Beijing Guide: Itinerary and Top Attractions
Beijing is located in northern China and has a population of around 21.8 million. The city experiences four distinct seasons, with autumn offering the most pleasant weather.
by Vida Huang | Isaac Chou | Dana Andreea Gheorghe
Airport Transportation and Hotel Recommendations
Beijing has two airports. Click on the image below to enlarge it.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Located about 30 km from the city center, some of the facilities may appear outdated, and you may need to take a shuttle bus to your terminal, rather than using a jet bridge. Here’s how to get to the city:
Capital Airport Express
Fare: 28 RMB. Timetable can be found here.
Stops include: T2 Terminal, T3 Terminal, Sanyuanqiao, Dongzhimen, and Beixinqiao.
If you’re staying at Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, you should get off at Beixinqiao Station, transfer to Line 5 (towards Songjiazhuang), and then get off at Dengshikou (Exit C). The whole trip takes about 55 minutes.
If you’re staying at Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing Central, you should get off at Dongzhimen, transfer to Line 2 (towards Dongsishitiao), and then get off at Beijing Railway Station (Exit B). The whole trip takes about 59 minutes.
Taxi
Follow the signs to the taxi line. The trip takes about 1–1.5 hours and costs 60–100 RMB (depending on traffic). Using Didi (China’s ride-hailing app) is cheaper, but the pick-up area can be chaotic, and you might have trouble finding your driver.
Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Located about 55 km from the city center, this airport was completed in 2019. The facilities are newer, and the overall experience is better. Here’s how to get to the city:
Daxing Airport Express
Fare: 35 RMB. Timetable can be found here.
Stops include: Daxing Airport, Daxing Xincheng, and Caoqiao
If you’re staying at Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, get off at Caoqiao, follow the signs to the subway, and take Line 10 (towards Jiaomenxi). Then, transfer to Line 5 (towards Tiantongyuan) at Songjiazhuang, and get off at Dengshikou (Exit C). The whole trip takes about 1 hour.
If you’re staying at Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing Central, get off at Caoqiao, follow the signs to the subway, and take Line 19 (towards Mudanyuan). Then, transfer to Line 2 (towards Guloudajie) at Jishuitan, and get off at Beijing Railway Station (Exit B). The whole trip takes about 1 hour 10 minutes.
Since there are two transfers, I recommend taking the Airport Express to Caoqiao (about 25 minutes, costing 35 RMB), and then taking a Didi directly to your hotel (about 40 minutes, costing 40–60 RMB).
Taxi
Follow the signs to the taxi line. The trip takes about 1.5 hours and costs 150–200 RMB (depending on traffic). Using Didi is cheaper, but the pick-up area can be confusing, and you might have trouble finding your driver.
Getting Around Beijing
Navigation Apps
If you’re using an iPhone, you can navigate with Apple Maps. For Android users, unfortunately, there isn’t a really good English navigation app at the moment. You can try Petal Maps (developed by Huawei, but currently only a few cities support public transport navigation; it’s better for driving and walking directions), or you can use AMap (also known as Gaode Maps, which most people in China use. It’s the most accurate, and Apple Maps in China also uses AMap’s data). However, AMap doesn’t currently have an English interface.
Walking
If your destination is nearby, walking is a great option. Beijing is very safe, both day and night. However, be extra cautious when crossing the street—watch out for electric scooters. They’re fast, quiet, and often the drivers don’t follow traffic rules. (In my opinion, this is the biggest downside of Beijing.)
Taxis
In most cases, I recommend using Didi (it’s cheaper, the cars are newer, and the drivers are usually friendlier). However, in busy areas like airports and train stations, it’s almost impossible for Didi drivers to find you using phone GPS alone. Locals usually call the driver directly to figure out their exact location.
Cost: You can use Didi to estimate the fare. Taxis are generally more expensive than Didi, but not more than double the price.
Tips:
- Always choose taxis in the official queue and avoid drivers who approach you offering rides.
- When you get in the taxi, show the driver your hotel’s address in Chinese.
