First trip to Beijing? Don't join a tour group!

I just got back from Beijing and discovered that the temperature difference between day and night is huge, and it's often windy! While the daytime is sunny and comfortable, the temperature drops sharply in the mornings and evenings. The strong wind can chill you to the bone, so if you don't bring enough warm clothes, you'll catch a cold in no time. Also, during peak season, it's super crowded, and the lines for popular attractions are incredibly long. Fortunately, I planned my trip thoroughly in advance. For those who haven't been to Beijing, this guide will definitely help you! 🗼Getting to Beijing ①Fly directly to Beijing Capital International Airport ✈️ or Beijing Daxing International Airport. Both airports are well-equipped, and you can visit souvenir shops or try Daoxiangcun pastries while waiting for your flight. Capital Airport is closer to the city center and accessible by Airport Express, bus, etc. Daxing Airport is a bit further, but it offers various transportation options like the Airport Express and high-speed rail, making it easy to reach the city. If there are no direct flights, transferring at nearby Tianjin Binhai International Airport is also convenient. ②Train/High-speed Rail: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station have frequent trains to and from all over the country. Beijing South Railway Station mainly serves high-speed trains, while Beijing West and Beijing Railway Stations have more conventional trains. After arriving, you can easily reach popular attractions like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace by subway, bus, or taxi. Remember to book tickets in advance during peak season. 🗼Accommodation 🧸【Dongcheng District/Xicheng District】 There are various accommodation options, from high-end star-rated hotels to budget-friendly hotels. This area is close to core attractions like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, with convenient transportation. You can also stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street at night and experience the blend of old Beijing and modern prosperity. The area around Qianmen Street is full of delicious food, making it very convenient for sightseeing and dining. 🧸【Chaoyang District】 If you want to experience the modern city vibe, this is the place to be. It's surrounded by numerous commercial areas like Sanlitun and Guomao, which are fashionable and trendy, with dazzling lights at night. Accommodation mainly consists of business hotels and unique homestays, close to attractions like 798 Art District. However, prices tend to increase during peak season. 🧸【Haidian District】 If you're looking to experience the cultural atmosphere and visit universities, you must come here. It's close to attractions like the Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace, Peking University, and Tsinghua University. Accommodation options mainly include budget hotels and family guesthouses, offering great value and convenient transportation. It's suitable for travelers who prioritize sightseeing over accommodation. 🗼Popular Attractions 🗳Forbidden City: In April, the Forbidden City is in full bloom, with red walls and yellow tiles complementing the magnolias and apricot blossoms, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Stroll through the palaces and experience the majesty and luxury of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery house countless rare treasures. However, it's crowded, so it's recommended to book tickets in advance and arrive early. 🗳Badaling Great Wall: April's pleasant temperature makes it the perfect time to visit the Great Wall. Standing on the wall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the rolling mountains, a truly magnificent sight. You can choose to hike or take the cable car up and down, experiencing the spirit of "He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man." However, it's packed with tourists on weekends, so a working day visit is recommended. 🗳Summer Palace: The lake and mountains offer stunning spring scenery. Kunming Lake shimmers, the Seventeen-Arch Bridge spans the lake, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense is magnificent. Stroll along the Long Corridor and admire the exquisite paintings, or take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the imperial garden. 🗳Nanluoguxiang: This hutong alley is filled with the charm of old Beijing and is bustling in April. It's home to numerous unique shops and popular restaurants, offering everything from Zhajiangmian to various Beijing snacks. Wander through the hutongs, experience the local life of old Beijing, and visit nearby Shichahai and the Drum and Bell Towers. 🗳Popular Food 🔖Peking Duck: This is Beijing's signature dish! The sliced duck has crispy skin and tender meat. Wrap it in a thin pancake with spring onions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce for a truly satisfying bite😍. Time-honored brands like Quanjude and Da Dong offer authentic Peking Duck. 🔖Beijing Zhajiangmian: This dish features chewy noodles with rich Zhajiang sauce, along with cucumber, bean sprouts, and other toppings. It's flavorful and aromatic, and you can find authentic versions in street-side noodle shops. 🔖Douzhi and Jiaoquan: This is a unique Beijing snack. Douzhi has a distinctive flavor, while Jiaoquan is crispy and delicious. If you like trying new foods, don't miss this. You can find it at traditional shops like Huguosi Street Snacks. 🔖Baodu: Fresh tripe is quickly blanched in boiling water and dipped in sesame sauce. It's crispy, tender, and refreshing, a favorite among Beijingers. You can find it in some time-honored restaurants. In short, before coming to Beijing, plan carefully, considering the weather changes, transportation, accommodation, and other factors. Book tickets and accommodation in advance to avoid any pitfalls and fully enjoy the unique charm of Beijing, creating wonderful travel memories.