For foreigners visiting China for the first time, Beijing is undoubtedly a must-see destination. As the capital of China, Beijing is not only rich in history and culture, but also blends modern urban style, offering a rich and varied travel experience for tourists. To experience Beijing in its entirety, a minimum of three days is required, so here is a list of tips for foreigners to plan their first trip to Beijing:

I. Preliminary Preparation

a. Visa and air ticket: Apply for a Chinese tourist visa in advance and book a round-trip air ticket to Beijing.

b. Accommodation booking: Choose a hotel located in the city center or in a convenient area, such as near Wangfujing, Sanlitun or Dongzhimen, to make it easier to visit the major sights.

c. Transportation Card: In Beijing, subway and bus are the most convenient and economical ways to travel. It is recommended to apply for a transit card (One Card) upon arrival to receive discounts on subway and bus rides.

d. Know the weather: Check the weather forecast in Beijing according to the time of your trip, and prepare appropriate clothing and sun protection.

e. Download apps: Download good maps and navigation, translation software and payment apps (e.g. Alipay, WeChat Pay) for use during the trip.

II. Itinerary Planning

Day 1: A first look at history and culture

a. Morning: Proceed to Tiananmen Square to watch the Flag Raising Ceremony (depending on time), followed by a visit to the Forbidden City Museum. It is recommended to book your tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line. Inside the Forbidden City, you can enjoy the rich collection of cultural relics and feel the atmosphere of life of ancient Chinese royalty.

b. Afternoon: visit Jingshan Park, which is the perfect location to enjoy the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Afterwards, you can visit Nanluoguxiang to experience the flavor of old Beijing hutongs and taste local snacks.

c. Evening: Enjoy the nightlife in Sanlitun Bar Street and experience the modern urban flavor of Beijing.

Day 2: The Great Wall and Olympic Heritage

a. Morning to afternoon: Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, and experience the ambition of “It's not a good man until he reaches the Great Wall”. You can either take the cable car or climb on foot, depending on your strength and interest. On the Great Wall, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of mountains and rivers and feel the majesty of the ancient military defense project.

b. Afternoon to evening: Visit the Olympic legacies such as the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube to learn about the glorious history of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. In the evening, you can enjoy the night view and feel the prosperity of Beijing's modern city.

Day 3: Garden Art and Culinary Experience

a. Morning: Visit the Summer Palace, one of the best-preserved royal gardens in China. Here, you can enjoy the exquisite architecture and rich garden landscape, and feel the flavor of ancient royal gardens.

b. Afternoon: go to the Temple of Heaven, an ancient royal altar and one of the sites in Beijing listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can learn about the ancient Chinese sacrificial culture.

c. Evening: Taste Beijing Roast Duck and other specialties. It is recommended to visit famous restaurants such as Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant or Four Seasons Min Fu Roast Duck Restaurant to enjoy the delicious taste of authentic Peking Duck.

III. Precautions

a. Safety and Health: Stay alert and pay attention to the safety of your personal belongings; carry common medicines, pay attention to sun protection and hydration; when visiting outdoor attractions such as the Great Wall, pay attention to wearing comfortable sports shoes and walk according to your ability.

b. Transportation: Try to use public transportation such as subway and buses, which are convenient and economical; if you need to take a cab, it is recommended to use regular cabs and make sure the meter is on.

c. Respect for Culture: When visiting historical and cultural sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, please respect local cultural customs and regulations, and do not make loud noises or touch cultural relics.

d. Shopping and consumption: When shopping in traditional markets and shopping centers in Beijing, please pay attention to identifying the authenticity of the goods and the reasonableness of the prices; you can use Alipay, WeChat Pay and other mobile payment methods for consumption.

With the above planning and suggestions, we believe you can fully experience the unique charm and rich cultural heritage of Beijing and leave unforgettable memories.