Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) are the two main airports. Most international flights arrive at PEK.
Visa: Most nationalities require a visa. Apply at your nearest Chinese embassy at least 4 weeks before travel. Check if you qualify for a transit visa exemption.
From the airport, take the Airport Express train (25 min to city center) or arrange a car service.
Metro โ Beijing's subway is extensive, affordable, and easy to navigate. Signs are in English and Chinese.
Didi โ China's ride-hailing app (like Uber). Download it before you arrive.
Taxi โ Available everywhere. Have your destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
We'll provide accommodation details closer to the date. If you'd like to book your own hotel, we recommend staying in the Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts.
WeChat is essential โ payments, messaging, and navigation all in one app. Set it up before you arrive.
VPN โ Many Western apps (Google, Instagram, WhatsApp) are blocked. Download a VPN before entering China.
Cash is rarely used. WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant. Some places accept international credit cards.
October weather: pleasant, 10โ20ยฐC (50โ68ยฐF). Bring layers for cooler evenings.
Learn a few phrases: ไฝ ๅฅฝ (nว hวo โ hello), ่ฐข่ฐข (xiรจ xie โ thank you), ๅคๅฐ้ฑ (duล shวo qiรกn โ how much?).
VPN (e.g. Astrill, ExpressVPN) โ Download and set up BEFORE entering China. You'll need it for Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other blocked services.