Beijing trip!

I spent 10 days in Beijing, mostly exploring attractions like Universal Studios and more. I’d definitely recommend taking a rest day between sightseeing days because I walked so much that even my knees started to hurt! Even though the metro system is super convenient and cool, you’ll still need to be prepared for a lot of walking. I visited Jingshan Park, where you can climb to the top of the mountain for stunning views of Beijing—you’ll get a real sense of how massive the city is. The park was pretty crowded, but the view made it worth it. I also visited the aquarium and, of course, Universal Studios Beijing. If you’re planning to go to Universal, I highly recommend visiting after the holiday season, ideally around September. There are fewer people, and I only had to wait about 20 minutes in line for each ride. I was even able to enjoy all the main attractions without buying an exclusive ticket! For shopping, make sure to check out Wangfujing Street. It’s packed with stores and even has a bookstore. I stopped by to grab some Pop Mart figure blind boxes—definitely a fun experience! Beijing is such a vibrant city with so much to offer, but be ready for a lot of walking and crowds at the major spots. For accommodation, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven. The location was convenient, and the hotel was comfortable—great for unwinding. Make sure to connect your wallet to the metro system so you won’t need to buy a metro card every time you ride. You almost don't need cash you only need your alipay application. And lastly, download VPN, didi and wechat applications. They will come in handy once you land in china.