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Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Beijing
No.1: Walk and explore the Emperors’ Forbidden City to unveil history & mystery over 600 years
Located at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is an ancient palace complex that was once home to 24 Chinese emperors over a period of 600 years. It is now a museum that showcases China's rich cultural heritage. You can spend hours walking through the central axis and exploring the imperial palaces, pavilions, and gardens.
No.2: Enjoy unique hiking experience on the ancient and ingeniously engineered Great Wall
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting one of the greatest wonders of the world - the Great Wall of China. Drive just outside the downtown area for 1.5-2 hours to reach Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the wall. It is also less crowded and boasts gorgeous scenery. Cable cars and toboggans are available for ascending and descending. You will have 3-4 hours on the wall, providing enough time for a short hike and plenty of photo opportunities.
No.3: Take a rickshaw or stroll leisurely along the traditional Hutong area for a glimpse into the everyday life of local Beijing residents
Link up with local Beijing residents to gain insider insight into the city. The Hutongs are traditional alleyways with courtyard residences, providing a stark contrast to the solemn imperial palaces and gardens. Take a rickshaw tour to catch a glimpse of local life in these historic neighborhoods, many of which have been converted into shopping and dining destinations.
No.4: Visit Temple of Heaven and join local to do Tai Chi exercise in the morning
The Temple of Heaven was a place where emperors would come to worship heaven and pray for a good harvest. This temple complex boasts stunning imperial architecture, including the iconic circular main temple. Be sure to join the locals in the morning for Tai Chi exercises in the park surrounding the temple.
No.5: Climb up to Jingshan Park to get awe-inspiring panoramic view of the imperial Forbidden City & modern landscape of Beijing
Jingshan Park is a beautiful and historic park located in central Beijing, just to the north of the Forbidden City. This park is a great spot to catch a panoramic view of the ancient palace complex of the Forbidden City, as well as the more modern skyscrapers and buildings of Beijing's central business district.
No.6: Come to Tian’anmen Square to marvel at the largest city squares in the world
When visiting the Forbidden City, take the opportunity to visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. It is an iconic and potent symbol of China, featuring the Monument to the People's Heroes and Mao Zedong's mausoleum. Be sure to explore this historic landmark while in Beijing.
No.7: Enjoy happy time at Summer Palace, an impressive imperial garden to retreat heat
The Summer Palace is a vast imperial park and palace complex that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once serving as the summer residence of Chinese emperors, the palace is now a popular destination for visitors to explore. Its stunning gardens, pavilions, lakes, and walkways provide ample opportunities for peaceful strolls and relaxation. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend several hours marveling at the palace's beauty.
No.8: Experience a unique hiking and camping adventure by taking a night trip to explore the Great Wall
How about going on a night tour to the Great Wall? Simatai is the only section where you can enjoy both the daytime view and the night landscape. If you like, you can also have a camping experience on the wall. As you traverse the ancient and ingeniously engineered wall under the stars, you'll be immersed in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. With the opportunity to camp overnight, you can fully appreciate the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Great Wall while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu & Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
No.9: Have cultural immersion at Confucius Temple and Guozijian to bite China’s history and culture
If you are interested in Chinese culture, you can make a stop to Confucius Temple and Guozijian for a cultural immersion experience. Confucius Temple, built in 1302, is dedicated to the great Chinese philosopher and educator Confucius. While, Guozijian, known as the Imperial Academy, was an ancient Chinese institution of higher learning that dates back to the Tang Dynasty.
No.10: Pay a visit to the Lama Temple which once was a palace for Prince Yong
The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. It was originally built in the 17th century as a residence for Prince Yong, who later became the Qing dynasty's Emperor Yongzheng. You can see beautiful Buddhist halls, pavilions, gardens, and pagodas here.
If you are looking for more attractions to see and more inspiring things to do, you can check our Top 10 Beijing Attractions and 10 Best Things to Do in Beijing.
How Long to Stay - Suggested Travel Length & Itineraries
The length of your trip to Beijing largely depends on your interests and how much you want to explore the city. However, it is recommended that visitors spend at least 3 to 5 days in Beijing to get a good taste of its history, culture, and attractions.
