Beijing

Citizens of 50+ countries — including most EU nations, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore — can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days (valid until Dec 31, 2026, no transit required). US citizens and other eligible nationalities (55 countries total) can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy: you need a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (not your origin). The 240-hour transit allows travel within Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei province.

No — but a few basic phrases go a long way. In major hotels, attractions, and international restaurants, English is generally understood. However, most taxi drivers, local shop owners, and street vendors don't speak English. Translation apps (Google Translate with offline Chinese pack, or Baidu Translate) handle most situations. For a seamless experience, our custom tours include English-speaking local guides who handle all communication, ordering, and navigation for you.

Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit. Day 1: Forbidden City + Jingshan Park for the best panoramic view, then Nanluoguxiang hutong stroll. Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall — the section most travel experts recommend. Day 3: Temple of Heaven in the morning, then choose your own adventure — Summer Palace, 798 Art District, hutong walk, or Lama Temple. If you have a 4th day, visit the Ming Tombs — the imperial mausoleum complex nestled in a scenic valley north of Beijing. Don't rush: the Forbidden City alone needs 3-4 hours to walk properly.

Mutianyu is the best all-around choice for most travelers — fully restored, cable car and toboggan available, far fewer crowds than Badaling. It takes about 2-2.5 hours from central Beijing by car or shuttle bus. Jinshanling is the top pick for hikers — partially restored, stunning views, and almost no tourists on weekdays. If fitness allows, hiking the Wall on foot is a far more rewarding experience than taking the cable car. Avoid Badaling, especially on weekends and holidays — it's the most crowded section and feels more like a queue than a Great Wall experience.

Beijing is nearly cashless — most payments happen through Alipay or WeChat Pay (scan-to-pay). The good news: both apps now accept international Visa and Mastercard directly. Set them up before you arrive — don't wait until landing, as SMS verification from foreign carriers can be unreliable. Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at major hotels, upscale restaurants, and international stores, but many small restaurants, street vendors, and local shops only accept Alipay/WeChat. Cash is technically accepted everywhere but is increasingly awkward. Pro tip: Download Alipay before your trip, link your foreign card, and test a small payment.