What it actually costs
When to go
Brutal cold (-10°C to -5°C), Great Wall is icy and dangerous, AQI often unhealthy.
Great Wall — NEVER go to Badaling (tourist hell). Mutianyu has a cable car and manageable crowds. Jinshanling is the photographer choice — 2 hours from Beijing, often empty.
What locals know
WeChat Pay is essential — many places don't accept cash or foreign cards. Set up before you arrive (requires a Chinese bank card or international passport link).
Hutong neighbourhoods (Nanluoguxiang area) for the real Beijing — courtyard houses, street food, local bars.
Peking duck: Dadong or Da Dong (not Quanjude which is a tourist trap). Book 2 days ahead.
Metro is excellent, cheap (¥3-7), and covers everything. Buy a Yikatong card.
Honest warnings
VPN is essential — Google, WhatsApp, Instagram all blocked. Download before arrival.
Air quality: download an AQI app. On bad days (150+), wear an N95 mask outdoors.
The Great Wall is NOT walkable from the city. Budget a full day trip (2-3 hours each way).
Squat toilets are common outside tourist areas. Carry tissue paper always.
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