BEIJING-TIANJIN
This metropolitan powerhouse is the political and cultural heart of China, boasting a history spanning millennia alongside dizzying modern development. This guide will help you navigate the essential cultural treasures, cutting-edge urban centers, and diverse culinary delights of the capital region.
Why Visit Beijing-Tianjin Region?
World Heritage Sites: Explore iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, revealing China’s imperial past.
Architectural Diversity: Witness a spectacular blend of ancient imperial palaces, traditional hutong alleyways, and stunning contemporary architecture.
Culinary Capital: Dive into one of China’s most important food scenes, from world-famous Peking Duck to savory street snacks.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit for pleasant, mild weather, blue skies, and comfortable outdoor sightseeing at the Great Wall.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and humid, and crowds are at their largest, especially during the peak domestic travel months of July and August.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): It is cold and dry, but you’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds. A snowy Forbidden City is a beautiful, peaceful experience.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Beijing
The capital city is the center of imperial history, home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can spend days exploring the Forbidden City, walking the vast expanse of Tian’anmen Square, and hiking multiple sections of the Great Wall. The city offers everything from ancient temples to trendy international districts.
Your Smart Tip: To get a real taste of local life, take a walk through one of the remaining hutongs (traditional alleyways), particularly in the Shichahai or Nanluogu Lane areas.
Tianjin (The Port City)
Just a short bullet train ride away, Tianjin is a fascinating coastal metropolis with a rich colonial past. Key areas include the Five Great Avenues (Wǔ Dà Dào) with their diverse European architecture, and the beautiful Italian Style Street. It’s also home to the Tianjin Eye, a giant Ferris wheel built on a bridge over the Haihe River.
Your Smart Tip: The high-speed rail connects the two cities in as little as 30 minutes. Take a day trip to Tianjin to experience its unique blend of colonial and modern architecture.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn are characterized by mild, pleasant temperatures.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Greetings: A simple handshake or a nod is common. When addressing elders or seniors, use the formal ‘Nin hao’ (pronounced neen-haow) for “hello.”
Respect for Elders: Respect for seniority and age is deeply rooted in the culture. Allow the eldest person to begin eating before you start.
Public Decorum: Public displays of affection are generally uncommon. Avoid raising your voice in public or getting visibly angry, as this can be seen as causing a “loss of face.”
Tipping: Tipping is generally not customary and can sometimes be considered inappropriate in local establishments.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($25–$50), mid-range hotels ($80–$150), luxury ($180+). Prices are significantly higher during major Chinese holidays.
Food: Street food/Budget meal ($3–$8), fixed-price lunch menu ($10–$20), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$55 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Local subway/bus ($0.50–$1.50), high-speed train Beijing-Tianjin ($8–$20 one way), taxi (reasonable starting fare).
Activities: Great Wall entry ($6–$10), Forbidden City entry ($9–$15), high-end Peking Duck dinner ($40–$80 per person).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (mid-range hotel, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $250+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Subway/Metro: The subway systems in both Beijing and Tianjin are highly extensive, efficient, modern, and the best way to navigate both cities.
By High-Speed Train: This is the best and fastest way to travel between Beijing and Tianjin (as little as 30 minutes).
By Taxi/Ride-Share: Taxis are readily available, but using ride-share apps is often easier and more reliable for non-Chinese speakers.
Must-Try Food
Peking Duck (Běijīng Kăoyā): The iconic dish of roasted duck with crisp skin, served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a sweet bean sauce.
Zhajiangmian (Zhàjiàng Miàn): Thick wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce of ground pork and fermented soybean paste, served with fresh julienned vegetables.
Luzhu Huoshao (Lŭzhŭ Huŏshāo): A hearty, classic Beijing stew made with pork offal, deep-fried tofu, and baked wheat flatbread (huoshao).
Jing Jiang Rousi (Jīngjiàng Ròusī): Shredded pork stir-fried in a sweet bean sauce, served with thin tofu wraps and shredded scallions.
Baodu (Bàodǔ): Quick-scalded tripe (beef or lamb stomach) served with a dipping sauce of sesame paste, a popular snack.
Goubuli Baozi (Gǒubùlǐ Bāozi): Famous, rich-filling steamed buns from Tianjin, a local specialty often with pork.
Jianbing (Jiānbǐng): A savory crepe or pancake cooked on a griddle, filled with eggs, crispy crackers, and sweet/spicy sauce, a perfect breakfast/street snack.
Lvdagunr (Lǚdǎgǔn): “Rolling Donkey”—a sweet dessert made from glutinous rice flour filled with red bean paste, rolled and coated in toasted soybean powder.
Tanghulu (Tánghúlú): Candied fruit skewers, traditionally made with hawthorn berries, famous as a winter snack.
Fuling Bing (Fúlíng Bǐng): A thin, wafer-like cake with a sweet filling made from the Fuling (Poria) mushroom, often served as a traditional pastry.
Must-Try Drinks
Erguotou (Èrguōtóu): A powerful, clear Chinese liquor (Baijiu) popular in Beijing, known for its high alcohol content.
Local Beer: Try local brands like Yanjing Beer (Yànjīng Píjiŭ), a light lager widely available.
Sān Dàyán (Sān Dàyán): A popular local Baijiu from Tianjin.
Douzhir (Dòuzhīr): Fermented mung bean milk. It’s a traditional, sour, and mildly pungent Beijing drink—a true local test of courage!
Tea (Chá): The region has a deep tea culture; explore traditional varieties like green tea, Oolong, or Pu’er.
Soybean Milk (Dòu Jiāng): A warm, fresh, and often unsweetened staple for breakfast.