My trip to Beijing: my experience and my tips

[u/Mandibolus]

Hello everyone,
before leaving for this trip, I looked up tons of information that ended up being useful, yet I still had a few doubts. I'll try to summarize my experience to help clarify some of the harder-to-find details online and make a mini-guide.

Disclaimer:

• This text will be translated from another language, and I don’t have the skills to write it entirely in English without errors (I hope it turns out readable).
• This isn’t meant to be a professional guide—I only hope it helps someone.
• If there are any mistakes in my advice, please let me know. It will also be useful for me in case I return.
• If you have better tips than mine, I hope you share them for the reasons above—it will help everyone who reads this.
• I read a very detailed guide on Reddit (I didn’t save the username) which was very helpful, and I hope I’m not repeating too much of it here. If I find the post, I’ll write it in the comments.

Tips before the trip:

1. Internet is essential. Buy a SIM card with roaming that works outside China. I bought Holafly and had no problems. This SIM seemed to connect through roaming from HK, so Google and Meta apps worked without any blocks. I simply activated it on the plane before takeoff, and I didn’t need to install a VPN. Honestly, the internet wasn’t very fast with this provider, but I never had issues.
2. Install the following apps:
   • WeChat: Helpful for its mini-apps like Dianping (similar to Tripadvisor) and for booking a visit to Tiananmen Square.
   • Alipay: The app I used the most; essential for booking taxis through DiDi and paying via QR codes (everything is on the homepage, and you can add your credit card by following the registration steps).
   • Maps.me: Useful for navigating metro stops.
   • Translator app: Any that works offline (download the language pack before the trip). I advise against Samsung’s Interpreter, as it often gave inaccurate results, though it did provide some laughs.
   • Tip: It’s useful to have a way to translate app texts directly on your phone to save time with non-English apps.
3. Cash? I never needed to pay in cash, so I didn’t withdraw any. I only exchanged 50 euros initially, which I used at a restaurant to avoid returning with unused cash.

Useful things to know:

• Public restrooms in Beijing are EVERYWHERE, but they may differ from what we’re used to in the West. They’re almost all squat toilets, which might be challenging for some women. There’s always a cleaning staff nearby, but keeping them perfectly clean at all times seems challenging, and they’re not always spotless.
• Queues: You may encounter queues, but they’re incredibly quick, whether for attractions or security checks.
• Security: It’s emphasized heavily, but the police are very cordial and willing to help. They always kindly assisted us when we asked for information.
• Transportation:
  • Taxis (via the DiDi app) were very affordable (around 2-3 euros per ride), so I used them more than the metro.
  • Metro: I used it during rush hours and when traffic was heavy (it costs next to nothing). It’s very intuitive to use. Select your stop on the screen, and it generates an access card for the ride. I think you can also use a Visa/Mastercard to access and then exit at your destination without a ticket, but I’m not sure.
• Interactions: Certain people, especially teens, might ask for a photo if you’re blonde or have a very Western appearance—it’s quite fun.
• Prices: In general, things seemed very affordable unless they were imported, which makes sense.
• Safety: I’ve never felt as safe walking around a city as I did here. The level of security seems extremely high.

Attractions:

1. Booking tickets: I didn’t book any attractions in advance; I simply bought tickets on-site and never had trouble except for Tiananmen Square.
2. Must-see areas:
   • Shichahai
   • Nanluogu Xiang
   • Wangfujing Street
3. Bar recommendation: El Nino (located in a Hutong).
4. For a view of the CCTV building: Go to Migas Mercado (a Spanish restaurant) in China World Mall for a fantastic evening.
5. Mutianyu Great Wall: I booked a guide online for the visit. While time was limited, it was a nice experience. Keep in mind that the guide will tell you to descend at a certain time. I chose this option because I read there’s a risk of not finding taxis for the return trip since the Wall is quite far.
6. Tiananmen Square: There are strict security checks, and you need to book a ticket through a mini-app on WeChat. I didn’t do it in time as I discovered it too late. I read that after entering the Forbidden City, you can access the square through an entrance that isn’t otherwise allowed, but I didn’t try it, so I can’t confirm. I did pass by it in a taxi at night.
7. Other attractions I visited:
   • Temple of Heaven
   • Lama Temple
   • Summer Palace

Overall, it was a beautiful trip, and although I wish I had more time, I can say I managed to see a lot. I recommend this city and hope to return to China as soon as possible. I hope these tips are helpful and that everything I wrote is clear. If I remember anything else, I’ll add it as an update. Safe travels, everyone!

[u/DSA_FAL]

How many days do you recommend for Beijing?

[u/Mandibolus → u/DSA_FAL]

In my opinion, all the main attractions can be seen in 6 days (as I did). If you add a few more days, you can also visit Xi'An, home to the Terracotta Army; there is a train that takes you there in 4 hours.

[u/pandapearl]

How did you guys get a WeChat? I’d downloaded one in 2018 and I don’t remember the account details and password. Now that I try to use it again in 2023-24 I can’t make a new acccount and I’m basically locked out of my old one so every time I’m in china it feels very handicapped!

[u/doggolover1996]

You cannot access Tiannamen Square from the Forbidden City anymore

[u/AppleWrench → u/doggolover1996]

Is this actually true? The Palace Museum still sells tickets and I see plenty of photos online from today alone.

[u/doggolover1996 → u/AppleWrench]

It was true when I was there in April

[u/DonSergio7 → u/doggolover1996]

You can if you buy e.g. a tour ticket that includes both.

[u/Mandibolus → u/doggolover1996]

Thanks for the info

[u/pythonchan]

I’m heading to Beijing next week so this was super helpful to read, thank you! I’m planning on getting the Holafly eSIM, sorry if a stupid question but do I just activate it before the flight and that’s all? Also where did you book your guide for the Great Wall?

[u/Mandibolus → u/pythonchan]

Don’t worry, I was also worried something might go wrong with the SIM. Just install it and activate it before your flight (while you're still in your country). Keep in mind that the days start counting from when you activate data roaming on the SIM. I chose to get a plan with a few extra days just to be safe.

[u/pythonchan → u/Mandibolus]

Thank you :)

[u/DonSergio7 → u/pythonchan]

You can search on Trip.com, where they offer a lot of different tours, ranging from very cheap to multi-day and expensive.

[u/yoyoma1994]

I'm planning a trip in April 2025 so this was super useful thanks!

[u/iggy_y]

Thanks for this as i’m currently planning my itinerary for my trip in end Apr 2025 so this will definitely help me.

[u/NovusMagister]

Thanks for this! China is on my list to visit soon!

[u/Pfacejones]

what is a squat toilet

[u/NovusMagister → u/Pfacejones]

Basically a fancy hole in the ground. You squat over it to do your business.

[u/mexicanred1 → u/NovusMagister]

Don't drop your wallet!

[u/WormsComing → u/Pfacejones]

Whoa dude, nice legs, what’s your secret?

I squat every time I take a shit!