Traveling to Beijing, China for the first-time this 2024? Check out this detailed BEIJING TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG with travel information such as sample DIY Beijing itinerary, top things to do, hotels, budget and expenses, how to get around, and travel tips and reminders to help you plan your trip.
Beijing is the capital city of China, as well as the country's political, economic, and cultural center. As a huge city, Beijing is the second largest Chinese city by urban population after Shanghai. When in Beijing, you will surely be filled with a lot of history, culture, amazing landscape, and sumptuous cuisines. There are plenty of things to do and to experience in Beijing. For first-timers, it could be quite overwhelming where to start. But don't worry, let me help you plan your trip with this First-timer's Travel Guide to Beijing.
I hope this travel guide help you plan an unforgettable Beijing adventure. Now, let's get started!
Beijing Travel Guide Blog 2024 for First-timers
VISA REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER CHINA
For Philippine passport holders, you need to get a Chinese Visa to enter China, except if you're only visiting Hainan Province. Getting a Chinese Tourist Visa is quite easy. Just complete the requirements and submit it to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Makati to apply for yourself. You can also course it through an accredited travel agency and have them submit the requirements for you. Regular processing time takes about 4 days and visa fee is 1,400 pesos for single entry tourist visa.
To help you with your visa application, you may read my previous blog post for the list of requirements and step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa in the Philippines. For other nationalities, please check with the Chinese embassy in your country if you'll be needing a visa to travel to mainland China.
To avoid any inconvenience upon arrival in Beijing, be sure to be ready with your proof of confirmed hotel booking, return ticket, and activity vouchers or booked tours in case the immigration officer asks for these documents. This way, it’s easier to prove that you’re there just as a tourist for a holiday or vacation.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!
HOW TO GET TO BEIJING FROM MANILA?
Local airlines such as Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines have direct flights from Manila to Beijing. Cebu Pacific’s flights are every Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Flights leave at 07:15 pm and arrive in Beijing at 12:05 am the following day. Philippine Airlines’ flights leave Manila every Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 07:10 pm and arrive in Beijing at 11:55 pm. They have additional flight every Tuesday and Sunday that leaves at 08:25 pm and arrives in Beijing at 01:25 am the following day.
Travel time from Manila to Beijing takes around 4.5 hours.
If you're traveling to Beijing from Shanghai, you can take a domestic flight or take the hi-speed train. This super fast trains can bring you to Beijing from Shanghai in less than 6 hours. Check out my Shanghai to Beijing Travel Guide to help you plan your trip.
HOW TO GET OUT OF BEIJING AIRPORT?
Currently, flights to Beijing arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, or simply PEK. Located at Chaoyang–Shunyi Districts, it is about 32 km northeast of Beijing's city center. As the main international airport servicing Beijing, it’s easy to get to the city center because of the many modes of transportation available.
Private Airport Transfers - this is the most convenient way to get to the city center. It is ideal for groups and families traveling with kids and senior citizens. This is also good if you have huge luggage with you and if you’re arriving late night in Beijing. Travel time is around 20-30 minutes via expressway. When you book with Klook, toll fee, parking, and driver’s fees are already included. This airport service runs for 24 hours, so you don't have to worry about arriving any time of the day and even at late in the evening. BOOK A PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE!
Airport Express Train - the PEK airport is connected to the Beijing Metro Subway. Whether you’re arriving at Terminal 2 or 3, you can easily get to the city by taking the Airport Express Train to Sanyuanqiao Station on Line 10 or Dongzhimen Station on Line 2 of the Beijing Metro Subway. Taking the train is ideal for solo travelers without huge luggage. Travel time from the airport to the city takes around 20 minutes, and a one-way ticket costs 25 RMB. Please note that the airport express is only available from 06:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Airport Shuttle Buses - you may also take the shuttle buses found outside the arrival hall of the airport. I am not familiar with the buses because I haven’t tried them. From what I read online, the shuttle bus goes to different key locations in the city from the airport.
Airport Taxi - you may also take the airport taxis for around 125 RMB from the airport to the city center. Just be sure to take the taxi from the official taxi stand outside the arrival hall of the airport, to avoid the scammers.
