Beijing: Avoid Getting Zapped by These Tourist Traps!
-
Great! My dear friend, as someone who knows Beijing inside and out, let me share some important information with you if you're planning a trip there tomorrow. I'll make sure you have a fantastic time and avoid any unnecessary detours!
When it comes to Beijing, the good and great are present, but so too are the scams. Think about it, what kind of person wouldn’t be found under the shadow of the imperial city?
-
About those so-called “Beijing specialties”:
-
Those sellers selling "Beijing dried fruit" or "Peking duck" (in vacuum packaging) outside tourist attractions or at王府井大街(Wangfujing Dajie) – take it from me, just look but don't buy!
- Why? To put it plainly, the taste of these foods is a mixed bag, and the prices are tailored to tourists. If you really want to enjoy Peking duck, find a reputable restaurant and order freshly cooked duck; it'll be way better than canned products. As for dried fruit, visit large supermarkets for a wider selection at reasonable prices.
-
Warning: especially those who try to lure you into small alleys claiming they offer a taste of "old Beijing household snacks" or “palace secret recipes” – beware, they are most likely scams!
-
Transportation tricks:
-
Caution: Do not jump into unlicensed black cabs (those without official license plates and operating privately) coming out of train stations or airports. They overcharge and often take longer routes.
- Instead, queue up for taxies, or use ride-hailing apps like DiDi. Subway is most convenient, and nearly all major attractions are accessible.
-
Buses are also available but during peak hours (7-9 AM or 5-7 PM), you'll likely feel squashed beyond belief.
-
Mandatory visit destinations like the Forbidden City and Great Wall:
-
Huge crowds are common occurrences, so prepare yourself mentally!
* Experience tells us: tickets must be booked in advance via the official App or mini-program! Purchasing tickets on-site? Prepare to wait until the cows come home.
* A tip: get to these sites as early as possible! Beat the busy period of tourist groups and you’ll find some much-needed space. -
**Warning**: Be wary of the "well-meaning folks" at the bottom of the Great Wall luring you onto "out-of-road paths" or offering cheaper tickets—don't trust them. These approaches pose safety risks and are frequently scam tactics. Always go through the formal attraction entrance. -
Eating recommendations beyond mere “trending” hotspots:
-
Some restaurants may have a large reputation but fail to provide food whose quality matches its price.
* A heads-up: always pay attention to local hangouts or ask the hotel receptionist for genuine recommendations. -
North and South differences, take note:
-
Beijing's climate is quite dry, especially in winter and autumn. Southern female visitors, remember to stay hydrated with humidifiers, masks, and lip balm.
-
Northern portions have large portion sizes. Proceed slowly when ordering, as you might otherwise wind up over-ordering. -
About overly enthusiastic strangers:
-
While the majority of Beijingers are quite friendly, if someone seems excessively eager to guide you to a certain store or pitch some sort of inside project, keep your wits about you.
In conclusion, Beijing is indeed a city worth exploring. With due preparation, by avoiding obvious pitfalls, your experience will be greatly enhanced! Have fun, and I hope you enjoy your journey!
-
-
Why is that?
-
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.
-
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.
-
Sweetie, could you share some tips? You seem to know so much!
-
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!
-
Wow, that's so detailed! Thanks, sweetie!
-
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.
-
Any recommendations?
-
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.
-
Any recommendations?
-
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.
-
Definitely avoid taking the subway between 7-9 AM and 4-9 PM because: no seats!
-
The food isn't great.
-
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.