Beijing, the bustling capital of China, is a city rich in history, culture, and modernity. From the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the sprawling Great Wall, this vibrant metropolis offers an unparalleled journey through time and tradition. But as we discovered, traveling in Beijing comes with unique challenges—especially if you don’t speak Mandarin.
This was the first time either of us had set foot in China after 20+ years, and let me tell you, it was a different world entirely. Technology has leaped forward in the entire country (we didn’t—actually, couldn’t—use cash or credit cards here. Only AliPay). Between that, the language barrier, and the digital restrictions (no Google, WhatsApp, or Facebook allowed), navigating this fascinating city required a bit more work!
In this blog, we’ll share how we made our 3-day trip to Beijing not only possible but memorable, despite these logistical hurdles!
TLDR 🫣
Beijing Itinerary:
- Day 1: Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
- Day 2: Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace
- Day 3: Great Wall of China
Pro Tips:
- Download these apps: Apple Maps, We Chat, AliPay, and Translate - and get your e-SIM working before your trip.
- If you didn't pre-install these apps, you can still download and use AliPay for all payments.
Top Awards:
- Best experiences included imagining what it would be like to be royalty back in the day at the Summer Palace and hiking the Great Wall of China without any crowds thanks to our tour we booked via Klook!
- Best foods included trays of dumplings from the Dumpling House and an iconic Peking Duck dish from Jingzun!
- Best e-SIM is Airalo (You can use our referral code "CELINA4205" to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase. Heads up: We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase.) Make sure you download all apps and buy your e-SIMs BEFORE arriving into the country.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP
1. Visit Beijing VISA-Free
One of the most pleasant surprises was discovering that Beijing offers a 72/144-hour transit visa exemption for travelers from certain countries. This means you can explore Beijing without a visa as long as your stay is under three/six days and you’re in transit to another country. We took full advantage of this, diving into the city without the hassle of visa applications!
Eligibility:
– Must be from one of 53 countries (including the U.S., Canada, most EU countries, Australia, Japan, etc.)
– Must enter and exit through Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX).
– Must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country (e.g., you can’t fly from the U.S. to Beijing and back to the U.S.). We scored a great Aeroplan deal which made this trip possible: Taipei, Taiwan > Beijing, China > Seoul, South Korea.
– Must only travel within the administrative region of the city where you enter. For Beijing, this means you cannot leave the Beijing municipality during your stay.
Pro Tip: It took us 45 minutes to get the visa-free stamp at the PEK airport, so plan accordingly! There is typically only one person working at this VISA-free booth.
2. Communication and Apps
Translate App:
Mandarin is a complex language. I know a few words (mostly food-related), but I can’t get by conversationally. Since Google Translate is censored in China, we relied heavily on the built-in Translate App on my iPhone—it became our lifeline. Whether asking for directions or getting recommendations on where to eat, we used it constantly. The app worked well in real-time, and many locals were patient as we showed them translations on our phones.
VPNs:
Think VPNs will work in China? Nope, they won’t! The only thing that allowed us to use WhatsApp, Facebook, and other censored platforms was the data from our e-SIMs, which we bought and activated before arriving in China. We just wish we bought more data! Pro Tip: Make sure you turn off Wifi and Location Services when you use data in order for those platforms to work.
AliPay:
China uses the Chinese Yuan as currency, but did you know Beijing is nearly a cashless society? This was one of the most surprising challenges we faced. Credit cards, especially foreign ones, were not widely accepted, and using cash was rare in the places we visited. It’s not as simple as going to an ATM or a money exchange counter. To navigate this, we set up AliPay, China’s ubiquitous mobile payment app, which was an absolute game-changer. You don’t need to set it up before you arrive and you can connect a foreign credit card! We were able to use AliPay’s QR code or scanner to pay for everything—even a $1 popsicle from a street vendor only accepted AliPay!
After each purchase, you’ll get a “receipt” confirming that the payment was successful and the charge will be posted to your credit as usual in a few business days. Heads Up: For large payments (I think over $50 CAD), there may be a payment handling fee. If this happens, you can ask if you could split the payment into two smaller amounts.
We Chat:
Another essential app is WeChat, which is helpful for communication in China (similar to WhatsApp), making reservations, and even payments (like AliPay). Many major tourist sites require advance registration using WeChat—this includes places like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. However, you need to download and set up WeChat before arriving in Beijing. We managed to visit these sites by booking guided tours, and it was a huge help that I had a friend in Canada with WeChat who could secure any free reservations for me. If you plan to explore these sites on your own, definitely do some forward planning and download the WeChat app to make reservations in advance!
3. Getting Around Beijing
Apple Maps:
Without Google Maps (blocked in China), we relied on Apple Maps to help us use the public transportation. While not as detailed as Google Maps, it was reliable enough to navigate major landmarks and subway routes. Fun fact: Apple Maps won’t work for pre-planning outside of China. You’ll need to be inside the country for it to function. (We tried to map out Beijing from Taiwan, and guess what? No dice. Not even with VPN.)
