KIMCHI AND BEANS' CITY GUIDES
BEIJING CITY GUIDE
WWW.KIMCHIANDBEANS.COM
PAGE 2 | BEIJING
WHY BEIJING? We'll be the first ones to admit that coming to Beijing was very much outside of our comfort zone. We were there in September 2019 for a short getaway, thinking we’d go on a tour or two - and that would be it. But, instantly, there was something so charming about the neighborhoods there, steeped in centuries old traditions, as well as the people that we met, and its ridiculously amazing food. It was so comforting and rewarding for us as travelers. In just a couple of days, this city won us over. We grew up being completely ignorant about one of the world’s first civilizations, often generalizing everything and everyone that came from Asia as Chinese, as in some sort of misunderstood blob of things that have little to do with us. Yet, today we’re so dependent on Chinese technology and goods as this country continues to advance in such a way that makes it increasingly hard to keep up. A few days in the country’s capital certainly won’t provide an in-depth look into what China is all about. But we did our best to leave our filters and preconceived notions behind to experience China without any expectations.
Now, we’re not only excited to share with you what we found in Beijing, but we hope to inspire travelers to put aside any inhibitions about this place and enjoy what this city is all about. In this guide, you’ll find practical information on how to get around, where to stay, what to do and eat when you visit. Let’s get you started.
PAGE 3 | BEIJING
BEFORE YOU GET THERE Book early. Consider air quality and travel advisories. Search sites like Skyscanner.com and Justfly.com for great deals. We found $440 tickets with Hainan Airlines 7 months prior to our trip. And given the current political climate at that point (in 2019), we made sure that our tickets were refundable in case our flight had to be canceled. Air quality is also best during the spring and fall, which means less issues with allergies or asthma, and a beautiful clear sky for pictures. Getting a Visa and calculating expenses. Your airplane tickets might be cheap, but you’ll need a Visa to enter mainland China and that will cost you about $140 per US traveler. You’ll need to apply for a Visa after you get your tickets and hotels so you can provide the embassy with that information. You’ll need a passport with at least six months of validity left and we recommend applying for the Visa at least a month is advance, in case you have to go back and make changes. Check your closest Chinese Embassy for details.
Get a VPN and SimCard. Install them before you arrive! Learn from our mistakes. Get both of these and install them before you arrive. Otherwise you’ll be scrambling for information to navigate the city. We got lucky that our hotel provided a local phone, but even then, we didn’t know how to use some of the apps. (Many hotels provide local phones, by the way.) VPN While you're in China, you'll need a virtual private network to be able to access a wide variety of Web pages and platforms, including Facebook and Youtube. VPNs also give you extra security by encrypting your information from end point to end point. You can subscribe to VPN access and set it up before arriving. Make sure to research your options online to see which VPN services are active during your trip, and get it closer to your travel date. SimCard A SimCard is a card that you insert in your phone that gives you access to voice calls and Internet. Since most of us don't have a service provide in China, we'll to get one of these to use during your trip. It is especially convenient to access navigation apps on your phone. Just make sure your phone in unlocked so you can switch cards and services easily.
PAGE 4 | BEIJING
Keep a realistic To-Do list. Map it! To say that Beijing is a huge city is an understatement. Going from one place to another will take time. Plus, there are massive lines (3-4 hour lines) to enter some of the main attractions. We highly recommend not to be overly ambitious. Make a list of the attractions you want to visit and map them out. Explore different parts of the city every day, and leave some time to rest. Get all the addresses in-language. Open Google maps, go to language preferences and switch the language to Mandarin. Then, enter the address of each destination in English and it should give you the address in Mandarin. If you’re having a hard time finding the address, your hotel concierge can also provide those addresses. Print them and take them with you. If you need directions, you can always point to the piece of paper.
Request foreign currency at the bank. China is still very much a cash society so make sure to have some Chinese currency (Yuan) with you. Make sure to request it in advance at your local bank. Not every branch has foreign currency at hand so it’s good to ask a few weeks before your trip. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Again, even with public transportation or taxis, you’ll be walking a lot. Bringing comfortable shoes is a must. You’ll be able to walk comfortably and avoid blisters with shoes that let your toes breathe and don’t squash them together.
