Beijing City Map: Attractions, Ring Roads, Airports & Travel Routes

Beijing Location Map: Where is Beijing in China

So, where exactly is Beijing? Picture China like a giant rooster (seriously, locals say this all the time) — Beijing sits right around the neck, keeping a watchful eye over the rest of the country.

Beijing Location Map

Up in the northeast, it's close enough to the sea for a weekend escape, yet surrounded by mountains that once guarded the emperors. It's a place where ancient walls meet bullet trains, and thousand-year-old temples share the skyline with glass towers.

Being the capital, Beijing isn't just where history lives — it's where every adventure in China can begin. From here, you can hop on a high-speed train to Shanghai, zip to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors, or head north to walk the Great Wall itself.

Asia Odyssey Travel Tip: Think of Beijing as the perfect first stop — a mix of culture, food, and history that sets the tone for the rest of your China journey.

Beijing City Map: Beijing's Fundamental Layout (Ring Roads)

Okay, here's the secret that makes Beijing click: once you understand two things — the Ring Roads and the Central Axis — the city suddenly makes total sense. No more staring at your map like it's a puzzle.

Beijing City Map - Layout of the City

The Ring Roads: Your Compass for Modern Beijing

Think of Beijing's ring roads like ripples in a pond — all circles around the center.

There is no 1st Rind Road in Beijing.
2nd Ring Road: The historic heart. Follows the line of the old Ming Dynasty city wall. Almost everything a first-time tourist wants to see is within or very near this ring.
3rd & 4th Ring Roads: The core of the modern metropolis. Home to the CBD (Central Business District), major embassies (Sanlitun), and key transport hubs.
5th & 6th Ring Roads: The suburbs, leading to the airport (PEK) and the highways that take you to the Great Wall.

Asia Odyssey Travel Tip: Want the best balance of comfort and convenience? Stay within the 2nd or 3rd Ring. You'll be close to the sights, food, and nightlife — no epic taxi rides required.

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The Central Axis: The Imperial Dragon's Spine

Here's where the old soul of the city lies — an 8-kilometer north-south line that's guided Beijing's design for over 700 years. Everything important seems to line up perfectly on it.

Start from the Temple of Heaven in the south, walk (or ride) straight north, and you'll pass Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and finally the Drum and Bell Towers. It's like walking through time — from emperors to everyday life.

Asia Odyssey Travel Tip: Seeing these sights in a logical order saves immense time. Our itineraries are often built around this axis, creating a seamless historical narrative for your day.

Beijing Tourist Map: A Detailed Zone-by-Zone Guide of Attractions

Here's where your Beijing adventure really starts to take shape. The city can feel massive, but once you break it down into zones, it's surprisingly easy to explore. Each area has its own personality — from imperial grandeur to hip café corners — and once you know the vibe, you'll know where you fit best.

Zone 1: The Imperial Core & Surroundings (Inside the 2nd Ring)

Beijing Tourist Map Attractions inside the 2nd Ring

The epicentre of Chinese history and power for 600 years. Grand, formal, and awe-inspiring.

Must-See Sights:

Forbidden City – A palace so big it has nearly 1,000 buildings (and that's just the "main" part) and 9,000 rooms.
Tiananmen Square – The symbolic heart of China; huge, impressive, and full of meaning.
National Museum of China – If you love history, you could spend hours here.
Jingshan Park – The perfect hilltop for that postcard view over the Forbidden City rooftops.
Temple of Heaven – A little to the south, this circular masterpiece once hosted ancient rituals for good harvests.
Hutongs (Old Alleys) – Around the Drum and Bell Towers or near Beihai Park, you'll find the narrow alleyways.
Yongdingmen Gate – Southern gate of the old city wall. Now the southern end of Beijing's Central Axis.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) – Full of incense, giant Buddhas, and Mongolian-Tibetan charm.
Beijing Grand View Park & Taoranting Park & Longtan Park: Best Parks to view autumn leaves in Southern Beijing 2nd Ring.
Houhai Lake – Great for an evening stroll, with bars and live music by the water.
Nanluoguxiang – Trendy and fun, though often packed; go for snacks and souvenirs.
Drum & Bell Towers – Climb up for a view and imagine life here 200 years ago.

Asia Odyssey Travel Advantage: The Forbidden City requires pre-booked, timed-entry tickets that sell out fast. We secure these for you, often with an expert guide who can bring the vast palace complex to life, ensuring you don't just see it—you understand it.

Zone 2: The Outer Rings (Inside the 6th Ring)

Beijing Tourist Map: Attractions in 2-6th Ring

This is where Beijing starts to breathe a little — wider roads, more parks, and modern living blending with historic gems. It's less frantic than the city center but still buzzing with life. Locals jog around lakes, grab brunch in Sanlitun, or catch sunsets at the Olympic Park.