HOW TO STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET IN CHINA?
To stay connected to the internet, you can rent a portable 4G WiFi device or buy a sim card. For couples and solo travelers, getting a sim card is quite ideal. For groups or families traveling together, I recommend getting a portable WiFi device because you can share the connection as well as the cost of the rent.
In China, Facebook, Instagram, Google Maps, and other Google apps do not work. You need a VPN to access these websites or to use these apps. When we were there, used a sim card from Travel Sim PH (you can find them on Instagram @travelsimph) which do not require the use of a VPN. But when we’re at the hotel, we use the hotel’s free wifi + a VPN app to save the allocated data of our sim card. I recommend VPN Shield which you can download for free on Google Play or Apple App Store. This is what we used when connecting to our hotel's WiFi.
HOW TO GET AROUND BEIJING?
In going around Beijing, you can walk, ride the subway trains, take the taxi or the buses. During our trip, we usually do the combination of taking the subway and walking to our destination.
The Beijing Metro Subway is an extensive railway system that can bring you to most tourist spots and attractions in Beijing. The subway is so convenient to use and very affordable (fare is from 4-12 RMB), depending on where you want to go. What we did is we use google maps to find the nearest subway station to the tourist spots we want to visit and took the subway to go there. We also walk when needed and just use google map to guide us with the directions. When buying subway tickets at the ticketing machines, be sure to have 1 RMB coins, 5 or 10 RMB bills ready. The machine only accepts these bills and coins.
To help you understand the train lines and routes, you may download the Beijing Metro App. With this app, you just enter the name of the subway station you're coming from and enter the name of the subway station you're going to. It will give you the line/s you need to take, the travel time, how many stops, and if transfers are needed. You can download the app for free on Google Play or Apple App Store.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE MONEY?
The Chinese currency is called Chinese Yuan, abbreviated as RMB or CNY. Exchange rate is around 7.41 PHP for 1 RMB during our trip. I highly recommend that you bring in US Dollars (USD) to China and exchange it to RMB upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport. You can find money changers at the arrival hall of the airport.
Based on what I have observed, it's hard to find money changers at the city center. If you ran out of cash, you can change your money in some big hotels that offer currency exchange service or withdraw from the ATMs. Just be sure that your card allows international withdrawals. Be sure to inform your bank before leaving your country to be assured that you will be able to withdraw from the many ATMs in Beijing. You can find ATMs at the subway stations, shopping malls, and in some of the tourist spots.
WHERE TO STAY? HOTELS IN BEIJING
Choosing where to stay in Beijing is one of the biggest challenges in planning a trip to China, especially for first-timers. Before our trip, I read some travel blogs and they suggested areas such as Wangfujing, Qianmen, and Dongzhimen. I did a quick search on Agoda, and found Beijing Chengtai Business Hotel in DongCheng District, Wangfujing Street & Forbidden City, Beijing, China.
I recommend this hotel because of the following reasons:
- Good location. Near almost everything and well connected by subway. It's just 5 minutes walk to/from Zhangzizhonglu station on Line 5 of the Beijing Subway.
- Room rates are quite affordable. We got it for 2,000 pesos per night for a standard double room.
- 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi in all rooms, 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, and luggage storage are available.
- There are many convenience stores, groceries, eateries and restaurants, massage, located just 2-5 minutes walk from the hotel.
Beijing Chengtai Business Hotel
Address: Dong si bei dajie No320-1 DongCheng District, Wangfujing Street & Forbidden City, Beijing, ChinaOTHER HOTELS IN BEIJING
Here are the other top-rated hotels in Beijing with very good to excellent ratings and reviews from previous guests. Click on each link to see room rates and availability.
- Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
- Jianguo Qianmen Hotel, Beijing, China
- King's Joy Hotel, Beijing, China
- Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel, Beijing
- Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
- Nostalgia Hotel Beijing
- Novotel Beijing Xinqiao, Beijing, China
- The Emperor Tiananmen Beijing
TOP THINGS TO DO IN BEJING (TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS)
To make your trip to Beijing memorable, plan your trip with our list of the top attractions in Beijing. Here are the top best things to do and to experience when traveling to Beijing. Don't forget to include these when planning your Beijing itinerary.
