VISITING BEIJING

We at the Yale Club of Beijing welcome you to come explore this vibrant city, rich with cultural and culinary treasures!  We know it can be an overwhelming place, so we’ve pulled together a few links below just to help you get your bearings. 

Map

Have a look at a map just to get the overview of the city.  Beijing is a massive city, with the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square at the Center.  The city is organized into ring roads which radiate out from this center.  The airport is located in the Northeast, just outside the fifth ring road—a cab ride from there to most hotels should take 40 – 60 minutes, traffic-permitting.  The Central Business District (CBD) is on the East Third Ring Road.  Many universities and technology companies are in Haidian District towards the Northwest Fourth Ring Road.  And the Olympic Stadium is located at the center of the North Fourth Ring Road.

Big Picture

For the big picture on China and Beijing, refer to a complete guide book such as Lonely Planet or Fodors.  Wikipedia also offers a quick overview and some good links.

Where to Stay

In addition to the tips below, check out Beijing Center Hotels and ExpatFinder for deals on hotels in Beijing along with maps and photos.  For rental options, start with The Beijinger and Craigslist.

Local Knowledge

There are a few publications we can recommend to help you get more in depth knowledge about the city, its offerings and events.  For a comprehensive overview (and very good for those living or working in Beijing), there is the book The Insider’s Guide to Beijing. 

Online you can access the websites of magazines City Weekend and Time Out Beijing, which offer features as well as excellent info on restaurants, bars, entertainment, etc.  Print versions of these magazines can be found in many hotels and at the bookstore/café The Bookworm.  In addition, you can search on the site Local Noodles.

The Official Olympic Site also has information on popular tourist spots.

Yalie Sites

For help with the city from a Yalie, turn to To Rent for help with housing issues.  And have a look through China Bites for excellent advice on Beijing eateries, with photos and menus online.