What NOT to do in Beijing: Tourist Traps, Scams, and More!

What’s up, guys? I’m Leo, a Beijing vlogger and savvy traveler who is always looking for tourist tracks and scans. I will tell you what to avoid when you travel to Beijing.

Please leave me a comment and tell me what you think of this. Here are Beijing’s Biggest tourist traps and scams.

1. Not bring your passport with you.

When traveling in Beijing, carrying your passport is crucial. It’s legally required for foreigners, necessary for hotel check-ins, accessing certain attractions, and potential police checks. It’s also essential for emergencies and proving your legal status in China.

What to do instead: Make sure you have a copy of your passport in your phone.

2. Stay outside of the 3rd ring road

Staying outside the 3rd Ring Road in Beijing can be inconvenient. It’s far from major attractions, has limited public transportation, and experiences heavier traffic. You’ll spend more time and money commuting, reducing your time for sightseeing and experiencing the city’s core.

Discover the Best Places to Stay in Beijing: Your Ultimate Guide

3. Forget to Carry Toilet Paper

Many public restrooms in Beijing don’t provide toilet paper. Carrying your own ensures comfort and hygiene during your travels. It’s a simple precaution to save you from unexpected inconvenience, especially in less touristy areas or older facilities.

4. Cross the Street Without Looking

Traffic in Beijing can be chaotic and unpredictable. Many drivers don’t strictly follow traffic rules, and electric bikes often ignore signals. Pedestrians aren’t always given the right-of-way. Looking both ways before crossing ensures your safety in this bustling urban environment.

5. Go to the restaurants near the tourist’s sights

Restaurants near popular tourist attractions in Beijing often cater to tourists, resulting in inflated prices and less authentic cuisine. These establishments may prioritize quick turnover over quality, leading to mediocre food experiences. By venturing into local neighborhoods, you’ll find more authentic, delicious, and affordable dining options representing Beijing’s culinary culture.

6. Buy SIM cards in China

This suggestion is only for short-time visitors.

Buying a SIM card in China can be complicated due to language barriers and regulations. Instead, consider using your home carrier’s international plan. This will give you free internet access to Google and all social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. (DON’T NEED ANY VPNS!!! )

Many hotels and public areas in Beijing offer free Wi-Fi, making connectivity easier without a local SIM.

7. Forget to download these Apps

Downloading Alipay, DiDi, and WeChat is essential for a smooth Beijing trip. These apps facilitate mobile payments and are widely used by street vendors and high-end stores.

DiDi provides convenient ride-hailing services. WeChat offers messaging, social networking, and payment features. Together, they enhance your ability to navigate, communicate, and make transactions efficiently in Beijing’s increasingly cashless society.

8. Visit Beijing during the Chinese holidays

Visiting Beijing during Chinese holidays leads to overcrowded attractions, skyrocketing prices, and limited availability of accommodations and transportation. The influx of domestic tourists makes sightseeing challenging and time-consuming. Avoiding these peak periods will give you a more enjoyable, cost-effective experience.

9. Go to Badaling Great Wall

While easily accessible, Badaling is often overcrowded with tourists, diminishing the authentic Great Wall experience. Long queues, commercialization, and limited exploration opportunities are shared. Instead, consider less crowded sections like Mutianyu or Jinshanling for a more enjoyable and genuine visit.

What to do instead: Visit Jinshanling Great Wall for a better experience. This section of the wall is the most beautiful Great Wall. It is easy to visit and always peaceful.

The Best of Jinshanling: Your Essential Guide

10. Forget to Bargain

Bargaining is NOT a common practice in many Beijing markets and shops now. However, prices are often inflated for tourists so that negotiating can lead to significant savings. It’s also a cultural experience, allowing you to engage with locals and get better deals on souvenirs and goods.

 Shopping Guide: Beijing’s Top 15 Retail Destinations

11. Go to Tiananmen Square without a reservation

Visiting Tiananmen Square without a reservation can lead to disappointment. The site has strict daily visitor limits and security checks. Reservations are required, especially during peak seasons. Without one, you risk long queues or being turned away, wasting valuable time during your Beijing trip.

What to do instead: If you book the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and the sights inside the Square, you don’t need an extra reservation for Tiananmen Square.

12. Thinking Beijing is dangerous

Due to strict law enforcement and low violent crime rates, Beijing is generally safe for travelers. However, petty theft and scams targeting tourists can occur. Stay vigilant in crowded areas, use common sense, and respect local customs to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Do you have any suggestions or questions? Please leave a message below to help others travel smartly and happily.