Best Time To Visit

Most of Beijing's attractions feature timeless architecture and rich cultural heritage, making them enjoyable year-round. However, the outdoor temperatures are most pleasant in spring and autumn, as winter can be too cold and summer too hot for comfort. Additionally, the city’s parks and gardens are particularly beautiful during these seasons, with blossoming flowers in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. It's best to avoid Chinese public holidays, especially from October 1st to 7th, when the city is crowded with local tourists.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

The Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is located approximately 32 kilometres northeast of Beijing's city centre. This is the busiest airport in Asia and one of the busiest in the world. The Airport Express Train is the fastest and most convenient option, connecting Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 to Dongzhimen Station in downtown Beijing in about 20 minutes. Taxis offer a more direct route, taking 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. For a budget-friendly choice, the Airport Shuttle Bus provides multiple routes to various parts of the city, taking about an hour.

• Web:

  www.bcia.com.cn

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) is located around 46–50 km south of Tiananmen Square; depending on traffic, expect a taxi or ride-hail into central Beijing to take about 60 to 90 minutes. The most efficient public-transport option is the Daxing Airport Express. It runs from the terminal about every 9–15 minutes and takes around 22 minutes to reach Caoqiao Station, where you can transfer to Subway Lines 10 or 19. Alternatively, shuttle buses operate from the airport to key spots in the city; a journey takes roughly 80 minutes.

• Web:

  https://daxing-pkx-airport.com

• Address:

  Beijing Daxing International Airport

• More info:

  Also known as Beijing New Airport

Public Transport

Subway The subway is the quickest way to move around Beijing and avoid traffic. The network is extensive, with more than twenty lines in operation, and covers most major sights. Trains generally run from around 5 am to 11 pm, depending on the line. Stations are easy to spot; look for the blue “D” symbol. Signs and announcements are in both Chinese and English. Buses Buses reach parts of the city that the subway doesn’t, including many suburban areas. Services usually run from about 5 am to 11:30 pm. Apps such as Beijing Public Transport or Ruubypay make it much easier to plan routes. Yikatong Card The Yikatong is Beijing’s transport smartcard and works on the subway, buses, some taxis, and even public bikes. You can buy and top it up at service counters and machines in most stations. A small deposit is required, and you can return the card for a refund at designated stations. For travellers, the physical card is usually the simplest option.

Taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Beijing and a reliable way to get around the city. Most drivers speak little to no English, so having your destination written in Chinese will be quite helpful. All official taxis should use a meter. If a driver hesitates to turn it on, politely insist or choose another cab. Ride-hailing apps are widely used in the city. Didi is the most popular option, and you can usually use it with an international credit card, though having mobile data is essential. It’s often easier than flagging a cab on the street, especially during rush hour or late at night.

Electricity

Mainland China uses a standard voltage of 220V with a frequency of 50Hz. Power plugs and sockets are mainly of types A, C, and I. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, Type C plugs have two round pins (the same as those widely used across Europe), and Type I plugs feature three flat pins in a triangular arrangement.