Destination guide

Beijing

Q: How many days do I need in Beijing?

Three to five days works well for most first visits, allowing time for Beijing's principal historic sites, neighbourhoods and a separate Great Wall day trip.

Q: How do I travel from the airport to central Beijing?

Both Beijing airports have rail connections, airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing options. A pre-booked transfer can be convenient with luggage, children or a late arrival.

Q: Which Beijing railway station should I use?

Beijing has several major railway stations that are not interchangeable. Use the exact station printed on your ticket and arrive early for security checks.

Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and China’s modern capital

Discover Beijing

A closer look at Beijing

Beijing brings together China’s imperial history and the scale of a modern capital. Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, walk through traditional hutong neighbourhoods and travel beyond the centre to sections of the Great Wall. From courtyard homes and local restaurants to contemporary architecture and galleries, the city offers a layered introduction to the country’s history, culture and daily life.

Essential experiences

Top things to do in Beijing

Beijing rewards travellers who balance its imperial landmarks with neighbourhood life, local food and a journey beyond the city to the Great Wall.

01 Imperial Beijing

Walk through the Forbidden City

Move through grand courtyards and palace halls at the ceremonial heart of imperial China, where every gate reveals another layer of dynastic history.

02 Beyond the city

Take a Great Wall day tour

Travel to Mutianyu for restored watchtowers and wide mountain views, with enough time to walk rather than rush through the experience.

03 Living heritage

Visit the Temple of Heaven

See one of Beijing’s most recognisable historic complexes, then linger in the surrounding park as local morning routines bring the setting to life.

04 Neighbourhood life

Explore Beijing’s hutongs

Step into traditional lanes and courtyard neighbourhoods for a more intimate view of the capital, from local markets to family-run restaurants.

Summer Palace lake and Longevity Hill in Beijing

05 Gardens & lakes

Discover the Summer Palace

Follow lakeside paths past gardens and pavilions, then climb for hilltop views at an imperial retreat that feels calmer than the monumental centre.

Hands making traditional Chinese dumplings

06 Hands-on culture

Make dumplings with a local host

Learn how to roll, fill and fold traditional dumplings, then share the meal for a relaxed, hands-on introduction to local family food culture.

Plan with confidence

How to plan a Beijing visit

A little structure helps with Beijing’s scale. Use these practical guidelines as a starting point, then adjust the pace around your interests.

How many days?

Allow three to five days for the principal sights, a Great Wall excursion and time in local neighbourhoods. Add more time for museums or a slower pace.

When to visit

Spring and autumn often offer comfortable conditions for walking and outdoor sightseeing. Summer is warmer and busier; winter is colder but can be atmospheric.

Getting around

The metro is useful for many central districts. Private transfers or guided day tours simplify journeys to the Great Wall and attractions outside the urban core.

A balanced first visit

A suggested three-day Beijing itinerary

This outline combines Beijing’s essential historic sites with one full day beyond the city.

Day 1
Imperial Beijing
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the historic heart of the capital, followed by a neighbourhood dinner.
Day 2
Mutianyu Great Wall
Set aside a full day for the journey, walking time and mountain scenery without compressing the experience.
Day 3
Temple, gardens and hutongs
Visit the Temple of Heaven, choose the Summer Palace or another cultural site, and finish among Beijing’s traditional lanes.

Know before you go

Beijing practical essentials

Four details worth organising before you arrive.

PEK · PKX

Check your airport

Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing are separate airports. Confirm the code on your ticket before arranging a transfer.

Passport

Keep your ID with you

Your original passport may be needed for hotel check-in, train travel and admission to major attractions.

Alipay · WeChat

Prepare mobile payment

International visitors can link supported overseas bank cards. Keep a bank card or some RMB as a backup.

Rail stations

Read the full ticket

Beijing has several major railway stations. Check the exact departure station and allow time for security and finding your platform.

Featured journeys

Tours featuring Beijing

Discover itineraries that connect Beijing with more of the region.

١٣ يومًا لاستكشاف الثقافة الصينية المتنوعة

جولة ليوم كامل في بكين: مواقع اليونسكو التراثية والحياة المحلية

بطاقة رحلات المدينة اليومية في الصين

جولة حافلة يومية في سور الصين العظيم بجينشانلينج من بكين

رحلة يوم كامل إلى سور الصين العظيم في موتيانيو والقصر الصيفي مع تذاكر من بكين

رحلة يوم واحد إلى سور الصين العظيم في موتيانيو من بكين

١٣ يومًا لاستكشاف الثقافة الصينية المتنوعة

Beijing travel FAQ

Questions from travellers planning Beijing

Concise answers to the practical questions that often arise when building a first Beijing itinerary.

How many days do I need in Beijing?

Three to five days works well for most first visits. This allows time for the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutong neighbourhoods and a separate Great Wall day trip.

Which Great Wall section is best from Beijing?

Mutianyu is a strong choice for many international visitors because it combines restored watchtowers, mountain scenery and convenient access from Beijing. The most suitable section still depends on mobility, available time and preferred walking level.

Can I visit the Great Wall and Summer Palace in one day?

It is possible with an early start and efficient private transport, but the day will be full. Travellers who prefer more walking time at the Great Wall may enjoy keeping the Summer Palace for another day.

Is Beijing suitable for a first trip to China?

Yes. Beijing offers a clear introduction to China’s imperial history, contemporary city life and transport network. Planning key tickets and transfers before arrival makes the first visit easier.

Do major Beijing attractions need advance booking?

Advance reservation is commonly required or strongly recommended for major attractions. Entry policies can change, so confirm the current official requirements for your travel dates before visiting.

Should I book a guide for Beijing?

A guide is especially useful at large historic sites and for a Great Wall excursion, where context and logistics add value. Independent time still works well for neighbourhood walks, cafés, parks and shopping.

Which airports serve Beijing?

Beijing is served by Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). They are in different parts of the city, so always check the three-letter airport code before arranging transport.

How do I travel from the airport to central Beijing?

Both airports have rail connections, airport buses, taxis and ride-hailing options. A pre-booked private transfer is often the simplest choice with luggage, children or a late arrival.

Which Beijing railway station should I use?

Beijing has several major stations, including Beijing, Beijing South, Beijing West, Beijing North, Beijing Chaoyang and Beijing Fengtai. They are not interchangeable: use the exact station printed on your ticket and arrive early for security checks.

Can international visitors use mobile payments in Beijing?

Yes. International visitors can register for Alipay or WeChat Pay with an overseas mobile number and link many supported international bank cards. It is still sensible to carry another bank card or some RMB as a backup.

Should I carry my passport while sightseeing?

Yes. Your original passport may be needed for hotel registration, train travel and entry to attractions that use real-name ticketing. Keep it secure and have a separate digital copy for reference.

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