Beijing
Airport Transfer & Private Car

PEK Capital Airport & Daxing (PKX) to downtown with English-speaking driver. Fixed price, free flight tracking. Explore 3,000 years of history in comfort.

Beijing at a Glance

China's historic capital blends imperial grandeur with cutting-edge modernity.

16,410
km²
Total Area
21.9M
Population
2024 Estimate
27
Metro Lines
800+ km Network
3,000+
Years
of History

Name Origin

The name "Beijing" (北京) literally means "Northern Capital." In 1403, the Ming Emperor Yongle moved the capital from Nanjing ("Southern Capital") to this city, officially renaming it Beijing. It has served as China's political and cultural heart for over 600 years, with only brief interruptions.

Education & Universities

Beijing is China's intellectual capital, home to the nation's two most prestigious universities: Peking University (founded 1898, ranked top 20 globally) and Tsinghua University (founded 1911, often called "China's MIT"). Other major institutions include Renmin University, Beihang University, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts. The city hosts over 90 universities and 1 million students.

Metro & Transportation

Beijing's subway system is one of the world's longest and busiest, with 27 lines and 800+ km of track. It handles over 10 million daily passengers. The airport express line connects Capital Airport (PEK) to the city center in 20 minutes. However, during rush hour, trains can be extremely crowded — many visitors prefer a private car for comfort.

Natural Resources & Environment

Beijing sits on the North China Plain, surrounded by the Yan Mountains to the north and the Taihang Mountains to the west. The Yongding River and Miyun Reservoir provide the city's water supply. In recent years, Beijing has dramatically improved air quality through aggressive environmental policies, though winter smog can still occur. The city is home to the Summer Palace's Kunming Lake and expansive Olympic Forest Park.

Top Beijing Attractions

From imperial palaces to modern wonders, explore China's most iconic landmarks with a private driver.

🏯

The Forbidden City

Imperial Palace • UNESCO World Heritage

The world's largest imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 9,999 rooms, it showcases the pinnacle of Chinese architecture. A private car allows you to arrive early and avoid the largest crowds.

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The Great Wall

Mutianyu / Badaling / Jinshanling

One of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World. The Mutianyu section offers stunning views with fewer crowds than Badaling. Our private car service includes a 90-minute drive from downtown with a knowledgeable driver who knows the best arrival times.

🏛️

Temple of Heaven

Ming Dynasty • UNESCO World Heritage

A masterpiece of Ming architecture where emperors prayed for good harvests. The Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are architectural marvels. Visit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi in the park.

🌸

Summer Palace

Imperial Garden • UNESCO World Heritage

A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces that served as the imperial summer retreat. The Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill offer peaceful walks. A private car is ideal for visiting the Summer Palace and the nearby Old Summer Palace in one day.

🏟️

Olympic Park

Bird's Nest & Water Cube

Home to the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (Aquatics Center) are modern architectural icons. The surrounding park is perfect for evening walks. Our drivers can arrange night tours to see the illuminated structures.

🎨

798 Art District

Contemporary Art • Galleries & Cafés

A former factory complex transformed into Beijing's premier contemporary art hub. Home to galleries, studios, and trendy cafés. Your private driver can drop you off and pick you up after you've explored the maze-like alleys at your own pace.

Popular Beijing Routes

Fixed-price private car service for Beijing's most popular journeys.

PEK Capital Airport → City Center

From $50

~30 km · 45–60 min · Economy/Business/MPV

Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is China's busiest airport. Your driver meets you at the arrival hall with a name board, tracks your flight for delays, and takes you directly to hotels in Dongcheng, Chaoyang, or Xicheng districts. No waiting for taxis or navigating the airport express.

PKX Daxing Airport → City Center

From $65

~50 km · 60–90 min · Economy/Business/MPV

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) opened in 2019 and is one of the world's largest airports. Located 46 km south of the city, it's far from public transit connections. Our private car service is the most comfortable option, especially after a long international flight.

