Weekend Getaway Guide: Beijing, China
Few cities on earth pack as much history, flavour, and sheer spectacle into a single weekend as Beijing. From ancient imperial palaces to buzzing night markets and cutting-edge contemporary art districts, China's capital rewards curious travellers at every turn. Whether you have 48 or 72 hours to spare, this guide will help you make every moment count.
Overview
Beijing is a city of staggering contrasts — a place where centuries-old hutong alleyways run parallel to gleaming skyscrapers, and where you can eat a bowl of hand-pulled noodles for under two dollars before stepping into one of the world's most magnificent royal complexes. As the political and cultural heart of China, it draws visitors with an unmatched combination of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant local culture that refuses to stand still.
- Population: Approximately 22 million
- Language: Mandarin Chinese (limited English outside tourist zones)
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY); roughly 7.2 CNY to 1 USD
- Time Zone: China Standard Time (CST), UTC+8
- Best time to visit: September to November for mild, clear weather
Essential Information
Visitors from most Western countries require a visa to enter China, though China has recently expanded its visa-free transit policy to 144 hours for nationals of many countries — worth checking before you book. A standard tourist visa (L visa) is straightforward to obtain through a Chinese embassy or consulate in advance.
The Chinese Yuan is the only accepted currency, so exchanging money or withdrawing from ATMs on arrival is essential. Many smaller vendors and local restaurants operate on a cash-only basis, so keep small bills on hand. Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate daily transactions; setting up a linked account before arrival can make life considerably easier. Note that Google, Instagram, and many Western apps are blocked — download a reputable VPN before you leave home.
Practical Tips
- Get a transit card: The Beijing Yikatong card works on the subway and most buses. A single metro ride costs around $0.30–$0.50 USD — an absolute bargain.
- Explore the hutongs: The neighbourhoods of Nanluoguxiang and Gulou (Drum Tower area) offer some of the most atmospheric hutong streets in the city, lined with independent cafés, craft shops, and local eateries.
- Book the Great Wall in advance: The Mutianyu section is the most visitor-friendly, less crowded than Badaling, and easily reached by organised day-trip bus for around $10–$15 USD per person.
- Air quality: Beijing can experience heavy smog. Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily and carry an N95 mask for high-pollution days.
- Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and can sometimes cause confusion. A genuine "xièxiè" (thank you) goes a long way.
- Food budget: Eat like a local at street stalls and small restaurants for $2–$6 per meal. Mid-range dining runs $10–$20 per person, while a Peking duck dinner at a respected institution like Da Dong will set you back around $30–$50 per person — and is absolutely worth it.
Getting There
Beijing is served by two major airports. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the primary international hub and handles the vast majority of long-haul flights. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), opened in 2019, serves a growing number of domestic and regional routes. From the United States, expect flight times of roughly 13–14 hours from the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco) and around 14–15 hours from East Coast cities. Major carriers including Air China, United, American, and Delta operate direct or one-stop routes into PEK, with return fares typically ranging from $600 to $1,200 USD depending on season and booking window. From Europe, cities like London, Frankfurt, and Paris offer direct services in the 9–10 hour range. Once you land, the Airport Express train connects PEK to central Beijing in under 30 minutes for just $4 USD — fast, clean, and stress-free.
Accommodation Options
Beijing offers lodging to suit every budget, and staying centrally near Dongcheng or Xicheng districts will put you within easy reach of the major sights.
- Budget ($20–$60/night): Leo Hostel in the Qianmen area is a longtime traveller favourite, with clean dorms, a friendly atmosphere, and an unbeatable central location. Expect to pay around $20–$35 for a dorm bed.
- Mid-range ($80–$180/night): The Orchid Hotel in the Gulou hutong neighbourhood is a beautifully converted courtyard guesthouse with stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace. It perfectly captures old-Beijing character without sacrificing comfort.
- Luxury ($250+/night): The Opposite House in the Sanlitun district is a design-forward, five-star property that attracts a creative, international crowd. For something more historically immersive, Aman at Summer Palace offers sublime courtyard suites set within the grounds of the actual Summer Palace complex.
Plan your trip to Beijing
A weekend in Beijing is never quite enough — but it will almost certainly leave you hungry to return. From the first glimpse of Tiananmen Square to a twilight stroll through lantern-lit hutong streets, this city gets under your skin in the best possible way. Ready to start