BeijingTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Do not drink tap water; use sealed bottled water or hotel filtered water.
• Choose busy dining rooms where turnover is high, especially for dumplings, noodles, and hotpot.
• Street snacks are best before peak meal times, not after hours under heat lamps.
• Carry tissues and sanitizer; older public facilities may be basic.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Beijing is safe, but pickpocketing happens around stations, markets, and major squares.
• Ignore unsolicited tea, art, and student invitations near major tourist streets.
• Use official taxi queues or ride hailing; never negotiate with curbside drivers at stations.
• Keep passport photos and hotel address screenshots offline.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Queues are practical, not ceremonial; stay alert and hold your place calmly.
• Hand items over with both hands in hotels, boutiques, and formal restaurants.
• Speak softly in courtyard hotels and residential hutongs after dark.
• Do not photograph guards, checkpoints, or security procedures.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is not expected in local restaurants, taxis, or casual services.
• Luxury hotels may accept discreet tips for porters or private drivers.
• Do not leave small coins on restaurant tables; it can confuse staff.
• Private guides appreciate a direct cash tip when service is genuinely strong.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry your passport for hotel check in, major sites, and rail travel.
• Real name booking is common for museums, trains, and headline attractions.
• Many sites require advance reservations through local apps or official accounts.
• Security checks are routine at subway stations, museums, and civic areas.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Check AQI each morning before planning long outdoor walks.
• Bring high filtration masks for winter pollution spikes and spring dust.
• Summers are humid and draining; schedule courtyard walks early.
• Pharmacies are common, but bring prescription medicine in original packaging.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.