Beijing: Avoid Getting Zapped by These Tourist Traps!
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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.