Beijing, China

• Beijing is China's capital with about 22 million people. The city sprawls across different zones that feel nothing alike - you've got historic hutong alleys in Dongcheng, then completely modern international districts like Sanlitun where English is common and everything stays open late.
• The cafe culture here is strong. People sit alone working on laptops or reading for hours, so eating or drinking solo doesn't draw attention. English works in expat areas and international hotels, but you'll need basic Mandarin phrases for local neighborhoods and most taxi drivers.
• Beijing has heavy security - cameras everywhere and regular police presence. Violent crime is rare, but tourist scams are common around major attractions like the Forbidden City. The subway is clean and runs late, though it gets packed during rush hours.
• Winters drop to -10°C or colder, summers hit 35-40°C with humidity. Air quality varies by season - spring and fall are usually better, but pollution can still spike. Some days you'll want to limit time outside.

Mandarin Chinese is the main language. English works in expat areas like Sanlitun, international hotels, and major tourist sites. Tourist Hotline (6513-0828) has English (press 1). Emergency services (110, 120) might have limited English - keep a translation app ready. Europeans can visit visa-free for under 30 days as of November 30, 2024.

• Dress more conservatively than you might in Western cities - low-cut tops, short shorts, and revealing clothing stand out. Beijing is modern, but modest dress works better, especially in temples and traditional areas.
• English is limited outside expat zones and international hotels. Basic Mandarin helps: 'nǐ hǎo' (hello), 'xièxiè' (thank you), 'duōshǎo qián' (how much). Get a translation app and have destinations written in Chinese characters.
• People generally expect quiet behavior in public - loud talking draws attention. Personal space is different here, people stand closer than you might expect. Don't point with one finger, use your whole hand.
• The tea ceremony scam is everywhere around Wangfujing and Houhai - friendly strangers invite you for tea, then hit you with a huge bill. Just decline. Same with unlicensed guides at the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

• The subway has 27 lines and is the fastest way around. Trains run roughly 5am-11pm, cost ¥3-10 per ride. You'll need a transportation card app or mobile payment - cash is harder to use.
• DiDi (like Uber) works well and has an English interface. Taxis are also fine - look for '京B' license plates and make sure they use the meter. Some drivers try to negotiate flat rates at tourist spots.
• Walking works in neighborhoods like Sanlitun, Gulou, and the hutongs during the day. Check air quality before long walks - some days the pollution makes it unpleasant.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Beijing with local guides and curated experiences.