Buzz
Mytour offers you a comprehensive guide to Beijing, packed with useful details on attractions, visas, transportation, food, hotels, and important travel tips.
Overview | Best time to visit Beijing | Getting around | Travel tips | How to apply for a Chinese visa | Sightseeing spots | Cuisine | Beijing hotels | Travel advice for Beijing
Beijing Travel Overview
Beijing, the capital of China, is one of the world’s top destinations, rich in history and diverse culture. Traveling to Beijing offers the perfect mix of tradition and modernity, with ancient landmarks like the Forbidden City, Mao Zedong's Mausoleum, and the Summer Palace standing side by side with towering skyscrapers and bustling shopping districts.
Best time to visit Beijing
The best times to visit Beijing are in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). During these seasons, Beijing enjoys mild and pleasant weather, with cool temperatures and fresh air.
Spring (April – June)
April to May: This is the perfect time to admire the blooming cherry blossoms and plum flowers. Parks and gardens, such as Yuyuantan Park, come alive with vibrant floral displays.
June: The weather begins to warm up but remains quite comfortable. It’s also just before the peak tourist season, making it an ideal time to avoid large crowds.
Fall (September – November)
September to October: With cool temperatures and clear skies, this is an ideal time to visit outdoor attractions like the Great Wall. Fall is also the season for red leaves, and the mountainous scenery becomes breathtaking.
November marks the time when the weather starts to cool down, but it remains quite comfortable for sightseeing. With fewer tourists, the travel experience becomes more relaxed and enjoyable.
Transportation Options
Traveling to Beijing from Vietnam
By Air
Several airlines offer direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Beijing, including the national carrier Vietnam Airlines, as well as China Southern Airlines, Air China, and Cathay Pacific. Flights typically land at either Beijing Daxing International Airport or Beijing Capital International Airport, the two main airports serving the city. You can check ticket prices HERE.
By Train
Another transportation option for traveling to Beijing is by train. Although it is not the most common choice for the journey from Vietnam to Beijing due to the long distance and extended travel time, there is an international railway route connecting Vietnam and China via the Lao Cai border gate. From there, passengers can transfer to a train heading to Beijing. However, this is a complex journey and can take quite a bit of time.
Bus
Traveling by bus through the border gates between Vietnam and China (such as the Mong Cai - Dong Hung border gate) is another option. However, this route is less favored by many due to its time-consuming and complicated nature.
Getting Around Beijing
In Beijing, you have a variety of convenient and efficient public transportation options, including subways, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services. Below is some detailed information on each mode of transport:
Subway (Metro)
The Beijing subway system is among the largest and most advanced metro networks worldwide. With more than 20 lines that span the city, it provides a fast and efficient way to avoid traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.
You can purchase individual tickets at automated ticket machines or ticket counters at the stations. Another convenient option is to use an IC card (such as the Yikatong card), a rechargeable electronic card that can be used for multiple journeys.
Bus
The bus network in Beijing extends throughout the city, offering an affordable means of transportation to almost any location. Many bus routes are equipped with audio announcements to help passengers easily identify their stops.
Similar to the subway, you can pay for bus rides with cash or opt for the Yikatong card for a more convenient payment method.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient option for short trips or when you need to reach a specific destination not served by public transportation.
Bicycles and Electric Scooters
Bicycles: Beijing is also known for its bike culture. There are many self-service bike rental services like Mobike and Ofo, allowing you to rent bikes via a mobile app. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace.
Electric Scooters (Electric Bicycles): Another option is to rent an electric scooter. This is especially convenient for covering longer distances or when the weather isn't favorable.
Things to keep in mind when traveling
Visa: Vietnamese tourists need a visa to enter China. It's recommended to apply for a visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam before your trip.
Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry.
Health: Check and get vaccinated for any necessary diseases before your trip. Consider purchasing travel insurance with international medical coverage.
Language: Although English is increasingly common in large cities across China, learning a few basic phrases in Chinese can make communication easier during your trip.
Apply for a Chinese visa
To apply for a Chinese visa, prepare the necessary documents and follow the procedures set by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam.
Step 1: Prepare your documents
The required documents for a Chinese tourist visa typically include:
+ Original passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the planned date of entry and have at least two blank pages.
+ Passport photo: Standard size of 4×6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months.
+ Visa application form: Complete and sign the visa application form according to the format specified by the Chinese Embassy/Consulate.
