Are you planning your first trip to Beijing and feeling overwhelmed by the amount of effort and time it takes to plan? You’re not alone. Planning a trip to such an incredible city, filled with history, culture, and countless hotels, attractions, shops, and restaurants, can be daunting for anyone. That’s where we come in to help.
Our Beijing Trip Planner is the ultimate tool designed to guide you on where to go, where to stay, where to eat, when to visit, and other essential travel information you need to know before embarking on your journey. From Visa-free policies to city transfers, we’ve got you covered. Let us take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying all that Beijing has to offer.
| ① What Must Do & See in Beijing? – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Duck… | ② How Many Days to Stay – 2 to 5 Days |
| ③ Travel in Beijing With or Without Visa? – 144-hour Visa Free | ④ Best Time to Visit Beijing – April to June & September to November |
| ⑤ How to Get to & around Beijing? – Flight, High Speed Trains | ⑥ Where to Stay in Beijing? – Wangfujin Area, Qianmen Area, Hutong Area, Great Wall Area |
| ⑦ China Tours from Beijing | ⑧ 8 Best Beijing Tour Packages |
What Must Do & See in Beijing?
Tian’anmen Square/Forbidden City/Jinshan Park (a half day)
Explore the iconic landmarks of Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and Jinshan Park in a half-day tour. Begin your journey at Tian’anmen Square and make your way to the majestic Forbidden City, where ancient emperors once resided. Immerse yourself in the rich history and grandeur of the halls and houses within the Forbidden City. Afterwards, ascend to a higher vantage point in Jinshan Park to marvel at a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. This experience promises to be a memorable and enlightening exploration of China’s imperial past.
Hike one or two section of Great Wall (one or two days)
Beijing is home to several renowned sections of the Great Wall, including Mutianyu, Badaling, Jiankou, Jinshanling, Simatai, and Huanghuacheng. Embarking on a memorable hike along the Great Wall is a must-do activity for all travelers visiting Beijing. The Mutianyu Section, known for its beauty and fewer crowds, comes highly recommended. For a two-day hiking adventure on the Great Wall, consider exploring the Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections, or the Jinshanling and Simatai sections.
Appreciate the royal gardens in the Summer Palace (2 hours)
The Summer Palace is ranked No. 3 on TripAdvisor among the top attractions in Beijing. This 700-acre royal retreat provides visitors with a unique insight into how the imperial family once enjoyed their leisure time. Situated in the northwestern suburb of Beijing, the Summer Palace offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s rich history and culture.
Explore the traditional living style of old Beijing in Hutong (1~5 hours)
The Beijing Hutongs, which connect the quadrangle dwellings, are not just a tourist attraction, but the heartbeat of the city. With over 6,000 long, short, wide, narrow, straight, and winding alleys, they have been linking the entire city since ancient times. These alleys are filled with stories of the past and serve as a testament to the historic development and cultural evolution of Beijing.
Savor a delicious meal of Peking Roasted Duck in a local authentic restaurant
The exquisite flavors of Peking Roasted Duck have captivated taste buds around the globe, with restaurants now serving this delicacy in cities like New York, Paris, and Melbourne. However, the authentic recipe remains a well-kept secret, only found in its birthplace of Beijing. To truly experience the unparalleled taste of Peking Roasted Duck, a visit to Beijing is a must.
Enjoy a tremendous performance of Chinese Acrobatic Show
Are you unsure of where to have a fun night out in Beijing? Look no further than the Red Theatre, where you can experience the exhilarating Kungfu Show – the Legend of Kung Fu. This theatrical production showcases the rich history and evolution of traditional Chinese martial arts through thrilling performances and a vibrant atmosphere. The show typically begins after 5:30 PM, making it the perfect evening activity for those looking to be entertained and immersed in Chinese culture.Address: 44 Xing Fu Da Jie, Dongcheng District, Beijing北京东城区幸福大街44号
Keep Reading:Beijing Top Attractions and Things to Do
3 Days Classic Beij
ing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)
Itinerary: Beijing
Highlights: Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven
This 4-day tour offers an immersive journey through the most iconic and historically rich sites of China’s capital. From the ancient grandeur of the Great Wall to the imperial splendor of the Forbidden City, and the serene beauty of the Summer Palace to the spiritual significance of the Temple of Heaven, you will experience the essence of Beijing. Moreover, you’ll also get to marvel at the modern architectural wonders of the Olympic Park and visiting a local family in Beijing Hutong. Our customizable private tour package allows you to explore Beijing at your own pace and in your own style. The itinerary is flexible, accommodating your flight or train schedules, and can be tailored to suit your personal interests and needs.
