Beijing Travel Guide, How to Plan a Trip to Beijing

Beijing Overview

Tiananmen Square

Beijing, abbreviated as "Jing", formerly known as Yanjing or Beiping, is the capital of the People's Republic of China, a national center city. It is the political and cultural heart of the country, and is also one of China's historical and cultural cities and ancient capitals. Covering an area of 16,410.54 square kilometers, it has a permanent population of 21.858 million.

Beijing borders Tianjin to the east and is surrounded by Hebei Province on the other sides, about 2 hours to Hohhot in Inner Mongolia by fast train, about 2 hours by fast train to Datong where you can visit the Yungang Grottoes, and about 6 hours by fast train to Harbin where you can enjoy an colorful ice world. The city is encircled by mountains to the west, north, and northeast, while the southeastern part is a gently sloping plain that leads toward the Bohai Sea.

Beijing has successfully hosted both the Summer and Winter Olympics, making it the first "Dual Olympic City" in the world. As one of the birthplaces of the Chinese nation, Beijing is renowned globally as an ancient capital and a modern international city. It has accumulated the achievements of Chinese traditional culture from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, and boasts numerous historical landmarks and cultural heritage sites, with the most World Cultural Heritage sites in the world.

Why traveling to Beijing

Traveling to Beijing can be an amazing experience, as it is a city steeped in history, culture, and modernity, all at once. Beijing is the capital of China and has served as the political, cultural, and economic center of the country for centuries. It boasts an impressive array of historical landmarks, including the magnificent Forbidden City, the iconic Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven, all of which offer a glimpse into the city's imperial past. At the same time, Beijing has also undergone rapid modernization in recent decades, with world-class museums, art galleries, shopping centers, and restaurants that showcase the city's vibrant contemporary culture. Whether you're interested in exploring ancient history or indulging in cutting-edge cuisine, Beijing is sure to captivate and inspire you.

Top attractions, what to see in Beijing

Beijing Attractions

Beijing is a captivating city, blending classical charm with a fashionable vibe. The narrow hutongs, old teahouses, trendy bar streets, and bustling commercial districts are where endless modern elements meet the authentic "Beijing flavor", creating a profound cultural heritage and an elegant yet traditional lifestyle. Must-visit attractions in Beijing include Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall. Whether you're visiting as a couple or with family, whether you're drawn to royal landmarks or trendy neighborhoods, Beijing has the perfect destinations for every type of traveler.

• Great Wall of China - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
• Forbidden City - a massive palace complex and former imperial residence in the heart of Beijing.
• Temple of Heaven - a religious complex used by emperors to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvest.
• Summer Palace - a former imperial garden and palace that provides a scenic view of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
• Tiananmen Square - a large public square in central Beijing that is significant for its political and historical events.

More top attractions in Beijing »

Food and restaurants, what and where to eat in Beijing

Food in Beijing

Zhajiangmian, Chaogan, and Luzhu Huoshao are iconic snacks that represent the taste of old Beijing, which can be found in the hutongs. Peking duck is one of Beijing's most famous specialty dishes, with its crispy skin and tender, juicy meat that are simply irresistible. Instant-boiled Mutton and Douzhi are also common delicacies enjoyed by Beijingers on their dining tables.

Food and restaurants »

Cultural activities, what to experience in Beijing

Activities in Beijing

From exploring its rich history and heritage at the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven to experiencing the local culture at traditional markets and tea houses, to trying unique local foods, to participating in traditional cultural activities such as calligraphy, paper cutting, and martial arts, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of Beijing. Additionally, adventure-seekers can also experience the excitement of a scenic hot air balloon ride, hiking or helicopter over the Great Wall, go skiing at nearby ski resorts, or take a scenic bike ride along the city's many Hutongs, parks, and gardens.

Beijing Cultural »

Outdoor activities »

Weather, when is the best time to visit Beijing

Autumn in Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn. In spring, the temperature is moderate, flowers bloom, and everything is full of vitality. It’s a perfect time for outings, such as hiking in the countryside, visiting the Great Wall, or exploring ancient temples. Though autumn is brief, it is refreshing with crisp air, and the annual activities of admiring the red leaves and ginkgo trees become particularly precious.

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Best things, what to do in Beijing

Flag-raising Ceremony

Experience the solemnity of the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, marvel at the grandeur from the top of the Great Wall, sail through the tranquility of the Summer Palace, and wander through the historic hutongs that carry the weight of time. If this is your first visit to Beijing, these are the must-do activities and places to see. Make sure you explore these iconic spots, as they will undoubtedly make your trip worthwhile.

