Violent crime is not a problem in Beijing (and what violence does occur is rarely directed at visitors), but you still should be careful at night. Petty theft is increasingly common. Keep your passport and money in a safe place on your person or in a safe at your hotel. Although traveler's checks offer a degree of safety, they're seldom accepted outside hotels and banks and may present more inconvenience than protection. If you rent or borrow a bicycle, leave it at one of the hundreds of guarded bike lots around the city. (Be sure to lock it—the guards don't give receipts to identify which bike belongs to whom, so anyone can ride off with an unlocked bike.) The cost is usually 0.30 yuan (about US$0.04), paid to the attendant when you pick up your bike.
China's urban renewal efforts, including the demolition of older housing units, have led to tensions and sporadic civil unrest in Beijing. Visitors should avoid demonstrations and protests, especially those that appear political in nature.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't complain about the pollution or the traffic; it won't make the skies less smoggy or the streets less congested.
Don't take offense at the number of people who spit on the street. Many Chinese believe "better out than in" when it comes to phlegm, though there are efforts to stop people from hawking so much. This is getting some special attention with the arrival of the Olympics.
Don't take any unspent Chinese currency home with you, as it cannot be converted outside the country.
Do sample the local Yanjing beer; it's excellent, especially with jiaozi dumplings, a plain but fantastic meal.
Do spend some time in the park. If you get there early enough, you can watch the pensioners doing their tai chi chuan exercises and experience a great sense of calm.
Do visit the Danshanzi art district, also called 798. Chinese contemporary art is red hot at the moment, and a lot of it is made right there.
Do visit the Beijing 2008 Olympics flagship store on Wangfujing Dajie to experience sporting commercialization Chinese-style.