Beijing → Great Wall (Mutianyu)

From $90

~70 km · 90 min · 8-hour day trip

The most popular day trip from Beijing. Your driver picks you up at your hotel, drives you to the Mutianyu section (less crowded than Badaling), waits while you explore, and returns you to your hotel. Optional cable car tickets can be arranged.

Beijing City Tour (Full Day)

From $80

8 hours · Business vehicle · Custom itinerary

Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace in one day with a private car. Your driver knows the best routes, parking locations, and timing to avoid crowds. Add a fluent English guide for deeper historical insights.

Getting to Beijing: Airports & Railway Stations

Everything you need to know about arriving in Beijing and reaching your hotel.

✈️ Airports

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Northeast of the city · 27 km to Tiananmen

PEK is China's busiest international gateway. It has two operational passenger terminals: Terminal 2 (many domestic and some international flights) and Terminal 3 (Air China, Star Alliance, and most long-haul international flights). Terminal 1 is currently closed. To reach the city center, the Airport Express train takes about 20 minutes to Dongzhimen, but with luggage after a long flight, a private car is the most comfortable option. By road, expect 45–60 minutes to Dongcheng or Chaoyang districts, depending on traffic.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

South of the city · 46 km to Tiananmen

Opened in September 2019, PKX is one of the world's largest single-terminal airports and serves as the hub for China Southern, China Eastern, and their partners. The iconic starfish-shaped terminal is stunning, but it is far from downtown. The Daxing Airport Express reaches Caoqiao in about 20 minutes, yet transferring to a taxi with luggage can be tiring. Our private car service is the fastest door-to-door solution, typically taking 60–90 minutes to central Beijing hotels.

🚄 Railway Stations

Beijing South Station

High-speed hub · 30 min to Tiananmen

The main station for high-speed trains to Shanghai, Tianjin, Jinan, Nanjing, and Hangzhou. The station itself is modern and efficient. A private car pickup is recommended, as taxi queues can be long during peak hours.

Beijing West Station

Long-distance & HSR · 25 min to Tiananmen

The gateway to western and southern China by train, with high-speed services to Xi'an, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, Zhengzhou, and Kunming. It is one of China's largest railway stations, so pre-booking a pickup with a clear meeting point saves time.

Beijing Station

Historic central station · 10 min to Tiananmen

Located near Jianguomen and the CBD, this is the city's oldest main station. It mainly serves conventional trains to Northeast China, coastal cities, and some international routes to Mongolia and Russia. Its central location makes hotel transfers quick.

Beijing North Station

Suburban trains · Near Xizhimen

Used mainly for suburban trains, including the S2 line to Badaling Great Wall and the high-speed rail to Zhangjiakou. The station building is a historic European-style structure originally opened in 1909.

Beijing Chaoyang Station

Newest station · Northeast Beijing

Opened in 2021, this station mainly serves high-speed trains to Northeast China, including Harbin, Shenyang, and Changchun. It is located in the Chaoyang district, convenient for hotels in the east of the city.

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Need a Station Pickup?

We meet you at the exit with a name board and help with luggage.

Book Station Transfer

Beijing's Best Photo Spots

Capture the city from the most iconic and photogenic angles.

🌅 Jingshan Park Pavilion

Best at sunrise

Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for the classic panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City. On clear days, you can see the CCTV tower and the western mountains in the distance. Arrive early to beat the crowds.

🏯 Forbidden City Corner Tower

Best at dusk

The northwest corner tower reflected in the moat is one of Beijing's most photographed scenes. The sunset glow turns the water gold and the tower silhouette dramatic. Your driver can drop you at the northeast or northwest corner for the perfect shot.

🛶 Shichahai Hutongs

Best in late afternoon

The lakeside hutongs around Houhai and Qianhai offer a charming mix of old Beijing life, willow trees, and red lanterns. Take a rickshaw ride or wander the narrow alleys, then capture the golden hour light on the water.