- All taxis use a meter. Before getting out, you can pay by scanning the driver’s QR code with Alipay.
- No tipping is required for taxi drivers.
- If you think the fare is unreasonable, there’s no need to argue with the driver. Take note of the license plate number (or if you forget, remember the time you got out of the taxi) and ask your hotel staff to help you file a complaint. If the driver has indeed taken a longer route to overcharge you, you’ll receive a refund, and the driver will be suspended for a week. Beijing has a supervisory service called the Mayor’s Hotline that oversees both government and business services. All complaints are responded to.
Didi
Didi is very convenient. You can order a ride directly through the Didi in Alipay, and you don’t need a Chinese phone number.
Tips:
- After getting into the car, the driver may show you their phone with a four-digit number (this is either the last four digits of your phone number or the virtual number assigned to your eSIM). This is to confirm you are the correct passenger. (When you use Didi, the driver can see the last four digits of your phone number. If you use another ride-hailing platform, the driver might ask for the last two or four digits of your number and enter them into the app before the fare starts, and the trip officially begins.)
- If you take a highway, the toll will automatically be added to the Didi fare.
- If you can’t find your driver or change your mind, you can cancel the ride, but there will be a 3 RMB cancellation fee.
- When choosing a ride type, it’s best to uncheck the taxi option. If you accidentally book a taxi, unlike other ride-hailing cars, you can’t simply leave when you reach your destination. The driver will input the metered fare into their phone, and your Didi app will prompt you to pay. Only after you pay can you exit the vehicle.
Subway
Beijing has 27 subway lines operating from 5 AM to midnight, covering most tourist attractions. Stations have clear English signage, and each station has restrooms (after entering the paid area).
Cost: 3 to 10 RMB, depending on the distance traveled.
Ticket Purchase:
- Starting September 2024, Beijing Subway will allow ’tap-and-go’ fare payment for foreign MasterCard and Visa card holders.
- If your card doesn’t support ’tap-and-go,’ you can buy tickets at the ticket counter, but not from the automatic ticket machines.
Tips:
If your first stop in China is Shanghai or another city, you might try using Alipay QR codes to enter the station or use automatic ticket machines. However, this won’t work in Beijing! In Beijing, only Alipay accounts linked to a Chinese phone number can generate subway QR codes, and you need a Chinese ID card to use the automatic ticket machines. This could be challenging for foreign tourists, so starting September 2024, the ’tap-and-go’ payment method will be available.
Avoid using the subway during rush hours (7:30 AM - 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM). If you’ve seen videos of rush hour in Tokyo, yes, Beijing can be just as crowded.
It’s also not recommended to use the subway from mid-July to mid-August. During this period, the subway is packed with tourists from other parts of China. Locals often complain on social media about being late because they can’t get off the train, or being blocked by crowds of tourists as soon as they exit the train.
Beijing Subway Map
Click on the image below to enlarge it.
Buses
Buses in Beijing are inexpensive, well-maintained, air-conditioned, and usually have plenty of seats available! However, young locals and tourists from other parts of China rarely use them. The bus routes are designed for local residents, with many stops, and infrequent service outside of rush hours, making travel time about twice as long as the subway. Additionally, bus stops lack clear English signage, making them less suitable for first-time foreign visitors to China.
Beijing 4-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Rest in the morning, visit the Summer Palace in the afternoon.
Day 2: Visit the Forbidden City in the morning, then go to Jingshan Park and Beihai Park in the afternoon.
Day 3: Visit the Great Wall in the morning, then explore Qianmen Street in the evening.
Day 4: Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then explore Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai (Hutongs) in the afternoon.
Top Attractions in Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall
The Great Wall is one of China’s most iconic landmarks, with a history spanning over 2,000 years. Due to the complex terrain and construction at different times, the Great Wall is not a continuous structure but is made up of several sections. The two most popular sections for visitors are the Mutianyu Great Wall (accessible only by taxi or long-distance bus, about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, but it’s less crowded, has great views, and even offers a toboggan ride) and the Badaling Great Wall (reachable by high-speed train in just 30 minutes, though it tends to be more crowded). This guide focuses on the Mutianyu Great Wall.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Admission: 40 RMB. No reservations are needed; tickets can be purchased on-site.
