WARNING: BEIJING IS NOT FOR NEWBIES
After returning from Beijing, I truly realized it's beautiful but easy to get screwed if you don't know the way around. Many people think booking a flight is enough, but no no, the real battle is in transportation and security checks.
After a rough trip and drawing from hard-earned experience, I've compiled the smoothest itinerary for eating, playing, sleeping, and resting to save the most effort.
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Transportation and accommodation: Choose wisely?
🏠 Where to stay: Boldly book hotels within the "Second Ring" (near Ring Road 2) or Qianmen area, Wangfujing. Prices might be a bit pricey but subway stations are super close by foot. Staying far away is cheaper but taking the subway into the center in the morning takes an hour and it's exhausting.
🚇 Getting around: Download Alipay right away (integrates subway/bus card) and Gaode Map (Google Maps doesn't work here guys). Beijing traffic jams are a "specialty", so I recommend prioritizing the subway. Super cheap, air-conditioned, no traffic worries. Only use taxis for short distances.
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Forbidden City: Don't follow the crowd!
❌ You guys usually enter from Tiananmen Square, right? DROP IT RIGHT NOW! That way means 3 document checks, lining up like a dragon to the sky, might take an hour without seeing the gate.
✅ Pro way: Take taxi or bus straight to "Donghuamen".
👉 From here walk leisurely 10 minutes along the city wall to the ticket check at Jingshun Gate. Empty, cool, one check-in and done.
⏰ Golden hour: If afternoon ticket, enter at 13:00. Morning crowd has thinned, afternoon crowd not yet full. Photos super spacious, less people. At 11am it's just heads in photos.
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What to eat to avoid taste shock?
🍜 Beijing food is oily and heavy-flavored, weak stomachs bring digestive enzymes. But must try:
Peking Duck: Come here and not eat Peking duck means you haven't been (book in advance at Si Ji Min Fu or Quanjude or queue forever).
Zha Jiang Mian (Black Bean Noodles): Cheap, easy to eat, everywhere.
Lamb Hotpot: Perfect for chilly days.
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Where to chill?
🌿 If tired of crowded strict places, head straight to Summer Palace or Temple of Heaven. Totally different vibe. Vast open spaces, bring food, drinks, spread a picnic mat under the trees, pure bliss. A rare freedom in Beijing!
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Strict "no-go" zones
👮♂️ Specifically entering Great Hall of the People, National Museum or climbing Tiananmen Gate Tower, prepare for airport-level security scrutiny.
💡 Life-saving tip: Best to travel light. Don't bring big bags, no drinks or clutter. Less stuff means faster through. Especially these places have no storage or it's far away, going back takes the whole day.
⚠️ Small note: Screenshot booking code/passport in advance. Don't rely on spotty internet in crowds, can't load and you're stuck smiling awkwardly.
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Essentials: Power bank and comfortable shoes
This is super important! In Beijing, 20,000 steps a day is normal.
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Power bank: Must bring because photos and maps drain battery like crazy.
🔋 Capacity: Under 20,000mAh (equivalent to under 100Wh) is safest.
⚠️ Specs: Power bank must have clear printed specs (Capacity, Output/Input...). Old ones with faded text or no-name fakes get confiscated at airport/train station security and tossed. Don't regret bringing old ones and get upset.
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Shoes: Please wear the most comfortable sneakers, looks don't matter as much as your feet. Heels or hard leather shoes mean feet "bloom" at night crying in pain.
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Important to repeat 3 times
‼️ BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE! BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE! BOOK TICKETS IN ADVANCE! Beijing is not for the spontaneous. Forbidden City, Museum tickets must book 3-7 days ahead (even snag at exact opening time). Don't arrive and ask where to buy or you'll just check-in outside the walls.
Cre: Thùy Dung