PAGE 5 | BEIJING
ARRIVING AND LEAVING Once you have your Visa, entering the country should be a breeze. Everything is labeled in English and it took us about 10 minutes to go through immigration. You’ll have to fill up an arrival card with the same information about your hotel, itinerary and return flight, so keep that handy. Airport Beijing Capital International Airport or the “China Gateway” is located about 32 Km from the city center or about 20 miles. It is incredibly modern and easy to navigate. After going through immigration and picking up your luggage, you’ll find money exchange services, information booths, convenient stores and multiple transportation options. When returning, keep in mind that this is a pretty massive airport with three main terminals, so leave enough time to walk to your check-in booth and gate. It is recommended to arrive 3 hours prior to your return flight since many flights start check-in 3 hours in advance.
Getting from the airport to Beijing You have multiple transport options when you arrive. Our first recommendation is to make sure you’re selecting legitimate companies. Like other main cities, you do not want to get on an unmarked taxi or go with anyone casually offering you a taxi ride at the airport. There are designated areas (also labeled in English) where you can catch official modes of transport. Shuttle buses: This is the most affordable option and you’ll find the bus routes and stops at the ticket office in your terminal. You’ll pay about 15 RMB per person or $2.12 depending on the distance. This option is also great if you don’t have a lot of luggage and already know the bus route or where you are going. This is because the buses won’t always stop at some scheduled stops if they don’t see anyone getting ready to disembark. Fast Airport Express Rail: This line connects to the Beijing Metro, which is incredibly reliable. The airport express will cost you 25 RMB or $3.54. This is a great option if you don’t have a lot of luggage.
Another piece of advice is to avoid buying knockoff items that could cause trouble when going through Customs in China and the US.
PAGE 6 | BEIJING
Taxi: This is the fastest and most convenient option, especially if you have lots of luggage. Follow the taxi stand sign to queue up for a ride. Show them the address of where you’re going in Chinese or even a phone number since some hotels have multiple locations. If a legal taxi asked for a fixed price, insist on turning the meter or you’ll leave the taxi. Prices to the city center should be around 100 to 120 RMB ($15 -$17). Do note that additional toll fees can be added to your total cost. Rideshare: You may request a ride using Didi Chuxing and the drivers with pick you up or drop you off in the same area where you’ll find the official taxies. Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off Service: Because we saved so much on our tickets, we opted for this option. Many hotels will provide this service and it was very nice to have someone pick us up after such a long flight. It was, however, about $38 for both of us, but prices may vary depending on the hotel.
GETTING AROUND Apps you'll need. Navigation Apps: Google maps will only work if you have a China VPN. In case yours fails (like ours did), there are other options. Consider OsmAnd as an offline alternative. Or if you can distinguish Chinese characters, Baidu is a local tool that we found very helpful. This option even has an AR interface. WeChat: Many hotels use WeChats to communicate with their guests while they’re out and about. You can also use this app to make purchases and pay admission to many attractions. Some restaurants don’t even have menus and instead provide a barcode that you scan with WeChat.
PAGE 7 | BEIJING
Air Quality App: If you’re sensitive to allergies or are simply looking to see which days are better to take pictures, downloading an air quality app can be very helpful. For instance, on days with poor air quality we opted to explore the countryside. We downloaded AirVisual, but there are many alternatives. Didi Chuxing: This is the equivalent of the Uber or Lift app in China. We didn’t use it, but some of our friends have found it useful.
Translation App: Even the locals in Beijing use these apps to communicate with tourists. Google translate is a pretty decent option, but we recommend downloading the language pack. Transportation Card: The Yikatong is Beijing’s transportation smart card and it works for city buses, the metro, the Airport Express train, public bikes and taxis. You can also use it to make payments at many convenient stores, supermarkets and some parks. Each card requires a 20 CNY ($2.83) refundable deposit and you can find it at subway stations and the Airport Express ticket service window. Alternatively, you can also pay for individual rides, which are charged by distance.
