Beijing: Avoid Getting Zapped by These Tourist Traps!
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Actually, I suggest visiting Beijing during a long holiday. It's usually incredibly crowded on normal days. It's not that holidays aren't crowded, but cities like Beijing are better equipped to handle large tourist volumes then, which can make it a bit more comfortable. I'd watched so many videos about Beijing online that I thought I wouldn't be too impressed when I got there. But once I arrived, I realized I'd underestimated it; Beijing's historical sites are truly spectacular. If you're planning a summer trip and find it a hassle to organize, consider joining a tour group. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall – each place has its own unique character. A 5-day trip costs around 1,000 RMB. It's truly moving to see it all. Oh, and remember, tickets for Beijing attractions need to be booked a week in advance, so if you're planning a trip, contact a guide as early as possible. I'm definitely taking my family next time.
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Sweetie, could you share some tips? You seem to know so much!
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I totally wracked my brains planning my previous trip, only to find out later that all Beijing attractions need to be booked in advance. I was devastated when I learned that! Luckily, a friend told me I could join a tour, which meant no individual bookings needed. They recommended a small tour group. Since it was the off-season, it cost under 2,000 RMB. It's probably pricier during peak season. There were only a few of us in the vehicle, so it was nice and unhurried. If you go for a really cheap tour, like those costing just a few hundred RMB, then get ready for endless forced shopping stops. (Don't @ me, there are tons of cautionary tales about this on Xiaohongshu – low-price tours are the culprit!) After the 'Two Sessions' [political meetings] in March, it should still be the off-season, so prices probably won't be too bad. Girl, you can definitely use my experience as a reference!
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Wow, that's so detailed! Thanks, sweetie!
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Beijing doesn't really have an off-season; it's just that it's significantly less crowded outside of public holidays. If it's your first time in Beijing, I highly recommend finding a small tour group beforehand. Get a clear understanding of the daily schedule. For places like the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and others, it's best to have a completely worry-free experience where everything is handled for you. Otherwise, you'll have to book many attractions yourself. With a tour, accommodation, food, and transportation are all arranged. At the sights, the driver and guide will get your tickets and provide explanations. It's about 1,000 RMB per person. That's what my friends and I did.
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Any recommendations?
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If it's your first time in Beijing, I highly recommend finding a small tour group beforehand. Get a clear understanding of the daily schedule. For places like the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and others, it's best to have a completely worry-free experience where everything is handled for you. Otherwise, you'll have to book many attractions yourself. With a tour, accommodation, food, and transportation are all arranged. At the sights, the driver and guide will get your tickets and provide explanations. It's about 1,000 RMB per person. That's what my friends and I did.
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Any recommendations?
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I'd skip the 'zizi' barbecue at Kaorou Liu – it's pretty mediocre. Siji Minfu (for Peking Duck) is great, but it's always packed, so you need to get in line really early.
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Definitely avoid taking the subway between 7-9 AM and 4-9 PM because: no seats!
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The food isn't great.
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Wear sneakers and bring a light jacket. For Peking duck, head straight to Ziguangyuan and get their set meal for two – it's a real bargain at around 100 RMB. Their 'naipizi' (milk skin dessert) is also good. Near the Lama Temple (Yonghegong), there's a fantastic place for lamb spine hot pot ('yang xiezi') that costs just over 100 RMB, which is a good price. Their service is decent too, and you can easily find it with an online search. They stay open until 2 AM. Sanhe's hawthorn drink is also delicious, at 12 RMB per glass. I wouldn't recommend the shuan rou (instant-boiled mutton) if you don't like sesame paste; I usually make my own dipping sauce with sesame oil.