Duration: 3 - 5 Hours
Transportation:
Mutianyu is about 75 kilometers from downtown Beijing, requiring a 1.5 to 2-hour drive.
Didi the most convenient option. A sedan (seats up to 4 passengers) costs between 200 and 250 RMB one-way, depending on traffic. You can easily get a car for both the trip there and the return without needing to book in advance. It’s recommended to leave downtown Beijing at 6:30 am to arrive at the Great Wall before the large crowds of bus tourists arrive.
- The highway toll is about 15 RMB, which the driver will add to the fare and will be automatically deducted through the app, so there’s no need to pay separately. Some drivers may inform you in advance, but this is just to make you aware, not to ask you to pay at the toll booth.
- The parking lot is about 3 kilometers from the Great Wall entrance. You can purchase a shuttle bus ticket on-site for just 15 RMB round-trip.
You can also choose a day tour, such as:
Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour by Bus with Options
Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour from Beijing
Restaurants: There are Chinese restaurants as well as fast food options like Subway and Burger King within the scenic area. You can also bring your own food to eat on the Great Wall.
Mutianyu Great Wall Map:
2-Hour Hiking Route:
Start at the South Entrance > Tower No. 6 > Tower No. 12 > Descend > Exit at the North Entrance. Most people can easily complete this route.
4-Hour Hiking Route:
Start at the South Entrance > Tower No. 6 > Tower No. 12 > Tower No. 20 (the highest point of the Mutianyu Great Wall) > Tower No. 12 > Descend > Exit at the North Entrance. This route requires good physical fitness.
Best Experience Route:
Enter from the North Entrance and take a cable car (about 5 minutes) to Tower No. 14 at the top of the mountain (each cable car holds up to 8 people, one-way fare is 100 RMB per person, tickets available on-site) > Walk from Tower No. 14 to Tower No. 6, which takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours > Ride the toboggan down the mountain, which takes only 10 minutes (however, if there are many visitors, you might have to wait in line for 1-2 hours; if the wait is too long, consider taking the chairlift down or walking down in about 25 minutes).
Selected Video: Mutianyu Cable Car
Selected Video: We Made it to the Great Wall of China
Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street was the commercial center of Beijing 100 years ago. Today, it is a hub for old and famous shops and a popular tourist attraction in the city.
Duration: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour
Transportation: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 8 and get off at Qianmen Station. Use Exit C.
Most of the shoppers on Qianmen Street are tourists from other cities in China, and local Beijingers rarely visit. This is partly because Beijing’s summers are hot, winters are cold, and spring is windy, so locals tend to shop in malls. However, some older locals specifically come here to buy tea or pickles because they believe the flavors from these traditional shops are the most authentic.
But don’t get me wrong—Qianmen Street is unique and has a strong Beijing character, making it definitely worth a visit. You might want to try the jasmine-flavored ice cream from Wuyutai, a famous old tea shop in Beijing. It’s only 9 yuan!
You can set aside an hour to explore this area.
Qianmen Street
Dashilan Street
Pageone Bookstore - You can buy souvenirs here, and the third floor is a great spot for taking photos of the Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower nearby.
Nanluoguxiang & Hutong Area
You can spend 2-3 hours exploring the hutongs and visiting the commercial streets built within the hutong area.
1.Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang is a 787-meter-long street located in a hutong area. It was transformed into a commercial pedestrian street around 2008. Unlike Qianmen Street, the shops here mainly cater to young people, and it’s a better place for a leisurely stroll.
Duration: 15 - 30 Minutes
Transportation: Take Subway Line 6 or Line 8 to Nanluogu Xiang Station 南锣鼓巷 and exit at Exit E
2.Gulou
Gulou, or The Drum Tower, stands 46.7 meters tall and was historically used to announce the time. On clear days, you can purchase a ticket to go inside. It’s an excellent spot for enjoying a panoramic view of the surrounding streets.