PAGE 8 | BEIJING
TRANSPORTATION Metro: The Beijing metro system is very easy to navigate and everything is labeled in English. The self-service booth where you purchase your tickets also has an English menu. You can get single, roundtrip or multiple rides. You pay per distance traveled, from 3 to 9 yuan, which is about 44 cents to $1.30. Buses and Tram: You’ll need to have the exact amount if you’re taking the bus or tram. Otherwise, just swipe your transportation card. Always keep some cash with you in case your card runs out of money. Taxis: When possible, ask your hotel to call your taxi or provide you with a phone number that you can call for service. Prices are very reasonable, starting at about $2 per 3 kilometers (during the daytime) and increasing 33 cents per kilometer. At nighttime, you can be charged 20% more. Tipping is also optional and the amount is completely up to you.
Make sure your driver turns on the meter and carry small bills. Your taxi should also have a sign on the roof and the driver’s registration card on the dashboard. Rideshare Service: Download the Didi Chuxing app, select the English option and enter a payment option. Fares will be automatically deducted from your balance at the end of the journey. If you selected taxi as a car option, you’ll need to enter the amount of your fair according to the meter. Trains: If you’re traveling to other parts of the country, there are plenty of train lines to every town and city. It’s safe, affordable and you can easily get your tickets online or at the Beijing Railway Station.
SOMETIMES YOU WANT TO MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS PAINLESS AS POSSIBLE. THE ORCHID HOTEL
PAGE 10 | BEIJING
WHERE TO STAY Before you decide on location and type of accommodation, it’s important to know that every traveler is required to submit passport and visa information to the local authorities for registration. Because of this, there are certain advantages of staying at a hotel vs. an Airbnb. Hotels While it might be a bit pricier, hotels typically submit a foreigner registration on your behalf. Many also provide concierge services to help you purchase tickets to attractions, information on how to get around and will try to make your stay as painless as possible. Some hotels might even provide you with a local phone. Airbnb Airbnb tends to be more affordable, not to mention a better way to immerse yourself in the local culture. But keep in mind that, while hosts are supposed to take care of your registration, many don’t. - And if you get detailed, you’ll be the one in trouble, not them.
It is recommended to register yourself with the local police by asking your host where you can find a local police station. (You’ll need your passport and a visa-size photo.) The process might not take longer than a couple of hours, but it might be difficult if you don’t speak the language. You can also read the host reviews to see how they have handled registrations in the past. In addition to registration, make sure your host gives you proper instructions on how to get to the property, house rules and any useful details about the neighborhood where you’re staying.
PAGE 11 | BEIJING
Popular Neighborhoods Choose an area that matches your plans, your budget and yes, your personality. Here are some popular recommendations! Wangfujing This is a preferred location for first-time visitors and families with children. It’s close to some of the main attractions, including Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, and there’s also lots of shopping malls and foreigner friendly restaurants. However, it can also be a bit crowded and touristy. It might take you a train ride to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown.
PAGE 12 | BEIJING
Quianmen Also great for first-timers, this area is south of Tiananmen Square and close to Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Many also chose this area for the budget-friendly hotels and the convenience of having everything nearby. If you’re in the city for just a couple of days, this could be a good option. Nanluoguxiang This area is incredibly lively, with great restaurants, interesting local stores and nightlife. It is also close to Ghost Street, a famous restaurant strip that comes to live at night. A quick train ride is all it takes to get to the main attractions too, and it’s walking distant to lesser known attractions.
Gulou Next door to Nanluoguxian, you’ll find Gulou – where we stayed in Beijing. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, this place is golden. While you’ll need to walk 10 minutes or so to get to public transport, you’ll be going through the old alleys and hutongs (traditional courtyards), and you’ll have a chance to experience the more local eateries, neighborhood markets and stores. Sanlitun For younger travelers and nightlife lovers, this is a fun and trendy neighborhood with lots of coffee shops, retailers and westernstyle restaurants. It’s considered the expat hub of the city.
