored with a convenient cable car and even a toboggan ride down. Jinshanling, on the other hand, is a hiker’s paradise. With fewer crowds and a more rugged, authentic feel, it offers the most dramatic photo opportunities. Comment below if you want my private Jinshanling wall tour guide! You won’t find them on the popular tourist sites like Viator or Get Your Guide.
3. The Temple of Heaven: Tucked away in a beautiful park, this is where emperors prayed for a good harvest. It’s a tranquil oasis from the urban hustle. The architecture is stunning, and in the early mornings, you can watch locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing traditional games. It’s a glimpse into daily Beijing life.
4. The Summer Palace: This vast imperial garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring a giant lake and Longevity Hill. Rent a small boat on the lake to truly appreciate the scenic beauty. It’s the perfect place to spend a slow afternoon and marvel at the intricate bridges and pavilions.
5. The Hutongs: Beyond the grand monuments, the soul of Beijing lies in its traditional narrow alleyways, or hutongs. Get lost in these winding lanes, where you'll find tiny local eateries, hidden courtyards, and a sense of community that feels a world away from the skyscrapers. This is also where you’ll find the best local food.
The Dos and Don’ts: Navigate Like a Pro
Now for the practical stuff that will make your trip infinitely smoother.
DO: Get Your Apps Ready Before You Land. The "Great Firewall" of China means most of your usual apps like Google Maps, Instagram, and Facebook won't work without a VPN. Download and set up a reliable VPN before you arrive. This is a non-negotiable step.
DON'T: Rely on Cash or Credit Cards. Beijing is largely a cashless society. Seriously. From street vendors to high-end restaurants, everyone uses mobile payment apps. Trying to pay with cash can be a challenge and a major source of frustration.
DO: Embrace Mobile Payments. Once you have your VPN, link a foreign credit card to WeChat Pay or Alipay. These two apps will be your lifesaver for everything from buying a bottle of water to paying for a taxi. It may feel strange at first, but you'll feel like a local in no time.
DON'T: Forget Your Passport. This is crucial. You'll need it for security checks at metro stations, entering attractions, and checking into your hotel. It’s the single most important document to have with you.
DO: Learn a Few Basic Chinese Phrases. While many younger people and those in the tourism industry speak English, knowing a few words will go a long way. Hello (nǐ hǎo), thank you (xièxiè), and where is the bathroom (cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ) can make a big difference.
DON'T: Expect a Taxi to be Like an Uber. While you can hail a taxi on the street, using the DiDi app is much easier and more reliable. It’s China's version of Uber and has an English interface. Just be sure to have your destination address written out in Chinese characters. And its amazingly cheap, so don’t worry about the cost of having to use it a lot!
DO: Pack Your Own Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer. Many public restrooms, especially outside of major tourist sites, do not provide toilet paper. You’ll thank me for this one.
DON'T: Be Afraid to Get Lost (a little). Beijing is a grid, which makes it easy to find your way. But the best discoveries are often in the small, unassuming places you find while exploring on foot.
DO: Mind Your Etiquette. Don’t be surprised by things like slurping your soup or chewing with your mouth open; in China, this can be a sign of enjoying your meal. Also, remember that tipping is not customary.
Essential Apps to Download Before You Go to China
Before you go, make sure you have these apps downloaded and set up.
WeChat (微信): Your all-in-one app for messaging, payments, and mini-programs for everything from food delivery to bike rentals.
Alipay (支付宝): China's other major mobile payment platform. It also has a built-in DiDi service and translator.
DiDi (滴滴出行): The essential ride-hailing app, with an English-language version.
Baidu Maps (百度地图): Since Google Maps is unreliable, this is your best bet for navigation. It's mostly in Chinese, but the maps are accurate.
Pleco: A fantastic offline Chinese dictionary and character reader. You can use your phone’s camera to translate characters on signs and menus.
I hope this guide helps you feel more prepared and excited for your journey to Beijing. Have an amazing time exploring this incredible city!
Beijing Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Beijing's top attractions to add to your list!
The Forbidden City
The Great Wall of China
The Temple of Heaven
The Summer Palace
The Hutongs
Do’s and Don’ts for Travel in Beijing, China
DO: Get Your Apps Ready Before You Land
DON'T: Rely on Cash or Credit Cards
DO: Embrace Mobile Payments
DON'T: Forget Your Passport
DO: Learn a Few Basic Chinese Phrases
DON'T: Expect a Taxi to be Like an Uber
DO: Pack Your Own Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizer
DON'T: Be Afraid to Get Lost (a little)
DO: Mind Your Etiquette
Essential Beijing Apps for Tourists
WeChat
Alipay
DiDi
Baidu Maps
Pleco
