As the temperature in Beijing during the May Day holiday may exceed 30 degrees Celsius, it is advisable to check the weather forecast prior to your visit. Prepare accordingly with light clothing such as T-shirts, shirts, casual pants, and thin jackets. Given the dry climate in Beijing, it is crucial to maintain proper moisture and sun protection. Carry body lotion, sunscreen, and face masks, and ensure to bring a water bottle. Physical sun protection is also essential, so don’t forget to wear sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sun during the day and the wind at night.
Before visiting the attractions, it is recommended to bring some dry food and water as prices can be quite high within the tourist spots. Keep in mind that eating and drinking are prohibited inside the National Museum of China, so do not bring food inside. Additionally, due to traffic restrictions in the Second Ring Road of Beijing, foreign vehicles are strictly prohibited from entering the downtown area, and parking can be challenging. If you plan to watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, make sure to check the schedule beforehand and arrive early to secure a good viewing position.
Tickets for the Palace Museum can be booked in advance through the “Audience Services of the Palace Museum” platform, as on-site ticketing windows are no longer available. For the Temple of Heaven, it is advisable to purchase a combined ticket to access the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, while the Old Summer Palace also requires a combined ticket to visit the Western-style buildings. As for the Summer Palace, a combined ticket is not necessary due to its vast size; instead, focus on exploring its highlights.
When visiting the Badaling section of the Great Wall, it is sufficient to explore the essence of sections 4 to 8, as climbing the entire wall can be quite exhausting. Safety should always be a priority, so wear non-slip and comfortable shoes. Please note that several attractions, including the Palace Museum, National Museum of China, China Art Gallery, Beijing Planetarium, Imperial College, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven, are closed on Mondays.
Nearby tourist spots, such as Daoxiangcun and other Beijing specialty stores, may have counterfeit products. When shopping for authentic Beijing Daoxiangcun products, make sure to look for the official “Sanhe” brand to avoid being deceived. Tiananmen Square offers a variety of small red flags for sale, but be mindful of the prices to avoid being overcharged. Niujie is a must-visit destination for food lovers, offering delicious hotpot and various snacks like belly-wrapped meat, roasted chicken, and baked buns.
Regarding food streets, Huoguo Temple Snack Street represents local Beijing cuisine, while Guijie is a 24-hour food street. Qianmen Food Street is a popular destination for tourists, and Fangzhuang Food Street offers higher-end restaurants and a more elegant atmosphere compared to Guijie. Guang’anmen Food Street specializes in spicy cuisine, while Sanlitun is renowned for its bars and creative stores. Xidan, Beijing’s most prosperous commercial district, offers a range of unique small items for shopping.
Lastly, a few tips: Beijing is a fascinating city with scattered attractions. Most of these attractions require advance bookings several days in advance, and traffic can be congested during holidays. If you plan to visit Beijing for four to five days, consider booking a reliable local tour package to simplify the hassles of transportation, accommodation, and luggage handling.
