05/28 2025
In Beijing, communicating in English is generally manageable in tourist areas. At hotels, nicer restaurants, subway stations, and popular attractions like the Great Wall or Forbidden City, you'll find staff often speak basic English. Younger people and students are also more likely to understand you. However, venturing into local neighborhoods, smaller shops, traditional markets, or taking a regular taxi can be trickier without Mandarin. Knowing simple phrases helps immensely, but don’t worry – translation apps are lifesavers! Pointing, gestures, and a friendly smile also go surprisingly far. Overall, you can navigate, but expect some language hurdles.