✈️ TLV to Beijing (PEK)
China
Beijing
CityPEK
IATA7156.5 km
Distance9h 1m
Flight TimeCoordinates: 40.0801, 116.585
Airlines:
About Beijing
Weather in Beijing
Climate
Beijing has a monsoon-influenced continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The best time to visit is in September and October, during the "Golden Autumn" (金秋). Spring is the season for dust storms and is otherwise warm and dry. Summer can be oppressively hot and the tourist crowds tend to be the largest as well. Winter is cold and dry, with infrequent, but beautiful, snow. Temperatures can easily fall below −10 °C in winter and or just as readily rise above 35 °C in summer as well.
Talk
The language of Beijing is Mandarin Chinese . Mandarin was the imperial court language of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Standard Mandarin is based mainly on the Beijing dialect. For language students, this makes Beijing an excellent place to practice your Mandarin. That being said, Beijing dialect has the "er" sound at the end of many words. Hence the ubiquitous lamb kabobs (羊肉串 yáng ròu chuàn ) become " yáng ròu chuànr ". In addition, the Beijing dialect consists of many local slang words and expressions which have not been incorporated into standard Mandarin. Beijing taxi drivers are famously chatty and will gladly engage students of the language, offering excellent chances to practice the language and get a feel for the changes in the city and country from an "Old Beijinger". English speakers are not common in Beijing, so it's advisable to carry your hotel's business card in case you get lost. Likewise, ask the hotel staff to write down the names of any tourist attractions you plan to visit in Chinese, so locals can help direct you. The Baidu translation app has a picture translation option that can be very useful. Other European languages are far less widespread than English.
Get around
For the most up-to-date maps, use Baidu or AutoNavi Maps (Amap) on your smartphone. Baidu Maps is in Chinese, whilst AutoNavi Maps are available in foreign languages inside Apple Maps (when in China). Apple's built-in Maps app remains accessible and is a common alternative. Google Maps is blocked in China. Beijing boasts a world-class public transportation network, featuring an extensive subway system that reaches most major tourist attractions. Frequent buses and dockless shared bicycles available outside stations complement the subway, providing convenient last-mile connectivity. Many locals use ride-hailing apps like DiDi for transportation. For visitors, ordering a taxi in English is possible through the Alipay app (using Amap) or WeChat (using DiDi). Alternatively, you can install the DiDi app and link it to Alipay for seamless payment. Do not count on finding a taxi driver or passerby who knows English well. Neither should foreigners with minimal experience with the Chinese language put faith in their ability to pronounce Chinese place names correctly. Before embarking on a trip around the city, it is best to print out the names of places you want to visit in Chinese characters or get your hotel front desk staff to write them out for you. When going to specific addresses, writing nearby intersections or basic directions can be helpful as well. Show the text to the taxi driver or just ask for help on the street. In general, you will have a better chance of getting help in English if you address younger people. Crossing the road in Beijing may be challenging for pedestrians unused to the local driving styles. Before crossing, assume that none of the road users will yield to you, even if a policeman is present. Zebra crossings are often ignored. Chinese drivers frequently use their horns and may play games of chicken with pedestrians and other vehicles. Should you hear a loud horn when crossing the road, always look around as there is probably a car right behind you or heading straight for you. If you find several cars and bicycles veering towards you from different directions, do not try to run to safety; instead, stand still. For drivers and cyclists, a stationary obstacle is easier to avoid. Traffic light crossings have zebra stripes painted on the road, but you should only cross when the walk light is green. When a mass of people crosses together, cars are more likely to stop or slow down.
Great Wall
The Great Wall of China (长城 Chángchéng) is the must-see on any trip to Beijing and a destination worth visiting multiple times due to its vastness and the variety of views, landscapes, and hikes it offers. The Wall is located about an hour by train or 1½ hours by bus from the city (be aware of bus scams, as mentioned in the "Stay Safe" section below). For general information on the Great Wall, see Great Wall , and for details on specific sections, refer to Northeastern Beijing , Yanqing District , Huairou District , and Northern Suburbs . The Badaling section is the most famous but also heavily restored and crowded. For a more enjoyable tourist experience, Mutianyu is recommended over Badaling; it offers similar restoration but with fewer crowds. Closer to the city center, about 60 km away in Changping District , is Juyongguan Pass, a well-known section of the Great Wall located in a deep gorge of the Taihang Mountains north of Beijing. For those seeking less crowded areas, Jinshanling and Huanghuacheng are more challenging to reach by public transportation but offer stunning views of the wall away from the crowds. The distant Simatai section in the northeast can be combined with a night visit or an overnight stay at Gubei Watertown, a recreated historical village beside the wall.
