Private Beijing Tours

Beijing Travel FAQs

• 1. When is the best season to visit Beijing?  

  The best seasons to visit Beijing would be spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October), during which the weather is mild and the sky is clear.

  It's highly recommended to avoid the summertime of July and August when the weather is hot and humid and everywhere is overcrowded with tourists. Winter, though freezing, is not a bad time to visit Beijing, with fewer tourists, lower prices, unique scenery, especially if there's snowfall, and a rich festival atmosphere if you are here around Chinese New Year (usually between late January and early February).

• 2. Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?  

  Typically, you will need a visa to visit Beijing. However, due to the application of the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit policy, travelers from certain countries are allowed to stay in Beijing for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have onward travel booked to a third country or region.

  It's advisable to check with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date information regarding visa requirements.

• 3. How many days should I spend in Beijing?  

  To visit the essential attractions in the city, such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Temple of Heaven, at least three days is recommended; however, four days will be much better for a balanced itinerary without rushing through the major sights.
  If you want to go deeper into the local lifestyle and ancient culture or explore some off-the-beaten destinations, five to seven days is not too much. China Odyessy Tours' travel expert will always here to offer you a bespoken itinerary. 

• 4. Which airport should I arrive at in Beijing?  

  Both Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport are available for your arrival and provide convenient transfer options to the city.
  For the former, it's approximately 22km from downtown, taking a 1-hour drive. Upon landing at the latter opened in 2019, and stepping into the terminal, you might be so startled not only by its gigantic scale, the world's second-largest airport with enormous throughput, but also by its modern design and functional architecture. Therefore, don't forget to take a mini tour before embarking on a 20-minute subway trip to downtown, if time allows.

• 5. What are the must-sees in Beijing?  

  Countless treasures lie within the historical imperial capital. For first-time tourists, you'll admire the epic Great Wall whether hiking or taking cable cars. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City prepare to show you China's dynastic grandeur. Besides, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Hutong are also essential to experience the city’s charm. 

• 6. How can I get to the Great Wall from Beijing?  

  You can get to the Great Wall by joining a guided tour, hiring a private car, or taking public transportation. To fully enjoy the trip, our tailor-made tour with private vehicles and learned tour guides will be the best choice. 

• 7. I need a wheelchair to get around. Can I take your tours in Beijing?  

  Yes. Most attractions in Beijing are accessible for wheelchair users, while some parts of them, like the Great Wall and Forbidden City, have steep steps and uneven surfaces. Whenever you need a hand to go around smoothly, turn to us.

• 8. What are your recommendations for children visiting Beijing?  

  Children may find their tour interesting in Beijing Zoo, Beijing Aquarium, and Beijing Planetarium, and participate in hands-on activities like dumpling cooking, Taichi lessons, etc.

  Additionally, there are numerous well-designed museums and galleries, like the National Museum of China, the National Art Museum of China, the Beijing Aviation Museum, China Science and Technology Museum, the Beijing Natural History Museum, and the 798 Art District to satisfy children with various interests. 

• 9. Are there any special experiences I can expect in Beijing?  

  Yes. Beijing's culture is a historic grandeur, so it's possible to find whatever you like. You can tour around Hutong by rickshaw and drop into a local’s home to learn paper-cutting, calligraphy, or dough figures. Also, the residents’ vivacity allows you to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle by joining the morning exercise in the Temple of Heaven.

• 10. What are the most famous local dishes in Beijing?  

  Beijing can be a food lover's paradise. There are specialties such as Peking duck, dumplings (jiaozi), fried sauce noodles, mutton hotpot, and street snacks like lamb skewers and fried pancakes.

• 11. Is it safe to drink tap water in Beijing?  

  Bottled or boiled water is more recommended than drinking straight from a tap for health reasons, unless a filter is used. During your tour with China Odyssey Tours, free bottled water is available both on private transfers and at the hotel. 

• 12. Which area should I stay in Beijing?  

  For easy access to attractions, we recommend choosing downtown accommodation, such as hotels near the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square, allowing you to reach them in a few minutes. Other popular areas include Chaoyang District (CBD), and Haidian District, featuring universities and tech parks.

  China Odyssey Tours' travel expert will select the most suitable accommodations based on your requirements and budget. 

• 13. How do I get around Beijing?  
  You can get around Beijing easily with its extensive subway system, or by bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps like Didi. If you are a first-time visitor or want to avoid the crowd, a China Odyssey Tours' guide and private transfer would be your best choice.
• 14. Can I visit Beijing when I take a cruise to Tianjin Port? How can I get to Beijing?  

  Yes. There are several ways to get to Beijing from Tianjin, and the fastest is the high-speed train, which only takes 30 minutes. Or you can choose a 2-hour drive. Besides, many cruise lines offer organized tours or transportation options to Beijing.

• 15. Can I travel from Beijing to Moscow or Mongolia by Trans-Siberian?  

  Yes, you can take the K3 passenger train at Beijing Station to Moscow or Mongolian cities like Ulaanbaatar. Additionally, extension tours to Russia or Mongolia are available at request.

• 16. What should I pack for my Beijing trip?  

  We recommend packing comfortable shoes because you will likely be walking a lot. Additionally, essentials such as sunscreen, a power adaptor suitable for China, and important documents like your passport, visa and travel insurance should be included. For a detailed packing list, please visit: Packing list for your China trip

• 17. What are the top things to do in Beijing?  

  Beijing is renowned for its ancient architecture and rich history. Highlights include hiking the Great Wall of China, exploring the Forbidden City's historical treasures, and taking a leisurely stroll through the Summer Palace. For first-time visitors, these experiences are highly recommended. Our travel experts can customize a trip to fit your schedule and budget, no matter your interests and timeframe.

• 18. What's the cost of a Beijing tour?  

  For a private tour with 4-star hotel accommodations, the cost is approximately $200-250 USD per day. This covers hotel stays, transportation, guide services, entrance fees, and meals. We are delighted to customize the itinerary to align with your budget and preferences.

• 19. How are the accommodations in Beijing?  

  Beijing offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury star-rated hotels to unique boutique hotels, budget accommodations, and B&Bs. Whatever your preferences and budget, there are options to suit every traveler's needs. 

• 20. Can I use Dollars, Euros, or other currencies during my tour in Beijing?  

  Foreign currencies cannot be used directly in Beijing, but you can easily exchange money across the city. Most hotels accept major credit cards and provide currency exchange services. Additionally, ATMs are readily available at airports and subway stations for your convenience. 

• 21. Is English widely spoken in Beijing?  

  English is not widely spoken in Beijing, despite being taught in Chinese schools. However, staff at high-end hotels, restaurants, and large shops usually speak English. Furthermore, we provide private, English-speaking guides who will accompany you throughout your trip, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

• 22. Where can I experience local life in Beijing?  

  We recommend visiting the Temple of Heaven in the morning, where you can witness thousands of locals engaging in morning exercises such as table tennis, calligraphy, Peking Opera, and Tai Chi. It's a vibrant glimpse into Beijing's daily life and cultural practices.

• 23. Can you offer tour packas if I wish to see other sections of the Great Wall?  

  Yes, we provide a variety of options for Great Wall tours. You can select the one you want. Of course, if there are any other lesser-known sights you'd want to see, just let us know and we'll customize a trip just for you.