Capital city, China
Beijing
China's capital pairs the Forbidden City and Great Wall with hutong cafés and fast subways. Suits history-minded first-timers; winter smog and spring dust, vast distances and the need for Alipay are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,640–2,680Comfortable, one person · ¥11,000–18,000Details
- Value for money34/100Better value than 33% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Air quality31 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · Very pollutedDetails
- Internet238 MbpsFixed broadband, China medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or boiled water; hotels provide kettles and trains have hot-water dispensers.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$74–223Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundDiDiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessPractically cashless: Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card work nearly everywhere.Details
Where to stay in Beijing
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Dongcheng hutongs (Gulou, Nanluoguxiang) | First-timers: old lanes, bars, short walks to the Forbidden City |
| Sanlitun–Chaoyang | Expats: restaurants, nightlife, international supermarkets |
| Wudaokou | Students and language learners: cheap food, universities, nightlife |
| Guomao–CBD | Business travelers: modern towers, malls, subway hub |
Apps that work in Beijing
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| DiDi | Dominant; English interface, pay by foreign card via Alipay |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Meituan | Widest choice; Chinese-only, needs Alipay or a local number |
| Ele.me | Alibaba's app, reachable through Alipay |
- Maps: Amap or Apple Maps (Google Maps is blocked and inaccurate)
- Messaging: WeChat
- Alipay: Payments, DiDi rides and metro QR codes
- WeChat Pay: Backup payments and mini-program bookings
- Trip.com: Train and hotel bookings in English
- Taxis: Use the DiDi app or the Alipay mini-program; official taxis are metered and fine. Avoid touts at stations and the airport.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in China.
- Practically cashless Practically cashless: Alipay and WeChat Pay with a foreign card work nearly everywhere. Carry some yuan for older vendors.
- Currency: Yuan Renminbi (CNY). US$1 ≈ ¥6.71 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank of China, ICBC and other big-bank ATMs take Visa and Mastercard; per-withdrawal limits are low and fees vary.
- Tipping: Not expected; some upscale hotels and restaurants add a service charge.
- Paying by phone: Alipay and WeChat Pay with foreign Visa or Mastercard work almost everywhere; small fee on larger payments. Apple Pay rarely.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Many nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry until 31 Dec 2026; others need a visa before travel.
- 240-hour visa-free transit needs a confirmed onward ticket to a third country; stay within the 24 eligible provinces.
- Fill in the arrival card online at s.nia.gov.cn before landing, or on paper; fingerprints are taken.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 120 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 12301
Plugs
Type A, C, I · 220 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Airport counters sell local SIMs with passport registration; a roaming SIM or travel eSIM bought abroad is simpler and avoids blocked sites. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in China
Going to Beijing solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Beijing meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.