🏙️ CCTV Headquarters

Best at blue hour

Also known as the "Big Pants," this modern architectural icon in the CBD looks best from the plaza below or from across the Third Ring Road. At night, the building is illuminated and reflected in the surrounding towers.

🧱 Great Wall at Jinshanling

Best in early morning mist

For photographers seeking a dramatic, less-crowded Great Wall shot, Jinshanling is unmatched. The wild, unrestored sections and watchtowers winding over mountain ridges create unforgettable sunrise and fog images.

🎨 798 Art District

Best on a sunny afternoon

Colorful murals, industrial brick buildings, and quirky sculptures make 798 a favorite for creative portraits. Every corner offers a different backdrop, from Soviet-era slogans to contemporary street art.

Food & Shopping in Beijing

🍽️ Must-Try Beijing Cuisine

Beijing Roast Duck (Peking Duck)

The city's most famous dish. Crispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce. Quanjude and Da Dong are the most renowned restaurants. Your driver can recommend the best duck restaurant based on your location and budget.

Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soybean Paste)

A beloved Beijing street food. Thick wheat noodles topped with a savory fermented soybean paste, cucumber, and bean sprouts. Try it at a local hutong eatery for an authentic experience.

Jianbing (Beijing Crepes)

The quintessential Beijing breakfast — a crispy egg crepe with scallions, cilantro, and a crunchy fried cracker. Sold at street carts across the city. Ask your driver for the best morning spot near your hotel.

Hotpot (Shuan Yang Rou)

Mongolian-style hotpot with thinly sliced lamb, fresh vegetables, and sesame dipping sauce. Beijing's winters are perfect for this communal dining experience. Ask your driver for a local favorite away from tourist traps.

🛍️ Shopping Destinations

Wangfujing Street

Beijing's most famous shopping street, featuring international brands, traditional Chinese crafts, and the famous Wangfujing Snack Street. Your driver can drop you at the pedestrian entrance and arrange a pickup time.

Sanlitun (Taikoo Li)

The trendy heart of Beijing's nightlife and fashion. Open-air malls with international designer brands, craft breweries, and rooftop bars. Perfect for an evening shopping trip with a private car waiting to take you home safely.

Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market)

A multi-story market famous for pearls, silk, electronics, and souvenirs. Bargaining is expected. Your driver can help you negotiate or recommend trustworthy vendors and ensure you don't get overcharged.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

The largest antique market in China, open on weekends. Hundreds of stalls selling ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and Mao memorabilia. A fascinating cultural experience, best visited early morning with a private car for the 30-minute drive from downtown.

🎁 What to Buy in Beijing

Cloisonné (Jingtailan)

Beijing's most iconic craft. Look for vases, bracelets, and small boxes with intricate copper-wire patterns and brilliant enamel colors. The best pieces are sold at the Cloisonné Factory or reputable shops in Wangfujing.

Peking Opera Masks

Hand-painted masks representing different characters in traditional opera. Each color has a meaning: red for loyalty, black for integrity, white for treachery. Great as wall art or gifts.

Chinese Tea & Teaware

Beijing tea houses stock jasmine tea, pu'er, and oolong from across China. Pair your tea with a Yixing clay teapot or porcelain gaiwan for an authentic gift set.

Silk, Paper-Cuts & Calligraphy

Soft silk scarves, red paper-cuttings, and hand-brushed calligraphy scrolls are lightweight, meaningful souvenirs. Silk Street and Liulichang are reliable shopping areas.

Intangible Cultural Heritage & Living Crafts of Beijing

Meet the traditional arts that have defined Beijing for centuries — and the artisans keeping them alive.

🎭 Peking Opera (Jingju)

UNESCO-listed intangible heritage. With roots in the 18th century, Peking Opera combines singing, mime, dance, acrobatics, and stylized combat. The elaborate face painting and costumes make every performance a visual feast.