Temple of Heaven
One of the must-visit destinations in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is located in Dongcheng District at the southeastern part of the city. Also called “Tiantan" in Chinese, it is a huge imperial complex of religious buildings built in 1420. Considered as one of the most important of Beijing's imperial temples, it is said to be a place for emperors to worship the Heaven in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
When visiting the Temple of Heaven, don’t miss the magnificent buildings inside the complex, such as the Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiutan), the Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qiniandian).
General admission fee if 15 RMB. To save on travel cost, you can buy a combo ticket for 34 RMB which includes entrance fees to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar & Echo Wall.
OPENING HOURS: It is open daily from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm. The main attractions inside opens from 08:00 am to 05:30 pm. Combo ticket selling is up to 04:00 pm only.
HOW TO GET TO THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN? Take the Beijing Metro Subway Line 5 going to Tiantan Dongmen Station. Take Exit A and you'll arrive at the East Gate of the Park.
Palace Museum and Forbidden City
Another must-see when visiting Beijing is the Palace Museum inside the Forbidden City. A national museum right at the very core of the city and directly north of Tiananmen Square, it was established and opened to the public in 1925. Aside from the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City is also where you’ll find the former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty.
A World Heritage Site, the UNESCO website described the Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Beijing and Shenyang as “Seat of supreme power for over five centuries (1416-1911), the Forbidden City in Beijing, with its landscaped gardens and many buildings (whose nearly 10,000 rooms contain furniture and works of art), constitutes a priceless testimony to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Imperial Palace of the Qing Dynasty in Shenyang consists of 114 buildings constructed between 1625–26 and 1783. It contains an important library and testifies to the foundation of the last dynasty that ruled China, before it expanded its power to the centre of the country and moved the capital to Beijing. This palace then became auxiliary to the Imperial Palace in Beijing. This remarkable architectural edifice offers important historical testimony to the history of the Qing Dynasty and to the cultural traditions of the Manchu and other tribes in the north of China.”
OPENING HOURS: It is open daily (except Mondays) from 08:30 am to 05:00 pm during peak season (April-October) and until 04:30 during low season (November-March).
HOW TO GET TO THE PALACE MUSEUM AND FORBIDDEN CITY? Take the Beijing Metro Subway Line 1 and get off at either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station. You’ll find the entrance to the Forbidden City upon exiting the subway stations. Fare is around 4 RMB depending on where you come from.
The Great Wall of China
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Great Wall of China is definitely one of the must-see attractions when visiting Beijing. Spanning a total length of about 21,000 kilometers, it is a series of fortification walls built along the historical northern border of China that is a product of thousand years of arduous labor. Recognized as one of the most impressive architectural feats in history, your trip to China won't be complete without visiting The Great Wall.
The UNESCO website describes The Great Wall, "In c. 220 B.C., under Qin Shi Huang, sections of earlier fortifications were joined together to form a united defence system against invasions from the north. Construction continued up to the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), when the Great Wall became the world's largest military structure. Its historic and strategic importance is matched only by its architectural significance."
If there's one thing you should not miss when in Beijing, it's definitely visiting The Great Wall of China. You can read our Great of China experience HERE.
Since it's about an hour away from central Beijing, I highly recommend joining a group tour. We joined the tour to the Badaling section of The Great Wall. This is the most popular among local and foreign tourists, it is the most accessible from Beijing, has a cable car going up, and is considered as one of the developed and most restored part of the Great Wall of China.
We booked our join-in tour via Klook for only ₱1,363 per person. The tour includes hotel pick-up in Beijing, bus transportation, entrance fees to Ming Tombs and The Great Wall at Badaling (except cable car ticket), assistance of an English-speaking professional tour guide, lunch, and transportation back to Beijing city center.
