Trail of ChinaFirst-trip travel planning

Forbidden City imperial palace gates at sunset, Beijing

Great Wall winding over mountain ridges near Mutianyu, Beijing

Temple of Heaven circular Hall of Prayer surrounded by park, Beijing

Summer Palace with Kunming Lake and Long Corridor, Beijing

Hutong alleyways with traditional courtyard homes, Beijing

Lama Temple with incense and ornate Tibetan architecture, Beijing

798 Art District industrial galleries and contemporary art, Beijing

北京, China

Beijing

Imperial grandeur, hutong life, and wall-top views

Internet:VPN requiredCashless societyMetro + DiDiBest:Apr–May, Sep–Oct

Price:

Vibe:

Things to Do

Forbidden City

Forbidden City

The world's largest palace complex — 600 years of imperial history in 980 buildings.

Great Wall (Mutianyu)

Great Wall (Mutianyu)

The best-preserved section near Beijing. Less crowded than Badaling, stunning mountain scenery.

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

Where emperors prayed for harvests. The circular Hall of Prayer is iconic.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

Imperial garden with Kunming Lake, Long Corridor, and hilltop temples.

Hutong Alleys

Hutong Alleys

Beijing's ancient alleyway neighborhoods — courtyard homes, local life, hidden cafés.

Lama Temple

Lama Temple

Tibetan Buddhist temple with a 26m carved sandalwood Maitreya Buddha.

Suggested Itinerary

A 3-day plan covering the essentials. Mix, match, or extend to your pace.

Day Trips

Mutianyu Great Wall (Day Trip)

Mutianyu Great Wall (Day Trip)

90 min from Beijing — the wall section with cable car, toboggan, and zero crowds.

Chengde Mountain Resort (Day Trip)

Chengde Mountain Resort (Day Trip)

1h bullet train — Qing summer capital with imperial gardens and a Little Potala Palace.

Ming Tombs (Day Trip)

Ming Tombs (Day Trip)

40 min from Beijing — 13 imperial tombs, underground palace, and the Sacred Way.

Gubei Water Town & Simatai (Day Trip)

Gubei Water Town & Simatai (Day Trip)

2h from Beijing — canal village by day, the only Great Wall you can walk at night.

Where to Eat

Peking Duck

Peking Duck

Premium · ¥150+

Beijing's signature roast duck

Jianbing

Jianbing

Street Food · ¥8

Savory breakfast crepe

Zhajiangmian

Zhajiangmian

Restaurant · ¥25

Noodles with fermented bean sauce

Lamb Skewers

Lamb Skewers

Street Food · ¥15

Cumin-spiced street BBQ

Where to Stay

Dongcheng Hutong

Dongcheng Hutong

Old Beijing · Courtyard stays

Wangfujing

Wangfujing

Shopping · Central

Sanlitun

Sanlitun

Nightlife · Expat hub

Haidian

Haidian

University · Tech

Internet:VPN requiredCashless societyMetro + DiDiBest:Apr–May, Sep–Oct

Know Before You Go

Internet

VPNs required. Download before landing.

Payment

Alipay & WeChat Pay everywhere.

Transport

Metro + DiDi. Avoid rush hour.

Apps

Alipay, DiDi, Amap, 12306 for trains.

Visa

15-30 day visa-free for most Western nationals.

Weather

Best: Apr-May, Sep-Oct. Avoid national holidays.

Local Tips

Forbidden City Tickets

Book 7 days in advance. Same-day tickets sold out by 8 AM.

Great Wall Timing

Mutianyu is less crowded. Go early — buses fill up by 9 AM.

Sandstorm Season

Spring sandstorms (March–May) can turn the sky orange. Bring a mask.

Taxi vs DiDi

Taxi drivers rarely speak English. DiDi with English UI is safer.

Plan Your Trip

Ready to Explore Beijing?

From visa tips to day-by-day itineraries — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable trip.

View Itineraries Custom Planner

Quick Reference

7-14 days recommended

Most travelers spend 7-14 days in Beijing

Best time: Apr-May, Sep-Oct

Mild weather, fewer crowds

First time?

Start with our 7-day route

Trusted by 1,000+ China travelers · Free itineraries · Local tips