Hours: Closed on Mondays. April 1 - October 31 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM November 1 - March 31 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Admission: 20 RMB. Seniors over 60 and university students over 18 get half-price tickets. Children under 18 can enter for free. No reservations are needed; tickets can be purchased on-site.
Duration: 30 Minutes
3.Yandaixiejie
Yandaixiejie is 232 meters long and about 4 meters wide, connecting Gulou Street and Shichahai. You can think of it as a smaller version of Nanluoguxiang.
4.Shichahai
Shichahai is a historic area with lakes, willow trees, hutongs, bars, and restaurants. It’s a popular spot for locals in Beijing to take a stroll or go boating on weekend evenings.
Duration: 15 - 30 Minutes
Transportation: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station and exit at A1.
- The center of Shichahai is Yinding Bridge（银锭桥）. You can take a short walk around the area; there’s no need to walk around the entire lake.
- A 4-person pedal boat costs 180 RMB per hour with a 600 RMB deposit, while a 4-person electric boat costs 240 RMB per hour. Larger boats are also available, with instructions in both Chinese and English on-site.
- A rickshaw ride costs about 150 RMB for 30 minutes (for 2 adults). The driver will give a brief explanation of the surrounding buildings, but they only speak Chinese.
5.Chijian Huode Zhenjun Temple
This small Taoist temple, dedicated to several deities, has a history of around 1,400 years. Despite its size, the temple offers a serene and sacred atmosphere, which stands in sharp contrast to the lively, commercial vibe of the surrounding Shichahai area. It’s a hidden gem worth visiting.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: Free
Duration: 5 - 10 Minutes
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
The Forbidden City is 961 meters long and 753 meters wide. It was completed in 1420 and was home to 24 emperors. In 1912, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty abdicated, marking the end of China’s imperial rule. In 1925, the Forbidden City was transformed into the Palace Museum and opened to the public. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Beijing.
Hours: Closed on Mondays. April 1 - October 31: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM; November 1 - March 31: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Last entry is one hour before closing.
Admission: April 1 - October 31: 60RMB; November 1 - March 31: 40RMB. The Treasure Gallery 10RMB. The Gallery of Clocks 10RMB.
The Palace Museum tickets are in high demand, so set a reminder to book your tickets on the official website at 8 PM (Beijing time) exactly 7 days before your visit. Tickets usually sell out within 30 minutes.
If you’re unable to book tickets online, you can go directly to the ticket window at the Palace Museum. Show your passport, and the staff will likely sell you a same-day ticket. This service is only available to foreign tourists, and the number of tickets is limited, so it’s best to go early.
Children under 6 enter for free, seniors over 60 get half-price tickets, and students aged 7-18 can enter for 20 RMB with a student ID, regardless of nationality.
Duration: 2 Hours
Transportation:
Take the subway to Tiananmendong Station 天安门东 and exit from Exit A. After entering and exploring Tiananmen Square (you’ll go through three security checks), enter the Palace Museum through the Meridian Gate (Wu Men 午门). Follow the one-way route through the museum, and exit from the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Men 神武门). Afterward, you can visit Jingshan Park.
- If you have booked tickets for the Palace Museum, you can visit Tiananmen Square on the same day without a reservation (Tiananmen Square is free to enter, but requires a reservation through WeChat one day in advance).
- If you don’t have tickets for the Palace Museum and haven’t reserved access to Tiananmen Square, it’s recommended to take a taxi to Donghuamen Street 东华门大街. From there, you can walk along the outer wall of the Palace Museum to the Meridian Gate (Wu Men 午门), without needing to enter Tiananmen Square.
- There are restaurants inside the Palace Museum, and bringing your own food and drinks is also allowed.
Website: Official Website of The Palace Museum
Selected Video: Uncovering the Forbidden City, Beijing · Walking Tour
Selected Photo:
by ZQ Lee
by Lan Lin
by zhang kaiyv
Beihai Park
Beihai Park was built in 1166, and the White Pagoda within the park is one of Beijing’s landmark attractions. Beihai Park is much smaller than the Summer Palace, but locals in Beijing enjoy boating here, while visitors from other cities in China like to take photos in traditional costumes.