Other options to see The Great Wall of China
There are other sections of The Great Wall and other ways to explore it. Depending on your time and budget, you may also consider the following:
- Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour
- Badaling Great Wall Helicopter Tour
- Simatai Great Wall Hike & Gubei Water Town
Ming Tombs
Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ming Tombs is a collection of tombs built by the emperors during the Ming Dynasty. Located 50 kilometers northwest of central Beijing, at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, is where you’ll find the “Thirteen Tombs of Ming Dynasty,” which we also visited as part of this day tour. This is said to be the most-preserved mausoleum area with the most emperors buried. You can also read our Ming Tombs experience HERE.
For ease and convenience, we join the group tour that we booked via Klook. This tour to the Ming Tombs is included in The Great Wall of China day tour from Beijing.
Lama Temple
Also known as “Yonghe Lama Temple,” or “Harmony and Peace Palace Lamasery,” this is considered the largest Lama Temple in China. Built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, it used to be the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was just a prince. In 1744, is was turned into a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at the Dongcheng District in the northeastern part of central Beijing, it is also considered one of the well-preserved monastery in China.
When visiting the Lama Temple, do not miss the main palace called the “Hall of Harmony and Peace (Yonghegong)” where you could see three bronze Buddhas inside. Also a must-see is the statue of Maitreya inside the pavilion of the Ten Thousand Joys (Wanfu ge) built in 1750. The statue is 26 meters tall and was carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. It was entered on the Guinness Book of World Record in 1990.
OPENING HOURS & ADMISSION FEE: It is open from 09:00 am to 04:30 pm (Apr.-Oct.) and from 09:00 am to 04:00 pm from Nov. to March. Admission fee is 25 RMB and children can enter for free.
HOW TO GET TO LAMA TEMPLE? Ride the Beijing Metro Subway line 2 or 5 and get off at Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station. Take exit C and walk for about 3 minutes to the entrance of the temple.
Temple of Confucius
Considered as the 2nd largest Confucian temple in China, next the one in Confucius' hometown of Qufu in Shandong Province, the Temple of Confucius is a must-visit when traveling to Beijing. Located just a short walk from Lama Temple, it was originally built in 1302 and used as a place for sacrifices to Confucius during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Confucius, the greatest thinker and educationalist in ancient China, this temple was built to pay homage to him.
OPENING HOURS & ADMISSION FEE: The temple is open daily from 08:30 am to 05:00 pm. The the museum is closed on Mondays. Admission fee is 30 RMB.
HOW TO GET TO THE TEMPLE OF CONFUCIUS? Ride the Beijing Metro Subway line 2 or 5 and get off at Yonghegong (Lama Temple) Station. Take exit C and walk for about 5 minutes along Yonghegong Street, then walk west along Guozijian Street where you’ll find the Temple of Confucius.
Tiananmen Square
Located south of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is a huge public park in Beijing. The square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Also called the Gate of Heavenly Peace, it is where Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in October 1, 1949.
TRAVEL TIP: The park is well-secured. You need to show your passport with a valid visa to enter the square. Admission to the square is free.
HOW TO GET TO TIANANMEN SQUARE? Take the Beijing Metro Subway Line 1 and get off at either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station. You’ll find Tiananmen Square upon exiting the subway stations. Fare is around 4 RMB depending on where you took the train.
Dashilar Hutongs
“Hutongs” are narrow lanes or alleyways in a traditional residential area of a Chinese city, especially Beijing. The word hutong is also used to refer to a neighborhood.
Visiting one of the many “hutongs” in Beijing is a great way to experience the culture and the daily lives of the locals. “Dashilar” is considered as one of the most ancient and popular commercial streets in the many hutongs of Beijing. It can be very crowded with locals and international tourists, but well worth a visit. It also has smaller hutong lanes, which are also very interesting to explore and with a lot of stalls and food kiosks. 😋
HOW TO GET TO DASHILAR HUTONG? Dashilar is easily accessible by taking the subway line 2, and get off at Qianmen Station. From there, just walk for about 5 minutes to get to Dashilar.
Qianmen Street
Established during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Qianmen Street is a “haven” for shop-a-holics and foodies. This famous pedestrian lane near Dashilar Hutong is home to many establishments offering food, local dishes, and souvenirs. There are also restaurants, cafes, jewelry shops, as well as international brands. You can also find here the Madame Tussauds Beijing Wax Museum.
