Day 1: A Day Wandering Under the Imperial Shadow in Beijing
Travel Diary: My First Day in China’s Imperial Capital
By Mike, a first-time visitor from New York
I’ve dreamed of visiting Beijing since I was a kid, captivated by stories of emperors and ancient palaces. Today, that dream finally came true—and it exceeded every expectation. My alarm went off at 4:30 AM, which sounded brutal until I remembered why: the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. A local friend had warned me to arrive early, so I grabbed a quick breakfast of jianbing (a savory crepe, totally worth the early wake-up!) and hopped on the subway.
Tiananmen Square was already bustling when I got there, but there was a quiet reverence in the air. As the sun peeked over the horizon, the People’s Liberation Army Honor Guard marched in perfect formation—their steps echoing like a drumbeat. When the national flag rose slowly to the sound of China’s national anthem, I felt a surge of emotion, even as a foreigner. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was a powerful display of pride. Pro tip: Check the official WeChat mini-program (search “Tiananmen Flag Raising Time”) to find the exact sunrise time for your visit—you don’t want to miss it!
Next up was the Forbidden City, just a short walk from the square. I’d booked tickets online 7 days prior (more on that in the guide below), which saved me from the massive ticket lines. Stepping through the Meridian Gate, I was instantly transported back in time. The Palace was the highlight—its golden roof tiles glinting in the sun, and the intricate carvings on the wooden beams left me speechless. I joined a free English tour (look for the blue-shirted guides near the entrance) and learned that each dragon on the palace steps has 11 claws—only emperors could use 11-claw dragons. Mid-afternoon, I stumbled upon the Palace Museum Tea House, where I tried “forbidden fruit tea” and a sweet pastry shaped like a palace roof. It was a cozy break from the crowds, and the view of the palace gardens was stunning.
As dusk fell, I made my way to Wangfujing Snack Street. I’m an adventurous eater, so I dived right in: tanghulu (candied hawthorn berries on a stick—crunchy sugar coating and tart fruit, a perfect combo) and ludagun (glutinous rice rolls with red bean paste). A local grandma noticed me staring at a stall and gestured for me to try her favorite: stinky tofu. I hesitated at first (that smell!), but it was actually delicious—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside. She laughed when I gave her a thumbs-up and told me, “Real Beijing flavor is bold!”
Walking back to my hotel, I reflected on the day. Beijing isn’t just ancient palaces and grand squares—it’s the jianbing seller’s smile, the tour guide’s passion, and the grandma sharing her favorite snack. It’s a city where imperial glory and everyday warmth coexist. I can’t wait to explore more tomorrow!
Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Beijing
1. Transportation: Navigate Like a Local
Beijing’s subway is the easiest and cheapest way to get around. Here’s how to use it without cash:
- Open Alipay (download the app in advance and link an international credit card).
- Search for “Beijing Subway Electronic Card” in the app.
- Tap “Apply” and follow the prompts to activate the card.
- When entering the subway, just scan the QR code on your phone at the gate.
Taxis are also available, but make sure the driver uses the meter. Most drivers don’t speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese (your hotel can help with this).
2. Tickets: Book Ahead for Popular Sites
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) does not sell tickets on-site—you must book online 7 days in advance. Here’s how:
- Visit the official website: https://www.dpm.org.cn/ (English version available).
- Select your visit date and time slot (morning or afternoon).
- Enter your passport number and pay with a credit card.
- You’ll receive a QR code—scan it at the entrance to enter.
3. Avoid the Crowds & Eat Like a Local
Wangfujing Snack Street is popular with tourists, but for more authentic eats, head to the side alleys:
- Look for “Old Beijing Snack Shop” on Dong’anmen Street—try their zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and mung bean cake.
- For jianbing, the stall near Tiananmen East Subway Station (Exit A) has been run by the same family for 20 years—ask for “no chili” if you can’t handle spice.
4. Cultural Etiquette: Respect Local Customs
- During the Tiananmen flag-raising ceremony, keep quiet and stand still—this is a solemn event.
- In the Forbidden City, do not touch any artifacts or climb on the buildings. There are strict rules to protect these ancient treasures.
- When greeting locals, a simple “Ni hao” (hello) goes a long way—they’ll appreciate your effort to speak a little Chinese.
Photo Spots You Can’t Miss
- Tiananmen Square: Stand near the Monument to the People’s Heroes for a full view of the square and the Forbidden City gate.
- Forbidden City: The太和 Palace courtyard—wait for a gap in the crowds to capture the palace without people.
- Wangfujing Street: Take a photo with the neon signs at night—they light up the street like a fairyland.