If you have a layover in Beijing, you can still take advantage of a one-day Beijing layover tour to see some of the main highlights. Alternatively, if you arrive at the Tianjin cruise port, you can enjoy a round trip to explore Beijing's highlights within your limited time.
1 Day Itineraries in Beijing
Sample Itinerary One: Visit Forbidden City in the morning and explore Mutianyu Great Wall in the afternoon.
Sample Itinerary Two: Visit Forbidden City and catch panoramic view from Jingshan Park in the morning, explore Hutong in this afternoon.
2 Days Itinerary in Beijing
On day 1 - Visit Forbidden City and catch panoramic view from Jingshan Park in the morning, explore Summer Palace in this afternoon.On day 2 - Visit Temple of Heaven in the morning and then explore Mutianyu Great Wall with hiking experience.
3 Days Itinerary in Beijing
On day 1 - Beijing arrival and explore Beijing on your own.On day 2 - Visit Temple of Heaven in the morning and then explore Mutianyu Great Wall with hiking experience. Take photos of Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.On day 3 - Visit Forbidden City and catch panoramic view from Jingshan Park in the morning, explore Drum Tower and Hutong area in this afternoon.
4 Days Itinerary in Beijing
On day 1 - Beijing arrival and explore Beijing on your own.On day 2 - Visit Forbidden City and catch panoramic view from Jingshan Park in the morning, explore Summer Palace in this afternoon.On day 3 - Mutianyu Great Wall with hiking experience. Take photos of Bird’s Nest and Water Cube on the way back.On day 4 - Visit Temple of Heaven and Hutong area before departure.
5 Days Itinerary in Beijing
On day 1 - Beijing arrival and explore Beijing on your own.On day 2 - Visit Forbidden City and catch panoramic view from Jingshan Park in the morning, explore Summer Palace in this afternoon.On day 3 - Visit Temple of Heaven and then explore Mutianyu Great Wall with hiking experience. Take photos of Bird’s Nest and Water Cube on the way back.On day 4 - Visit Lama Temple, Confucius Temple & Guozijian, and explore Hutong area in this afternoon.On day 5 - Depart from Beijing.
For more Beijing travel ideas, you can view our 30+ Beijing Tour Packages.
Best Time to Visit Beijing
Generally, the best time to visit Beijing is during the spring (April to May) and autumn/fall (September to October) seasons. During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. These months also offer fewer crowds and lower prices compared to the peak tourist season in summer. Winter (December to February) can be cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. However, the city is often covered in beautiful snow, and there are fewer tourists, which can make it a great time to visit if you don't mind the cold.
Visit Beijing on April and May
April and May are among the best months to visit Beijing, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with clear blue skies and comfortable temperatures. At these months you can enjoy the beautiful spring of Beijing by viewing the cherry blossoms, peonies, and other flowers in bloom. It is also a good time to visit the Great Wall and other outdoor attractions such as hiking and cycling.
Visit Beijing on September and October
September and October are among the best months to visit Beijing, the weather in Beijing is also mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F). The city experiences fewer crowds, and the autumn foliage is at its peak, making it a great time to visit parks and scenic areas. It is also a good time to taste local food and drinks, such as chestnuts, sweet potatoes, and persimmons. Note: Beijing experiences the greatest tourist inflows in the first week of October due to Chinese National Holidays from Oct 1st to 7th. Unless you would like to join the crowd holiday, do remember to avoid visiting Beijing during these days.
For more information abour when to visit Beijing, you can check our Best Time to Visit Beijing.
How to Get to Beijing - By Air or High Speed Train
Beijing is a major transportation hub in China, so there are several ways to get there. The two most popular options are by air and high-speed train.
By Air:
Beijing has two major airports - Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both of these airports have connections to many cities around the world. If you're flying from overseas, you'll likely arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. There are numerous flights connecting Beijing with cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Wuhan, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, Guilin, Guiyang, Zhangjiajie, Huangshan, and Lhasa. Most direct flights take between 2 to 4 hours, and the flight routes cover all provincial cities in China.