Must-See Areas:

Summer Palace: The royal lakeside retreat where emperors escaped the heat.
Old Summer Palace: A hauntingly beautiful mix of ruins and gardens, once China's grandest palace complex.
Yuyuantan Park: A favorite for cherry blossoms in spring and boat rides in summer.
Olympic Park: Check out Beijing's 2008 Olympic icons — the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
Beijing Zoo: Home to the adorable giant pandas and plenty of family fun.
CBD (Central Business District): Skyscrapers, upscale malls, and the iconic CCTV Tower (a.k.a. "The Pants").
Sanlitun: Trendy, stylish, and international — a nightlife hotspot full of bars, designer stores, and rooftop vibes.
798 Art District: An urban playground of creativity — think modern art, quirky cafés, and photo ops at every corner.
Universal Beijing Resort – One of Beijing's biggest new attractions! Home to immersive worlds like Harry Potter, Transformers, Kung Fu Panda, and Jurassic World, it's a thrill-packed day for both kids and grown-up fans.

Asia Odyssey Travel Advantage:

With Asia Odyssey Travel, you'll explore these top spots effortlessly — from private transfers between parks and art zones to local guides who'll help you uncover secret cafés, art corners, and the best selfie angles at "The Pants." Experience the modern side of Beijing like a local insider, not just a tourist.

Beijing Great Wall Map: Essential Day Trips

Here's the truth: "The Great Wall" isn't just one wall.

It's a whole network of sections snaking across the mountains north of Beijing — each with its own character, crowd level, and wow factor.

Beijing Great Wall Day Trip Map

Whether you're after misty sunrise photos, a gentle walk with kids, or an epic hike across wild ridgelines, there's a section made for you.

Mutianyu: Beautifully restored, family-friendly, has a cable car and a fun toboggan slide down. The best all-rounder.
Jinshanling/Simatai: More rugged and less restored. Perfect for hikers and photographers seeking dramatic, crowd-free views.
Badaling: The closest and most famous, but also the most crowded. We generally advise against it.

AOT Advantage: Forget the crowded, inflexible bus tours. We arrange a private car and driver, allowing you to leave early and beat the crowds. You can hike at your own pace, combine it with a visit to the Ming Tombs, and travel in complete comfort.

Beijing Airports Map: Your Gateway to the Capital

Beijing has two major international airports, both huge and modern — but knowing which one you're flying into makes a world of difference when planning your arrival.

Beijing Airport Map with Flights Duration

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

The city's classic airport, northeast of downtown (about 32 km/20 miles away). It's been welcoming travelers for decades and still handles most international flights.

Getting to the City:

Airport Express Train: Fast, clean, and efficient — around 35–50 minutes to reach Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao. Cost: ~25 RMB.
Official Taxi: Door-to-door comfort, but can be slow during rush hour. Expect 45–80 minutes, costing ~100–150 RMB.
Asia Odyssey Private Transfer: The easiest way to start your trip stress-free. Your driver meets you at arrivals, helps with luggage, and drives you straight to your hotel. No lines, no confusion — just comfort.

Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Beijing's futuristic "Starfish Airport," 46 km (29 miles) south of the city — a design marvel that's as beautiful as it is efficient.

Getting to the City:

Daxing Airport Express (on B1 floor): Sleek and fast — only 20 minutes to Caoqiao Station, where you can hop on the subway Line 10. Cost: ~35 RMB.
High-Speed Intercity Train (on B1 floor): Reaches Beijing West Station in 25–30 minutes, perfect if your hotel's on the west side.
Taxi: 60–90 minutes, around 150–200 RMB.
Asia Odyssey Private Transfer: Same smooth experience — we handle everything from pickup to hotel check-in, so you can relax after your flight.

Flight Connections: Beijing as Your Gateway to China

Beijing to Xi'an: (Home of the Terracotta Warriors) ~2-hour flight.

Beijing to Shanghai: (China's futuristic metropolis) ~2.5-hour flight.

Beijing to Guilin: (Famous for its karst landscapes) ~3-hour flight.

Beijing to Chengdu: (Home of the Giant Pandas) ~3-hour flight.

Beijing to Hangzhou: (Romantic lakeside city famous for West Lake) ~2.5-hour flight.

Beijing to Chongqing: (Mountain city with spicy hotpot and Yangtze River views) ~2.5-hour flight.

Beijing to Hong Kong: (Vibrant international hub blending East and West) ~3.5-hour flight.

Beijing to Shenzhen: (China's tech capital and shopping paradise) ~3.5-hour flight.

Beijing to Guangzhou: (Southern trade hub known for Cantonese cuisine) ~3-hour flight.

Beijing to Zhangjiajie: (Avatar-style sandstone peaks and glass bridges) ~3-hour flight.

Beijing to Urumqi: (Gateway to Xinjiang's Silk Road and desert landscapes) ~4-hour flight.

Beijing to Lhasa: (Journey to the "Roof of the World" in Tibet) ~4.5-hour flight.

AOT Advantage: When you plan a multi-city tour with us, we handle all domestic flights or high-speed train bookings, ensuring the most logical routing and seamless transfers between your destinations.

