How to plan your first travel to beijing
Have a good trip
Visiting China and Beijing for the first time? You might feel unsure about preparations or local customs. A little advance insight can turn your journey into a smoother, more rewarding adventure.
Apply for a Visa
First, check if your passport qualifies for China’s 72 or 144-hour transit visa waiver, or if you’re from a visa-exemption country. If yes—congrats! No tourist visa needed. If not, apply for that L Visa 6-8 weeks early. Oh, and make sure your passport has over 6 months’ validity! Pro tip: Avoid visiting Beijing during National Day (Oct 1-8) and Spring Festival (dates change yearly—double-check!). These holidays turn attractions into human oceans. Seriously, you’ll be packed like sardines!
Digital Survival Kit for China
Seriously, just wave your phone in China—money, meals, rides, all sorted!What to do?
First，grab a VPN before landing—you’ll need it for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, all that good stuff. Get Alipay or WeChat Pay hooked up to your Visa/Mastercard—that’s how 90% of payments work here, but stash ¥200 cash just in case. Oh, and snag a Chinese SIM card—makes app sign-ups and calling hotels way easier. Order one from ‘Nihao Mobile’ (ship to your hotel—just warn the front desk) or grab it at the airport.
Where to stay for easy exploring?
Prioritize hotels near subway lines (Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts recommended) over those near attractions. Avoid areas around Beijing South/North Railway Stations—major transport hubs get chaotic.
Delve into Beijing Cuisine
Beijing is a culinary hub of China—featuring not just local delicacies but regional classics from across the nation.When in Beijing, dig into the local flavors—it’s your ticket to a whole new culinary world.
Must-Try Local Bites:
Peking Duck ，Copper Pot Hotpot (mutton + sesame sauce)，Sizzling Zhazi BBQ (grilled meats on iron plate)，Douzhi & Jiaoquan (fermented mung bean soup + crispy rings).These are truly iconic Beijing dishes—tastes that define the city.
Foolproof Ordering:
Use Dianping App to:
① Scan menu photos → auto-translate
② Order “Recommended Dishes” with one tap
Practice the Language
Many younger Chinese do speak English, but there’s a fair-sized population who that doesn’t! Learn a few words to break the ice with the locals.
Mandarin is the default language in most parts of China, so try to pick up the basics- nihao (hello/goodbye), xiexie (thank you), dui buqi (sorry), ganbei (cheers)- and try them out at a restaurant, on the street asking for directions, or in a taxicab!
Safety Essentials
Guard your phone: Hold it in hand—never in back pockets (pickpocket hotspots!).
Avoid scams:
Say NO to “drink-pushing traps” (common in Houhai bars)
Ignore street hawkers selling overpriced trinkets/snacks!
Remember to claim your tax refund before your leaving
1️⃣ Find “Instant Refund” Shops
→ Look for stores with “Instant Tax Refund on Departure” signs (e.g., SKP, China World Mall, WF CENTRAL).
2️⃣ Shop & Sign Agreement
• Single receipt ≥¥500
• Show passport/Taiwan Compatriot Permit
• Sign the “Terms Agreement”
• Pre-authorize credit card (amount = refund)
3️⃣ Get Cash Immediately!
Staff verifies documents → Receive RMB cash refund via:
✓ WeChat/Alipay ✓ Bank card ✓ Cash
4️⃣ Departure Check
At customs:
• Use “Tax Refund” lane
• Show:
✔️ Unused goods
✔️ Original invoices
✔️ Refund forms
⚠️ Fail to depart on time? Pre-authorized amount will be charged!
5️⃣ Non-Refundable Items
Food, alcohol, cigarettes, cars.
✅ Refund allowed for 21 categories:
Luxury goods, cosmetics, electronics, etc.
Beijing Survival Musts
① Carry your ORIGINAL PASSPORT daily (checked at attractions/hotels)
② Enter top sights like Forbidden City EXACTLY during booked time slots—late arrivals get denied!
③ Use Amap (Gaode) for buses—real-time English updates ✓
Toilet Tip
Public restrooms are everywhere—BUT always carry tissues! (none provided inside)
💰 Smart Saving Move
▶ Bike + subway combo = Avoid traffic jams + save money!
Hi! I’m Yoyo, a traveler with adventure in my blood and taste buds forever hunting for the next feast. My mission? To live off the beaten path and constantly seek out the new and exciting.I want to share all my experiences and hard-earned practical knowledge with you, to help you discover the wonders of this ancient yet vibrantly alive country.
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