Top 5 Preparation Checklist for First-Time Visitors to Beijing

Planning your first trip to Beijing can feel overwhelming — what should you prepare, download, or bring?

After living in Beijing for over 10 years, I’ve seen the same mistakes again and again. This checklist is not just a generic list — it’s based on real situations you’ll actually face here.

Use this as your complete Beijing travel checklist before you go.

This Checklist for First-Time Visitors to Beijing is tailored just for you, helping you plan your Beijing trip with clarity! Jump straight to the essentials: from documents and payments to packing tips and cultural etiquette, we’ve got you covered for a seamless adventure.

Pre-Departure Checklist

1. Documents & Finances

Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and obtain a tourist visa (L visa) in advance.

Payment Methods:

Mobile Payments: Download and verify Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance. Link a bank card supporting international transactions (recommended: activate TourPass or foreign card binding).

Cash Reserve: Exchange ¥500-1000 in cash for small purchases or emergencies.

Insurance: Purchase travel insurance covering China, ensuring medical and accident coverage.

2. Essential Items

Electronic Devices:

Power Adapter: China uses Type A/I plugs with 220V voltage. Bring a power adapter.

Power Bank: Capacity must not exceed 100Wh for convenient charging.

VPN Tool: Download and test a reliable VPN app (e.g., Astrill, ExpressVPN) beforehand to ensure uninterrupted access to international websites.

Clothing: Pack seasonally appropriate attire—warm layers for winter, sun protection for summer.

Medications: Bring common medicines (e.g., cold remedies, digestive aids, pain relievers, allergy medication, band-aids), ensuring compliance with Chinese customs regulations.

Other Essentials: Lightweight rain gear, portable charger, portable translation tools (e.g., Baidu Translate, Youdao Translate).

3. Itinerary Planning

Booking Confirmations: Keep both electronic and printed copies of round-trip flight tickets and hotel reservations.

Attraction Reservations: Pre-book popular sites (e.g., Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square) via official websites or mini-programs.

Transportation: Download the “Beijing IC Card” or “Yitongxing” app for QR code-based subway/bus payments; familiarize yourself with subway maps beforehand.

4. Health and Safety

Health Tips: Consider purchasing travel insurance. Boil tap water before drinking; bottled water is recommended.

Safety Precautions: Safeguard passports, cash, and valuables. Avoid remote or high-crime areas. Memorize emergency numbers: Police 110, Ambulance 120.

Scam Alert: Beware of “high-priced tea scams” and “fortune-telling scams” at tourist sites; request receipts when shopping.

5. Culture and Etiquette

Basic Etiquette: Maintain quiet in public spaces, follow orders, and respect local customs.

Communication: Learn basic Chinese phrases (e.g., “Hello,” “Thank you”) and download translation apps for backup.

A Few Things That Might Surprise You

Many People Don’t Speak English

In Beijing, most taxi drivers, restaurant servers, and shop owners at street-side stores don’t speak English—this is perfectly normal.

Don’t be surprised or flustered; translation apps, written addresses in Chinese, pointing at pictures, and gestures are more than enough to get by.

Restrooms Usually Don’t Provide Toilet Paper

Most public restrooms, subway restrooms, and restrooms at tourist attractions in China don’t provide toilet paper.

Be sure to carry your own toilet paper—this is one of the easiest details to overlook, but is essential when traveling in Beijing.

Popular Spots Are Really Crowded

Beijing’s tourist attractions, subways, and shopping districts—especially places like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and Nanluoguxiang—are much more crowded than you might imagine.

Traveling during off-peak hours, making reservations in advance, and staying patient will make your experience much more enjoyable.

Food and Dining Tips

Trouble Ordering

When dining in Beijing for the first time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a menu written entirely in Chinese. Many dish names are unfamiliar, and you may have no idea what they taste like.

The simplest solution is to just order the recommended dishes, or point to what the table next to you is eating, or choose based on the pictures—this way, you’re unlikely to make a bad choice.

Must-Try Dishes

When visiting Beijing, you must try the local classics, such as Peking Duck, which is the city’s most iconic dish.

In addition, you can try dishes that are widely popular, such as zhajiang noodles, dumplings, hot pot, and lamb skewers, to easily experience authentic Chinese cuisine.

Personal Advice Based on a Decade of Travel Experience

Don’t Overbook Your Itinerary

Beijing is a huge city; attractions are far apart and travel times can be long, so never pack your daily schedule too tightly.

Leave some free time to avoid exhaustion, soak in the city’s atmosphere, and enjoy your trip more comfortably.

Be Sure to Visit Attractions Early

For popular attractions like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace, the earlier you go, the better your experience will be.

Fewer crowds, less sun, no long lines, and better photo opportunities—this has been my most practical tip over the years.

Choose Accommodations Near the Subway

When getting around Beijing, the subway is the most convenient and punctual option.

Staying along a subway line or right next to a station will save you a lot of time and energy, making it much easier to get anywhere.

Wishing you a pleasant trip to Beijing!