Beijing Uncovered: Smart Tips & How to Dodge the Scams

Maryann Daniel IV

Hi there! No problem at all! I will give all your foreign friends an easy-to-follow guide so they can enjoy their trip to Beijing more easily.

Beijing Guide:

The Tian'anmen Rostrum Is Under Maintenance at Present

When we first arrived in Beijing, there were only some scaffolding on the rostrum from which there was almost no influence on taking photos.
However, after two days, there was scaffolding everywhere!
Reminder: If you value the perfect image of the Tian'anmen Rostrum, it is suggested to reschedule your visit or check when the maintenance will finish before you arrive.

How To Get Into The Forbidden City From the Front As Early As Possible?

The Zhongshui Bridge in front of the Tian'anmen typically opens at 8 am. If you want to enter the palace before others, do not go through this entry.
Saving-Time Tip:
- Take the subway to the "Dongtian'anmen" stop.
- Go through security after exiting. Even if you didn't make a reservation for Tian'anmen Square, the policemen will let you into the square as long as you show your appointment to enter the Forbidden City.
- Once you're inside the square, take the route near the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Imperial Ancestral Temple, an ancient site where emperors worshipped their ancestors), which costs 2 yuan.
- Come out from the east gate of the temple, and you'll reach the Meridian Gate, the main entrance of the Forbidden City! The road is shaded and cooler, and this is the route that I think is quickest.

Visiting Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall

This place has very strict rules about reservations! If you are there before your appointment time, you can't go in early.
Same with the luggage storage: for example, if the appointment is at 8 am, you can only start storing bags around 7 am.
Important Note:
- It is suggested that you store your bags around 45 minutes before the appointment time.
- There is a senior citizens' lane! Those aged over 70 don't have to mind the time limit; they are allowed to go right away. They may also bring one friend with them.

National Museum of China

If you miss your reserved slot, no entry will be granted to you, so keep track of the time!
The museum will begin clearing the venue after 4:30 pm, which means everybody will be asked to leave.
Tips For Taking Pictures & Shopping:
- When it is nearly clear-out time, the famous exhibition area for Empress's Phoenix Crown (an important relic), usually draws less people. This is the perfect moment to take a photo!
- If you wish to buy fridge magnets featuring the symbol of the crown, you must pre-order the shopping privilege via WeChat app (Like a small embedded app in WeChat). Don’t forget to scan the code first!

Badaling Great Wall

You may have to ride a shuttle bus before visiting the Badaling Great Wall.
For Those Who Wish To Take A Cable Car:
- After getting off the bus, you will find the cable car station toward the direction of the high-speed train station.
- If you plan to take the cable car from below to the top, please don’t follow others climbing up the road along the wall – this is to climb up the Great Wall, and it's in the wrong direction!
- On the other hand, there is a Stele wall which holds a popular Chinese phrase—"He who has never climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero"; many travelers like to take photos around this spot.
- So for those planning to take both the cable car and a shot at the Stele, it's necessary to take the picture before taking the cable car.

Take The Elder Family Members On Tian'anmen Flag-raising Ceremony

If you accompany older family members, it is highly recommended that you opt for entering through gate “No.01” of the square.
Reason: Among all entrances, this one needs the shortest walk and less queuing. On top of that, it's convenient to reach the gate entrance via a taxi and underground passageway. You only have to show your ID or passport at the security check counter.

Entrance Fee Discount For Seniors

Besides Prince Gong’s Mansion and Forbidden City, seniors (over 60) enjoy a discounted entrance fee in most of the venues.
In most of the other scenic spots, seniors over 60 years old are exempt from entry fees with valid ID or passport.

Former Residence of Li Dazhao (Lidazhaohui –a great historical giant for a modern China)

Like some other places, reservations required. The place strictly follows the rules about making appointments.
Special Note: If an older person above 70, there might be no need for any reservations. Such people can gain access to the house as long as their information has been provided at the entrance.

Driving & Parking in Beijing

In Beijing, renting a car can be very convenient if you wish to stay here but may travel around by taxi.
Main Advice:
- Do make use of public transport when you consider moving around in the city center, such as Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, or Hutongs. Since parking charges are not just extremely high but also very tricky during peak times.
- But if you plan to visit the Great Wall, Summer Palace, it’s better to drive since both parking lot and routes are quite convenient and safe.

Report About Food Recommendations (Based On Personal Preference; Therefore, References Only)

I hope you have a nice trip in Beijing!