+ Copy of your national ID card or citizen identification card.
+ Travel itinerary: Including details of your flight schedule, hotel reservations, and planned sightseeing activities.
+ Financial proof: Savings book, bank account statements, or documents demonstrating your financial ability to support your trip.
Step 2: Submit your application
Where to submit: Your visa application can be submitted directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or through an authorized visa service.
Visa fee: The visa fee depends on the type of visa and processing time. Detailed information about the fees will be updated on the official website or announced directly at the Embassy/Consulate.
Step 3: Track and receive your visa
After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview or provide additional information. Keep track of your application status and be ready to provide any requested documents. Processing usually takes 4 to 5 business days, depending on the type of visa and peak travel seasons.
Important Notes
Ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and complete.
Check the validity of your visa and the number of entries allowed to plan your trip accordingly.
During peak travel seasons or due to unforeseen circumstances (such as pandemics), the visa application process may change. Be sure to check for updated information from the Chinese Embassy/Consulate or the official website.
Where to submit your Chinese visa application
For the types of visas mentioned above, applicants must submit their applications through the Chinese Visa Service Centers in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City, instead of directly at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in Vietnam as was previously required.
Chinese Visa Service Center in Hanoi
Address: 7th Floor, Truong Thinh Building, Trang An Complex, No. 1 Phung Chi Kien Street, Nghia Do Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
Phone: 024 3275 3888.
Fax: 024 3202 6359.
Email: [email protected]
Business hours: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Friday (except for public holidays and Tet).
Service area: 30 provinces and cities.
Chinese Visa Service Center in Da Nang
Address: 8th Floor, Indochina Riverside Towers, 74 Bach Dang Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang.
Tel: 023 6382 2211.
Fax: 023 6382 2212.
E-mail: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (excluding public holidays and New Year's).
Service coverage area: 6 provinces and cities.
Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Ho Chi Minh City
Location: P1607-1609, 16th Floor, Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone number: 0084-1900561599.
Email address: [email protected]
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (excluding public holidays and New Year's).
Service coverage area: 27 provinces and cities.
Note: VIP service hours are from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you opt for VIP service, no appointment is required, unlike regular applications.
Latest update:
*Starting from October 21, 2023, the Chinese Visa Service Center in Hanoi has:
– Discontinued the submission of VIP applications, only regular submissions are allowed.
– The center only accepts applications from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
*Processing time for Chinese visa applications:
– The standard processing time for a visa is 4 business days after submission.
– Additional processing time for document submission, information verification, or cases of force majeure will not be included in the standard visa processing time. If there is a genuine reason, applicants may request expedited or urgent processing, provided they submit a justification letter and relevant documents.
Note:
The processing time begins from the moment the application is submitted. To submit your application, you must first schedule an appointment online. The availability of appointment slots depends on the volume of applicants at the time, so it’s advised to plan ahead and submit your application approximately 18 business days before your trip.
The above working hours apply under normal circumstances; however, some visa applications may require longer processing times, and as such, the processing duration is uncertain. In such cases, applicants will need to wait for further notification from the Embassy.
Currently, the Chinese Embassy does not offer expedited or urgent visa services. Therefore, those seeking a quicker visa processing option will need to use the VIP service, which allows submission without an appointment, though at a higher fee.
Processing times may vary and are ultimately determined by the Embassy.
Separate visas are required for travel to Macau or Hong Kong.
Tourist attractions in Beijing
The Forbidden City
When traveling to Beijing, you must visit the Forbidden City. This former imperial palace served as the winter residence of Chinese emperors. From the Ming Dynasty (beginning with Emperor Yongle) to the end of the Qing Dynasty, from 1420 to 1924, it was not only the home of the emperors and their families but also the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government for 500 years.
The Forbidden City continues to attract countless visitors who come to admire its beauty and the historical tales preserved within its walls. This palace is a testament to the opulence of the place where Chinese emperors once resided and also showcases the traditional architectural style of Chinese palaces. It has influenced the development of culture and architecture across East Asia and beyond.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan, was constructed during the Qing Dynasty and covers an area of over 2,900 square meters. Located 15 km northwest of Beijing, it is a well-preserved imperial garden with most of its original structures and artifacts still intact. It remains one of the few surviving remnants of the 'Three Palaces and Five Gardens' from the feudal Chinese dynasty.
