Beijing

Most visitors need a Chinese visa obtained before travel. US, Canadian, and many other nationals can get 10-year multiple-entry visas. Some countries have visa-free transit for 72-144 hours if connecting flights. Check requirements at chineseembassy.org.

By Air: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main gateway, 25km northeast. Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) is newer and handles some international flights, 46km south.

By Train: High-speed trains connect Beijing to Shanghai (4.5 hours), Xi'an (4.5 hours), and other major cities.

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. English is limited outside international hotels, tourist areas, and business districts. Translation apps are essential. Signage in tourist areas is often bilingual.

Chinese Yuan (CNY/RMB). Exchange rate roughly 7.0-7.5 CNY per USD. Cash is still common, though mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate. Foreign cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants. ATMs available but may have restrictions.

Metro: Extensive 20+ line system covering the entire city. Clean, efficient, and cheap (¥3-9 per ride). Get a Yikatong card.

Taxis: Abundant and metered. Use official taxis only.

Buses: Comprehensive network, same card works.

Walking: Areas like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and hutongs are walkable.

From Capital Airport:
Airport Express: To Dongzhimen (20 min, ¥25), then transfer to metro.

Airport Bus: Multiple routes to different areas (60-90 min, ¥16-30).

Taxi: Around ¥100-150 to city center (45-60 min).

From Daxing: Similar options but further from city center.