By High-Speed Train:
Beijing has several major train stations, including Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station. These stations offer high-speed train connections to many cities in China, such as Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Harbin, and Inner Mongolia. If you're arriving from other parts of China, taking a high-speed train can be a convenient and efficient option.
When deciding how to get to Beijing, consider your travel time, budget, and convenience. Flying is usually faster but can be more expensive, while taking a high-speed train can be more affordable but may take longer.
| From | To | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital International Airport | Qianmen Street Area (around Forbidden City) | 30km, around 1 hour’s driving |
| Beijing Daxing International Airport | 53km, around 1.5 hours’ driving | |
| Beijing Railway Station | 5km, around 20min’s driving | |
| Beijing West Railway Station | 8km, around 0.5 hour’s driving | |
| Beijing South Railway Station | 7km, around 0.5 hour’s driving |
Asia Odyssey Travel offers private transfer service within Beijing, you can contact us for the transfer to the downtown Beijing.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Beijing has a wide range of hotels available, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels. Choosing the right location to stay will save you time and do more in Beijing. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Beijing:
Qianmen Street Area: This is the central district of Beijing and is home to many of the city's historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It's a great area to stay if you want to be close to the major tourist attractions.
Xicheng Hutong area: This district is in the western part of Beijing and is home to many of the city's traditional hutongs (alleyways) and historic sites, such as the Bell and Drum Towers. It's a good option for those who want to experience the traditional side of the city.
Chaoyang: This is a modern and vibrant district in Beijing, with many international businesses, shopping malls, and restaurants. It's a good option for those who want to experience the more modern side of the city.
Sanlitun: This is a popular entertainment and nightlife district in Beijing, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. It's a good option for those who want to experience the city's nightlife scene.
Haidian: This district is home to many of Beijing's universities, including Peking University and Tsinghua University. It's a good option for those who want to experience the academic and intellectual side of the city.
Note: Asia Odyssey Travel provides the hotel booking service, if you want a Beijing tour with a favorite hotel, feel free to tell us your ideas and we can arrange it for you.
Try the Local Cuisine & Famous Food
In Beijing, you can find a diverse range of cuisine from different regions of China and the world. The city boasts thousands of restaurants, catering to different dietary needs and preferences such as Chinese, Western, vegetarian, Muslim, and Asian cuisine.
While there are many options to choose from, there are also some unique dishes that are specific to Beijing, such as the famous roast duck which is known as "the first dish to taste in China". The most renowned roast duck restaurants are Quanjude and Dadong.
To make the most of your dining experience, it's always helpful to have a local guide who can make recommendations based on your tastes and requirements. They can also assist with ordering dishes, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience.
Useful Tips for Beijing Trips
Get a Visa: Before traveling to Beijing, make sure to obtain a visa. You can apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country.
144-hour Visa-free Travel in Beijing:
This policy, known as the 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit Policy, allows travelers from 53 countries to transit through selected Chinese cities, including Beijing, for up to 144 hours without obtaining a visa.
To be eligible for this policy, travelers must have a valid passport, onward ticket to a third country or region, and must enter and exit from one of the designated ports of entry. In Beijing, the ports of entry include Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing Tianjin Port.
During their stay, travelers can explore the city and its attractions, but must stay within the Beijing municipality. They are not allowed to leave the city and travel to other parts of China.
Explore Beijing with Asia Odyssey Travel
Based in China with our office located in Beijing, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel provides the best service to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience for those who want to visit Beijing. We offer a variety of carefully designed Beijing tours, including Classic Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Hutong Tours, Layover Tours, Day Tours, and Visa-free Tours, that cater to your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tours with a flexible itinerary or a budget-friendly group tours without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour to suit you, ensuring that your journey to Beijing is an enjoyable vacation.
lf you're looking to extend your Beijing trip into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China Tours from Beijing. Our professional travel consultants are ready to help you customize a tailor-made Beijing tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Beijing today!
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