First Time in Beijing: 7 Mistakes to Avoid

Planning your first trip to Beijing? This ancient yet modern city is full of surprises, but it’s easy to hit snags if you’re unfamiliar with local norms. Below are 7 common mistakes North American travelers make—plus how to skip them, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Book Forbidden City Tickets

The Forbidden City is Beijing’s top attraction, but tickets are time-slot specific and sell out fast—especially during peak seasons (spring, autumn, and holidays). Many travelers assume they can buy tickets on-site, but walk-up tickets haven’t been available for years.

Fix: Book tickets 7 days in advance via the official WeChat Mini Program, “The Palace Museum” (search for it in WeChat), or the official website (with English support). You’ll need your passport number, and once booked, show your passport to enter. Arrive 15 minutes before your time slot to avoid rushing.

2. Relying Only on Cash

While some small street stalls and older shops still accept cash, most places in Beijing—restaurants, cafes, subways, taxis, and even street food vendors—use mobile payments (WeChat Pay or Alipay). Carrying a lot of cash is unnecessary and risky.

Fix: If you don’t have a Chinese bank card (required for full mobile payment access), ask your hotel front desk to help link your foreign credit card to a temporary WeChat Pay/Alipay account (some hotels offer this service). Alternatively, carry a small amount of cash (CNY 200-300) for emergencies, and use a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees for bigger purchases.

3. Ignoring Public Transportation

Many travelers over-rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps (Didi), which can get stuck in terrible traffic—Beijing’s rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) is no joke. This wastes time that could be spent exploring.

Fix: Use the Beijing Subway. It’s fast, affordable (CNY 3-10 per ride), and covers all major attractions. The subway stations have English signs, and you can buy a rechargeable “Yikatong” card at ticket counters (no deposit needed) for easy access. Avoid buses if you don’t speak Chinese—most announcements are only in Mandarin.

4. Disrespecting Local Cultural Etiquette

Cultural missteps can lead to awkward moments. North Americans often unknowingly break norms that matter to locals.

Fix: Remember these key points:

① Don’t touch someone’s head (it’s considered sacred in Chinese culture).

② Remove your shoes when entering a traditional hutong courtyard home (if invited).

③ Don’t tip—tipping is not customary in China and may even confuse service staff.

④ Speak quietly in temples and historical sites.

5. Visiting Tourist Traps for Food

Areas like Nanluoguxiang and Wangfujing Snack Street are packed with tourists, but the food is often overpriced, not authentic, and catered to foreign tastes. You’ll miss out on real Beijing flavors.

Fix: Head to local food markets or neighborhoods. Try Donghuamen Night Market (for authentic street food) or hutong alleys near Shichahai for family-run restaurants. Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations—they’ll point you to spots locals love, like dumpling shops or hot pot restaurants with genuine flavors.

6. Overpacking for the Weather

Beijing has extreme seasons: scorching hot summers (30-38°C/86-100°F) and cold winters (-10 to 5°C/14-41°F). Many travelers pack for mild weather and end up uncomfortable.

Fix: Check the weather forecast 1 week before your trip. For summer, pack lightweight, breathable clothes, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and a hat (the sun is intense). For winter, bring a warm down jacket, gloves, a scarf, and thermal underwear—layered clothing is key. Spring and autumn are mild but windy, so pack a light jacket.

7. Trying to See Everything in One Trip

Beijing is huge—spreading yourself too thin leads to tiredness and a superficial experience. Many travelers rush from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall to the Summer Palace in one day, missing the charm of each spot.

Fix: Focus on 1-2 themes per day. For example:

• Day 1 (Royal Culture): Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square;
• Day 2 (Nature & History): Great Wall (Mutianyu section, less crowded than Badaling) + Ming Tombs;
• Day 3 (Local Life): Shichahai + Hutong Walk. Slow down and savor each experience—quality over quantity.

Quick Checklist for First-Time Visitors

• Book Forbidden City & Great Wall tickets 7 days in advance
•  Prepare mobile payment or small cash + travel credit card
•  Buy a Yikatong card for the subway
• Pack weather-appropriate clothes (layers for winter)
• Download a translation app (Google Translate works offline)

Beijing is a city that rewards slow exploration. By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll have a smoother, more authentic trip—one that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. Enjoy your time in the“Northern Capital”!