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Beijing Travel Guide

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In Beijing, think big. Which basically means, a few days in this city isn’t going to cut it. Though, let’s face it, two week holidays to Beijing will also leave you wishing you could have tacked another fortnight on to your stay. One more hoisin-slicked Peking duck pancake, a little longer to muse over the symbolism in the Forbidden City or just a few days to take in the historic significance of a city that’s seen dynasties come and go. With the fires of FOMO fully stoked in your nomadic soul, you’ll be wondering what else Beijing has to offer. In short – everything. In this city, there’s little you can’t see, hear, eat, drink and do. From days exploring ancient temples to gravity-defying futuristic architecture, the landscape sets the scene for the daily delights that play out on Beijing’s cosmopolitan streets. Expect to chance upon clusters of Tai Chi practitioners, yangko dancers and queues at the best noodle bars. But it all sits alongside more familiar city experiences. Bottomless brunches in this city are decadent – to say the least. But you can grab bellinis and eggs benny for brekkie almost anywhere. Swap those for the irresistible, spice-fuelled folds of jianbing for a real taste of Beijing.

Beijing Travel Guide

 

In Beijing, think big. Which basically means, a few days in this city isn’t going to cut it. Though, let’s face it, two week holidays to Beijing will also leave you wishing you could have tacked another fortnight on to your stay. One more hoisin-slicked Peking duck pancake, a little longer to muse over the symbolism in the Forbidden City or just a few days to take in the historic significance of a city that’s seen dynasties come and go. With the fires of FOMO fully stoked in your nomadic soul, you’ll be wondering what else Beijing has to offer. In short – everything. In this city, there’s little you can’t see, hear, eat, drink and do. From days exploring ancient temples to gravity-defying futuristic architecture, the landscape sets the scene for the daily delights that play out on Beijing’s cosmopolitan streets. Expect to chance upon clusters of Tai Chi practitioners, yangko dancers and queues at the best noodle bars. But it all sits alongside more familiar city experiences. Bottomless brunches in this city are decadent – to say the least. But you can grab bellinis and eggs benny for brekkie almost anywhere. Swap those for the irresistible, spice-fuelled folds of jianbing for a real taste of Beijing.

   
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Soundtrack of the city

Spending in the city

  • Food

    3 course meal for 2: £29.08

  • Coffee

    A regular cappuccino: £3.50

  • Beer

    A medium beer: £1.16

  • Taxi

    One-way (Local Transport): £0.58

Spending in the city

  • Food

    3 course meal for 2: £29.08

  • Coffee

    A regular cappuccino: £3.50

  • Beer

    A medium beer: £1.16

  • Taxi

    One-way (Local Transport): £0.58

Soundtrack of the city

Weather in Beijing

Unless you’re coming to Beijing to ski the nearby mountains, the plummeting temps of winter go beyond chilly. While summer’s offering of muggy heat can be a smidge oppressive, leaving spring and autumn. Undoubtedly the best times to visit Beijing for autumn colour and spring blooms.

Discover the real Beijing

You used to be able to find the real Beijing in the hutongs. Now? Many have transformed into the real Beijing with a little tourist polish added. They still mark the best place to uncover everyday life. Sprawling, vast and – at times – closed off, this is a city that needs a persistent approach to exploration.

Beijing’s must sees will see your itinerary packed tighter than your carry on for a 5 night stay. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Bustling from sight to sight will have you fitting right in with this city’s pace. Just be sure to stop and take it all in every now and then.

If it’s edible, you’ll find it in Beijing. Often deep-fried on a stick. From exotic street food to Michelin-starred plates, Beijing is a foodie heaven … and hell, depending on your tolerance levels for unorthodox ingredients. Tea comes in every variety possible, though you might find it a tad harder to find great coffee.

You can’t really get away with aimless wandering in Beijing. Yes, you could chance upon an intriguing spot – but this enormous city needs a little planning. How else will you track down Beijing’s best noodle bowls? Whether you’re foraging for foodie haunts or in town to take in the temples, Orbzii has the inside tips you need.

See & do

Beijing’s must sees will see your itinerary packed tighter than your carry on for a 5 night stay. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Bustling from sight to sight will have you fitting right in with this city’s pace. Just be sure to stop and take it all in every now and then.

Food & Drink

If it’s edible, you’ll find it in Beijing. Often deep-fried on a stick. From exotic street food to Michelin-starred plates, Beijing is a foodie heaven … and hell, depending on your tolerance levels for unorthodox ingredients. Tea comes in every variety possible, though you might find it a tad harder to find great coffee.

Guides & tips

You can’t really get away with aimless wandering in Beijing. Yes, you could chance upon an intriguing spot – but this enormous city needs a little planning. How else will you track down Beijing’s best noodle bowls? Whether you’re foraging for foodie haunts or in town to take in the temples, Orbzii has the inside tips you need.

Map View

More of China

Catch China’s best ancient architecture while you can. Much of the country’s past has been bulldozed in favour of the gleaming towers the larger cities are known for. Though the sections of Great Wall go some way to linking this forward-facing country to its past. Away from the freeways and high-rise commercialism, expect to see plenty of rice-terraces, but it’s the national parks where the truly wild China lies.