Where to experience it: Liyuan Theatre, Zhengyici Theatre, or Huguang Guild Hall. Ask your driver to book tickets in advance.

🏺 Cloisonné Enamel (Jingtailan)

A Beijing specialty since the Yuan dynasty, cloisonné involves soldering copper wires onto a metal body, filling the compartments with enamel, and firing multiple times. The result is luminous, jewel-like tableware and art pieces.

Living master: Master Zhang Tonglu, a national-level inheritor, has devoted over 60 years to cloisonné design. His studio creates museum-quality pieces that preserve the imperial tradition while introducing contemporary forms.

✂️ Beijing Paper-Cutting (Jianzhi)

Red paper-cuttings of flowers, animals, and auspicious symbols are pasted on windows during Spring Festival. Beijing's style is bold and symmetrical, often featuring the city's landmark architecture alongside traditional motifs.

Where to find it: workshops in hutongs, Panjiayuan Market, and the Beijing Folk Art Museum.

🪁 Kite Making (Shayan Kite)

Traditional Beijing kites are framed with bamboo and painted with birds, butterflies, or characters from folklore. The Shayan kite tradition, passed down through generations of craftsmen, is known for its perfect balance and elegant designs.

Where to find it: Look for kite craftsmen at the Temple Fair during Spring Festival, or visit traditional craft shops near Shichahai.

🎨 Inside-Bottle Painting

An astonishing art form where artists paint miniature landscapes, figures, and animals on the inside surface of tiny glass bottles using a bent brush. It requires years of steady hands and deep concentration.

Where to find it: Liulichang Cultural Street and the Beijing Enamel Factory have shops and demonstrations.

🎤 Storytelling & Acrobatics (Pingshu & Acrobatics)

Traditional Beijing storytelling (pingshu) and acrobatics have entertained locals in teahouses for centuries. Acrobatics troupes perform breathtaking feats of balance, juggling, and contortion nightly.

Where to see it: Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatics Show, Laoshe Teahouse, or Tianqiao Acrobatics Theatre.

Beijing Local Secrets

Insider tips to help you experience Beijing like a local.

🌅

Beat the Crowds at the Forbidden City

Enter through the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men) at opening time and walk the opposite direction of the tour groups. The central axis is busiest, but the side halls are quieter and equally beautiful.

🍜

Eat Breakfast Like a Beijinger

Start with a jianbing from a street cart, then try douzhi (fermented mung bean milk) and jiaoquan (crispy fried dough rings) at a traditional hutong shop. The flavor is polarizing — but it's the real Beijing.

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Explore the Hutongs by Bike or on Foot

Skip the crowded Nanluoguxiang and explore Beixinqiao, Guozijian, or Wudaoying Hutong instead. These alleys still have family courtyards, independent cafés, and old Beijing charm.

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Seasonal Highlights

Spring: Cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park. Summer: Lotus flowers at Beihai Park. Autumn: Golden ginkgo avenues at Ditan Park. Winter: Skating on the frozen lakes of Shichahai.

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Book the Forbidden City a Week Ahead

Tickets sell out, especially in peak season. Book online exactly 7 days before at 8 PM Beijing time. A Monday afternoon or a rainy day is usually less crowded.

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Use a Private Car for the Great Wall

Public buses to Mutianyu or Badaling are crowded and slow. A private car lets you leave at 6 AM, arrive before the crowds, and visit a less-touristy section like Jinshanling or Simatai.

Day Trips from Beijing

Explore beyond the capital with a private car and English-speaking driver.

🧱

Great Wall at Mutianyu

~70 km · 90 min drive · UNESCO World Heritage

The most scenic and less-crowded section of the Great Wall. Your driver picks you up at 6 AM, arrives before the tour buses, and waits while you hike. Cable car and toboggan options available.

