Beijing is a city rich in history and culture, home to numerous world-class landmarks. Must-visit sites include the Forbidden City (reservations required 7 days in advance), the Great Wall at Mutianyu (less crowded than Badaling), the Summer Palace (a boat ride on Kunming Lake is a must), and the Temple of Heaven (known for its Echo Wall). A suggested itinerary: Day 1 – Tiananmen Square (arrive by 4 AM to catch the flag-raising ceremony), the Forbidden City, and panoramic views from Jingshan Park; Day 2 – Mutianyu Great Wall (Bus 877 from Deshengmen provides direct access); Day 3 – Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace); Day 4 – Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, and a Hutong tour. Please note that most attractions and museums are closed on Mondays, including the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall is best avoided on weekends. All sites require a valid passport for entry, and during peak season (April to October), it’s best to arrive before 7:30 AM to avoid crowds.

Beijing’s subway system is highly developed, with 18 lines covering all major attractions. Use the “Yitongxing” app to scan and ride easily. Line 1 reaches Tiananmen and Wangfujing; Line 4 goes to the Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan; Line 2 is a loop connecting Qianmen and Yonghegong. Taxis start at 13 RMB for the first 3 km, but heavy traffic is common during rush hours (7–9 AM, 5–7 PM). Shared bikes are ideal for short trips under 3 km, though parking is restricted on main roads like Chang’an Avenue. For airport transfers: Capital Airport Express (25 RMB/30 mins to Dongzhimen) and Daxing Airport Express (35 RMB/19 mins to Caoqiao). Important: subway security checks are strict (liquids must be screened), and peak hours can be extremely crowded, especially on Lines 1 and 10.

Beijing’s culinary scene is best explored through three categories. For Peking Duck: Siji Minfu (expect a 3-hour wait at the Forbidden City branch) or Da Dong (a more upscale version). For hotpot: Jubaoyuan (Niujie main store) or Manhengji. For local snacks: Huguosi Snack Street (try douzhi at your own risk) or Menkuang Hutong's century-old Lu Zhu. Popular food streets include Gui Street (great for spicy crayfish at night), Niujie (Muslim cuisine), and Qianmen Street (home to many old brands). Hidden gems include pan-fried dumplings at Xinhe, Tianxingju’s pig liver stew, and sugar pancakes on Heiyaochang Street. Many popular restaurants use in-person ticket systems; for example, Siji Minfu releases queue numbers at 16:00. To avoid long waits, dine at off-peak hours like 10:30 or 16:30.

Top family experiences include: Beijing Zoo (panda house opens at 7:30 AM, arrive early) combined with the Aquarium; China Science and Technology Museum (the children's zone requires advance booking); and the Natural History Museum (free but hard to reserve, exhibition tickets allow access). Other fun options: the toboggan ride at Mutianyu (for children over 6), night tours at Gubei Water Town (drone shows in summer), and the Auto Museum (with driving simulations). Easy-paced routes: Day 1 – Science Museum + Olympic Park; Day 2 – Zoo + Planetarium; Day 3 – Universal Studios (free entry for kids under 1.2m). Reminder: museums are closed on Mondays, Science Museum tickets open at midnight 3 days prior, and audio guides (20 RMB) help kids engage better at historical sites like the Forbidden City.

Three core areas are recommended: (1) Wangfujing/Dongsi – within walking distance to Tiananmen and the Forbidden City, with luxury hotels like Waldorf Astoria and mid-range options like Legendale Hotel; (2) Qianmen/Chongwenmen – traditional Beijing charm and good value options like Qiuguo Hotel (Qianmen branch); (3) Sanlitun/Chaoyang – lively and modern, ideal for young travelers, with boutique hotels like CHAO. Budget travelers can consider areas along Metro Line 10, such as Tuanjiehu or Hujialou. Note: hotels near Tiananmen may require extra security checks (e.g., VIP Building Hotel). Some properties don’t accept foreign guests, so confirm this in advance. Hotel prices during peak season (April–May, September–October) can rise by over 50%, so booking two months ahead is advised.

Strictly reservation-only sites include the Forbidden City (tickets released 7 days in advance at 8 PM), Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (6 days ahead, 12:30 PM), National Museum (7 days ahead, 5 PM), and Badaling Great Wall (10 days ahead). Tips: mini-programs are faster than the official Forbidden City website; the National Museum app offers higher success rates. Other sites like the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Prince Gong Mansion allow on-site ticketing but involve long queues. Note: the Forbidden City limits entries to 80,000 visitors/day and sells out in 3 minutes during holidays. The National Museum strictly enforces entry time slots, and latecomers may be denied entry. The Great Wall does not use a real-name system, so third-party packages are available.