Do
Hiking, camping, and tobogganing on the Great Wall: There are numerous hiking options available on the Great Wall, with various tours and groups offering guided experiences, such as the well-established but expensive tour operator Beijing Hikers . The unrestored Jiankou section, although dangerous, is often considered the most beautiful. Many of the "wild" sections of the Wall are ideal for both hiking and camping. A recommended overnight camping spot can be arranged by visiting the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District , where the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh [dead link] offers homestays and tent rentals. Alternatively, just further west of Chenjiapu village in Huailai County , in the neighboring province of Hebei , you can find an empty 1 km stretch of restored Wall and bring your own tent. At the Mutianyu section in Huairou District , there is even a toboggan rail slide that allows visitors to ride down the Great Wall in a wheelless sled. Bike through the hutongs: Exploring the remaining hutongs by bicycle is a fantastic way to experience Beijing firsthand. See above for bike rental information. Cesar from Barcelona, a top hutong aficionado, organizes biking tours of the hutongs in English and Spanish. Get a foot massage Have a highly enjoyable and relaxing foot massage and/or pedicure etc (for a fraction of the price in the West) from any of the respectable and professional offerings in central Beijing (in the vicinity of the Beijing Hotel for example). There are numerous hiking options available on the Great Wall, with various tours and groups offering guided experiences, such as the well-established but expensive tour operator Beijing Hikers . The unrestored Jiankou section, although dangerous, is often considered the most beautiful. Many of the "wild" sections of the Wall are ideal for both hiking and camping. A recommended overnight camping spot can be arranged by visiting the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District , where the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh [dead link] offers homestays and tent rentals. Alternatively, just further west of Chenjiapu village in Huailai County , in the neighboring province of Hebei , you can find an empty 1 km stretch of restored Wall and bring your own tent. At the Mutianyu section in Huairou District , there is even a toboggan rail slide that allows visitors to ride down the Great Wall in a wheelless sled.
Theaters and concert halls
The National Centre for the Performing Arts in Xicheng District offers a variety of performances including opera, music, and theatre. Even if you don't attend a performance, the egg shaped building itself is worth a visit. The exterior is made from a steel oval structure that includes over 18,000 titanium plates and 1,000 sheets of ultra-white glass. Beijing Opera (京剧 jīngjù ) is most popular style of traditional Chinese opera nationwide. This kind of opera is nothing like Western opera, with the costumes, singing style, music and spectator reactions being distinctly Chinese. The plot is usually quite simple and drawn from popular stories set in ancient China, so you might be able to understand some of what happens even if you do not understand the language; some theatres also provide English surtitles for the benefit of tourists. The most distinctive feature of Beijing opera you will notice that distinguishes it from other traditional Chinese opera styles is the elaborate face paint worn by the main characters. Some of the best places to watch Beijing Opera are found in Xicheng District including Huguang Guild Hall (湖广会馆 Húguǎng Huìguǎn ), Liyuan Theatre (梨园剧场 Líyuán Jùchǎng ) and the Mei Lanfang Grand Theatre (梅兰芳大剧院 Méi Lánfāng Dà Jùyuàn ). There are also a number in Dongcheng District including Chang'an Grand Theatre (长安大戏院 Cháng'ān Dà Xìyuàn ). Acrobatics shows are also worth a visit if you want to see some traditional Chinese entertainment. Some of the best shows are found in Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre in Xicheng District and in Chaoyang Theatre in Chaoyang District . Beijing is famous among the Chinese for its drama plays (话剧 huàjù ), and some of the more famous theatres for contemporary Chinese plays include the Capital Theatre in Dongcheng District and Century Theater in Chaoyang District . However, performances of Western plays are rare. Classical music is also popular in Beijing. Some of the best places to go are the National Centre for the Performing Arts and the Century Theater both mentioned above as well as Beijing Concert Hall in Xicheng District .
Buy
Beijing is home to many high-net-worth households and offers a wide range of upscale shopping destinations catering to locals. Tourists can enjoy shopping at popular spots like Wangfujing, the Qianmen area, and Hongqiao Pearl Market. Wangfujing in Dongcheng District is a long, bustling shopping street with additional stores around the large shopping area. This expansive pedestrian street spans several blocks and is lined with numerous shopping complexes, including the iconic Wangfujing Department Store, easily recognizable by its clocktower overlooking the avenue. Big-name brands are well represented here, and one intersection even features flagship Huawei and Apple stores directly facing each other. The Wangfujing Bookstore offers a small selection of English-language books, mostly classics like Hamlet and 1984. It's also a great spot for kids due to its large children’s section. As of Jan 2025, the Beijing Foreign Languages Bookstore is closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in late 2025. Wangfujing is one of two classic shopping areas in Beijing that have evolved into high-end districts, the other being Xidan Commercial Street in Xicheng District (west of the central axis, while Wangfujing is to the east). For a more traditional and touristy shopping experience, visit the bustling streets of Qianmen Street in Dongcheng District , located near one of the city’s Ming Dynasty wall gates. Nearby is the perpendicular Dashilar Commercial Street in Xicheng District . Both streets has a historical Chinese architectural backdrop. In Qianmen, you can find traditional Chinese food shops such as Daoxiangcun, famous for its pastries, and Liubiju Pickle Shop, which offers a variety of pickled delicacies—though both might be an acquired taste. The Qianmen-Dashilar area also features markets selling cultural goods, including silk clothing, porcelain, teas, and other traditional items. For those seeking a quieter and more authentic experience than the tourist-heavy Qianmen-Dashilar area, a short walk west leads to Liulichang, a relatively peaceful hutong lane renowned for its art supplies, including calligraphy materials, paintings, and books. Panjiayuan Market in Chaoyang District is famous for cultural gifts and imitation antiques, making it a great spot for unique souvenirs. If you're interested in exploring local markets, two other options are worth considering. Chongwenmen Market (崇文门市场), a market for vegetables and groceries, has a reptuation throughout the city for quality. For tea enthusiasts, Maliandao Tea Street (马连道) is a vast wholesale market for tea but not a tourist destination. For upscale malls, two standout options are perfect for shoppers seeking a high-end experience. Taikoo Li in the Sanlitun neighborhood showcases Beijing's trendy consumer scene. Along with Sanlitun Soho across the street, it forms a hub ideal for people-watching. Entering Taikoo Li feels like stepping onto a runway—the narrow walkway from the main intersection opens into a spacious outdoor mall buzzing with activity, including photographers snapping pictures of stylish girls. Nearby is Parkview Green , a distinctive high-end mall featuring contemporary art installations and a cozy café on the 10th floor. Both destinations are located in the Chaoyang District .
