Long Layover in Beijing - Recommendations

Hits on 10/08/2024 - 14:35

On my way to Europe in early September I have 21h45 hours layover in Beijing (arriving 5.05am and departing 02.50am). Air China has provided a Hotel but given I have full day available, I would love to explore a bit.

Seeking recommendations for following:

Day Tour:

Seems there are number of full day layover tours available from airport covering great wall, forbidden city etc. If anyone has experience in these tours, any recommendations?

I wonder if they will drop me back at hotel rather than back to airport after the tour, hotel is near to airport

Explore on own: If I don't do guided tour, any recommendations on how to explore on my own? Any must see places?

VPN: I have NordVPN & SurfShark, does those work in China or you recommend any other?

eSIM: I read some mixed information on which eSIM will allow access to VPN and some websites which are restricted in China, not sure which one would be best. Any recommendations are welcome.

Wallets: I hear we can't use normal Visa/Mastercard/Amex directly. Is Alipay way to go? How easy/difficult it is to setup? Does it work offline without internet?

Apps: Recommendations for offline maps, public transport etc

Thanks for your help in advance.

Travel Asia Beijing China

Comments

  • sumyungguy on 10/08/2024 - 15:00
    -2

    I stayed at an airport hotel and day-tripped via domestic flights to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors, arguably more interesting than the main sights in Beijing

    • sumyungguy on 11/08/2024 - 09:19

      Some historical perspective for the neggers; Forbidden City and the touristy sections of the Great Wall are from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Terracotta Army dates from 210–209 BCE

  • bohn on 10/08/2024 - 16:22

    If you want to be like a local, you could try lying flat.

  • ihfree on 10/08/2024 - 16:31

    When we had a stopover in China, I bought the Boost roaming pack which gave access to everything.

  • Sweet3st on 10/08/2024 - 17:38
    +3

    I would visit the Forbidden City (its big) and while you're there, try Peking Duck at one of the nearby restaurants (a ritual itself!).

    • shkippy on 10/08/2024 - 22:36
      +2

      I love Peking Duck but it can be expensive, especially the good ones. After trying many of them (In Beijing) I can recommend the best value is Jing Zun Peking Duck Restaurant. IMHO it's as good as, if not better, than the likes of Quan Jude, Da Dong etc. Just much cheaper as it's not super fancy, just amazing duck that you won't find anywhere else in the world. And believe me I've tried it in many many locations. 😋

  • Benoffie on 10/08/2024 - 18:33
    +1

    The Forbidden City is worth it as is the sideways glance at Tiananmen Square as you're getting there. I found the back of the palace to be more interesting than the front tbh. Also, assuming they have survived, the traditional houses nearby are a delight to see.

  • bargaino on 10/08/2024 - 20:32

    Why do you care about a VPN for one day? Or even a local e-SIM? Just load some off-line maps to your phone, and Wikivoyage or equivalent.

    Its been a while since I was there, and the old hutongs were disappearing fast. Try to see some of old Beijing if it is still there.
    Wander around, take in the atmosphere (polluted as it is), and the street food.

    If you don't like cities, and you are lucky enough to get blue skies, you could grab a tour to the Wall.

  • dtc on 10/08/2024 - 22:35
    +1

    The wall is ok but it’s all rebuilt and pretty touristy. Agree with the others, go to the Forbidden City and wander around for a bit, eat a roast duck. Maybe see the summer palace as well or the (small) hiring area.

    You won’t need a tour - it’s easy to get around. Just catch taxis, they are cheap (write down your destinations in Chinese / use google translate and show the driver).

    However a tour will be a more efficient and less stressful; at the cost of not having much free time or choice.

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