Beijing City Guide

Food is diverse with famous dishes like Peking Duck and many international options. Vegetarian and vegan choices are growing. Late-night dining is common.

Nightlife is varied with bars, clubs, karaoke, and traditional music. Popular spots include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Strong coffee scene with many specialty shops and international chains.

Tipping is not customary and can be seen as rude. Some high-end hotels and tour guides may accept tips.

SIM cards need passport registration and can be bought at the airport or carrier stores. China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom are main providers.

Major areas are clean with regular waste collection. Recycling efforts are improving.

Convenience stores run 24/7. Some pharmacies open late but not all. Emergency hospital departments are open. Food delivery works round the clock.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Walmart, and local wet markets are available. International products can be found in bigger stores. Most open 8 AM to 10 PM.

Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are the main ways to pay. Cash is rarely used and often not accepted.

ATMs from major banks like Bank of China and ICBC are common. International card fees vary, check with your bank before traveling.

Beijing has many international schools with English instruction, including WAB and ISB. Early application is needed due to waitlists.

Small community with some meetups and groups via WeChat. Limited events and co-living spaces.

Large parks with shaded paths and good running routes.

Popular running spots include Olympic Forest Park and Chaoyang Park. Air quality can be an issue some days.

Gyms range from local to high-end and are widely available.

Tennis courts are common at clubs and sports centers. Coaching and equipment rental are available.

Padel courts are less common but growing in popularity.

Many yoga studios offer classes in various styles with English-speaking instructors.

Many schools offering Kung Fu, Tai Chi, BJJ, Muay Thai, and boxing. English classes and drop-ins available.

Ski resorts like Nanshan are 1-2 hours away. Season runs December to March with equipment rentals available.

Limited options like paddle boating on lakes; more extensive water sports are outside the city.

No surfing opportunities, Beijing is inland.

No diving available in Beijing.

Private hospitals like Beijing United Family Hospital have English-speaking staff. Public hospitals have limited English. Pharmacies are common but with limited English.

Tap water should be boiled or filtered before use. Bottled water is widely available.

Many parks have playgrounds. Family-friendly cafes are growing. Attractions include Beijing Zoo and Happy Valley amusement park.

Some tolerance in Beijing but limited legal protections and safe spaces. Public displays are cautious.

Pet policies are strict with limited public access. Veterinary services are available, and pet-friendly places are growing slowly.