Subway:
Beijing’s subway system is affordable, efficient, and has English signage! It cost us ~$9.50 CAD (for two people) to travel from the airport to the city center via the Capital Airport Express train, with an additional $2 CAD to get to our hotel using the local train afterwards. To buy tickets, go to the ticket machine at any station and switch the language to “English.” Select your destination, and the machine will show you the fare. Pay with AliPay, and you’ll receive a ticket or token to pass through the turnstiles. You’ll need to insert your ticket both when entering and exiting the station. Be aware that security is present at every station, so keep your passport handy as it may be checked. Also, expect to go through metal detectors, where your bags will be scanned—this is common throughout the city!
4. Accommodation
Finding a place to stay in Beijing was harder than we expected. Many hotels only accept local citizens or didn’t allow us to book once we entered our country of origin as Canada. Thankfully, we used trip.com to help us find hotels. It was the only site we found that allowed us to book a hotel in Beijing with a foreign credit card and pay in advance. We also got discounts and points for using trip.com. We stayed at Xing Zhe Ju Hotel – close to Songjiazhuang subway station
AWARDS
Best Experiences: Imagining what it would be like to be royalty back in the day at the Summer Palace and hiking the Great Wall of China without any crowds thanks to our tour we booked via Klook!
Best Eats: Dumplings from the Dumpling House and an iconic Peking Duck dish from Jingzun!
Best “Bang for your Buck” Hotels: Xing Zhe Ju Hotel. Close to Songjiazhuang subway station and includes a breakfast buffet!
Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase). Make sure you download all apps and buy your e-SIMs BEFORE arriving into the country.
ITINERARY
Day 1: History, Culture, and the Heart of Beijing
Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Authentic Dumplings
Day 3: The Great Wall of China and Peking Duck
Day 1: History, Culture, and the Heart of Beijing
Morning: Forbidden City & Royal Treasure Museum Half Day Tour via Klook
Price: $95 CAD for two people
Pro Tip: Be prepared for crowds! Walking into the Forbidden City reminded us of the Taj Mahal in India. At the beginning, you are funneled in with the giant crowds until you enter a vast, open area.
Kick off your Beijing adventure by diving into one of the city’s most significant landmarks: the Forbidden City. We booked a guided tour on Klook for our first day to ease into the city. Our guide also gave us insider tips on where to eat, how to navigate the city, and what to expect for the rest of our trip (which we’ve shared with you in this blog!). The tour cost ~$95 CAD for two people and included the very difficult-to-obtain entry tickets (for foreigners without WeChat).
The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Spanning over 180 acres with more than 900 buildings, it’s the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. Your guide will take you through key parts of the palace, offering insightful commentary about its construction, history, and the lives of the emperors who lived there.
The architecture is stunning—look up, look around, don’t miss the beautiful colors and intricate carvings. There are plenty of gift shops, food areas, and seating.
It was also an extremely hot day, so we indulged in an ice cream bar while we explored ($5 CAD). They did not accept cash or credit, but thank you AliPay!
Afternoon: Tiananmen Square
No visit to Beijing is complete without stopping at Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. It holds deep political significance in Chinese history, having been the site of many historic events, including the 1989 pro-democracy protests. The square is flanked by key landmarks like the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China. Entry is free, but you need to have an advance reservation, and security is tight, so be prepared for ID checks and bag screenings. Thankfully, my friend in Canada, who had WeChat, made this reservation for me a few days in advance!
Late Afternoon: Wangfujing Street and Dongcheng Area
Close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, you’ll find a long street with plenty of food options for a late lunch.
We grabbed two bubble teas ($10 CAD) and a meat pastry ($2 CAD), again using AliPay.
Evening: A Classic Chinese Dinner
After a long day of exploring in the heat, we returned to our hotel and checked out a few nearby restaurants. We eventually found ourselves inside a mall, where we ordered two classic Chinese dishes: jasmine rice in a clay pot with bok choy, lap cheong (Chinese sausage), and black pepper spare ribs. We also added a small appetizer trio with seaweed, greens, and fried chicken. Both meals together cost us only $16 CAD. Fun fact: to even view the menu and place an order, you have to use the AliPay app!
Day 2: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Authentic Dumplings
After a guided day, take Day 2 to explore on your own!
Morning: Temple of Heaven
Entry Fee: 15-35 CNY depending on the season
Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a stunning imperial complex where emperors once performed elaborate rituals to pray for good harvests. We arrived on our own, showed our passports at the ticket booth, and paid using AliPay. You could even use cash and credit here. Plus, no advance reservations needed—woohoo!
