50 Essential Questions Answered by Licensed Beijing Guides
Planning Your First Trip to Beijing Starts Here
Beijing isn’t just China’s capital—it is the political, historical and cultural heart of one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations.
For many first-time visitors, however, planning a trip can feel overwhelming.
Is Beijing safe?
Can foreigners use Alipay?
Should I visit Mutianyu or Badaling?
How many days do I really need?
Rather than relying on generic travel advice, we asked the licensed Beijing guides we work with to answer the questions they hear most often from overseas visitors.
Their professional insights are combined with our own experiences after several independent trips to Beijing, giving you practical advice you can actually use.
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple or with family, this guide is designed to help you plan your Beijing adventure with confidence.
Before You Book Your Trip
1. Is Beijing Worth Visiting?
✅ Quick Answer
Absolutely. Beijing is one of the world’s great historic capitals, home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent imperial architecture, fascinating museums, vibrant local neighbourhoods and one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. If this is your first visit to China, Beijing is arguably the best place to begin.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Many visitors arrive expecting only ancient history. They leave talking about how modern, organised and surprisingly green Beijing feels.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Don’t treat Beijing as a city to “tick off.”
Give yourself enough time to understand why it has been China’s political and cultural centre for centuries. The experience becomes far richer when you explore beyond the famous landmarks.
📌 Good to Know
Many travellers combine Beijing with Xi’an. Together, they tell two complementary chapters of China’s story—Beijing explains imperial power, while Xi’an reveals where China’s first empire began.
🔗 Related CTB Guides
- Beijing or Xi’an: Which Should You Visit First?
- Why Beijing Is More Than Just the Forbidden City
2. Is Beijing Safe for Foreign Tourists?
✅ Quick Answer
Yes. Beijing is widely regarded as one of the safest major cities in the world for international visitors. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, public transport is generally safe, and many visitors feel comfortable exploring popular areas during both the day and evening.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“The biggest challenge for foreign visitors isn’t safety—it’s understanding how Beijing works. Mobile payments, attraction reservations and transport systems cause far more stress than personal security.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
During our own trips, we walked around Qianmen, Houhai and the Forbidden City area after dark without feeling uncomfortable. Like any major city, remain aware of your surroundings, but don’t let safety concerns stop you from enjoying Beijing.
📌 Good to Know
The most common problems tourists encounter involve unofficial tour sellers, poor trip planning or arriving at attractions without reservations—not crime.
🔗 Related CTB Guides
- 10 Mistakes First-Time Visitors Make in Beijing
- Beijing Metro Guide
- Can Foreigners Travel Independently in Beijing?
3. How Many Days Should I Spend in Beijing?
✅ Quick Answer
Plan for at least four full days. This gives you enough time to visit Beijing’s iconic attractions without feeling rushed and leaves room to experience neighbourhoods, parks and local culture.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Trying to ‘do Beijing’ in two days usually means spending more time travelling between attractions than enjoying them.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
A well-balanced itinerary might include:
- Day 1 – Tiananmen Square & the Forbidden City
- Day 2 – Great Wall
- Day 3 – Summer Palace & Temple of Heaven
- Day 4 – Hutongs, museums and local neighbourhoods
📌 Good to Know
Many museums close on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
4. When Is the Best Time to Visit Beijing?
✅ Quick Answer
Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) are generally considered the best seasons, thanks to pleasant temperatures, comfortable walking conditions and beautiful scenery.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Autumn is my favourite season. The skies are often clearer, and parks become especially beautiful.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Avoid travelling during China’s Labour Day Holiday and National Day Golden Week if you prefer smaller crowds.
📌 Good to Know
Winter offers fewer tourists and lower hotel prices, while summer can be hot, humid and busy.
5. Is Beijing Expensive?
✅ Quick Answer
Beijing is one of China’s more expensive cities, but many visitors still find it affordable compared with London, Paris, Sydney or New York. Accommodation is usually your biggest expense, while public transport and local food offer excellent value.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Visitors often spend more on hotels than expected but are pleasantly surprised by how inexpensive the Metro and local restaurants are.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Choose accommodation near a Metro station instead of paying premium prices to stay beside major attractions.
6. Beijing or Shanghai: Which Should I Visit First?
✅ Quick Answer
For first-time visitors interested in China’s history and culture, Beijing is usually the better starting point. If you’re more interested in modern city life, shopping and international dining, Shanghai may appeal more.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Shanghai shows you today’s China. Beijing helps you understand how China became what it is today.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
If your itinerary allows, visit Beijing first, then continue to Xi’an or Shanghai for a broader understanding of China.
7. Beijing or Xi’an: Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?
✅ Quick Answer
Ideally, visit both. Beijing showcases China’s imperial capital and modern political centre, while Xi’an introduces you to the birthplace of the first unified Chinese empire and the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Visitors who only see Beijing understand one chapter of China’s story. Adding Xi’an completes the picture.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
If time is limited, spend four days in Beijing and three days in Xi’an.
8. Can I Travel Beijing Independently or Should I Join a Tour?
✅ Quick Answer
Both approaches work well—and combining them often gives the best experience.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Independent travellers enjoy flexibility, while guided tours save time at complex attractions like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Our favourite approach is a hybrid one: explore museums, hutongs and neighbourhoods independently, then join a quality guided tour for places where historical interpretation adds real value.
9. Do I Need a Visa to Visit China?
✅ Quick Answer
It depends on your nationality. China has expanded visa-free entry for citizens of many countries, while others still need to apply for a visa before travelling.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Always check the latest official requirements before booking your flights. Visa policies can change.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Don’t rely solely on social media or forum posts. Confirm your eligibility using official government sources before travelling.
10. Can I Use Google, Gmail and WhatsApp in Beijing?
✅ Quick Answer
Some popular international online services may not be accessible from mainland China without additional arrangements. If you rely on Google services or WhatsApp, plan your connectivity before you leave home.
🎤 What Our Licensed Beijing Guides Say
“Many visitors prepare everything except their internet access. It’s often the first surprise they encounter after landing.”
💡 CTB Travel Tip
Research your options—such as international roaming, travel eSIMs or other connectivity solutions—before your departure so you can access the services you need throughout your trip.
Coming Up in Part 2
In the next section, we’ll answer practical questions that almost every traveller asks after booking their flights, including:
- Can foreigners use Alipay and WeChat Pay?
- Should I carry cash?
- Which apps should I install?
- What should I pack for Beijing?
- Which airport should I fly into?
- What’s the easiest way to get from the airport to the city?
