TL;DR
Beijing is China's political and cultural capital — a city where ancient imperial grandeur meets cutting-edge modernity. Plan at least 3-4 days to see the major sights. Best times to visit: April-May and September-October.
Top Attractions
Great Wall of China (长城)
The iconic symbol of China. Multiple sections are accessible from Beijing.
- Mutianyu (慕田峪): Best balance of beauty and accessibility. Less crowded than Badaling. Cable car up, toboggan down.
- Badaling (八达岭): Most famous and most crowded. Fully restored, easy walking.
- Jinshanling (金山岭): Best for hiking. Partially restored, stunning views, few crowds.
- Simatai (司马台): Night tours available. Dramatic, steep sections.
Getting there: Tourist bus from Dongzhimen, DiDi (~¥150-200), or organized tour.
Pro Tip
Visit Mutianyu on a weekday morning for the best experience. Avoid Badaling on weekends and holidays — it is packed with domestic tourists.
Forbidden City (故宫)
The world's largest palace complex. Home to 24 emperors over 500 years.
- Tickets: Must be booked online in advance (故宫博物馆官网). Sell out days ahead.
- Entry: South gate (Meridian Gate) in, North gate (Gate of Divine Might) out.
- Time: 3-4 hours minimum. Arrive at opening (8:30 AM) to avoid crowds.
- ID: Passport required for entry (foreigners included).
Temple of Heaven (天坛)
Where emperors prayed for good harvests. Stunning architecture in a beautiful park.
- Best time: Early morning (7-9 AM) when locals practice tai chi, play music, and fly kites
- Ticket: Required for the full park; separate ticket for just the grounds
- Tip: The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the iconic circular building you have seen in photos
Summer Palace (颐和园)
Imperial retreat with a massive lake, gardens, and pavilions.
- Time: Half day. Take a boat ride across Kunming Lake.
- Ticket: Required; options include park-only or park + attractions
- Tip: Combine with the Old Summer Palace (圆明园) nearby for a full day
Hutongs (胡同)
Beijing's historic alleyways. Wander Nanluoguxiang for shops and cafes, or explore the less touristy hutongs around Gulou (Drum Tower).
Getting Around
- Metro: 27+ lines, extensive coverage. ¥3-9 per ride. Use WeChat/Alipay transit QR codes.
- DiDi: Cheap and convenient. ¥15-40 for most city trips.
- Bike: Shared bikes (Meituan, Hello) are great for hutong exploration.
- Taxi: Flag down or use DiDi. Have destinations written in Chinese.
- Airport: Airport Express (¥25) connects to city center in 20 minutes.
Where to Eat
- Peking Duck: Siji Minfu (四季民福) — excellent and more affordable than the famous names
- Zhajiangmian: Old Beijing noodles at Haiwanju (海碗居)
- Street food: Wangfujing Snack Street is touristy but fun; go to Niujie (牛街) for authentic Muslim snacks
- Hotpot: Haidilao is the famous chain — expect a wait but incredible service
Pro Tip
Book restaurants in advance via Dianping or by calling. Popular places fill up quickly, especially for Peking duck.
Where to Stay
| Area | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wangfujing | Tourist central | First-time visitors, walking to Forbidden City |
| Sanlitun | Expat nightlife | Nightlife, international dining, younger travelers |
| Gulou / Houhai | Historic charm | Hutong experience, traditional atmosphere |
| CBD / Guomao | Business district | Business travelers, modern hotels |
| Qianmen | Traditional meets modern | Walking distance to Tiananmen, good transport |
Day Trips from Beijing
- Ming Tombs (明十三陵): Imperial burial grounds, combine with the Great Wall
- Chengde (承德): Mountain Resort — former summer retreat of emperors (3 hours by train)
- Tianjin (天津): Colonial architecture and famous street food (30 minutes by high-speed rail)
Practical Tips
- Air quality: Check AQI daily. Wear N95 masks on high-pollution days.
- Tiananmen Square: Passport required for security check. Bag check is thorough.
- Scams: Avoid the "art student" scam near Tiananmen and the "tea ceremony" invitation.
- VPN: Essential. Test before arrival.
- Cash: Carry ¥200-300. Most places accept mobile payment but some small vendors do not.
Important
The Forbidden City and Great Wall require advance booking. Do not show up expecting to buy tickets at the gate. Book 3-7 days ahead, especially during peak season (May, October).