Beijing is proud to announce the launch of a new brochure designed to enhance the experience of first-time visitors to the capital city.

The brochure, available in both printed and digital formats, titled “Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals,” is a practical, convenient, and aesthetically pleasing resource tailored for first-time foreign visitors. It highlights the practical elements travelers must know — things like mobile payment systems and public transportation — as well as offering a quick bird’s-eye view of Beijing’s unique cultural and modern attractions.

Included in the succinct brochure is everything a new arrival needs to know to get their Beijing visit started, including basic details on:

GETTING CONNECTED

Turn on international roaming service: It might be expensive, but it is always the most reliable way to ensure you are able to reach your family and friends at home.

Connect to Airport Wi-Fi: All areas in both Beijing airports have free Wi-Fi.

Buy a local Chinese SIM card: both airports offer SIM vending machines as well as manned counters for purchase. Please note that China uses physical SIM cards, which may not be compatible with your current phone.

ESSENTIAL APPS

Alipay: King of apps for foreign visitors in China. It has a built-in, multi-language translator with 15 different languages. It’s a primary mobile payment tool and also the platform hosting mini-programs of all essential apps you need to function in China every day. Be sure to search the following mini-programs in Alipay: DiDi, Trip.com, Meituan, and Ele.me.

WeChat: It’s the primary communication tool in China, more than phone or SMS. Like Alipay, it’s also a primary mobile payment tool and a platform hosting mini-programs of essential apps, but it doesn’t have an in-app translator like Alipay, and you can get lost with the Chinese-only interface while using its mini-programs.

Trip: an app and website (www.trip.com) for hotel and ticket booking. You can also connect via the mini-program inside Alipay.

Mobile map apps: Most Chinese mobile map apps don’t offer English interfaces. iOS Maps works with English; for Android phone users, if your built-in map doesn’t work, try to use www.bingmap.com.

PAYMENT SERVICES

China is well known for its highly developed and nearly universally accepted digital payment systems, which are continuously being optimized for international visitors.

Beijing Pass

Pick up this smart card for foreign tourists at the airport. It provides access to public transport, entry to select attractions, and can be used for payment at some convenience stores.

Mobile Payment

The most popular and convenient payment method in China is via your mobile phone, but keep in mind that the payment apps you are used to using in your home country may be uncommon here. The two most commonly accepted apps are WeChat and Alipay.

Debit or Credit Cards

Debit and credit cards with Union Pay, Visa or Mastercard logos are accepted by most major commercial venues. However, with the rise of mobile payments, cards are becoming less and less commonly accepted, and this is especially true with smaller venues like standalone restaurants, bars and streetside shops.

Cash

All merchants in China are required to accept RMB cash, and you may withdraw RMB from bank counters and ATMs at the airport and around the city. However, bear in mind that cash is increasingly uncommon in daily transactions, and merchants are so accustomed to electronic payments that they may not have the proper change for larger notes.

TRANSPORTATION

Taxis are most tourists’ first choice when arriving in Beijing. Follow English signs for the taxi queue. Service is available 24/7, with fares to the city ranging from CNY 60 to 200. Most drivers don’t speak English, so print your destination’s address in Chinese before arrival.

The Beijing Metro subway system is another option. Both airports have subway stations. Purchase a Metro card at station entrances via machines (WeChat Pay, Alipay) or manned counters (international cards, CNY cash).

Shuttle buses run from all terminals. Fares range from CNY 20 to 55. Buy tickets at terminals from vending machines (WeChat Pay, Alipay) or booths (international cards). Staff likely don’t speak English, so have your destination’s Chinese address ready.

Ride-hailing: Didi, Beijing’s most popular platform, has an English interface. Download the app and use an active phone number for ID verification. Airports have designated pickup areas.

MEDICAL SERVICES

Beijing offers reliable multilingual medical services at a variety of international hospitals and clinics such as Beijing United Family Hospital (private) and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (public). These facilities have English-speaking staff and provide quality care for both minor illnesses and emergencies. Bear in mind that prices at private hospitals are comparable to those in North America or Europe, so insurance is essential.

The brochure showcases the charm of Beijing by presenting the city’s iconic landmarks throughout the four seasons. It also features images of the Beijing Swift, a bird that travels thousands of kilometers across numerous countries each year but always returns to Beijing every spring. This symbolizes the city’s warm invitation for visitors to return to Beijing time and again.

In addition to the brochure, a linked mini website provides more in-depth information. Visitors can access the full guide and specific category guides by scanning the QR codes provided in the brochure. The website maintains consistency with the brochure’s design, ensuring a cohesive and efficient user experience.

The launch of the brochure underscores Beijing’s commitment to continually improving services to welcome foreign tourists and business travelers to the city.

To access the digital version, please scan the QR code below:

Source: Foreign Affairs Office of the

People’s Government of Beijing Municipality