Beijing Travel FAQ: Questions Answered for NZ Travelers

Recommended: 3-4 days 3 Days (Minimum): One day for Forbidden City + Summer Palace, one day for Great Wall, one day for Temple of Heaven + hutong neighborhoods. 4 Days (Recommended): Same as above plus: - Extra time to explore neighborhoods (Chaoyang, Haidian) - Visit Olympic Stadium or 798 Art District - Enjoy evening activities (night markets, restaurants) 5+ Days: If you want to: - Take multiple Great Wall hikes - Visit Badaling AND Mutianyu (two different sections) - Explore less-touristy areas (Ming Tombs, Eastern Qing Tombs) - Have a relaxed pace without rushing Why not shorter? - Jet lag from NZ (you'll lose 1 day adjusting) - Great Wall alone takes full day - Historical sites are spread out - 3 days minimum to enjoy the city properly

Best: September-October Clear skies, perfect temperatures (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor sightseeing. October has crowds during Golden Week but weather is excellent. Good: March-May (Spring) Mild weather (15-20°C), spring flowers, comfortable for walking. Occasional wind and dust storms. Avoid early May (holiday crowds). Acceptable: November Cool but dry (10-15°C), clear skies, fewer tourists. Bring layers. Avoid: June-August Hot (25-35°C), humid, occasional rain. School holidays = peak crowds and higher prices. Not Recommended: December-February Very cold (-5 to 5°C) with occasional snow. Dry but harsh. Better for winter photography than general tourism. Special Events: - Chinese New Year (late Jan-early Feb): Avoid (very crowded, expensive, many businesses closed) - October Golden Week: Crowded but magical autumn weather

Per person, per day in Beijing: Budget: - Hotel: NZD $60-100/night (3-star hotels, hostels) - Food: $30-50 (street food, noodle shops) - Activities: $30-60 (temple entry fees) - Transport: $5-10 (subway/bus) - Daily Total: $125-220 (~$1,100-1,900 for 8 days) Mid-Range: - Hotel: $120-180/night (4-star hotels) - Food: $50-100 (mix of restaurants) - Activities: $80-120 (paid tours, museum entries) - Transport: $10-15 - Daily Total: $260-415 (~$2,080-3,320 for 8 days) Luxury: - Hotel: $200-400/night (5-star hotels) - Food: $100-200 (fine dining) - Activities: $150-300 (private guides, premium tours) - Transport: $20-30 (taxis, private transfers) - Daily Total: $470-930 (~$3,760-7,440 for 8 days) Sample 3-Day Budget Breakdown (Mid-Range): - Hotel (3 nights): $360 - Forbidden City + Summer Palace: $100 - Great Wall tour: $150 - Meals (9 meals): $200 - Metro/transport: $30 - Miscellaneous: $100 - Total: ~NZD $940

Yes, but it's tight. You'll spend 4-5 hours traveling + 2-3 hours on the wall. Best Day Trip Options: 1. Badaling (Closest - 80km): - Travel time: 2 hours each way (train + walk) - Time on wall: 2-3 hours - Pros: Easiest, most accessible, best facilities - Cons: Most crowded, most touristy - Cost: $50-100 with tour 2. Mutianyu (90km): - Travel time: 2.5-3 hours each way - Time on wall: 3-4 hours - Pros: Less crowded, more scenic, cable car available - Cons: Longer travel, more tiring - Cost: $80-150 with tour 3. Jinshanling (125km): - Travel time: 3 hours each way - Time on wall: 3-4 hours - Pros: Very few tourists, beautiful scenery - Cons: Most remote, hardest to reach independently - Cost: $100-180 with tour Our Recommendation: Book a full-day organized tour from Beijing (includes hotel pickup, guide, lunch). Much easier than doing it independently. Most tours depart 6-7am, return 6-7pm. Alternative: Juyongguan or Simatai Closer/easier but less famous sections. Still impressive for photography.