Beijing — Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors
Airport transfers, signature food and top things to do — everything a visitor needs in Beijing.
The capital and a massive transfer hub — PEK and the new PKX serve global routes.
🍜 Signature dishes in Beijing
- 北京烤鸭Peking Duck
- 炸酱面Zhajiang Noodles
- 涮羊肉Mutton Hotpot
- 豆汁儿Fermented Soy Milk
- 爆肚Flash-fried Tripe
- 驴打滚Glutinous Roll
- 卤煮Lu Zhu Offal
- 糖葫芦Candied Hawthorn
- 门钉肉饼Men Ding Meat Pie
- 艾窝窝Ai Wo Wo Cake
🎟️ Top things to do
- Forbidden City
Must book ahead, 3–4h
- Mutianyu Great Wall
Less crowded, 1.5h drive
- Beijing Duck dinner
Iconic roast duck experience
- Tiananmen Square
Iconic square, free entry
- Wangfujing
Snack street
- Beihai Park
Entry ticket required.
- Jingshan Park
Cheap entry, buy on site.
- Temple of Heaven
Entry ticket, buyable on site.
- Summer Palace
Entry ticket; buy online in peak season.
- Hutong alleys
Courtyard lanes by rickshaw
- Dashilan
Historic shopping street
- Shichahai Hutong Tour
Free lanes; rickshaw tours priced on site.
👥 Visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from the airport to downtown Beijing?
Take the metro or a taxi from PEK (Capital) airport. The metro is the cheapest option; taxis are convenient for luggage and groups.
Do I need a visa to visit Beijing on a layover?
Many nationalities can use China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Beijing. Check your eligibility in the visa checker tool before travelling.
Is a layover in Beijing visa free, and how long can I stay?
Inside the airport's international transit area you can wait up to 24 hours without a visa. To leave the airport, nationals of 57 countries can use the 240-hour visa-free transit (up to 10 days, counted from 00:00 the day after entry) and many others have 30-day visa-free entry. Full answers: see the visa & layover FAQ. Visa Q&A →
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Data provided by PivotCN · airport (PEK (Capital) ) · verify with official sources before travel.