1. Best Time to Visit

  • Recommended: April-May (spring) & September-October (autumn) for mild weather.
  • Avoid: July-August (peak heat + crowds).

2. Must-See Attractions

3. Transportation Tips

  • From airports:
    • PEK: Take Airport Express (¥25, 30min to downtown).
    • PKX: High-speed rail to Beijing South Station (¥35).
  • In-city: Use subway (¥3-7/ride) or shared bikes (¥1.5/30min).

4. Budget-Friendly Eats

  • Street food: Try jianbing (¥8-15) or zhajiangmian (¥15-30).
  • Local markets: Niujie Muslim Market for halal snacks under ¥20.

5. Language Barriers

  • Key phrases:
    • “Nǐ hǎo” (Hello), “Xièxiè” (Thank you).
    • Most tourist areas have English signs.

6. Safety & Etiquette

  • Scams to avoid: Overpriced rickshaw rides near hutongs.
  • Cultural note: Don’t touch artifacts in temples.

Quick Comparison: Attraction Crowds

Attraction Least Crowded Time Peak Hours
Forbidden City 8:00 AM opening 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Great Wall (Mutianyu) Weekdays Weekends
Summer Palace Early morning Afternoons

Pro Tip: Download “Beijing Metro” app for real-time transport updates.