The Great Wall of China
Regarded as one of China's greatest architectural feats and one of the oldest and most majestic wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China remains a symbol of ancient Chinese civilization and stands as one of the largest and most impressive man-made structures still in existence today.
The Great Wall of China refers to the vast network of walls stretching thousands of kilometers across China from east to west. Construction began as early as the 5th century BC and continued through the 16th century, spanning multiple dynasties. Initially, during the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States era, various states built sections of the wall to defend against the Xiongnu invaders.
Today, the most famous sections of the Great Wall include Badaling, Mutianyu, Jinshangling, Simatai, Jiayu Pass, Juyong Pass, and Shanhaiguan. Among these, Mutianyu is the most popular for visitors, while Jinshangling and Simatai are better suited for long-distance hiking.
Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest Stadium)
The Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, is located in the heart of the Beijing Olympic Park, Chaoyang District. Designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron alongside Chinese architect Li Xinggang, the stadium’s striking steel framework mimics the shape of a bird’s nest.
This architectural marvel can hold up to 91,000 spectators and was used as the main venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hosting events such as the opening ceremony, track and field, and shot put. Even after the Olympics, it continues to host entertainment events, sporting competitions, and is open for tourists to visit.
Tiananmen Square
The vast and expansive Tiananmen Square, located in Beijing, is one of the largest public squares in the world. Named after the northern gate, Tiananmen, which separates the square from the Forbidden City, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Famous not only for its magnificent architectural design, Tiananmen also holds immense cultural and historical significance.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, located in the southeastern part of Beijing, is a complex of religious buildings. It is a place of worship and sacrifice to Heaven. Its unique architecture earned it a UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1988. Visiting the Temple of Heaven allows travelers to admire the ancient Chinese architectural masterpieces and experience the deep cultural and spiritual values embedded in this monumental site.
This is one of the most famous shopping streets for tourists in Beijing. It runs from Zhengyang Gate to the Tianqiao intersection and connects with the Nanjianqiao road, spanning a total length of 845 meters. The name “Zhengyang Gate” was used from the Ming to Qing dynasties, but the public is more familiar with its modern name, “Qianmen,” which became official in 1965.
Visitors to Qianmen Street can immerse themselves in local Chinese culture. The street is also renowned for its culinary delights, with Peking duck being the star dish. More than 400 other special dishes are also served, offering a true taste of Beijing’s rich food culture.
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
This is the mausoleum that preserves the body of Chairman Mao Zedong, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of China. Mao's mausoleum is located at the heart of Tiananmen Square, a site that holds great historical significance for the Chinese nation.
In front of Mao Zedong's mausoleum stands a monument to the revolutionary martyrs, dedicated to honoring the immense sacrifices made by those who fought during China's wartime period. This wide square is also where visitors queue to pay respects at the mausoleum.
Hutong Old Streets
The Hutong Old Streets are a network of narrow alleys that connect in traditional quadrangle designs, forming a distinctive feature of Beijing's old architecture. These courtyard houses, enclosed on all four sides, are emblematic of ancient Beijing. Visitors can walk through these historic alleys to immerse themselves in the city’s past.
Beijing Cuisine
Beijing is also renowned for its unique culinary culture. Let’s take a look at some of the famous dishes you must try here!
Peking Duck
This dish not only represents Beijing’s culinary heritage but is also a globally renowned delicacy. The duck is selected from high-quality meat and roasted entirely over charcoal. The Peking Duck is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, served with a dipping sauce and wasabi for an unforgettable flavor.
Peking Roast Meat
Peking Roast Meat is a famous dish with over 300 years of history. Locals often refer to it as “Zhizi roast meat.” When grilled, the meat develops a savory aroma, served alongside fresh vegetables and garlic, creating a taste that lingers in the mouth.
Zha Jiang Noodles
This dish is essentially a type of noodle dish, similar to spaghetti. The noodles are boiled, drained, and then mixed with a rich sauce and topped with herbs or cucumbers. While many noodle dishes are known for their broth, the star here is the piping hot sauce, made from minced meat sautéed with onions and soybean paste, with an optional spicy kick.