Locals often gather here to practice tai chi, sing, or play traditional instruments, giving you a glimpse into everyday life in Beijing.
The architectural design of the temple is rich with symbolic meaning, from its round design symbolizing heaven to the color choices reflecting different dynastic preferences. It’s surrounded by peaceful gardens, perfect for a morning stroll. It was one of the most beautiful places we visited!
If you only have time to visit either the Temple of Heaven or the Forbidden City, hands down, choose this one! But like the Forbidden City, be prepared for giant crowds.
Afternoon: Summer Palace
Entry Fee: 30-60 CNY depending on the season
After visiting the Temple of Heaven, make your way to the Summer Palace, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should be able to pay by cash or credit card, but we chose our trust AliPay! This former imperial garden is an enchanting oasis of lakes, pavilions, and temples. Stroll along the famous Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with thousands of colourful paintings, or take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to experience the palace grounds from a different angle.
The Summer Palace is vast, so plan to spend a few hours exploring its scenic beauty. We felt like we could have spent all day here. It was one of the most beautiful, open palaces we’ve ever visited. There’s something about water surrounding every castle and corner that made us feel like royalty.
We spent an additional $2 CAD each to visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense (also known as Foxiang Ge; not included in our entry ticket). This iconic structure stands on Longevity Hill and offers stunning views of Kunming Lake and the palace grounds below. Built during Emperor Qianlong’s reign in the Qing Dynasty, the tower was originally intended for Buddhist ceremonies. It rises 41 meters high and is richly adorned with colorful tiles, intricate wood carvings, and Buddhist statues, making it a highlight of the palace’s spiritual and cultural history.
Evening: Dumpling House
For dinner, head to Dumpling House, a local favourite where you can try authentic Beijing-style dumplings. These delicious parcels of meat and vegetables come in a variety of fillings, from pork to shrimp to vegetarian options. The restaurant is reasonably priced, and a meal for two typically costs around 100-150 CNY. We ordered way too much—2 trays of dumplings, a (very) spicy pork bone and tofu stew, a cold tofu and cucumber salad, and a berry juice —for about $22 CAD total. Don’t forget to try the dipping sauces for an extra kick!
Day 3: The Great Wall of China and Peking Duck
Morning and Afternoon: Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section) via this Klook Tour
Price: $65 CAD for two people
A visit to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic structures in the world. The Mutianyu section is perfect for a day trip from the city—it’s less crowded than other parts, well-preserved, and offers breathtaking views of rolling mountains and lush forests. The Mutianyu section includes both restored and original parts of the wall, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
Your Klook tour will include transportation to and from the wall, a buffet lunch, and admission. You can either hike up to the wall (free) or take a cable car ($) or a toboggan ($). We recommend the cable car or toboggan to save time. The cable car takes you along the West Route(where you can hike to the highest point available to tourists), and the toboggan takes you along the East Route (not the highest point, but it’s pretty cool to say you’ve tobogganed down the Great Wall!). While you’ll only cover a small part of its 5,500 miles, the experience is awe-inspiring.
We opted for the cable car ($54 CAD for two people, round trip) because we love hiking and wanted to see the highest point of the wall. Having tobogganed before in Vietnam and our home country of Canada, we decided to relish the views the Great Wall provides. Since this route was more physically demanding, fewer people were hiking it, so we got to have the Great Wall to ourselves! The photos speak for themselves.
You can buy drinks along the way—vendors sell water, ice cream, and pop, all accepting AliPay. We even took our buffet lunch to go (yes, they offer take-out boxes) and ate some of it during our hike! Who else can say they’ve had dumplings on the Great Wall of China?
Dinner: Jingzun Peking Duck House
End your Beijing trip with a true local delicacy—Peking Duck. Jingzun Peking Duck House is renowned for its perfectly roasted duck, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. The crispy skin and tender meat make this a must-try dish when visiting Beijing. A whole duck typically costs around 200-300 CNY, and it’s a meal you’ll remember long after your trip ends. Ours cost about $38 CAD, and we had plenty of leftovers. We swear this could have fed a family of four! Pro Tip: Be sure to balance the richness of the duck with some carbs!
TOTAL COST for 3 Full Days in Beijing (Approximate, CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 4 nights: $245
Activities: $256
Food: $122
Transportation: $35
TOTAL: $657 (Roughly $164 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
We opted for more tours in this city based on a few factors: we couldn’t speak the language, we wanted to understand the history from a local perspective as some of the details online about each of these iconic sites are limited, and we couldn’t get some of the admission tickets without pre-installing WeChat! Was it more expensive than we hoped? Yes. But was it worth it? Definitely. By following this itinerary, you’ll experience the best of Beijing in just three days—without feeling rushed or stressed about how to get through it all. From ancient palaces and iconic landmarks to world-class cuisine, Beijing offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern-day wonders. Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below!
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