Hours: April 1 - October 31: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM; November 1 - March 31: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission: 10 RMB, on-site ticket purchase, no reservation required
Transportation:
Exit from the west gate of Jingshan Park and walk 250 meters to reach the east gate of Beihai Park. Follow the sightseeing route shown on the map below, This route includes a boat ride costing 20 RMB per person(There are multiple boat routes. Please confirm that your destination is Wulongting 五龙亭). Finally, exit from the north gate of Beihai Park, walk 500 meters to the Beihaibei Station 北海北站 on Line 6 of the subway.
Duration: 1.5 Hours
Selected Video: Iconic Beijing—Boating in Beihai Park
Selected Photo:
by Jéan Béller | Maddy Meng Hoak Shen
Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is located on the north side of the Forbidden City and is the best place to overlook the palace.
Hours: April 1 - October 31: 6:30 AM - 9:00 PM; November 1 - March 31: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Admission: 10 RMB, on-site ticket purchase, no reservation required
Transportation:
After exiting the Forbidden City’s Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwu Gate / 神武门), take the underground passage to cross the street, and you will find the south gate of Jingshan Park directly opposite. Enter the park and follow the route shown in the map below, then exit through the west gate. Beihai Park is just across the road.
Duration: 30 Minutes
Selected Video: Charm of Seasons in Beijing — Jingshan Park
Selected Photo:
by Arvin Yuan
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace was built in 1750 and has been damaged and rebuilt several times. It is one of the most iconic attractions in Beijing. Since it was designed to imitate the gardens of southern China (such as those in Hangzhou), you can skip the Summer Palace if your travel plans include visiting Hangzhou or Yangzhou.
Hours: April 1 - October 31: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM; November 1 - March 31: 6:30 AM - 7:00 PM.
Admission: April 1 - October 31: 30RMB; November 1 - March 31: 20RMB. You only need to buy the entrance ticket; there is no need to purchase a combined ticket.
- Foreign visitors can buy tickets on-site without the need for a reservation.
- Children under 6 enter for free, those under 18 get a half-price ticket, and visitors over 60 enter for free, regardless of nationality.
Duration: 2 - 3 Hours
Transportation:
The Summer Palace is large and has multiple entrances.
It’s recommended to take a ride-hailing service to ‘Summer Palace Newly-built Palace Gate / Xinjian Palace Gate(新建宫门)’ and enter the park.
After entering the Summer Palace, you can choose Route A (marked in red on the map), which takes about 2.5 hours. This route includes a boat ride costing 40 RMB per person(There are multiple boat routes. Please confirm that your destination is Shifang 石舫). You’ll exit the Summer Palace through the ‘Donggongmen / Summer Palace East Gate’, where you can either take a taxi to your next destination or walk 13 minutes (900 meters) to Xiyuan Subway Station.
Alternatively, you can choose Route B (marked in blue on the map), which is a walking route that takes about 3 hours. You’ll exit through the ‘Summer Palace North Ruyi Gate’ and then walk 800 meters to Beigongmen Subway Station.
Selected Video: The Summer Palace - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Selected Photo:
by Bing HAO
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is the largest ancient complex in the world dedicated to worshiping the heavens. Built in 1420, it was where ancient emperors conducted ceremonies to pray for good harvests and rain. The Temple of Heaven is a must-visit attraction in Beijing, and seeing it in person is far more impressive than any photo can capture.
Hours: April 1 - October 31: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM; November 1 - March 31: 6:30 AM - 10:00 PM. Last entry is one hour before closing.
Admission: April 1 - October 31: 34RMB; November 1 - March 31: 28RMB. The ticket price includes both the entrance fee and the Through Ticket for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the most important site within the park
- Foreign visitors can purchase tickets on-site with their passport, no reservation is needed.
- Visitors under 18 or over 60 can enter for free with a passport, regardless of nationality.