Eat
Beijing provides an ideal opportunity to sample food from all over the country. Some of Beijing's best restaurants serve food from Sichuan , Hunan , Guangzhou , Tibet , Yunnan , Xinjiang , and more.
Places to drink
Most of Beijing's bars are found in one of the bar clusters around the city. In the beginning there was only one was Sanlitun, but many areas have emerged. Sanlitun in Chaoyang District been the centre of nightlife in Beijing for a long time. It is also the hub of Beijing's LGBT community, and home to the largest concentration of gay bars in the city. Workers Stadium in Chaoyang District and adjacent to Sanlitun; clubs line the east side of the stadium complex. Nanluoguxiang and surrounding hutongs in Dongcheng District located in the middle of the hutongs in the Gulou neighborhood, east of the Drum and Bell Towers; finding hard to locate bars in a maze of hutong alleys is one of the unique pleasures of nightlife in Beijing. Houhai in Xicheng District is a bar area located on Houhai Lake, west of the Bell and Drum Towers; once thriving but popularity has faded since the 2000s. West Gate of Chaoyang Park in Chaoyang District is a small bar area. Ladies' Street in Chaoyang District is a small bar area near the third embassy area. Wudaokou in Haidian District is the hangout spot for foreign and local university students; the bar street is anchored by a 7-11 where drinkers mill about outside. Dashanzi in Chaoyang District , Beijing's trendy art zone; this old warehouse and factory district has been taken over by art galleries, art shops and bars.
Sleep
Beijing offers a wide range of accommodations starting with budget options under 300 yuan. Rates for a four-star hotel typically start at around 500 yuan, while five-star hotels range from 1,200 to 2,100 yuan. Several luxury hotels exceed the typical rates of standard five-star options, including the Rosewood Beijing, Peninsula Beijing, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, and the ultra-luxurious Bvlgari Hotel. Most of the expensive hotels are found in the Dongcheng District and along the eastern 3rd Ring Road in Chaoyang District . For unique overnight experiences, particularly near the Great Wall , consider staying in the outlying areas. One option is to pitch a tent on the Great Wall and sleep under the shelter of a guard tower. The easiest way to arrange this is by visiting the village of Chenjiapu in Yanqing District , where the Chen family at Great Wall Fresh [dead link] can rent you a tent for 100 yuan. Since the pandemic, international tourism in China is still recovering, resulting in a limited number of hostels with foreign travelers and backpackers at any given time. A notable option for backpackers is the Pagoda Light (北京白塔之光酒店), located next to the beautiful 13th-century Baitasi stupa in the Xicheng District . This hostel features a rooftop café and restaurant with a grand view of the stupa. While Airbnb does not operate in China, you can explore alternative options by searching for hosts on Couchsurfing . For longer-term accommodation, be prepared to splurge as Beijing's real estate prices are among the highest in the world, even surpassing those in Western European cities. Expect to spend around 7,000-8,000 yuan per month for a short-term lease on a studio apartment in the city center.
Go next
Tianjin — One of China's largest cities, known for its history as a foreign trade port and its European-style architecture. It is accessible from Beijing by high-speed rail in as little as 31 minutes. Chengde — Home to the Summer Mountain Resort, located approximately 256 km (159 mi) northeast of Beijing. You can reach Chengde by high-speed rail in about one hour. Shanghai — The largest city in China, reachable from Beijing by a 2-hour flight or by high-speed train in approximately 4.5 hours. Mongolia — Overland travel to Mongolia is possible via the Inner Mongolia port of Erlian (二连), which can be accessed from Beijing by a low cost 1 hour, 35 minute flight.