5 Days in Beijing: From Forbidden City to Quanjude Roast Duck

Most foreign nationals, including those from the US, EU, UK, Australia, and India, need to obtain a visa in advance for China. There are limited visa-free transit options (e.g., 144-hour) if you have an onward ticket and are transiting directly through Beijing, but for a standard visit, a pre-arranged visa is required. Always check the latest requirements with your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

Beijing is generally very safe for solo female travelers, with violent crime being rare. Public transport is reliable and well-lit. The main considerations are being aware of your surroundings in crowded markets and exercising caution with online access due to internet restrictions. Stick to well-trafficked areas, especially at night.

The currency used in Beijing is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY). While cash is useful for small street vendors or older establishments, mobile payments via WeChat Pay or Alipay are dominant. It is advisable to have some small denomination CNY cash, but rely more on digital payments if you can set them up.

No, tipping is generally not expected or customary in Beijing. In most restaurants, taxis, and hotels, tips are often refused and can cause confusion or awkwardness. Focus on receiving good service rather than offering a tip.

Essential packing includes layered clothing, a warm jacket for cooler seasons (especially for the Great Wall), pocket tissues, and a reliable N95 mask for varying air quality. A pre-installed VPN subscription is crucial for internet access. Small denomination CNY cash for local vendors and slip-on shoes for cultural sites are also recommended.

From Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), the Airport Express train is efficient, taking about 20-30 minutes to Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao Metro stations. Airport shuttle buses are also available to various city points. A taxi is an option but can be expensive (¥100-¥150+) and subject to traffic. Always ensure taxis use their meters or agree on a price beforehand.

Key cultural norms include not tipping as it's not customary, and removing shoes when entering traditional homes or some establishments. Haggling is common in markets and smaller shops. Be mindful that many common Western websites and apps are blocked; a VPN is necessary for access to them.

To stay connected, consider purchasing a local SIM card from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom upon arrival. Public Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and malls but often requires registration with a Chinese phone number or passport. Crucially, a reliable VPN is essential to access services like Google, WhatsApp, and Facebook, which are otherwise blocked.