Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the world's most populous cities and a global hub for culture, education, science, and technology. With a history that dates back three millennia, it's known for its rich heritage and numerous cultural landmarks, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace. As a modern city, Beijing also features bustling commercial areas, world-class restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. From ancient temples and traditional hutongs to modern skyscrapers and high-tech industries, Beijing is a city where the past and future coexist, making it a fascinating destination for travellers from around the world.
Best Time to Visit
Top Places To Visit
The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), when temperatures are mild and the city is less crowded. The summer months (July to August) can be hot and crowded, while winter (November to March) can be very cold, but also beautiful, especially if the city experiences snow.
The Forbidden City: A massive palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for over 500 years, and is now a museum that houses a vast collection of Chinese artifacts.
The Great Wall of China: One of the world's most iconic landmarks, the Great Wall can be visited at various points around Beijing, with the sections at Mutianyu and Badaling being the most popular.
Tiananmen Square: The world's largest public square, surrounded by several notable landmarks, including the Forbidden City and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
The Summer Palace: A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, it is an example of traditional Chinese garden design and one of the most classic cultural sights in Beijing.
The Temple of Heaven: A beautiful complex of religious buildings used for annual ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The Hutongs:
Traditional narrow streets or alleys, primarily located in the northeastern area of Beijing, offering a glimpse into the city's history and traditional culture.
Beijing
Beijing is located in the China Standard Time (CST) zone, which is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8) throughout the year, as China does not observe Daylight Saving Time.
The official language in Beijing is Mandarin. English is taught in schools and is spoken in many hotels and tourist areas, but it is not commonly used in daily life.
The main airport serving Beijing is Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK, ICAO: ZBAA). As of 2019, Beijing also has a new airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport (IATA: PKX, ICAO: ZBAD), which serves as a hub for several major airlines.
The currency used in Beijing and throughout China is the Renminbi (RMB), with the basic unit being the yuan (¥). Credit cards are widely accepted in large hotels and restaurants, but cash is often preferred, especially in smaller establishments and markets.
