Ancient structures house businesses and dining establishments along the tranquil lanes of Nanluoguxiang, a time-honored district of Beijing.
Visiting Beijing in 2019: A Guide for Tourists
Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant destination that offers a blend of modern architecture and rich history. With the influx of investment and development, the city has seen the opening of the Beijing Daxing International Airport in September 2019, enhancing travel convenience.
For those who find the local language challenging, translation apps like Pleco can be a helpful resource. When planning a visit, it's advisable to book tickets in advance for popular attractions such as the Forbidden City, where a daily admission limit of 80,000 people is in place. Remember to bring your passport for entry.
Beijing is home to significant modern architectural landmarks, including the Galaxy Soho complex, the CCTV Headquarters, and the National Stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest." For a glimpse into the past, the Ming-era Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, recently restored, offers panoramic views.
The city also boasts numerous historic neighborhoods, or hutongs, such as Nanluoguxiang, one of the best-preserved hutongs. Here, visitors can rent a bike, wander through winding alleys, or have lunch in a family home. Discover Beijing Tours offers the opportunity to experience this first-hand.
Beijing's culinary scene is not to be missed. Liqun Roast Duck is a renowned restaurant serving traditional Peking duck, while the Opposite House hotel's Jing Yaa Tang restaurant offers a modern twist on this classic dish.
It's essential to consider the weather when planning a visit to Beijing. The ideal months are typically April, May, September, and October, when the weather is pleasant, nature is vibrant, and tourist crowds are smaller. Mid-summer, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C, and winter, with temperatures dropping to -20°C, should be avoided.
The air quality in Beijing can still be high, especially during winter. On smoggy days, it's recommended to visit indoor sites like the National Art Museum of China.
During Chinese New Year, the world's largest human migration occurs as residents visit their hometowns. Many sites close, but vibrant temple fairs like the one at Ditan Park can still be seen.
In conclusion, visiting Beijing in the autumn, particularly after the new airport opening in late September, offers a unique opportunity to experience the city's charm with improved travel infrastructure and favourable weather. The spring months are also excellent for a visit, although the airport facilities may not be as enhanced.
[1] Tourists who struggle with the language in Beijing can use translation apps like Pleco. [2] For longer stays, a multiple-entry visa is available, costing the same as the single-entry version ($140). [3] The Opposite House hotel is a location in Beijing. [4] Daniel Newman of Newman Tours advises that visitors should book their tickets in advance for the Forbidden City and remember to bring their passports for entry. [5] Discover Beijing Tours offers the opportunity to have lunch in a family home within one of Beijing's hutongs. [6] Travelers can stay in Beijing for up to 144 hours without a visa, provided they are en route to another country. [7] Nanluoguxiang is one of the best-preserved hutongs (historic neighborhoods) in Beijing, where visitors can rent a bike, wander through winding alleys, or have lunch in a family home. [8] The Ming-era Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, recently restored, offers panoramic views. [9] Liqun Roast Duck is a restaurant in Beijing where Peking duck is served. [10] The National Art Museum of China is an indoor site to visit in Beijing. [11] The air quality in Beijing can still be high, especially during winter, so tourists are advised to visit indoor sites like the National Art Museum of China on smoggy days. [12] Significant modern architectural landmarks in Beijing include the Galaxy Soho complex, the CCTV Headquarters, and the National Stadium, known as the "Bird's Nest." [13] Beijing's capital city in China is experiencing an influx of investment and development, including a new airport, the Beijing Daxing International, expected to open in September 2019. [14] Newman suggests visiting the Mutianyu or Simatai sections of the Great Wall to avoid crowds. [15] During Chinese New Year, the world's largest human migration occurs as residents visit their hometowns. Many sites close, but vibrant temple fairs like the one at Ditan Park can still be seen. [16] The Forbidden City has a daily admission limit of 80,000 people. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance and remember to bring their passports. [17] The 2008 Summer Olympics took place in Beijing, marking it as one of the world's most influential megacities. [18] A modern version of Peking duck can be tasted at the Jing Yaa Tang restaurant in the Opposite House hotel. [19] For an old-school Peking duck experience, visitors can go to Liqun Roast Duck. [20] The best times to visit Beijing in 2019 were typically in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasant, nature is vibrant, and tourist crowds are smaller. These months offer good weather for major attractions like the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and hiking the Great Wall without the extreme heat of summer or cold of winter[2][3]. [21] Regarding the new airport opening in Beijing in 2019, Beijing Daxing International Airport was officially opened on September 25, 2019. Its opening made travel to Beijing more convenient. Therefore, visiting Beijing after late September 2019 could benefit from enhanced airport facilities and connectivity, coinciding well with the favorable autumn weather[2].
- On smoggy days in Beijing, it's recommended to visit indoor sites like the National Art Museum of China to avoid the high air quality.
- The Opposite House hotel, located in Beijing, offers a modern twist on traditional Peking duck at its Jing Yaa Tang restaurant.
- To experience Beijing's traditional Peking duck, visitors can go to Liqun Roast Duck during their stay.