Clothing should suit the season. Spring (March–May) requires windbreakers due to possible sandstorms. Summer (June–August) demands sun protection – shaded areas are scarce at many sites. Autumn (September–November) has big temperature swings, so bring layers. Winter (December–February) needs down jackets and non-slip footwear, especially for places like the Great Wall. Tip: wear comfortable sneakers, as historical sites like the Forbidden City have stone pathways. In winter, bring gloves and a hat for windy Great Wall visits. Security at Tiananmen requires removing outerwear, so dress in layers. Summer temperatures can hit 40°C, so carry a water bottle and your ID (free drinking stations are available at attractions).

Popular traditional items include Daoxiangcun pastries (look for the “Sanhe” logo), Zhang Yiyuan jasmine tea (starting from 200 RMB per jin), and Liubiju pickled vegetables (airport-safe). For cultural gifts: try Palace Museum cultural products (the Ice Cellar Bookstore is least crowded) and National Museum’s archaeological blind boxes. Caution: avoid “Beijing Roast Duck” gift boxes sold near scenic spots – many are counterfeit; Wangfujing Snack Street also has inflated prices. Best places to shop: neighborhood Daoxiangcun branches (like Dengshikou), Maliandao Tea City for tea, and Bianyifang for vacuum-packed roast duck (also available at the airport). For enamelware like cloisonné, buy from official outlets like Gongmei Mansion to ensure authenticity.

Top attractions include Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey (recommended to visit first), Transformers’ AllSpark Hunt, and Jurassic World Adventure. The best time to visit is Tuesday through Thursday when the crowds are lighter. It’s advised to arrive one hour early as the park opens at 8 AM. Using single-rider lanes can cut wait times by up to 50%. Birthday visitors receive commemorative badges, and many restaurants offer free stickers. For the WaterWorld show, it’s best to secure your seat about 40 minutes in advance. Ticket prices generally range from 528 RMB during the off-season to 748 RMB at peak times, with express passes costing between 400 and 900 RMB. Wizard robes can be rented for approximately 100 RMB per day. Please note that exact prices are subject to change and are usually announced about one month before the visit. Downloading the official app is highly recommended for real-time wait times. Selfie sticks are not allowed, and lockers are free for the first hour.

Cultural etiquette: don’t step on thresholds at temples or the Forbidden City; no photography inside Chairman Mao Memorial Hall; avoid entering private courtyards during Hutong tours. Safety rules: no drones in Tiananmen area; eating is prohibited in subways; defacing the Great Wall is illegal and punishable by detention. Practical reminders: all sites require original ID (no digital copies); local park passes are only valid for residents; don’t trust “Great Wall one-day tour” street ads. Also note: visits to Tsinghua and Peking University require 7-day advance booking (open during school breaks), and agree on prices (typically 100–150 RMB per cart) before taking a rickshaw in the Hutongs.

Private custom tours offer flexibility and personalization: you can tailor the itinerary to your interests (photography, food, history), enjoy private guide services for deeper insights and better interaction, and benefit from door-to-door transfers without the stress of public transport. They also save time by arranging tickets for top sites like the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and National Museum in advance. In contrast, group tours follow fixed schedules, can be crowded, often include shopping stops, and are less accommodating for families or seniors. Private tours are highly recommended for first-time visitors seeking an efficient and in-depth experience of Beijing’s highlights.

For Muslim travelers visiting Beijing, several authentic Halal restaurants are highly recommended. Laocheng Yiguo (Liuliqiao Branch) is famous for its rich lamb spine hotpot, offering fresh ingredients in a family-friendly environment. In the heart of the city, Donglaishun Muslim Restaurant (Wangfujing Branch) provides a traditional Beijing Muslim dining experience with its signature sliced mutton hotpot and large kebabs. History lovers will appreciate Hong Bin Lou, established in 1853, which serves classic Muslim dishes such as braised shark fin with chicken and stewed sheep head. Located in the historic Niujie area, Jubaoyuan (Niujie Branch) is renowned for its flavorful lamb hotpot and vibrant Muslim cultural atmosphere. For street food enthusiasts, Niujie Snack Street offers a variety of halal snacks including fried cakes, rice rolls, and lamb offal soup, perfect for a casual stroll. Additionally, Kao Rou Ji, a legendary spot near Shichahai, is famous for its marinated lamb skewers grilled over fruitwood. For those interested in Xinjiang cuisine, Xinjiang Islam Restaurant serves specialties like kebabs, spicy chicken with potatoes, and hand-pulled noodles. If you have specific dietary needs, such as avoiding spicy food or preferring vegetarian options, your guide can help adjust meal arrangements to suit your preferences.