Steamed Dumplings
A visit to Beijing wouldn't be complete without trying steamed dumplings. These dumplings are made with a dough wrapper, shaped in a crescent form. The filling is highly versatile, tailored to individual tastes and preferences. Common fillings include finely minced pork with aromatic green onions, cabbage, scrambled eggs, or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, green beans, sugar cane, taro, or shiitake mushrooms offer a lighter, delicate flavor. These dumplings are often enjoyed with soy sauce or a spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
Slow-Cooked Pork
This dish is a Beijing favorite, featuring tender pork seasoned with spices and a hint of garlic and onions. The meat is simmered slowly until it becomes incredibly soft and flavorful. It’s typically served with stinky tofu, and it is best enjoyed piping hot to fully appreciate its rich taste.
Gong Bao Chicken
This dish features tender pieces of chicken stir-fried with peanuts, chili, and black pepper. Each bite offers a mild spiciness, with the soft chicken providing a warm and comforting sensation, making it perfect for colder days. It pairs wonderfully with rice and will definitely leave you craving more.
Hawthorn Candy
This popular snack, often seen in historical dramas, is visually striking and said to bring good luck. It consists of hawthorn berries coated in a sugary syrup, then skewered on small sticks. Not only is it a delightful treat, but it's also considered beneficial for digestion, which is why it has historically been used as a remedy for digestive issues.
Tea-Steamed Eggs
In Beijing, instead of the usual boiled eggs, eggs are steamed with tea. This dish is enhanced with ingredients like cinnamon, rock sugar, and various herbs. The resulting eggs have a distinct aromatic flavor, with a rich, smooth taste that's both nourishing and satisfying.
Shredded Pork with Sauce
Another must-try dish in Beijing is shredded pork with sauce. Made from lean pork, sweet soy sauce, shredded cucumber, and other ingredients, this dish is marinated for several hours to ensure the pork is tender and flavorful. The shredded pork, when served with Beijing-style sauce, is often accompanied by a touch of sesame paste and garlic to elevate its taste.
Tofu Nao
This is a traditional breakfast dish in Beijing, made from soy milk, gypsum, and other ingredients. The dish has a fragrant taste, with soft tofu that is rich in nutrients. It is typically served with chili sauce and cilantro, adding a fresh and flavorful touch.
Hotels in Beijing
Grand Hyatt Beijing
Located on Wangfujing Street, the Grand Hyatt Beijing is part of the Oriental Plaza, with a direct connection to the adjacent shopping center. The hotel blends Western and Eastern traditions, offering a modern design alongside classic service standards.
Grand Hyatt Beijing features 518 rooms and suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer impressive views of the city. Ranging from 31 to 260 square meters, the rooms are designed to provide a private and luxurious space in the heart of the capital. Furnished with high-end interiors and calming shades of light blue and purple, they offer a serene atmosphere.
Grand Mercure Beijing Central
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Grand Mercure Beijing Central is a top destination for both travelers and business professionals. With 290 well-appointed rooms, it offers the ideal environment for relaxation and comfort for all guests.
Crowne Plaza Chaoyang U-Town
The Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town is perfectly situated in the central business district. The hotel boasts 360 elegantly designed rooms equipped with modern amenities. It features a 500-square-meter space dedicated to health-focused leisure options, including a fully equipped gym, a dry sauna, a spa, a wet sauna, and a glass-roofed indoor hot tub with a bar.
Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel Wangfujing
The Inner Mongolia Grand Hotel Wangfujing is located just 1000 meters from Beijing's train station. The rooms here are designed with a luxurious touch, featuring contemporary furnishings. Each room is equipped with a minibar, tea/coffee-making facilities, and a flat-screen cable TV. Guests can enjoy recreational amenities such as a wellness and beauty spa with wet and dry saunas, massage services, a fitness center, a pool table, and a mahjong room.
Important tips for traveling to Beijing
To make your trip to Beijing more enjoyable and enrich your experience with culture, history, and cuisine, here are some essential tips you should keep in mind:
Essential documents
Visa: Ensure that you have obtained a Chinese visa before your trip. Double-check the validity of both your visa and passport to avoid unnecessary complications.
Passport: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your planned arrival date.
Public transportation system
Beijing boasts an extensive public transport network. Taking the subway is a quick and cost-effective way to travel, but be prepared for crowded conditions during rush hour.
Respect for local customs and traditions
It’s important to respect the local customs and traditions. When visiting temples or religious sites, dress conservatively and follow the rules for photography.
Language
Mandarin Chinese is the main language spoken in Beijing. While English is often used in tourist spots, hotels, and by guides, knowing a few basic Chinese phrases can be quite helpful.
According to Mytour.vn
***
Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnOctober 10, 2024
