Private guide in Beijing, guided tours in Beijing, China

Beijing is a city rich in symbolism—every architectural detail, building orientation, and color carries philosophical meaning. Without historical and cultural context, much of what you see can be missed. A private guide in Beijing will explain the significance of rooftop dragons, the layout of the Forbidden City, and more. They’ll also help you skip long lines, design routes around traffic and weather, and reveal authentic hutongs inaccessible to tour buses. Private guides in Beijing often speak Russian and know how to tailor experiences for families with children or elderly travelers.

The ideal periods are April–May and September–October. Spring brings blooming gardens; autumn offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with occasional rain. Winter (December–February) is cold but less crowded and more affordable. Avoid major holidays like Chinese New Year and National Day (October 1), when the city is extremely busy.

Mandarin (Putonghua) is the official language. English is available in hotels and major museums but rarely on the streets. Must-try local dishes include Peking duck, “jianbing” (savory crepes with egg and sauce), “zhajiangmian” (noodles with soybean paste), and “zongzi” (sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves). Restaurants also serve regional specialties like Sichuan’s spicy cuisine or Cantonese dim sum.

Popular souvenirs include silk products, tea (especially Pu’er and Longjing), calligraphy sets, jade jewelry, and replica antiques. However, it’s illegal to export authentic archaeological artifacts, rare plants, ivory products, or certain herbal medicines without certification. Always verify authenticity and request export documentation when purchasing antiques.

The Chinese yuan (CNY) is used throughout Beijing. Cash remains essential: many street vendors, markets, and even some taxis don’t accept cards. Credit cards work in large hotels and stores, but WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate daily transactions. Currency exchange is available at banks and the airport, though official exchange counters offer better rates. It’s wise to carry both cash and a card.

China values restraint and collective harmony. Avoid loud conversations, especially in subways and temples. Photographing locals without permission is considered rude. Dress modestly and remain quiet in temples. Also, avoid pointing with your finger, handing items with one hand, or sticking chopsticks upright in rice—it symbolizes mourning.

Beijing is one of Asia’s safest megacities. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas like subways. Main challenges include the language barrier, navigation difficulties (many street signs lack Latin script), and internet restrictions (Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram are blocked). Smog can be an issue in winter—sensitive travelers should consider wearing a mask.

Evenings in Beijing offer acrobatic shows, boat rides on Beihai Park’s lake, or strolls through the Wangfujing Night Market. Children enjoy interactive museums, the panda exhibit at Beijing Zoo, and calligraphy workshops. The 798 Art Zone frequently hosts family-friendly festivals and exhibitions.

Beijing is home to over 21 million people, predominantly Han Chinese, with significant ethnic diversity. Major belief systems include Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, and Islam. The environmental situation is challenging—winter smog remains an issue—but authorities are actively combating pollution by expanding parks, restricting vehicles, and improving public transit.

Beijing is served by two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Direct flights operate from major cities worldwide. From either airport, you can reach the city center via express train, taxi, or hotel transfer. While connections through Shanghai or Guangzhou are possible, direct flights are preferable due to travel time.