Here, you’ll see an amazing mix of traditional architecture and popular old shops along with modern brands. Enjoy shopping and trying out street foods! For me, the must-try food here are the roast duck, milk teas, and the lamb skewers.
The street stretches for 845m from Zhenyang Gate to Zhushikou in the south. You can also enjoy here the Dangdang Che or Tram, which runs from north to south of Qianmen Street. They were first introduced to Beijing in 1924 and are used now as sightseeing cars. You can buy tram tickets near the entry archway or at the southern end near Zhushikou street.
Qianmen Street is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can walk the street anytime, but most shops are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
HOW TO GET TO QIANMEN STREET? Take the Beijing Metro Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station and get out from Exit B or C. Walk for about 5 minutes going north and you'll find where Qianmen Street is.
Jingshan Park
A 23-hectare imperial park, Jingshan Park is located north of the Forbidden City. It is actually located on Jingshan Hill with five summits. Must-visit is the Wanchun Pavilion (Ten Thousand Spring Pavilion) on the middle of the five summits - which affords an amazing overlooking view of the Forbidden City. From here, you can also see a full view of the city of Beijing.
OPENING HOURS AND ADMISSION FEE: Jingshan Park is open daily from 06:00 am to 07:30 pm. Admission fee is 2 RMB.
HOW TO GET TO JINGSHAN PARK? Ride the Beijing Metro Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station. Take Exit C and then walk south for about 900 meters to the north gate of Jingshan Park. You may also go here after visiting Forbidden City. After exiting the Forbidden City, walk to the north for about 10 minutes to Jingshan Park.
Wangfujing
Another popular shopping street in Beijing, Wangfujing is home to many shopping malls, street food, restaurants, tea shops, bookstores, and international brand boutiques.
A must-visit here is the Wangfujing Snack Street offering a wide variety of local snacks. It’s a good place to enjoy locals dishes.
There are also some shops here selling souvenirs such as shirts, ref magnets, and key chains that you can bring back home to your family, friends and loved ones.
HOW TO GET TO WANGFUJING? Ride the Beijing Metro Subway Line 1 and get off at Wangfujing Station. Take Exit A and walk for about 5 minutes to Wangfujing Shopping Street.
Beijing Olympic Park
The Summer Olympic Games was held in Beijing in 2008. The Beijing Olympic Park is where you could find the Olympic venues, the Olympic Village, the Ling Long Tower, and other supporting facilities.
After the Olympics, the complex was turned into a park and a multi-functional activity center open to the public.
Must-visit here are the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), Water Cube (Aquatic Center), Convention Center, Indoor Stadium, and the China Science and Technology Museum.
As the centerpiece of the Olympic Park, the National Stadium also known as “The Nest” is a landmark structure you should not miss when visiting Beijing. It is made of interlocking steel that resembles a lattice of twigs. This is why the stadium was called “The Nest.” It hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, athletic events, and football finals of the 2008 Summer Olympics. It will be used again come 2022 for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Another must-see is the Aquatics Center also called the “Water Cube.” It got its name because of its structure which is a huge cube with outside design that resembles soap bubbles.
The best time to visit the Beijing Olympic Park is during the late afternoon so it won’t be too hot. You should stay until the night for you to enjoy the amazing lights of The Nest and the Water Cube.
There are also fast food chains, coffee shops, convenience stores, and souvenir shops inside the park.
OPENING HOURS AND ADMISSION FEES: The Beijing Olympic Park is open daily from 06:00 am to 09:00 pm (March 15-November 15) and from 07:00 am to 07:00 pm (November 16-March 14). Admission fee to the Olympic Park is free. If you want to enter the Water Cube or The Nest, entrance fees are 30 RMB and 50 RMB respectively.
HOW TO GET TO BEIJING OLYMPIC PARK? Take the Beijing Metro Subway Line 8 and get off at Olympic Sports Center Station or the next station – Olympic Green Station.
