Beijing Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Beijing? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

Capital of China and one the world’s most populous cities, with over 22.6 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.

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. Poor air quality? Wear an N95 mask.
– Tip: N95 equivalents now sold at automated kiosks (15 CNY) in all subway stations.
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)

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).

The Beijing subway uses distance-based pricing:
3 CNY (first 6km) → 4 CNY (6-12km) → 5 CNY (12-22km) → 6 CNY (22-32km) → +2 CNY per 20km beyond.
– Foreign Visa/Mastercard contactless payments now accepted at all subway gates.
– Unlimited ride passes: 1-day (20 CNY), 3-day (40 CNY), 7-day (90 CNY).
Taxi is
– Day: 14 CNY base (3km) + 2.3 CNY/km
– Night (11PM-5AM): 16.6 CNY base + 2.76 CNY/km
– Taxis can be called at 96103.
Taxi verification: Official cabs have green license plates & illuminated rooftop signs with driver ID visible.
Use DiDi (China’s equivalent to Uber) for safer taxi rides or to pre-arrange transportation.
Emergency translation help: Dial 12345 (Beijing government hotline) for English assistance.

Drinking age is officially 18, 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 Wudaokou nightlife district 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.

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.
– Forbidden City entry now requires online booking (80% tickets reserved for app users via “故宫博物院” WeChat mini-program).
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 “Bird’s Nest” and the Beijing National Aquatics Center, where the Summer Olympic Games of 2008 were held.
– Update: Bird’s Nest” now charges 80 CNY entry (includes VR Olympic experience).
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.
Mogao Grottos tours: 45-min高铁 (bullet train) day trip from Beijing West Station to Datong (798 CNY round-trip).

The Ba Da Ling Great Wall is the entrance to one of the world’s wonders – the Great Wall of China.
The Mutianyu section offers new glass-bottom cable cars (120 CNY round-trip)
Jiankou section remains wild/unrestored.
Jinshanling section is less touristy than the Ba Da Ling section.
Simatai Great Wall: Night hiking permitted until 10PM (180 CNY including shuttle from Dongzhimen).
Walking the Great Wall is not that pleasant – the paths are steep and can be tiring (and somewhat dangerous).
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.

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.

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.
Useful phrases:
“请扫描这里” (Qǐng sǎomiáo zhèlǐ) = “Please scan here” (for payment)
“不要发票” (Búyào fāpiào) = “No receipt needed” (speeds up taxi exits).
Free activity: 798 Art District now offers Thursday night markets (6-10PM March-November).
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