Let me tell you about chartering a car for winter travel in Beijing.

If you want freedom but worry about the hassle when traveling in Beijing, let me share some thoughts on chartering a car. Many people think "chartering a car" is expensive and only for tour groups. Actually, it's not—especially if you're traveling with family or a few friends, it becomes the most comfortable choice. Imagine this: no dragging luggage on crowded subways in the morning, no anxiously waiting for a ride-hailing car at the attraction entrance. A spacious car and a driver who knows the routes waiting for you right at the hotel. How you spend the day and when you leave is all up to you. The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace—these major attractions are scattered all around Beijing. Chartering a car lets you efficiently visit two or three in one day, and you can even take a nap in the car after lunch to recharge for more sightseeing. The best part is, the driver can take you to those authentic hutongs deep inside where public transport is inconvenient, hidden coffee shops, and old local restaurants that only locals know. "Driver, can we stop here for a photo?" "Is that hotpot place ahead authentic?" This freedom to stop anytime and ask questions is something public transportation can never offer. When there's traffic, you can relax in the car with the air conditioning on, sharing the candied hawthorns you just bought, instead of standing under the scorching sun waiting. Finding a charter car is not complicated. There are many reputable platforms now where you can choose a well-reviewed service and customize the vehicle and schedule as needed. Do the math: for a family of four, about eight or nine hours a day, the per-person cost might not be much more than taking taxis, but the experience is worlds apart. Especially if you get a friendly Beijing driver who can tell you stories about old Beijing and recommend some non-touristy spots—this added value is priceless. So next time you come to Beijing, if you have a group or want a deeper, more relaxed experience, seriously consider chartering a car. It’s not a luxury expense but a way to buy a calm, free, and private travel space with a bit of budget. In Beijing, the scenery is on the road, and even more so in the rhythm you control yourself. Beijing, China Badaling Great Wall Mutianyu Great Wall