Beijing Travel Tips and Tour FAQs

1. What is the weather like in Beijing and when is the best time to travel to Beijing?
Beijing is located in a temperate zone that is quite dry and windy. Winters can be quite cold and summer is usually hot. Spring and fall are the ideal times to travel to Beijing. The best time to travel to Beijing is, generally, May, September, and October. Autumn is the greatest season in Beijing. The mature time is so stirring that people cannot help out into the sunshine, finding the pleasure of picking, enjoying the most natural and richest color of the season: the flaming maple leaves, the golden corns, the dark green water, and the crystal clear blue sky. To exact daylily weather reports please look up the weather bar down at the bottom of the index of the Beijing guide page. 

2. What should I take along with my Beijing tours?
It is recommended that you bring comfortable shoes for your Beijing tour. You will undoubtedly be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Sunscreen is recommended, as well as carrying plenty of bottled water with you, which can be purchased in any supermarket, or hotel. If you are a photography lover, do not forget your camera, film, and batteries, or you will never forgive yourself.

3. What kind of vehicles is available for getting around in Beijing?
In Beijing, tourists will find many options for getting around, such as taxis, buses, minibusses, pedicabs, and of course your private driver. There are also cars and bikes for rent.

4. What are Beijing accommodations like?
There are many star-rated hotels in Beijing as well as a lot of small hotels to choose from.

5. What cuisine options are there in Beijing? Are there other options besides only local foods?
The cuisine available in Beijing is quite diverse. Because the population in Beijing comes from all over China, Beijing food has an almost endless variety and is far more delicious than anything you can find in a "Chinese" restaurant in the west. We highly suggest you try the local foods, especially the Peking (Beijing) Roast Duck. We are certain you will love it. There are also many Western restaurants in Beijing as well as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Subway, and KFC.

6. What are the currency and the ATM system in Beijing like?
Foreign currencies cannot be used directly in Beijing, but you can exchange your money at the many Bank of China outlets throughout the city. Most major hotels in Beijing will accept major credit cards. Your hotels also can change money for you and ATMs are easy to find.

7. Will there be problems with the language barrier?
If you travel to Beijing with China Odyssey Tours, you do not need to worry about the language barrier. You will have a private English-speaking tour guide, and most of the staff in the star-rated hotels in Beijing can speak English.

8. Are there any disadvantages to taking a Beijing tour after the Olympics?
Absolutely not. In fact, it is the ideal time. Beijing received a major facelift for the 2008 Olympics, many of its most popular sites have received extensive restorations, and the public transportation systems have received major overhauls making Beijing more beautiful and convenient than ever before.

9. Where can I see the local Beijing people do the morning exercise?
There are many places even on the sides of the streets you can see the Beijing people doing their morning exercise. But the best place is the Temple of Heaven. In the early morning, the temple attracts thousand local residents to perform their regular routines of exercise, such as traditional Chinese music, calligraphy, Peking Opera, martial arts, or Tai Ji exercises. It is quite peaceful and entertaining to watch people all around you. And if you feel like it, you're always welcome to join.

10. If I want to look for antiques, where will be a good place for me to go?
China Odyssey Tours suggests you go to Panjiayuan and Liulichang. The two places will be very suitable for you. If you are keen on something very 'Chinese, visit the ancient shops that have been running in the capital for hundreds of years. 

11. If I want to visit some other parts of the Great Wall such as Mutianyu, Jinshanling, and Simatai, can China Odyssey Tours provide the tour packages as I require? 
Yes, we have many different Great Wall tour packages. You can choose the one you like or just send the inquiry to us, we will make a custom trip only for you.