Beijing
Beijing is where China's imperial past and its superpower present collide head-on. The Forbidden City still stuns after 600 years, the hutong alleyways preserve old Beijing neighborhood life, and the Great Wall is a day trip away. It's massive, sometimes smoggy, and can feel overwhelming — but the history packed into this city is matched by few places on Earth. The food alone (Peking duck, hand-pulled noodles, jianbing crepes) makes it essential.
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Beijing travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Beijing?
4 to 5 days. Day one: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (¥60/$8 — book online, allow 3-4 hours minimum). Day two: Temple of Heaven (¥34), Panjiayuan antique market, and a Peking duck dinner at Da Dong or Quanjude. Day three: the Great Wall — Mutianyu section is best for most visitors (¥40 entry, cable car ¥120 round trip, less crowded than Badaling). Day four: Summer Palace (¥30), and the 798 Art District. Day five: hutong walking or cycling tour, Lama Temple, and the Drum and Bell Towers.
Which section of the Great Wall should I visit?
Mutianyu is the sweet spot — restored enough to be safe, scenic enough to be impressive, and far less crowded than Badaling. It's about 1.5 hours from central Beijing. There's a cable car up and a toboggan ride down (¥120 round trip). Jinshanling is better for serious hikers and photographers — more rugged and remote, 2.5 hours from Beijing. Badaling is the most accessible but extremely crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Avoid the Great Wall during National Week.
Do I need a VPN in China?
Yes, if you want to use Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. Download a reliable VPN before you arrive — ExpressVPN and Astrill are popular choices. WeChat is the Chinese app for everything (messaging, payments, maps) and works without a VPN. Apple Maps works in China. Baidu Maps is more accurate for local navigation. Many hotels have somewhat usable WiFi but the VPN is essential for staying connected to Western apps and services.