From $90

🏞️

Chengde Summer Mountain Resort

~230 km · 3 hr drive · Imperial Summer Retreat

A vast imperial garden and palace complex where Qing emperors escaped the summer heat. Explore lakes, temples, and the beautiful mountain scenery. A full-day adventure with your private driver.

From $180

🏘️

Gubei Water Town

~140 km · 2 hr drive · Ancient Canal Town

A beautifully restored ancient water town at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall. Stroll the canals, visit traditional workshops, and take a night tour of the illuminated Great Wall.

From $130

🏙️

Tianjin

~120 km · 90 min drive · Historic Port City

Explore Tianjin's colonial architecture along the Hai River, visit the Italian Style Town, and sample famous Goubuli baozi. Your driver handles the highway tolls and navigation.

From $120

Plan Your Day Trip

Custom itineraries, flexible timing, and door-to-door service with an English-speaking driver.

Book a Beijing Day Trip

Best Time to Visit Beijing

Each season offers a different side of China's capital.

🌸

Spring

Mar–May · 10–22°C

Mild and pleasant with occasional dust storms. Cherry blossoms at Yuyuantan Park. Moderate crowds.

Highlights: Forbidden City gardens, Temple of Heaven park

☀️

Summer

Jun–Aug · 22–32°C

Hot and humid with occasional heavy rain. Air conditioning is essential. Peak domestic tourist season.

Highlights: Summer Palace lotus, evening hutong walks

🍂

Autumn

Sep–Nov · 8–20°C

Clear skies, crisp air, and golden ginkgo trees. The most popular and comfortable season to visit.

Highlights: Great Wall hiking, Ditan Park ginkgo

❄️

Winter

Dec–Feb · -6–5°C

Cold and dry with occasional snow. Fewer tourists and lower hotel prices. Indoor heating is excellent.

Highlights: Frozen Shichahai skating, hot pot dinners

Useful Chinese Phrases for Beijing

A few words go a long way with your driver and locals.

👋 Nǐ hǎo

你好

Hello — The universal greeting. Your driver will appreciate the effort.

🙏 Xièxiè

谢谢

Thank you — Use it often. Chinese people value politeness highly.

🚗 Wǒ xiǎng qù...

我想去...

I want to go to... — Essential for telling your driver the destination.

💰 Duōshao qián?

多少钱?

How much is this? — Useful for shopping and street food.

🚽 Cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?

厕所在哪里?

Where is the bathroom? — Always good to know when exploring.

Popular Beijing Airport Transfer Routes

Direct private transfers from Beijing airport to top attractions and hotels. Fixed price, English-speaking driver, easy booking.

🚗 Beijing Airport Transfer to Great Wall

Direct private transfer from PEK or PKX to the Great Wall. Skip the crowded tour buses.

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🚗 Beijing Airport Transfer to Forbidden City

Airport pickup to the heart of Beijing. Walk straight into the Forbidden City.

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🚗 Beijing Airport Transfer to Tiananmen Square

Fixed-price transfer from Beijing airport to Tiananmen and nearby landmarks.

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Book Your Beijing Airport Transfer

Fixed price, English-speaking driver, free flight tracking. From PEK or PKX to any Beijing hotel.

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Questions? WhatsApp +86-155-2777-1775

Travel Essentials for Your Beijing Trip

Make your Beijing journey smoother with these essential services.

📶

Mobile Pocket Wi-Fi

Stay connected anywhere in China with a pocket Wi-Fi device. Pre-book online and pick up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.

Book Wi-Fi at ChinaWiFiGo
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English-Speaking Guide

Explore China's history and culture with a professional English-speaking guide. Custom tours, skip-the-line access, and insider knowledge.

Book Guide at VIPChinaGuide
🏥

Medical Services

Add a health checkup, dental cleaning, or TCM treatment to your trip. China's world-class medical services cost 70% less than in the US or Europe.

Book Medical at MediEscortChina

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