Duration: 1 - 2 Hours
Transportation: Take the subway to Temple of Heaven East Gate Station(天坛东门站) and exit from Exit A2.
It’s recommended to enter the park through the East Gate, visit the most iconic area (the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and its surroundings), and then exit through the East Gate. The Temple of Heaven has four entrances, but the other gates are farther from the subway station. These entrances are more convenient for Beijing locals who are taking the bus.
Selected Video: THE MOST IMPORTANT TEMPLE IN BEIJING
Selected Photo:
by Isaac Chou | Willem Chan Min
Universal Studios Beijing
Universal Studios Beijing is the third Universal Studios theme park in Asia and is still expanding, with only the first phase currently open. Notable attractions include the Decepticoaster and Jurassic World Adventure. Since the number of attractions is fewer compared to Universal Studios in Los Angeles and Osaka, it is recommended as an optional destination rather than a must-visit.
Hours: 9am to 7/8/9pm, Depending on the specific date
Admission: Around 500 RMB, depending on the specific date, Book Tickets on Klook
Duration: 1 Day
Park Maps: Universal Studios Beijing Map
Website: Official Website of Universal Studios Beijing
Transportation:
- Universal Studios is about 30 kilometers/19 miles from downtown Beijing.
- Using Didi takes about 50 minutes and costs around 60 RMB.
- Taking the subway takes about 1 hour and costs around 6 RMB. Take Line 7 or Line 1 (also known as Batong Line) to Universal Resort Station(环球度假区站) Exit from B and walk for 5 minutes.
- During July and August, as well as Chinese public holidays, the park can get very crowded. It’s recommended to either avoid these times or purchase an Express Pass. On non-holiday dates, Saturdays and Mondays tend to have more visitors, while Tuesdays through Thursdays and Sundays are less crowded.
- Please download the ‘Universal Beijing Resort’ app to check wait times and show schedules.
Selected Video: Universal Studios Beijing Day One Vlog June 2024
Selected Video: Jurassic World Adventure On Ride POV
Selected Video: Decepticoaster Front Seat POV
Preparation Before Traveling to China
Installing Alipay
Install Alipay before your departure (a Chinese phone number is not required) and complete all verification and activation. You can think of Alipay as an electronic wallet, but it’s actually a super app that also allows you to translate, book rides, reserve hotels, and more. You can find many videos on YouTube about it.
Additionally, you should also consider installing WeChat. It’s the communication/chat app used by everyone in China and also supports payment, booking, and other functions.
Selected Video: TTravel Smart in China with Alipay: Translation & Payment Function Explained
Q: Can you still use cash in China?
Yes, you can still use cash in China, but it’s mainly for the convenience of elderly people who don’t use mobile phones. You can use cash in shopping malls, larger supermarkets, and restaurants. However, in many smaller restaurants and shops, the owners might not have enough cash for change.
Q: What if my phone runs out of battery?
Shopping malls and street restaurants commonly offer paid power banks (these have charging cables for different types of phones; if your phone dies, you can charge it for free to power on, then pay afterward). If you carry your own charger, you can also ask to charge your phone in a café or tea shop, and order a drink if they allow it. If you use a Huawei phone, you can visit one of Huawei’s many stores in China and charge your phone for free.
If your phone dies while you’re on the subway, you can ask station staff to help charge it for free.
Buying an eSIM Card
You should purchase an eSIM from Nomad or Airalo so that you’ll have internet access as soon as you land at a Chinese airport. The eSIM can be used with Alipay and for booking rides through Didi. The downside of eSIM is that the speed is slower, and it cannot make calls or receive SMS, so you won’t be able to use apps that require SMS verification, like Meituan (similar to Uber Eats).
If your budget allows, or if you’re staying in China for a longer period, you should consider buying a Chinese SIM card at the airport in cities like Beijing or Shanghai (priced around 100-200 RMB). The internet speed will be much faster, and with a Chinese phone number, you can use all Chinese apps.
Thank you for reading, and may you have a wonderful journey!
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