Beijing Railway Station Map - Start High Speed Train Trips from Beijing

Beijing has several railway stations to connect with other destinations with high speed train.

Beijing Train Stations Map with HSR Duration

Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站 / Běijīng Nán Zhàn):

Location: In the south of the city, easily accessible by subway line 4 and 14.

Primary Use: The main, modern hub for the fastest G-category high-speed trains to Shanghai, Tianjin, Hangzhou and Nanjing. If you are going to Shanghai, you will almost certainly leave from here.

Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站 / Běijīng Xī Zhàn):

Location: In the west of the city, on subway lines 7 and 9.

Primary Use: The main station for high-speed trains to Xi'an, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Also for many trains to Chengdu and Chongqing.

Beijing Railway Station (北京站 / Běijīng Zhàn):

Location: The most central station, right on the 2nd Ring Road, on subway line 2.

Primary Use: The original station. Fewer high-speed trains and is a hub for slower, overnight sleeper trains (K-trains & T-trains). Be

Beijing North Railway Station (北京北站 / Běijīng Běi Zhàn):

Location: Near Xizhimen, connected to subway lines 2, 4, and 13.

Primary Use: A smaller but convenient station mainly serving high-speed trains to Badaling Great Wall and Zhangjiakou (the 2022 Winter Olympics area). Ideal if you're planning a quick Great Wall day trip by train.

Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station (北京朝阳站 / Běijīng Cháoyáng Zhàn):

Location: In the eastern part of the city, near Sihui and the CBD area; accessible via subway line 14.

Primary Use: The newest and rapidly growing high-speed hub, handling routes toward Northeast China (Shenyang, Dalian, Harbin) and some services to Tianjin and Qinhuangdao. Clean, modern, and less crowded — a comfortable choice for travelers heading east or north.

AOT Advantage: Knowing which station to use is the first step. When we book your train tickets, your itinerary will clearly state the station name in both English and Chinese, along with instructions on how to get there from your hotel.

Popular High-Speed Routes from Beijing

Departs From	Arrival At	Train Type	Duration
Beijing South Station	Tianjin	C-train	~35 minutes
	Shanghai	G-train	~5 - 6 hours
	Nanjing	G-train	~3.5 - 4 hours
	Hangzhou	G-train	~4.5 - 5 hours
	Qingdao	G-train	~4 - 4.5 hours
Beijing West Station	Guangzhou	G-train	~8 - 8.5 hours
	Xi'an	G-train	~4.5 - 5.5 hours
	Luoyang	G-train	~4 hours
	Chongqing	G-train	~6.5 - 7 hours
	Chengdu	G-train	~7.5 - 8 hours
Beijing North Station	Hohhot	G-train	~2.5 - 3 hours
	Datong	G-train	~2 - 2.5 hours
	Zhangjiakou	G-train	~1 hour
Beijing Chaoyang Station	Harbin	G-train	~4.5 - 5.5 hours
	Shenyang	G-train	~2.5 - 3.5 hours
	Changbaishan	G-train	~4.5 - 5.5 hours
	Dalian	G-train	~3.5 - 4 hours

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Beijing Transportation Map: Getting Around the City

If you look at a Beijing transport map for the first time, it might look like someone spilled rainbow noodles on paper — lines going everywhere! But don't worry — once you get the hang of it, getting around Beijing is surprisingly simple and efficient.

The Subway: Your Best Friend in the City

Beijing Metro Map with Main Subways in Core Area

Beijing's subway is the easiest way to move around. Clean, safe, air-conditioned, and with signs in English — it's made for travelers.

Operating Hours: Usually 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM.
Cost: From 3–9 RMB depending on distance (you can use a transport card or mobile pay).

Tip: The Line 2 (blue loop) is your orientation circle — it runs around the historic center and connects most major sights.

AOT Pro Tip: Most of our tours use the subway for flexibility during city walks, but for comfort, we include private transfers between hotel and attractions — no rush-hour squeezing!

Taxis & Ride Apps

Taxis are everywhere, though drivers rarely speak English.

Base fare: 14 RMB for the first 3 km, then ~2.5 RMB/km after.

Ride Apps: Use DiDi (China's Uber) — there's an English version, and it's super convenient.

AOT Pro Tip: We provide bilingual driver services — no language barriers, no map stress. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Walking & Biking

Central Beijing is surprisingly walkable — especially around the Forbidden City, Hutongs, and Houhai Lake.

For longer strolls, rent a shared bike (like Meituan or HelloBike) with mobile pay — fun, cheap, and local-approved.

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AOT Private Transfers – The Easiest Option

Want to skip the logistics altogether?

Asia Odyssey Travel's private cars come with professional local drivers who know the best routes and timing — especially useful when heading to places like the Great Wall, Summer Palace, or the airport.

Think of it as your personal driver in Beijing — comfortable, efficient, and zero guesswork.

Beijing Travel Map: Suggested Itineraries

Beijing is massive — but with a smart plan, you can see its highlights without feeling rushed. Think of this as your "map come to life" — how to connect the dots between history, culture, and adventure.