How Many Days to Stay – 2 to 5 Day
To truly experience the essence of Beijing, it is recommended to spend at least three full days exploring this vibrant city. Below is a classic three-day itinerary that allows for a leisurely pace:
Day 1: Begin your journey by visiting Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace.
Day 2: Embark on a hike along one section of the Great Wall near Beijing, such as Mutianyu, Huanghuacheng, or Badaling.
Day 3: Explore the Temple of Heaven and immerse yourself in the traditional charm of the Hutong neighborhoods.
For those looking to delve deeper into the highlights of Beijing, consider extending your stay by one or two days. You could opt for a more adventurous Great Wall hike along the wild sections like Simatai, Jinshanling, or Gubeikou. Alternatively, you could plan a family-friendly excursion to Universal Studios, a photography tour, or a walking tour to uncover more of Beijing’s hidden gems. Discover Beijing Tours offers a variety of curated Beijing tour packages to suit your preferences. Our travel experts are also available to customize your own unique Beijing experience.
- Beijing Itinerary in 2 Days
- Beijing Itinerary in 3 Days
- Beijing Itinerary in 4 Days
- Beijing Itinerary in 5 Days
- 2 to 5 Days Beijing Tour Pakcages
Travel in Beijing With or Without Visa?
Beijing now offers the latest 144-Hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program. Transit passengers from 54 specified countries who hold a valid passport and connecting flight tickets to a third country or region can enjoy up to 6 days in Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei without needing a Chinese visa. For example, travelers from America can visit Beijing before heading to Hong Kong, or those from Australia can stop in Beijing before continuing on to Singapore. Convenient 144-Hour Visa-free Counters have been established at Beijing Capital International Airport for easy processing.
If your stay in Beijing exceeds 6 days, or if Beijing is just one stop on your journey through China, you will need to apply for a China Tourist Visa (L Visa) before your arrival. Chinese visas can be obtained at Chinese Embassies and consulates in your home country. In most cases, applicants can receive their Chinese Visa within 1 to 4 working days, with the possibility of same-day processing under special circumstances.
6 Days Beijing Tianjin Chengde Visa-Free Tour
Itinerary: Tianjin / Beijing / Chengde / Beijing
Highlights: Forbidden City, Jinshanling Great Wall, Summer Palace, Chengde Mountain Resort
Begin your journey in Tianjin, a dynamic metropolis known for its impressive blend of modernity and history, thanks to its two international ports facilitating visa-free entry. From there, move on to Beijing, China’s old & present capital and cultural heart, where centuries of history and tradition are woven into the fabric of the city. Finally, explore Chengde, a serene city renowned for its expansive Mountain Resort and its historical significance as the Qing Dynasty’s summer retreat. This itinerary ensures you fully appreciate the distinct atmospheres and cultural richness of each destination within the scope of your visa-free stay.
Best Time to Visit Beijing – mid-September to November
With a temperature and continental monsoon climate, Beijing experiences hot and rainy summers, cold and dry winters, cool and sunny autumns, and windy and booming springs. January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of -4 °C/24.8°F, while July is the hottest season, with an average of 26 °C/79°F and the most rainfall.
Beijing is a remarkable destination throughout the year, but the ideal times to visit are from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant – not too hot or too cold. Spring offers colorful flowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage at attractions like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. It is important to avoid traveling during Chinese holidays, particularly the National Day Holiday from October 1-7.
Summer in Beijing can be hot and crowded, with many students and families on vacation. If you plan to visit during this time, it is essential to book your hotels, train tickets, and attraction passes in advance. Winter in Beijing requires preparation for cold weather and appropriate packing to stay warm. However, the advantage of visiting in winter is fewer crowds and potentially more affordable travel costs. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to witness Beijings stunning snowscape.
