Everything you need to know about visiting Beijing
Planning your first ever trip to Beijing and not really sure where to start? Don’t worry, I’m here to help! First things first, you should really read my guide on 21 things to know before you visit Beijing, then work your way through this guide to discover my tips on where to stay, things to do, when to visit, what to pack and must-try food! Beijing was an unexpectedly wonderful place, full of wonderful pockets of history and culture just waiting to be discovered. I hope these tips help you plan your own amazing adventure to beautiful Beijing.
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Must-know tips for visiting China
If this is your first time visiting China, there are a couple of things you need to know before you set off:
As of 2025, China now offers 30-day visa-free entry for travellers from a bunch of countries, including Australia—how good is that? That said, visa rules can change, so it’s still a good idea to double-check what the current requirements are before you book anything, just to be safe.
If you don’t speak Chinese, it pays to have key phrases screenshotted to your phone (characters and pinyin)
It also pays to have the business card or address and phone number for your hotel on your phone (characters and pinyin)
We found the people to be really lovely, friendly and helpful
We’d heard all the horror stories about thick smog, but honestly, it wasn’t like that at all. Beijing’s made some big improvements in recent years, and while you might get the odd hazy day, most of the time the skies were surprisingly clear and totally fine for sightseeing
It can be a little tricky for vegetarians, gluten-free and vegans, but it’s not impossible! I would recommend packing a stash of snacks.
You may find people staring at you, especially if you have blonde or red hair
Apps like Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and even Google Maps are blocked in China—yep, really! If you want to stay connected, you’ll need to download a reliable VPNbefore you arrive. It’s the easiest way to keep access to your fave apps while you’re exploring.
How to get to Beijing Central from Beijing Airport
By the time we hit Beijing, we’d already bounced around a few other spots in China and figured out that taxis were the easiest option for us—especially with all our bags and camera gear. You can take the train from the airport (and the subway system in Beijing is actually super efficient, easy to navigate, and has English signage), but after a long flight and a bit of airport faffing about, we just didn’t have it in us. We joined the taxi queue and got one pretty quickly with no dramas.
That said, be sure to have your hotel name and address ready to show the driver—in Chinese characters. A screenshot on your phone is a lifesaver, especially if it includes the hotel’s phone number too. And yep, brace yourself for some gnarly traffic if you’re arriving during peak hour—Beijing doesn’t mess around when it comes to congestion.
Best time to visit
We visited in June/July and fully expected to encounter grey skies and bad smog from the pollution, instead, we were treated to gorgeous long, sunny days and blue skies. Everything I’d heard about China was how badly polluted it was, which I did see in Guangzhou, but didn’t encounter in Beijing. I loved the weather and temperature during our visit, it was warm enough to wear either jeans, a dress or skirt but not feel steaming hot or too cool in the evenings.
Where to stay in Beijing
Beijing is a sprawling city, so where you stay can really shape your experience. If you’re keen to be close to the big-ticket sights like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District is ideal. For a mix of traditional charm and cool, creative energy, the hutongs around Gulou and Nanluoguxiang are great. If modern luxury, shopping and nightlife are more your style, head to Chaoyang or Sanlitun. Wherever you base yourself, make sure it’s close to a metro station—Beijing’s subway is a lifesaver when it comes to getting around.
When we visited, we really wanted to escape the tourist bubble and find somewhere with a bit of heart—and that led us to the Nostalgia Hotel Temple of Heaven. It was tucked away in the hutongs, those winding little alleyways where everyday Beijing life unfolds. I’m not actually sure if it’s still open now (you’d need to double-check), but at the time, it was such a great find.
It wasn’t fancy by any means, but the rooms had loads of character—filled with quirky, old-school touches that gave it a real sense of place. Ours was small but comfy, and the breakfast was surprisingly good too. The best part though? Walking out the front door straight into the rhythm of local life—wandering the hutongs, chatting with locals, and stumbling on tiny food spots we’d never have found otherwise. Staying there felt like we were actually in Beijing, not just observing it from the sidelines.
Pro Tip: If you do decide to stay here, just double-check you’re booking the right Nostalgia Hotel—there seemed to be two versions when we went. One looked a bit more fancy and modern, while the other had those old-school, nostalgic vibes we loved. Use the photos above as a guide to make sure you’re getting the one you want. If it’s all a bit confusing or the hotel’s no longer around, don’t stress—there are some other great places listed at the top of this section too.
Best things to see and do in Beijing
Need some inspiration on what to see and do in Beijing? Here are a few tips to get you started…
If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information.Thanks for your support! – Matt.
Matt is a Brisbane-based adventurer and content creator passionate about growth, fitness, creativity and travel. Matt loves crafting vibrant content that inspires and entertains.
If you found this post useful, please use the affiliate links below. I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Rest assured, these are the products and services I love and use. Read the disclaimer for more information.Thanks for your support! – Matt.
Matt is a Brisbane-based adventurer and content creator passionate about growth, fitness, creativity and travel. Matt loves crafting vibrant content that inspires and entertains.
