Beijing, a city where ancient history meets modern glamour, is a paradise for travelers seeking Instagram-worthy spots. Whether you’re landing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX), the journey from the tarmac to breathtaking photo ops is smoother than ever. Here’s your ultimate guide to capturing the essence of Beijing, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that’ll make your followers double-tap in envy.
The fastest way to dive into Beijing’s visual feast is via the Airport Express Train. From PEK, it zips you to Dongzhimen in 20 minutes, connecting to subway lines 2 and 13. From PKX, the Daxing Airport Express takes you to Caoqiao Station in just 19 minutes. Pro tip: Grab a window seat for skyline glimpses—perfect for a quick Instagram Story teaser!
Prefer comfort? Taxis and Didi (China’s Uber) are readily available. A ride to downtown Beijing takes 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. For aesthetics, request a route passing by the CCTV Headquarters (aka the "Big Pants" building) for an urban-jungle shot.
Splurge on a private transfer that includes a local photographer-guide. Companies like "Beijing Insta Tours" offer rides straight to photogenic locations, with stops for impromptu shoots en route.
No Beijing trip is complete without the Forbidden City’s vermilion walls and golden roofs. Arrive early (8:30 AM) to avoid crowds and capture the Hall of Supreme Harmony with soft morning light. For a unique angle, head to Jingshan Park across the street—the panoramic view from the hilltop is chef’s kiss.
Pro Tip: Wear bold colors (red or yellow) to pop against the palace’s hues.
This repurposed factory district is a graffiti-lover’s dream. Murals, sculptures, and avant-garde galleries provide endless backdrops. Don’t miss the "UCCA Dune" exhibit or the rainbow staircases near Pace Gallery.
Best Time: Weekday afternoons for empty alleys and golden-hour shadows.
The Kunming Lake reflections and the Marble Boat are Insta gold. Rent a traditional qipao or hanfu near the entrance for a timeless aesthetic. For a drone-like perspective, hike to Longevity Hill’s pagoda.
Hidden Gem: The Suzhou Street replica—a mini watertown perfect for candid shots.
By night, Sanlitun’s LED-lit Taikoo Li mall rivals Tokyo’s Shibuya. By day, hit %Arabica for latte art or "Café Zarah" for boho courtyard vibes. The adjacent "Dongjiao Minxiang" alley offers Parisian-style street scenes.
Hashtag Alert: #SanlitunNights for maximum engagement.
Skip the touristy Badaling and head to Mutianyu (90 minutes from downtown). The cable car ride up delivers aerial shots, while the restored watchtowers frame majestic valley views. Visit in autumn for fiery foliage or winter for a snow-dusted wonderland.
Pro Move: Capture the toboggan ride down—action shots guaranteed!
The Yonghe Temple’s cobalt-blue rooftops and spiraling incense smoke create an ethereal vibe. Shoot at 9 AM when monks chant, adding ambient audio to Reels.
A 1.5 km stretch of glowing red lanterns and spicy crayfish feasts. Use long exposure for light trails or close-ups of steaming hot pots.
This indie bookstore’s ladder-lined walls and vintage typewriters scream #Bookstagram. Pair with a flat white for the ultimate cozy aesthetic.
Order the "super lean" duck—its caramelized skin glistens under mood lighting. Film the chef’s slicing skills in slow-mo.
Their "Dirty Boba" series (with edible glitter) is a pastel-hued sensation. Bonus: The shop’s pastel pink interiors.
Skewered scorpions? Dramatic, but go for tanghulu (candied fruit) instead—its glossy coating is very photogenic.
Now, charge those cameras—Beijing’s waiting to be your backdrop!
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Author: Beijing Travel
Source: Beijing Travel
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