- Best Time to Visit Beijing
- Chinese Public Holidays2025
- Beijing Spring Travel
- Beijing Summer Travel
- Beijing Autumn Travel
- Beijing Winter Travel
How to Get to & around Beijing?
Beijing serves as the central transportation hub of China, boasting an extensive network of arrival and departure options that connect the country’s capital to a multitude of domestic cities as well as numerous international destinations across the globe. The city is home to three airports, four railway stations, and hundreds of bus stations, making it a convenient and accessible travel hub.
For international travelers, Beijing offers direct flights from Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Oceania, and more. Alternatively, visitors can opt to arrive in China via international cruise to Tianjin, a neighboring city of Beijing, and then easily transfer to Beijing via train or highway. If Beijing is not your final destination in China, there are various transportation options available to reach the city from major cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and many others. Whether by domestic flights, high-speed trains, fast trains, highways, or buses, Beijing is well-connected and easily accessible from all corners of the country.
| Travel to Beijing from Hong Kong | Travel to Beijing from Shanghai |
| Travel to Beijing from Tianjin | Travel to Beijing from Xian |
| Travel to Beijing from Guilin | Travel to Beijing from Chengdu |
| Travel to Beijing from Zhangjiajie | Travel to Beijing from Chongqing |
| Travel to Beijing from Guangzhou | Travel to Beijing from Shenzhen |
| Travel to Beijing from Hangzhou | Travel to Beijing from Guangzhou |
6 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour (Most Valuable)
Itinerary: Beijing / Xian
Highlights: Landmark Attractions, Leisure Pace, Bullet Train Beijing to Xian
Beijing and Xian together had been ancient capitals of China for more than 2,000 years. They are two cities of World Heritage Sites – Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors. Visit these two ancient hearts plus a cozy high speed train experience, you will not only explore the long history of China, but also be amazed by the high-tech trains, discovering how the time-honored country is like in recent days.
Where to Stay in Beijing? – Wangfujing, Hutong…
Wangfujin Area (王府井)
The Wangfujing area boasts a fantastic location and top-notch hotel facilities. Situated on the east side of the Forbidden City, it is just a 30-minute walk away. This area is a shopper’s and food lover’s paradise, with many luxury 5-star hotels such as the St. Regis Beijing and Waldorf Astoria Beijing. However, it is important to note that hotel rates in Wangfujing are typically higher than in other areas of Beijing.
Qianmen Area (前门)
The Qianmen Area is situated directly in front of Tian’anmen Square, just a 5-minute walk away. It is also conveniently located only 10 minutes from the Forbidden City. For those looking to explore the historic Forbidden City, this area is the ideal choice. Additionally, there are numerous shopping and dining options available. The Ritz-Carlton is considered the premier hotel in this area.
Hutong Area (胡同)
The Hutong Area is situated to the north of the Forbidden City and offers a unique and culturally rich experience for visitors. This area is home to many of Beijing’s famous attractions, including the Drum Tower, Nanluoguxiang, Prince Gong’s Mansion, Lama Temple, and Shichahai. Accommodation options in the Hutong Area range from boutique courtyard hotels to youth hostels, business hotels, and luxury accommodations. Additionally, there are numerous souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants to explore in this vibrant neighborhood.
For travelers seeking a more adventurous experience, the Great Wall Area is the perfect destination. Here, visitors can hike the Great Wall early in the morning to witness a breathtaking sunrise or in the late afternoon to enjoy a stunning dusk, particularly at the Jinshanling Great Wall. For those looking to experience the majestic night views of the Simatai Great Wall, staying at the foot of the wall in Gubei Water Town is highly recommended. However, it is important to note that there are limited options for star-level hotels in this area.
- – Where to Stay in Beijing
- Recommended Beijing Hotels
Start China Tours from Beijing to Xian, Zhangjiajie, Guilin…
Beijing is the ideal city in China to begin your tour for several reasons. Firstly, it is easily accessible from most international cities via flights. Secondly, Beijing boasts a well-connected transportation network, with flights and trains linking to many popular destinations throughout China. Lastly, starting your journey in Beijing allows you to immerse yourself in China’s rich culture and history right from the beginning.