Things to do in Beijing »

Travel itineraries, how to plan a Beijing trip

Beijing Itinerary

Beijing is the capital city of China and a must-visit destination for travelers, offering a rich history and cultural heritage represented by famous attractions such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven. Popular itineraries typically include visits to these iconic sites, cultural activities such as kungfu learning, paper-cutting, traditional Chinese medicine, local food cooking, etc. as well as exploring local markets and trying the famous Beijing cuisine such as Peking duck, Beijing opera at night etc.

• Day 1: Visit the Forbidden City in-depth, Tiananmen Square, hutongs by rickshaw and paper-cutting, Peking duck for dinner
• Day 2: Visit the Temple of Heaven plus Tai Chi learning, Explore the Summer Palace with a boat cruise, Panjiayuan Market,Pekingg opera at night
• Day 3: Visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Section and Chinese dumpling making

Beijing travel itineraries »

Luxury Hotels, where to stay

Some Top Luxury hotels in Beijing over USD500 per night:

Aman Summer Palace

Aman Summer Palace: The Aman Summer Palace Hotel is a luxurious and elegant hotel located in Beijing, China, known for its rich cultural heritage and rich history, offering guests a blend of contemporary amenities and traditional Chinese design, featuring spacious rooms and suites, stunning garden views, a variety of dining options, a tranquil spa, a fitness center, and a stunning outdoor pool, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a sophisticated and memorable stay in one of the world's most fascinating cities.

Bulgari Hotel Beijing: Bulgari Hotel Beijing is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering guests a luxurious and elegant stay experience with its impeccable design and exceptional services including spacious rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings, a fitness center, indoor pool, award-winning restaurant, and exclusive spa and wellness facilities all complemented by panoramic views of the city and unparalleled personalized attention from the dedicated team of staff.

Wangfujing Area

Lots of travelers prefer staying nearby Wangfujiing Street as it is very convenient to walk around for shopping and eating.

Peninsula Beijing

Some of the top hotels nearby Wangfujing Street in Beijing include the Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing, The Peninsula Beijing, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Waldorf Astoria Beijing, Regent Beijing, and Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel. These hotels offer high-end amenities, impeccable service, and prime locations that allow guests to easily explore the city's top attractions.

Hutong Area and Courtyard Style

Beijing Double Happiness

Beijing offers a variety of luxury boutique hotels that blend traditional Chinese design with contemporary styles such as Hotel Cote Cour Beijing in Yangyue Hutong, Red Wall Garden Hotel and Shijia House in Shiajia Hutong, Double Happiness Beijing Courtyard Hotel, etc. offering a range of stylish rooms, high-end amenities, and personalized service to make your stay in Beijing unforgettable.

Great Wall Area

Mutianyu Brickyard

We recommend that you can choose either stay in a nice hotel on Wangfujing Street or a boutique in Hutong while traveling in Beijing; and at foot of the Great Wall such as Commune By The Great Wall at Badaling Section, Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall, The Great Wall Box House Beijing nearby Gubeikou and Jingshanling Great Wall, and Zhàoshì Shānjū (赵氏山居) at foot of Jiankou Great Wall.

Luxury hotels and boutiques in Beijing »

Travel with Us to Enjoy a Beijing Holiday

"We had quite an amazing trip. We saw SO much and learned SO much! As I wrote in the paper evaluation I filled out at the end of our 3 days in Beijing, all four of us absolutely loved our guide, Jin Qiang. "Sherry Price, USA - Read more about this Beijing journey »

If you are traveling to Beijing for the first time, then the regular essential attractions and cultural activities are very suitable for you; if you have traveled to Beijing many times, then we recommend you try such as hiking the Great Wall and staying in boutique hotels at the foot of the Great Wall, and you can also consider spending more time to do some cultural experiences such as calligraphy, painting, paper cutting, etc.

Customize Your Unique Beijing Tour

If you are interested in the Beijing itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Beijing Tour, please visit our Beijing Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

Informative Articles for Your Beijing Trip

Climb the Great Wall

• Travel Guide: attractions, weather, hotels, food, etc.
• Weather: the best time and seasons to visit Beijing
• Top attractions: sightseeings to watch in Beijing
• Top destinations: best places to visit in Beijing
• Travel itineraries: itineraries for your reference
• Abundant activities: Beijing cultural immersions
• Unique perspective: top interesting things to do
• Local food: what to eat while traveling in Beijing
• Luxury hotels: accommodation to stay in Beijing
• Beijing Tours: customized tours for your reference