BEIJING SAMPLE ITINERARY - 3 DAYS & 2 NIGHTS
Below is a sample Beijing DIY itinerary that you can easily follow. This covers most of the top tourist spots and attractions, and must-do activities in Beijing. Feel free to adjust it depending on your flight details, as well as where you want to go and the tourist spots you want to visit.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL + FORBIDDEN CITY & TIANANMEN SQUARE
12:05 - Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport
01:00 am - 06:00 am - Sleep at the airport’s arrival hall or proceed to the city center via private airport transfer.
05:30 am - Breakfast at the airport (15 RMB).
06:30 am - take the airport express train (25 RMB), taxi, or shuttle bus going to the city center.
07:30 am - Early check-in at the hotel (if allowed) or leave your bags.
08:00 am - Take the subway to Tiananmen East Station (4 RMB)
09:00 am - Arrive at Tiananmen East Station, enter The Forbidden City.
09:00 am - 12:00 nn - Explore The Palace Museum and Forbidden City. We pre-booked our tickets and bought them in advance via Klook for ₱ 439.
12:00 nn - Lunch (25 RMB).
12:30 pm - Walk to Jingshan Park.
01:00 pm - Explore Jingshan Park (2 RMB admission ticket).
02:30 pm - Proceed to Tiananmen Square.
03:00 pm - Enjoy, take photos of Tiananmen Square.
04:30 pm - Walk to Dashilar Hutong/Street. Try the street foods.
05:30 pm - Enjoy Qianmen Street. Shop, eat, explore.
07:00 pm - Dinner (30 RMB).
08:00 pm - Take the subway back to your hotel (4 RMB).
DAY 1 TOTAL EXPENSES: 105 RMB / 778 PHP
DAY 2: GREAT WALL, MING TOMBS & BEIJING OLYMPIC PARK
06:00 am - Breakfast (15 RMB).
07:00 am - Hotel Pick-up.
- Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Tour (pre-booked via Klook for ₱ 1,368 including lunch and transportation). Additional 70 RMB for the Badaling Cable Car.
- Join the Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Join-in Tour here!
05:00 pm - Drop off in Beijing Olympic Park.
05:30 pm - 08:00 pm - Explore Beijing Olympic Park (free admission). Dinner (30 RMB).
08:30 pm - Take the subway to your hotel (7 RMB).
DAY 2 TOTAL EXPENSES: 122 RMB / 904 PHP
DAY 3: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN, WANGFUJING, DEPARTURE
06:00 am - Breakfast (15 RMB).
07:00 am - Early check-out, leave your bags at the hotel.
07:30 am - Take the subway to the Temple of Heaven (5 RMB).
08:30 am - Explore Temple of Heaven (34 RMB admission ticket).
10:00 am - Exit Temple of Heavean.
10:30 am - Take the subway to Wangfujing (4 RMB).
11:00 am - Explore Wangfujing Shopping Street and have lunch (25 RMB).
12:30 pm - Take the subway to Lama Temple (5 RMB).
01:30 pm - Visit Lama Temple (40 RMB admission ticket).
03:00 pm - Visit Temple of Confucius (30 RMB admission ticket).
05:00 pm - Travel back to your hotel (5 RMB).
06:00 pm - Dinner (30 RMB).
08:00 pm - Take the train to the airport (25 RMB) and fly back home or to your next destination.
DAY 3 TOTAL EXPENSES: 218 RMB / 1,615 PHP
BEIJING BUDGET TRIP AND EXPENSES
If you will follow the above 3D2N Beijing itinerary, here is the detailed breakdown of expenses. Please note that this assumes the following:
- You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
- You will be staying in a hotel near a Subway Station. We booked our room at Beijing Chengtai Business Hotel for PHP 2,000 per night.
- You will be using a travel Sim Card from @travelsimph for 900 pesos.
- Your budget for breakfast is around 15 RMB for breakfast, and 25-30 RMB for lunch and dinner.
- Conversion rate used is 1 RMB = 7.41 PHP.
PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES
- Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱ 4,000 / 2 = ₱ 2,000 per person [ BOOK A ROOM HERE ]
- The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) Ticket - ₱ 439 per person [ GET DISCOUNTED TICKETS HERE ]
- Great Wall and Ming Tombs Join-in Tour - ₱ 1,368 per person [ RESERVE A SLOT HERE ]
- Travel sim card - ₱ 900 per person
TOTAL - ₱ 4,707 PER PESON
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES
Pre-travel expenses - 4,707 PHP
DAY 1 - 778 PHP
DAY 2 - 904 PHP
DAY 3 - 1,615 PHP
TOTAL ₱ 8,004 per person
Not included in this budget are the following:
- Round trip airfare Manila-Beijing-Manila
- NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
- Food expense for snacks
- Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses
Please note that budget and expenses for a trip to Beijing will depend on your spending habits. It also depends on how many are you in the group, what is your preferred accommodation, where you want to eat, and the places you want to visit. The above ticket prices, hotel rates, and other expenses are subject to change and depend on the season and on the date of your booking.
BEIJING TRAVEL BLOGS
For more inspiration, you may also check out my other China and Beijing Travel Blogs.
- Great Wall of China and Ming Tombs Day Tour
- How to get to Beijing from Shanghai?
- SHANGHAI TOWER, "The Tallest Building in China and 2nd in the World!"
- Top Things to do at SHANGHAI DISNEYLAND in China
BEIJING VIDEO BLOG
You may also watch my Beijing Video Blog below. Please don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel! :)
BEIJING TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS
Always bring your passport wherever you go. You need your passport in buying tickets or entering an attraction. Sometimes, the police will also ask for your identification, so, it’s good to always have your passport with you.
Immigration law in China requires all foreigners to register with the police. If you’re staying in a hotel, the hotel staff will do it for you. Just confirm it with the hotel staff if they have done it for you or you need to do it for yourself. If you’re not staying in a hotel, you have to do register yourself. Just go to any police station nearby and bring your passport to register. You need to register within 24 hours upon arrival in China.
If language barrier is a problem, you can use Google Translate to communicate with locals who doesn’t speak English.
Always have 1 Yuan coin or 5 and 10 Yuan bills ready when buying train tickets at the ticketing machines. The machines only accept these coin and bills.
Always check the weather before your trip. This will help you a lot on deciding what clothes to pack for your trip.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes if you’re visiting during summer. During summer, it’s quite humid and hot with occasional rains. So, it’s also good if you bring an umbrella, jacket, or a raincoat
Before packing your bags for your trip to China, be sure to check the electricity requirements in China, as well as its plugs and socket system. China generally uses 220V, 50HZ. There are three types of plugs used in China – three-pronged angled pins, two flat pins and two narrow round pins. Always bring a universal adaptor to be sure.
Use a VPN to access Facebook, Instagram and Google apps. I highly recommend the VPN Shield which you can download for free on your Android or iOS device.
When choosing for accommodation, choose a hotel that is near a subway station for you to fully utilize the Beijing Metro Subway train. Taking the subway to your desired destination is very cheap and will save you a lot on travel expenses.
If you’re traveling to Beijing from Shanghai, take the hi-speed train. It’s cheaper than taking a domestic flight and can bring you to Beijing from Shanghai in less than 6 hours.
The Badaling section of The Great Wall of China could be very crowded. If you want to avoid the huge crowd of foreign and local tourists, there are other sections of The Great Wall and other ways to explore it. Depending on your time and budget, you may also consider the following:
- Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour
- Badaling Great Wall Helicopter Tour
- Simatai Great Wall Hike & Gubei Water Town
Traveling on a tight budget? You can enjoy a good meal at the convenience stores for as low as 10 RMB. You can also enjoy a good meal at many side street eateries for 20-30 RMB.
To save on travel expenses, book discounted tickets, join group tours, take the subway, walk if you can, stay in hostels or budget hotels in Beijing, and take advantage of flight seat sales and promos.
I hope this Beijing Travel Guide Blog help you plan an amazing and memorable Beijing China adventure! Xiexie!
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A well informed blog. Reading your blog helped me a lot to plan my trip.
ReplyDeletenice, how much the cost for the ticket? and all expenses?
ReplyDeletehey mervz, thanks for sharing your trip information! much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful blog, thank you, Keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete