Waldorf Astoria Hotels in Beijing

Beijing, the vibrant capital city of China, offers an extraordinary blend of ancient traditions and modern wonders. Get ready to view the traditional buildings and taste special food in Beijing. Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse culture, and must-visit attractions that make Beijing a truly unique destination.

Imperial Palace @Trip.com

How to get to Beijing

Beijing, as the capital of China, owns the convenient transportation system. Two international airports, rail train stations, and city metro make visitors easily arrive at Beijing and go any where.

For international visitors, two major airports are available: Beiijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). For visitors plan to stay city center, Beijing Capital International Airport can be more convenient. But both airports have direct transportation to arrive city center.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK):

Located about 25 km northeast of the city center, PEK is one of the busiest airports globally. Here is a detail guide from Trip.com. And there are multiple transfer choices:

1. Airport Express Train: Capital Airport Express stops at Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where all international flights arrive and depart. A one-way ticket costs RMB 25. Available for Dongzhimen and Sanyuanqiao Beijing Metro stations.

2. Taxis: Available at designated ranks, with a journey to downtown costing approximately 100-150 RMB depending on traffic.

If arrive late, there are many comfortable hotels near PEK airport:

Click here to find more hotels near PEK airport.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX):

Situated 46 km south of the city, PKX is renowned for its futuristic design and efficient services. For transportation to the city:

1. Daxing Airport Express: Links PKX to the metro system and high-speed trains within 20-30 minutes.

2. Taxis and Didi: Convenient for late-night arrivals or heavy luggage, with fares ranging between 150-200 RMB to central Beijing.

If arrive late, there are many comfortable hotels near PKX airport:

Click here to find more hotels near PKX airport.

Once arrive at Beijing, multiple transportations are available for visitors:

1. Metro: Beijing’s metro has 27 lines and 490+ stations, runs 5:00 am–11:00 pm daily. It’s efficient, affordable, and traveler-friendly with English signage. Use the Yikatong card or QR codes for easy access. *Avoid peak hours (7-9 am, 6-8 pm) for a smoother ride.

2. Buses: An extensive network covers areas beyond the metro. Stops are marked in English, but schedules are often unavailable. Pay with a Yikatong card or QR codes.

3. Taxis and Rideshares: Affordable taxis are easy to hail, or book rides via Didi. Payments are accepted via cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.

4. Shared Bicycles: Eco-friendly bikes from apps like HelloBike cost ￥1.5–2.5 rmb per trip. Unlock them via QR codes on Alipay/WeChat.

Must-see Attractions in Beijing

As the capital of China, Beijing has many symbols of Chinese culture, like The Place Museum, The Great Wall etc. Also, Beijing has modern attractions for fun, like Universal Beijing Resort. Here are some popular attractions that visitors shouldn't miss when visit Beijing:

The Palace Museum (Forbidden City): Step into the ancient China at the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Wander through its ornate halls, marvel at the intricate details of the architecture, and lose yourself in the charm of its serene gardens. This historical treasure offers a glimpse into the power of China’s past. Click to find hotels near the Forbidden City..

Badaling Great Wall: Come to experience on an unforgettable adventure at the Badaling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies China’s ancient ingenuity. Admire the stunning vistas as you traverse the well-preserved sections of this architectural marvel, and feel the spirit of history as you walk along the stones that once guarded an empire. Click to find hotels near the Badaling Great Wall..

Badaling Great Wall @Trip.com

Summer Palace: Here you can escape the urban hustle and find peace at the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat brimming with natural and artistic beauty. Stroll through its lush gardens, take a scenic boat ride on Kunming Lake, and admire the intricate pavilions and corridors that tell stories of royal leisure and elegance. Click to find hotels near the Summer Palace..

Universal Beijing Resort: Enjoy a day of excitement and entertainment at Universal Studios Beijing. From thrilling rides and dazzling attractions to interactive shows and beloved characters, this resort is a haven for fun-seekers of all ages. It’s the perfect spot for creating lasting memories. Click to find hotels near Universal Beijing Resort.

Temple of Heaven: Immerse yourself in the spiritual serenity of the Temple of Heaven, an ancient site where emperors prayed for good harvests. Join the locals as they practice tai chi, enjoy traditional games, and take in the harmonious blend of architecture and nature that defines this cultural gem. Click to find hotels near the Temple of Heaven..

National Museum of China: Dive into the rich tapestry of Chinese history at the National Museum of China. Explore exhibits showcasing priceless artifacts, from ancient jade carvings to revolutionary art, and discover the stories that span thousands of years of civilization in one remarkable space. Click to find hotels near the National Museum of China..

Tips of visiting Beijing

Before embarking on your journey to Beijing, it's important to keep a few things in mind:

Time in Beijing

Beijing follows China Standard Time (CST, GMT+8) and does not observe daylight saving time.

• New York: 13 hours behind
• Los Angeles: 16 hours behind
• London: 8 hours behind
• Singapore: Same time
• Bangkok: 1 hour behind

Note:The time difference is calculated based on the standard time zones and does not account for Daylight Saving Time (DST). When planning a trip, it's better to check the current time difference and DST status for accurate scheduling.

Best Time to Visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is during the spring (April - May) and autumn (September - October) seasons. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, with less rain and clear skies.

However, these periods are also peak tourist seasons, so expect larger crowds at popular attractions. Avoid travelling during the first week of October as it is the National Day holiday in China and tourist sites can be extremely crowded. Below is a seasonal breakdown of temperatures and tips:

*This is for reference only. Check the local weather forecast before traveling, since temperatures may vary.

What to Eat in Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, offers various delicious food. Here's a list of must-try foods when you're in Beijing:

Beijing Duck @Trip.com

Peking Duck (北京烤鸭): Known as one of Beijing's most famous dishes, this roasted duck is prized for its crispy skin and tender meat. It is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce, making for a rich and flavorful bite. Renowned spots like Quanjude (全聚德) and Bianyifang (便宜坊) are ideal places to try this dish.

Zhajiangmian (炸酱面): Translating to "fried sauce noodles," this comfort food consists of chewy wheat noodles topped with a savory mixture of minced pork or beef, fermented soybean paste, and fresh vegetables like cucumber and bean sprouts. Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodle King (老北京炸酱面大王) is an affordable restaurant with good taste.

Beijing Hot Pot (北京火锅): A traditional dish especially popular during cold winters. It features thinly sliced lamb cooked in a boiling pot of broth, accompanied by sesame sauce, garlic, and a variety of fresh vegetables. Unlike spicy Sichuan hot pot, Beijing hot pot is lighter and focuses on the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Donkey Burger (驴肉火烧): Despite its unusual name, this delicacy is a Beijing favorite. Tender braised donkey meat is stuffed into a flaky and crispy bread roll (huoshao, 火烧), offering a unique and satisfying flavor. Head to specialty restaurants like Wangpangzi (王胖子) to try this dish.