Beijing
About Beijing
China's capital city, a perfect blend of ancient history and modern development
Population
21,710,000
Area
16410.54 km²
Timezone
UTC+8
Language
Mandarin
Best Time to Visit
Top Attractions
Great Wall of China
One of the Seven Wonders of the World
Location: Northern Beijing
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Ticket price: 40-60 CNY
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
Estimated visit time: 3-4 hours
Forbidden City
Imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties
Location: Central Beijing
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Ticket price: 60 CNY
Opening hours: 8:30-17:00
Estimated visit time: 3-4 hours
Temple of Heaven
Imperial complex of religious buildings
Location: Southern Beijing
Best time to visit: Spring and Autumn
Ticket price: 15-35 CNY
Opening hours: 8:00-17:30
Estimated visit time: 2-3 hours
Local Cuisine
Peking Duck
Crispy roasted duck served with thin pancakes
Recommended Restaurants:
- Quanjude
- Da Dong
- Siji Minfu
Zhajiangmian
Noodles with soybean paste
Recommended Restaurants:
- Hai Wan Ju
- Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodle King
Shopping
Wangfujing Street
Famous shopping street with both modern malls and traditional markets
Silk Market
Famous for silk products and souvenirs
Culture & Festivals
Festivals
Chinese New Year
January/February
Largest traditional festival with temple fairs and celebrations
Mid-Autumn Festival
September/October
Moon viewing and mooncake eating
Local Customs
- Respect for elders
- Gift-giving etiquette
- Tea culture
Accommodation
Budget
100-300 CNY
Recommended Areas:
- Dongcheng
- Xicheng
Mid-Range
300-800 CNY
Recommended Areas:
- Chaoyang
- Haidian
Luxury
800+ CNY
Recommended Areas:
- CBD
- Wangfujing
Safety Information
Overall Rating: Safe
Safety Tips:
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas
- Carry your passport at all times
- Use licensed taxis
Useful Phrases
Hello
你好
Nǐ hǎo
Thank you
谢谢
Xièxiè
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多少钱？
Duōshǎo qián?