VENTURE OUT BEYOND THE "TOP SUGGESTED" EATS. DIM SUM AT FURONGJI
PAGE 14 |BEIJING
FOOD Breakfast If you wake up jetlagged and hungry, you’re in luck. Beijingers are big on kicking off the day with heart-warming breakfast staples at their neighborhood joints or on the go. Think steamed dumplings, mung bean milk, deepfried dough, jianbing crepes, noodles and tofu pudding. Ask your hotel concierge to point you in the right direction, since some of these places might be slightly hidden. They can even write the name of the dish you’re looking for on a piece of paper. You might also want to check out local markets and convenience stores for breakfast items. If you’re looking for coffee and pastries, there are also lots of cute coffee shops around the city. Plus, you can find plenty of restaurants offering Western style breakfast and brunch options.
Convenience store & small supermarkets If you’re traveling with a picky eater or need to stock up on snacks, look no farther than your neighborhood convenience store or supermarket. Many of these are open until very late at night and even have ready-toeat meals to enjoy on the go. Food Tours On our first day in Beijing we decided to take a tour with Lost Plate to get a general idea of what to expect in terms of food. Not only did they take us to amazing local restaurants but they gave us lots of tips for the rest of our trip. It was so worth it. Markets There are so many great local markets offering affordable, authentic and delicious specialties. Just make sure that you purchased food that is well packaged and not exposed. It should ideally be fully cooked and if you’re buying produce, make sure to wash it thoroughly. It’s just common sense anywhere you travel. Reservations Some restaurants might require previous reservations. Make sure to ask at the hotel for help or stop by the restaurant in advance to make a reservation Also, do be on time to your scheduled reservation to avoid cancelations or additional fees.
PAGE 15 | BEIJING
MUST EATS This is by no means the full list of foods recommended to try in Beijing, but just a few to get you started. And of course, some of our favorites! Jianbing This is Beijing’s version of a breakfast crepe, although you could eat them as a snack too. The crispy batter is usually made with wheat and mung bean. It’s then topped with egg, sauce, a crispy cracker, green onion and lettuce. You might also be able to add spam and a number of other veggies and toppings.
Tap Water/Room Temperature Drinks Make sure to drink bottled water instead of tap water. You might also want to brush your teeth using the same bottle water. We didn’t and were perfectly fine, but we’ll leave it up to you. Also, water and other drinks are commonly served room temperature in China. Sodas could be slightly chilled, but not exactly cold, unless you go to a fast-food chain. Tipping If you’re at a nice restaurant or want to thank a hired driver or tour guide, you could leave a 10% to 20% gratuity. But this is just suggested. Tipping is not a common practice in China.
Peking Duck You can’t leave Beijing without trying their delicious roasted duck. Eat it at a fancy restaurant or as a wrap from a local shop. Or both! For two people who didn’t care for duck before, this really made us a fan.
PAGE 16 | BEIJING
Baozi This was hands down our favorite thing to eat for breakfast. These steamed, bread-like buns are filled with (usually) juicy pork and veggies, and you can find them all around town. Jiaozi Who doesn’t like dumplings? We couldn’t stop eating the ones at Mr. Shi in the Baochao hutong area. You can get all kinds of fillings, from veggies to different meats, and if you’re not very hungry, all you need is a few of these and a beer to tie you up. Soy milk and Youtiao These are the most classic breakfast combo: super fresh, warm soymilk with deep-fried and incredibly fluffy and airy long donuts. Simple and delicious. Jarred yogurt Everybody was drinking these at the parks and markets and we had to try them. We became immediate fans. The yogurt is lightly sweet, super fresh and not too heavy. It’s also great for digestion after eating so many carbs. Mongolian Hotpot While this is especially popular in the Winter months, hotpots are a fun interactive meal experience all year-round. You choose your favorite veggies and meat to cook them on a big broth pot placed at your table. Baijiu Distilled from sorghum and rice, this is Beijing’s liquor of choice. It is usually between 40% to 50% alcohol proof and it smells like pineapple. When your host brings it to the table, it’s a gesture of friendship and good camaraderie.
