Visit Beijing: A Friendly Guide to the City’s Best Places and Food

Beijing, China’s capital city, is full of history and life. It is a place where old and new meet in colorful ways. Walking in Beijing’s streets, you can see huge ancient palaces and busy markets side by side. For people who want to learn about China’s culture and taste its food, Beijing is a perfect choice. This guide will help you know more about popular landmarks, local food, ways to move around, and customs that make Beijing special.

Famous Landmarks to See in Beijing

One of the most famous places in Beijing is the Forbidden City. It was home to China’s emperors for many years. When you enter, you find beautiful traditional buildings with red walls and golden roofs. The place is so big that you can spend several hours there. People say the name “Forbidden City” means ordinary people could not enter in ancient times. Today, everyone can visit and enjoy its beauty.

After exploring Beijing’s rich landmarks and local life, you might enjoy a change of pace in the energetic city of Shanghai, where tradition meets modern city charm.

To get a fuller sense of Beijing’s ancient heart, reading about the Forbidden City’s secrets and history offers a closer look at the palace and its surroundings.

Not far from the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square. This large open area is important in China’s history. Many events happened here, and it is a place for both celebration and remembrance. When I visited, I saw many people relaxing and taking pictures. It is also peaceful early in the morning when the sun rises over the square.

To understand the significance of Tiananmen Square within Beijing’s rich history and the best ways to visit it, see our detailed guide focused on this iconic heart of the city, where you can learn about its stories and tips for a smooth visit in Tiananmen Square Beijing: A Visit to China’s Heartbeat.

If you want to see something natural and historic at the same time, the Great Wall of China near Beijing is a must. Walking on the wall feels like going back in time. The wall stretches over mountains and forests. Some parts are busy, but if you like quietness, try the less-known sections. A local I met told me, “Bù hǎo yìsi” (sorry) when he accidentally bumped into me on a narrow step, a friendly way Chinese people say sorry in daily life.

Delicious Food and Where to Try It

Beijing’s food is very tasty and often surprising. A famous dish is Peking duck. It has crispy skin and soft meat, served with pancakes and sweet sauce. You can try this dish in many restaurants, especially in the central districts. I remember sitting in a small place where the chef sliced the duck right in front of me. It felt like a show and the taste was unforgettable.

Besides the duck, try street foods in areas like Wangfujing. Here, vendors sell snacks like fried scorpions or sugar-coated fruits. It may sound strange, but many local people enjoy these treats. Another great food is jianbing, a kind of Chinese pancake with eggs and vegetables, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.

For a peaceful meal, head to the old hutongs (narrow alleys) in neighborhoods like Dashilar. These places have small cafes with quiet gardens. I shared tea with a friendly local who said “Nǐ hǎo” (hello) and told me stories about living in Beijing’s hutongs for many years.

How to Get Around Beijing Easily

Moving around Beijing is simple with its modern subway system. The subway is clean, quick, and cheap. It connects important places like the airport, train stations, and city center. When you arrive at the airport, follow signs to the subway station for a smooth trip to your hotel or guest house. The signs often show English names, which help visitors a lot.

Besides the subway, buses are also common but can be crowded and slower. It is better to use a transportation card to pay for both subways and buses. You can buy this card at stations. Walking is also a good way to explore districts, especially in tourist areas where many sights are close to each other.

Simple Customs and Etiquette in Beijing

When visiting Beijing, it is good to follow a few customs. For example, bowing slightly or nodding your head when greeting people shows respect. Using polite phrases like “Xièxiè” (thank you) is appreciated. When you eat, do not stick chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it is seen as unlucky.

Beijing people value quiet in public, especially on public transport, so keep your voice low. Also, avoid pointing with your finger; instead, gesture with an open hand. Small actions like these make your visit smoother and friendlier.

One interesting custom I learned is giving and receiving items with both hands. A shopkeeper once said “Qǐng” (please) while handing me a small gift; I returned the polite gesture with both hands, which made the moment warm and respectful.

Where to Stay for a Comfortable Visit

Beijing offers many places to stay, from easy guesthouses to larger apartments. For first-time visitors, staying near the city center is a good idea. This way, you are close to main landmarks like the Forbidden City and shopping areas. Choosing a guesthouse in a hutong will give you a feel of local life and quiet evenings away from busy streets.

If you prefer a modern feel, neighborhoods near the business districts have many apartment hotels with good services. These areas also have nice cafes and shops to explore after a day of sightseeing. Since public transport is good, even places a little outside the center are easy to reach.

Local Stories and Surprising Facts About Beijing

Beijing has many stories that visitors might miss. For instance, the Temple of Heaven is more than a beautiful park. Ancient emperors came here to pray for good harvests. Standing under its round blue roof, you can feel the calm and power from the old days.

Another interesting fact is about the city’s number of bicycles. Once called “the Bicycle Kingdom,” many people rode bikes everywhere. Today, electric bikes and scooters have joined the streets, creating a busy but lively scene. Watching families cycle together along quiet lanes became one of my favorite memories.

Also, look for the small red lanterns that hang in many neighborhoods at night. They light up alleys with a warm glow. A local friend told me these lanterns bring good luck and happiness, a simple tradition that keeps the old spirit alive in a fast-changing city.

Conclusion: Why Beijing Feels Special

Beijing is more than just a big city; it is a place where history and everyday life meet. Walking its streets, tasting its food, and talking to its people can make a visitor feel connected to something ancient and fresh at the same time. Whether you admire the giant walls or sit quietly in an alley, Beijing offers moments that stay in your heart.

When you plan your visit, remember these small phrases: “Nǐ hǎo” (hello), “Xièxiè” (thank you), “Qǐng” (please), and “Bù hǎo yìsi” (sorry). Using them will make your stay easier and more joyful. Beijing’s charm is its mix of kindness, history, and delicious tastes. Take your time to enjoy it all.

Author: Elena Chen

A Chinese tour guide with deep knowledge of the Far East, its traditions, and culinary secrets.