Beijing China

Continental monsoon

• Airport

  Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · 27 km northeast

• Transfers

  Airport Express Train (20-30 min, ¥25) · Airport Bus (40-90 min, ¥20-30) · Taxi (40-90 min, ¥80-120) · Didi (Ride-hailing) (40-90 min, ¥70-110)

• Transit

  Subway (24 lines), Bus, Taxi

• Tips

  Get Yikatong card immediately - essential for public transport · Download subway app (Beijing Subway) - English available · Avoid rush hours (7-9am, 5-7pm) - extremely crowded · Subway announcements in Chinese and English · Trains stop running around 11pm-midnight · Have destination written in Chinese characters

• Walkability

  moderate

• Language

  Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua)

• Currency

  Chinese Yuan (¥, CNY, RMB)

• Customs

  Respect for elders and hierarchy is fundamental · Gift-giving customs - avoid clocks, white flowers, sharp objects · Tea culture is central - tea ceremonies and offerings · Red is lucky color, white is associated with funerals · Eight is lucky number, four is unlucky (sounds like death) · Business cards exchanged with both hands

• Etiquette

  Slurping soup and noodles is acceptable · Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice (funeral ritual) · Finish all food on plate to show appreciation · Wait for host to start eating first · Avoid public displays of affection

• Visa

  Visa required for most nationalities. Some qualify for 144-hour transit visa-free. Check with embassy.

• Power

  220V, 50Hz · A, C, I

• Healthcare

  Good private hospitals (Beijing United Family, Parkway Health). Public hospitals crowded. Travel insurance essential.

• Safety

  SAFE · Very safe overall with low violent crime · Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and public transport · Air pollution can be severe - check AQI, consider mask · Keep passport copy with you at all times · Some areas restricted to foreigners · Download VPN before arrival · Language barrier significant - have hotel address in Chinese

• Emergency

  Police 110 · Ambulance 120