How to get to Beijing

Beijing is the majestic capital of China and a vast metropolis where ancient architectural monuments harmoniously coexist with modern skyscrapers. If you are planning to visit this unique city, it is helpful to know that the region's transport accessibility is highly developed. Figuring out how to get to Beijing is quite simple: numerous air routes, railway lines, and highways lead here, ensuring a comfortable journey for every tourist.

For most tourists, a trip to Beijing begins with a flight. The capital of China is the country's largest aviation hub, receiving a multitude of direct and connecting flights from all over the world.

The city is served by two main international airports. Capital Airport (Beijing Capital) is the traditional main aerial gateway, located northeast of the centre. It is one of the busiest airports on the planet with developed infrastructure. The second important hub is the new and futuristic Daxing Airport (Beijing Daxing), opened in the south of the metropolis. It impresses with its unique architecture and modern passenger service technologies.

Both airports have excellent transport connections to urban districts. You can get to your hotel or landmarks via high-speed trains, the metro, or taxis, allowing travellers to begin their acquaintance with the city in maximum comfort.

Beijing is the country's key railway hub, where tracks converge from all corners of the state. The railway system here is superbly developed: modern high-speed trains connect the capital with almost all major regions. Travelling by rail often becomes not just a convenient way to reach your destination, but also an opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes outside the window.

Several large railway stations operate in the metropolis, each serving specific directions. Beijing Railway Station (Central Station) receives trains from the north and east, as well as international services. Beijing West is one of the largest in Asia and is the departure point for trains to the southern and western provinces. For high-speed lines, the main hub is Beijing South. All transport hubs are integrated into the city metro system, allowing tourists to easily reach the city centre immediately upon arrival.

Bus services connect the capital with hundreds of cities, offering a budget-friendly and scenic alternative to high-speed trains. It is particularly convenient to travel from neighbouring settlements: for example, a trip from the city of Langfang, located just 50–60 kilometres away, will take about an hour. Regular services from the metropolis of Tianjin are also popular, from where buses cover 120 kilometres in approximately two hours, arriving at one of Beijing's major bus terminals, such as Zhaogongkou or Liuliqiao.

If you are departing from the city of Tangshan, the journey of about 150 kilometres will require 2.5 to 3 hours. Modern Chinese intercity buses generally feature a high level of comfort and are equipped with air conditioning, making the trip tireless. It is recommended to purchase tickets directly at bus station ticket counters, as the bus network remains an important part of the region's transport system and is in high demand.

Travelling by car to Beijing allows you to appreciate the quality of Chinese expressways linking the capital with neighbouring regions. Langfang is the closest: a distance of 50–60 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just one hour. The road from the metropolis of Tianjin will take a little longer — about 120 kilometres of travel on a modern highway will require approximately 1.5–2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

The route from the city of Tangshan, spanning about 150 kilometres, usually takes 2–2.5 hours. Intercity taxis remain a convenient option for those who value personal space: the cost of a trip from distant cities can vary from 400 to 800 yuan, so it is recommended to use official aggregator apps or agree on the price with the driver in advance. Given the heavy traffic at the entrances to the capital, especially during peak hours, it is worth allocating a little extra time for the journey.

Preparing for a trip to Beijing requires attention to detail, as this metropolis lives by its own unique rhythm. To ensure your trip to China is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, we have compiled a list of the most important recommendations for you.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the capital is sharply continental. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are dry and windy, so dress according to the weather. Most importantly, bring maximally comfortable and proven footwear: distances in the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and on the Great Wall are vast, and you will have to walk a great deal.
2. Transport: The metro is the fastest and most understandable way to get around, allowing you to avoid the famous Beijing traffic jams. Station names are duplicated in English. If you take a taxi, be sure to have the hotel card or the name of the landmark written in Chinese characters, as drivers rarely speak foreign languages.
3. Finances: The country has almost completely switched to cashless payments via mobile apps (Alipay, WeChat). Cash is accepted less frequently, and change may not be available for large banknotes. Tourists are recommended to install the Alipay app in advance and link their bank card to it (via built-in mini-programmes for foreigners) to pay with their phone, just like the locals.
4. Health and Safety: Do not drink tap water; always buy bottled water. Although the environmental situation has improved, on days with high smog levels, sensitive individuals should wear a protective mask. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but finding familiar international medicines there is difficult, so assemble a basic first aid kit at home.
5. Communication: The language barrier in the city is high. Download an offline translator with a photo translation function (for menus and signs) to your phone in advance. Note that familiar Western messengers, maps, and search engines may be blocked, so take care of communication methods and navigation before departure.
6. Local Etiquette: Tipping is not customary in restaurants. When eating with chopsticks, never stick them vertically into a bowl of rice — this is a bad omen. Be prepared for the fact that the concept of personal space in queues differs from what you may be used to, and accept this calmly.
7. What to Avoid: Be wary of overly friendly strangers (often students or couples) who invite you to a "tea ceremony" or an art exhibition in good English. This is a popular tourist trap that ends with a bill for an astronomical amount.
8. Additional Tip: Always carry your passport. It is necessary not only for checking into hotels and buying train tickets but also for entering most museums, parks, and Tiananmen Square. Tickets for major attractions (such as the Forbidden City) must be booked online several days in advance, otherwise you risk not getting inside.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid common difficulties and focus on the main thing — exploring the rich culture and history of the Chinese capital. A little preparation will turn your stay in this amazing city into an unforgettable adventure.