Few cities in the world blend ancient grandeur and cutting-edge modernity quite like Beijing. With over three millennia of history behind it, China’s capital is a place where emperors once ruled, where philosophies were born, and where today’s skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old temples.
From the Great Wall to robot-run restaurants, Beijing offers a sensory experience unlike any other. It’s massive, complex, and sometimes overwhelming—but for the curious traveler, it’s endlessly rewarding.
A CITY WITH A LEGACY: THE HISTORY OF BEIJING
Beijing’s story begins more than 3,000 years ago, though it has gone by many names throughout history: Ji, Yanjing, Dadu, and eventually Beijing, which means “Northern Capital.”
It rose to major prominence during the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century under Kublai Khan, when it became the capital of the Mongol Empire. Later, the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled China from Beijing, constructing iconic structures like the Forbidden City, which served as the imperial palace for nearly 500 years.
In the 20th century, Beijing became a center of political change. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty, the city evolved into the political heart of modern China. It was here that the People’s Republic of China was founded in 1949, marking a new chapter in the country’s history.
Today, Beijing stands as a political, cultural, and educational hub, balancing deep historical roots with an unstoppable drive toward the future.
POPULATION AND PEOPLE
Beijing is home to more than 21 million people, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. It’s a sprawling metropolis filled with government officials, students, migrant workers, business elites, artists, and entrepreneurs.
The local culture is deeply influenced by Confucian values, yet it is constantly reshaped by global influences. You’ll find traditional Beijing opera performances just a few streets away from hip art districts and international tech hubs.
Despite the city’s size and fast pace, Beijingers are proud of their history and generally friendly to visitors, especially those who show respect for the culture and language.
LANGUAGE, CURRENCY AND ELECTRICAL STANDARDS
The official language is Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua). While English is spoken in international hotels and some restaurants, it’s not widely used by locals. Having a translation app or knowing a few basic Chinese phrases can be incredibly helpful.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan (CNY). Bank cards are accepted in many places, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate daily transactions. Cash is becoming less common, though it’s still usable in many tourist areas.
Beijing uses 220-volt electricity, 50 Hz, and plug types A, C, and I. Travelers may need adapters depending on their country of origin.
CLIMATE: A CITY OF EXTREMES
Beijing experiences a continental climate, which means hot summers, cold winters, and four very distinct seasons.
- Summer (June to August): Hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 35°C (95°F) or higher. Thunderstorms are common.
- Winter (December to February): Cold and dry, often dipping below 0°C (32°F). Snow is rare but possible.
- Spring and Autumn: These are the best times to visit—mild temperatures, clear skies, and blooming flowers or colorful leaves.
The city sometimes experiences air pollution, especially in winter. Checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) before heading out is a good habit.
FLAVORS OF BEIJING: WHAT TO EAT
Beijing’s culinary scene is rich, varied, and deeply satisfying. It’s famous for dishes that are bold in flavor, often rich in meat, and influenced by centuries of imperial dining.
Must-try dishes include:
- Peking Duck: Crispy, flavorful duck served with thin pancakes, scallions, and sweet bean sauce. An iconic Beijing experience.
- Zhajiangmian: Noodles topped with a thick soybean paste, pork, and vegetables.
- Jianbing: A popular breakfast crepe with egg, scallions, and crispy wonton pieces—street food perfection.
- Hotpot: Though not unique to Beijing, it’s a local favorite in colder months, where diners cook meat and vegetables in a bubbling broth at the table.
- Baozi: Steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables—perfect for a quick bite.
Western cuisine is available in most major areas, but diving into the local flavors is half the adventure.
TRANSPORTATION: NAVIGATING THE MEGACITY
Beijing is a massive city, but it’s surprisingly easy to navigate thanks to its well-developed public transport system.
- Subway: The subway is fast, affordable, and extensive. With over 20 lines, it connects nearly all major attractions and neighborhoods. Signs and announcements are in both Chinese and English.
- Buses: Cheaper than the subway, but slower and harder to navigate for non-Chinese speakers.
- Taxis: Readily available and metered. Having your destination written in Chinese helps a lot.
- Bikes and E-Scooters: Shared bike apps are widely used for short trips, and many streets have bike lanes.
- Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like DiDi (China’s version of Uber) are common and have English interfaces.
Beijing is not very pedestrian-friendly over long distances, but walking in historical areas like Hutongs (traditional alleyways) is a joy.
IS BEIJING SAFE?
Yes, Beijing is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and police presence is strong, especially in public and tourist areas.
Still, a few things to keep in mind:
- Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas like train stations or busy markets.
- Avoid political discussions, especially in public or online—it’s best to steer clear of sensitive topics.
- Scams targeting tourists do happen. Be cautious if strangers offer unsolicited help or try to sell you overpriced tea or art.
In general, travelers find Beijing to be welcoming, clean, and secure—especially compared to other global megacities.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS: A CITY OF WONDERS
Beijing has no shortage of iconic sights. History lives on every corner, and even a week may not feel like enough time.
Here are some highlights:
- The Great Wall (Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling sections): Just outside Beijing, this world wonder snakes across the mountains and offers breathtaking views. A must-visit.
- The Forbidden City: Once the imperial palace, now the largest ancient palace complex in the world. It’s a journey through dynastic history.
- Tiananmen Square: One of the world’s largest public squares, surrounded by monuments and museums.
- Temple of Heaven: A beautiful Ming-era complex used by emperors to pray for good harvests.
- Summer Palace: A lakeside retreat filled with pavilions, gardens, and a massive marble boat—perfect for a calm afternoon.
- Beijing’s Hutongs: Wander through these narrow alleyways to get a feel for old Beijing life. You’ll find hidden cafés, courtyards, and stories in every nook.
- 798 Art District: A former industrial zone turned contemporary art hub. Trendy, creative, and packed with galleries, shops, and cafés.
OTHER IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
- Visa Requirements: Most travelers need a visa to enter China. It’s best to apply in advance.
- Internet Access: Many Western websites (Google, Facebook, YouTube) are blocked. Use a VPN if you need access. However, local apps like WeChat do everything—from messaging to paying bills.
- Tipping: Not customary in China. It’s not expected in taxis or restaurants, though luxury hotels may accept it.
- Public Restrooms: Widely available, but many are squat toilets. Bring your own tissue just in case.
Beijing is not a city you casually pass through—it’s a place that challenges and inspires. It invites you to slow down and speed up all at once. You’ll marvel at thousand-year-old temples and then take a bullet train at 350 km/h. You’ll hear monks chanting at dawn, and neon signs flashing by night.
Beijing demands patience, curiosity, and an open mind. But if you give yourself to it, it rewards you with unforgettable stories and a deeper understanding of a culture that has shaped the world.
This city doesn’t just preserve history—it lives it.
