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Beijing Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Beijing? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

  • Capital of China and one the world’s most populous cities, with over 21.3 million residents. 
  • With a rich 3000-year history, Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world.
  • Has been the political and cultural center of China for more than 700 years.
  • Host city of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games.
  • Nicknames: the Celestial City, the Northern Capital, The Center of the World.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • Currency: Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY).
  • Spoken languages: primarily Mandarin. While there is a sizeable English-speaking community, many locals may not speak English.
  • Best time to visit: from September to November (cool and relatively humid), and from March to May (be aware of potential dust storms).
  • Air quality can vary – download an air quality app to stay up to date. It’s recommended wearing masks on days with poor air quality.
  • Arriving via airport: hail a taxi from the taxi stand, and make sure the driver turns the meter on (~130-200 Yuan from Terminal 3 to downtown), take the Airport Bus, or the Airport Express subway line to the city (a one-way ticket is 25 Yuan).
  • Useful apps for visitors: Google Translate (with offline capabilities), Baidu Maps, or even a VPN service for accessing Western websites.
  • Local emergency numbers: police (110), ambulance (120), and fire department (119)

WHERE TO STAY

  • Best Beijing hostel for solo travelers: Peking Youth Hostel. Clean and cozy, in a great location for exploring the city (6 minute walk from Nanluo metro station), with friendly staff who can help you organize your trip in China. Bonus: it’s located on a main Hutong street, so you get a bit of the old-school charm that’s quickly disappearing from the city.
  • Stay in the city center to be close to all the major sights, attractions, and the best food options.
  • Many of the major international hotel chains (e.g. Grand Metropark, Hilton) are conveniently located.
  • For budget options, look for mid-range chains (e.g. Home Inn, Days Inn).

GETTING AROUND

  • The Beijing subway is 2 RMB for all lines and destinations (except Airport Express).
  • Taxi is 12 RMB (13 RMB at night) for first 3 km, 2 RMB (2.4 RMB at night) per additional km, 3 RMB (3.4 RMB at night) from 15 km and above. Taxis can be called at 96103.
  • Use DiDi (China’s equivalent to Uber) for safer taxi rides or to pre-arrange transportation.

BEIJING NIGHTLIFE

  • Drinking age is officially 18 (not enforced at all), and there is no last call (many restaurants and bars stay open all night).
  • Bar scene: There are many nice cafes and bars along the Tian Qiao Shi’chang Byway, including unique tea shops and wine houses.
  • Clubbing scene: There are many bars and restaurants located along the W Da Zhan’lan Street and the Tie’shu Byway.
  • Trendy scene: Another popular urban spot is the Qian Hai Bei’yan and the Hou Hai Nan’yan roads, full of bars and wine bars with great views of the sea.
  • Great bars to start your night: The Swan with Two Necks (Yuyang Road), School (punk bar – 53 Wudaoying Hu Tong), Modernista (44 Baochao Hu Tong), and The Tiki Bungalow.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

  • Note: there is a great variety of landmarks in Beijing, ranging from ancient Chinese temples and pagodas all the way to modern amusement parks and gardens.
  • The four temples of Beijing (Heaven, Sun, Moon, Earth) are religious buildings where the Emperors would pray and make offerings to heaven.
  • The Tian’an Men (the Gate of Heavenly Peace) is the third largest city square in the world (at 440,000 sq. meters), known worldwide as the setting for numerous historic events.
  • The Forbidden City encompasses the Imperial palaces and temples – witness where the Emperors lived.
  • The World Park is a theme park featuring scale models of unique world landmarks, including the Sphinx, Eiffel Tower, Taj Mahal, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and many more.
  • The Ba Da Ling Great Wall is the entrance to one of the world’s wonders – the Great Wall of China.
  • The “Bird’s Nest” and the Beijing National Aquatics Center, where the Summer Olympic Games of 2008 were held.
  • Unique experiences: attending a traditional Peking Opera performance, visiting a tea house, or exploring the artistic 798 Art District (modern art).
  • Day trip ideas: Summer Palace, the Ming Tombs, or hiking sections of the Great Wall, like Jinshanling or Mutianyu, which are less touristy than the Ba Da Ling section (mentioned above).

INTERESTING WALKS

  • Note: Contrary to popular belief, taking a stroll on the Great Wall is not that pleasant – the paths are steep and can actually be tiring (and somewhat dangerous). Additionally, only a small part of the Great Wall in Beijing is actually a tourist site – people rarely venture beyond the designated visitor zone.
  • There are many interesting villages and temples in Beijing where you can experience local architecture and music first-hand. Among the nicest parks to visit are the Beihai Park, the Jingshan Park, the Houhai Park, and the Zhongshan Park.
  • Go for a walk through the Forbidden City, where there are many museums, statues, and great restaurants.

LOCAL WISDOM

  • Don’t be surprised if people you meet don’t speak any English. Although Beijing is extremely open to foreigners, this doesn’t mean everyone will understand you! Be prepared – bring maps with English along as you travel, make use of road signs, and jot down certain names of landmarks in Mandarin. Consider bringing a pocket Chinese dictionary.
  • Must-try local dishes: Peking duck, jianbing (a type of Chinese crepe), and dumplings.
  • Where to find good cheap eats: almost everywhere in Beijing! Visit a local Chinese park and try out some of the local specialties. Warning: avoid eating food from street vendors. They are known for using cheap/poor ingredients, and the food could give you food poisoning and/or an upset stomach.
  • Dangerous areas: Beijing is generally very safe. Exercise common sense. A word on taxis: while hailing taxis at night, only enter official ones (with signs on the roof), as others might not be as safe and trustworthy.

Recommended trip duration: 4-5 days


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