Doornail Dumpling The name of these delicious meat pies come from their resemblance to the doornails that decorate the doors at imperial buildings. They are stuffed with juicy beef, scallions, ginger and onions and can be drizzled with vinegar and chili oil. Zhajiang mian This popular dish is made with thick hand pulled wheat noodles and a fried fermented soybean paste sauce with pieces of pork. It’s usually served with fresh vegetables, including radish and cucumbers, and drizzled with vinegar and chili oil.
LEAVE LOTS OF TIME TO WANDER. FORBITTEN CITY
PAGE 18 | BEIJING
GREAT ATTRACTIONS The Hutongs Most commonly found in northern China, Hutongs are alleys formed by lines of siheyuan or traditional courtyard residences. If you’re looking to explore the city like a local, make time to explore the different hutongs with their variety of shops, neighborhood restaurants, parks and unique street life. Drum and Bell Tower Because we stayed in the Gulou area, we were close to both the Drum and Bell Towers, and they are a beautiful sight to see. Go catch a drum show at the Drum tower and do some people watching at the plaza between both towers. There are also some very impressive views at the top of both towers. Great Wall of China If you go to Beijing and don’t visit the Wall of China, you didn’t visit Beijing. We were skeptical at first because so many people said it was too touristy, but our recommendation would be to check out parts of the wall that are farther away and less crowded. We visited the Mutianyu portion that offers the option of taking a toboggan slide on your way down, and there weren’t as many people when we visited in September.
Do make enough research in advance because the distances can be quite far and getting around is not as easy. Luckily, we got some direction from a hotel guest that had visited the Mutianyu portion many times. Also, make sure to take your passports with you since you might get asked to show it. Forbidden City If there’s one attraction that you must see is the Forbidden City. The palace complex in incredibly massive, with the Palace Museum and various residences, but at the very least, go to enjoy the architecture because it’s simply beautiful. Do make sure to arrive as early as possible since the lines can be ridiculously long. And take your passport as well. For added convenience, your hotel concierge can probably purchase the tickets in advance for you.
PAGE 19 | BEIJING
Tiananmen Square Next to Forbidden City, you’ll find Tiananmen Square, better known for the student-led demonstrations held in 1989 or a popular national movement inspired by the protests called ’89 Democracy Movement. It’s one of the largest public squares in the world and many go to enjoy the flag raising and lowering at sunrise and sunset, as well as the changing of the guards. The lines to get there are also quite long and you’ll need a passport to enter.
Summer Palace Let’s start by saying that this complex is (also) massive. We’re talking about a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces, and a couple of hours won’t be nearly enough. You’ll need to walk miles to get to places or take a boat. But it is incredibly beautiful and worth going. It was declared by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.” It owns over 3,000 man-made ancient structures, pavilions, bridges, pavilions and buildings.
Temple of Heaven This was our second favorite attraction. It was less crowded and the walk to get to the temple is very peaceful. This imperial complex of religious buildings used to be visited by Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer.
Jingshan Park This imperial park is immediately north of the Forbidden City and many go to enjoy the views at the top Prospect Hill. On a clear day, it can be the perfect Instagram picture of Forbidden City.
PAGE 20 | BEIJING
Beihai Park Also known as the Winter palace, Behai Park is popular for having one of the oldest, bestpreserved ancient imperial gardens in Beijing. It’s iconic Tibetan-style white pagoda stands out over the lake, and there are plenty of other temples and pavilions to enjoy. Lama Temple The Yonghe Temple, popularly known as Lama Temple is a temple and monastery complex of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. We went for the beautiful architecture and were greeted with complimentary, environmentally friendly incense to burn for prayers as a tribute to Buddha.
Houhai The popular lake in northern Beijing is lines with cafes, teahouses and restaurants. You can end your day here after exploring the neighboring hutongs. In the summer, you can go boating on the late and during winter, you can ski on the frozen late too.
PAGE 21 | BEIJING
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS FOR US? If you're planning a trip to Beijing, leave us your questions or comments on Instagram @kimchiandbeans. We'll do our best to answer. We hope you enjoy this city guide and thank you so much for your support. Safe travels!
@KIMCHIANDBEANS
SEARCH: MARIA AND NABOL
BEIJING BY KIMCHI AND BEANS