How to plan a China tour from Beijing
Transportation is a crucial aspect to consider when planning a tour of China starting from Beijing. Typically, a 2-3 day trip to Xian, which includes visits to the Terracotta Warriors and Ancient City Wall, follows the Beijing tour. Once you have explored Xian, there are several options to choose from: Embark on an extended journey to Tibet lasting 4-8 days. Fly to Zhangjiajie for a 3-4 day adventure. Take a high-speed bullet train to Chengdu for a 2-4 day exploration. Experience a Yangtze River Cruise in Chongqing for 4-5 days. Fly to Guilin to discover Yangshuo and Longji Rice Terrace over 3-4 days.<p>Concluding your China tour in either Shanghai or Hong Kong after these excursions will provide a memorable and comprehensive experience.
| 8 Days Best of China Tour(Beijing / Xian / Shanghai) |
| 13 Days China Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie and Guilin |
| 13 Days Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise |
| 10 Days Xian Guilin Yangshuo Shanghai Tour from Beijing |
| 17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise |
| 11 Days Essence of China Culture Tour by High Speed Trains |
| 15 Days Classic Ancient China Silk Road Tour with Bullet Train Experience |
Keep Reading:
20 China Tours from Beijing
Beijing Xian Tours | Beijing Shanghai Tours | Beijing Zhangjiajie Tours
————————————-Best Beijing Tour Packages for 2025—————————
As the capital city of China for centuries, Beijing stands as an international metropolis boasting a wealth of historic and scenic sites. From the majestic Forbidden City, where you can marvel at the royal buildings of ancient China, to the breathtaking Great Wall, perfect for a challenging hike, and the charming hutongs, offering a glimpse into authentic local life, Beijing truly has something for everyone.</p><p>At our Beijing tours, we strive to make your dreams of exploring this vibrant city a reality. Our team specializes in creating tailor-made tours that cater to your specific interests, requirements, and available travel time. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, we have the perfect itinerary waiting for you. Let us help you discover the wonders of Beijing in a way that is uniquely tailored to you.
8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)
This is the most popular China tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai to visit the most iconic China attractions – Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, etc., and explore great of both China’s past and present.
4 Days
Classic Beijing Tour Package
Visit the best and featured highlights of Beijing in a single trip and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go. Apart fromBeijing’s time-honored landmarks – Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall, you will admire the most outstanding architectures in Olympic Park.
6 Days Classic Beijing Xian Tour
Visiting two ancient hearts plus a cozy high speed train experience, you will not only explore the long history of China, but also find out how the time-honored country is like in recent days.
4 Days Beijing Tour with Great Wall
During this4-day Beijing tour, you’ll start by exploring the city’s must-see landmarks and then embark on an exhilarating side trip to hike the Jinshanling Great Wall. This section of the Wall is renowned for its dramatic mountainous terrain, intricately designed watchtowers, and breathtaking panoramic views.
4 Days Beijing Great Wall Night Tour
This 4-day tour offers the chance to explore Jinshanling by day, known for its breathtaking vistas, and Simatai by night, celebrated for its enchanting evening views. The itinerary also includes a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town. Of course, essential Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and traditional Hutongs are covered.
5 Days Universal Studios Beijing Tour
Want a quality but enjoyable time with your children in Beijing? This 5 days Universal Studios Beijing family tour is well-arranged to fulfill your needs. You will have a sightseeing trip involving a full-day adventure to Universal Studios Beijing. Apart from offering entertainment, this tour helps them learn, grow and gain a better understanding of China.
7 Days Great Wall + Mount Huashan
Want to make your Beijing Xian trip a little adventurous? Here is the idea: hike one of the wild sections of the Great Wall in Beijing, then go to hike Mount Huashan near Xian city. They may not be the type of serious hiking, but definitely interesting and enjoyable.
18 Days Diverse China Exploration Tour with Zhangjiajie & Yangtze Cruise
This is a comprehensive trip to the 8 most popular travel destinations in China – Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, and Shanghai.
Beijing's Top Picks
