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Beijing Tours & Travel Guide
The good news is that if you’re on a group or guided tour of Beijing, there is a lot less you have to worry about. From figuring out how to navigate a public transportation system not only in a different language, but a language in different characters, to balancing different activities depending on when they’re open and what you get tickets to -- your tour guide is going to have it taken care of. That being said, there are still some things any foreign traveler to Beijing should be aware of before arriving.
The day doesn’t end when the sun sets. Most tours plan your itinerary for the entire day, not for the night. At the start of your trip you may need this time to catch up on some much-needed sleep and beat your jet lag, though Beijing’s nightlife is not something you should miss. Beijing has it all -- from casual karaoke venues, to ritzy nightclubs, to scenic rooftop bars, there is something for everyone, so get out of your comfort zone and meet some locals!
Learn a few words in Mandarin, which is the language spoken in Beijing. Even with your tour guide, the people you interact with will appreciate your being able to say a quick “hello” (ni hao) and “thank you” (xiexie). And when you need to get through a crowded street, knwoing how to say “excuse me” ( jièguò yīxià) may be invaluable!
Chinese massages aren’t what you might expect. Sometimes confused with Thai massages, people often recommend you get a cheap massage in China. However, Chinese massages are a bit different -- the Chinese prioritize healing over physical pleasure, and this means your “massage” may consist mainly of suction cups, needles, and wooden hammers instead of kneading hands. This doesn’t mean they aren’t fun to try, or effective, just be aware before booking your first one!
Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The vast majority of bathrooms in Beijing are “squat toilets” -- essentially a toilet boil in the ground, without a seat or their own toilet paper -- so you will probably run into at least a couple on your Beijing trip. If you have your own supplies, you’ll be prepared.
Watch where you’re crossing! Pedestrians don’t have the right of way in Beijing, and traffic can be confusing and chaotic. This can be intimidating when you first get to the city. When you do decide to cross, pick a line and stay on it. This way, cars will be able to easily drive around you.
Kris was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge on the Nation and people of China. Answered questions with a easily to understand words. There is little rest s...
Superb trip with plenty to see and do. The Great Wall is amazing, the Terracotta Warriors fascinating as was the Han Yangling Mausoleum. The Shanghai Museum should...
This trip ticks all the boxes to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and history. Seeing the Terracotta army in all its glory was a lifelong ambition and didn’t di...
Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages until the present day. I found the trip very educational. The fas...
This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their travel comfort-zone and immerse themselves in a completely d...
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