Beijing
The Imperial Capital & Cultural Heart
Welcome to Beijing! This guide covers an essential itinerary flexible for 4 to 5 days, along with local cuisine, transportation, and accommodation tips to ensure a smooth trip for international visitors.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: The Imperial Core
Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
One of the largest public squares in the world and a symbolic heart of China.
Cost:Free (Reservation required)
Hours:05:00 – 22:00
The Palace Museum (故宫博物院)
The world's largest imperial palace complex, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Jingshan Park (景山公园)
Climb the hill immediately north of the Forbidden City for the best panoramic view of the palace.
Cost:2 CNY
Hours:06:00 – 21:00
Day 2: History & Rituals
National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆)
A massive museum flanking the square, housing over 1 million cultural artifacts.
Cost:Free (Passport required)
Hours:9:00 – 17:00 (Closed Mon)
Temple of Heaven Park (天坛公园)
An iconic architectural masterpiece where emperors prayed for good harvests. Great for seeing locals practice Tai Chi.
Day 3: Royal Gardens & Universities
Summer Palace (颐和园)
A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces serving as the imperial summer retreat.
Old Summer Palace (圆明园)
Known for its tragic history and European-style stone ruins.
Tsinghua / Peking University (清华大学 / 北京大学)
China's most prestigious universities with beautiful historic campuses.
Cost:Free (Strict reservation)
Hours:Weekends/Holidays
Day 4: The Great Wall & Relaxing Dinner
Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城)
The most famous and preserved section. Hiking here is physically demanding, so pace yourself.
Shichahai & Hutong Dinner (什刹海 & 胡同晚餐)
Relaxing evening by the lakes. Famous for Hutong restaurants and bars. Enjoy hotpot or snacks.
Cost:Free to walk
Hours:Open all day
Day 5: Temples & Olympics (Optional)
Lama Temple (雍和宫)
The most colorful and renowned Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet.
Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府)
The largest and best-preserved royal mansion from the Qing Dynasty.
Bird’s Nest / Water Cube (鸟巢 / 水立方)
Modern architectural marvels from the 2008 Olympics. Best visited at night when illuminated.
Cost:Free (Exterior)
Hours:Lights on after sunset
2. Family & Kids
⚠️ Essential Booking Tip: Most museums require advance booking via WeChat (often Chinese interface only) and tickets sell out fast. We highly recommend asking your hotel concierge to book for you 1–3 days in advance.
China Science and Technology Museum (中国科学技术馆)
A sci-fi paradise! Kids can pilot a plane, simulate docking a spacecraft, and explore physics through play. The "Science Paradise" hall is designed specifically for ages 3-10.
Cost:~30 CNY (Adults), ~15 CNY (Kids). Science Paradise requires a separate ticket.
Hours:Tue–Sun, 09:30–17:00.
Location:Near the Olympic Green (Bird's Nest).
📍 Pro Tip:Located next to Olympic Forest Park—great for a post-museum picnic.
National Natural History Museum of China (国家自然博物馆)
China’s top nature museum features fossils and taxidermy. The highlight is the Dinosaur Park, featuring animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar—a hit for little explorers.
Cost:Free (Advance reservation required).
Hours:Tue–Sun, 09:00–17:00.
Location:Tianqiao Area (Near Temple of Heaven).
📍 Pro Tip:Tickets are released 3 days prior and vanish in minutes. Book instantly!
China Railway Museum (铁道博物馆-东郊馆)
A massive hangar with over 100 historic locomotives. Kids can see steam engines up close and even board vintage carriages. A must-visit for train lovers.
Cost:~20 CNY.
Hours:Tue–Sun, 09:00–16:00.
Location:Chaoyang District (Eastern Suburbs).
📍 Pro Tip:It's far from the center; take a taxi/DiDi directly to the entrance.
China National Film Museum (中国电影博物馆)
Home to the world’s largest IMAX screen. Families can explore cinema history or watch movies. The central hall's 360-degree circular screen is visually mesmerizing.
Cost:Free entry (Reservation required). Movies sold separately.
Hours:Tue–Sun, 09:00–17:00.
Location:Northeast Beijing (Near 798 Art Zone).
📍 Pro Tip:Check the schedule for nature documentaries on the giant IMAX screen.
Military Museum (军事博物馆)
Displays real jets, missiles, and tanks. The Technology Hall offers realistic simulations: kids can drive a 99A Tank, pilot a jet, or try VR combat games.
Cost:Free (Passport required). Simulations cost extra.
Hours:Tue–Sun, 09:00–17:00.
Location:Haidian District (Subway Line 1/9).
📍 Pro Tip:Airport-style security check; do not bring lighters or sharp objects.
3. Food
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Classic Beijing Staples
Zhajiangmian
炸酱面
Chewy hand-pulled noodles topped with savory pork sauce and fresh veggies.
Tangyoubing
糖油饼
A sweet, fluffy, deep-fried breakfast treat.
Hardcore Feasts
Copper Pot Hotpot
铜锅涮肉
Thinly sliced mutton cooked instantly in boiling water. Try Jubaoyuan(聚宝源) or Nanmen Shuanrou（南门涮肉） Restaurant.
Peking Duck
北京烤鸭
Crispy skin and tender meat wrapped in thin pancakes.
Snacks & Desserts
Douzhi
豆汁儿
Warning: Very sour smell—for the brave only! Paired with fried dough rings.
Wandouhuang
豌豆黄
Smooth, sweet pea flour cake.
Lvdagun
驴打滚
Sticky rice cake with red bean paste rolled in soybean flour.
Tanghulu
冰糖葫芦
Candied hawthorn fruits on a stick.
4. Transportation
Arrival
- Air:
Capital Airport (PEK): Closest to downtown (~32km). Taxi to Wangfujing takes ~30-50 mins (~100-150 RMB). Airport Express (25 RMB) connects T2/T3 to Sanyuanqiao (Line 10) and Dongzhimen (Lines 2/13) in 20-30 mins. Shuttle Buses (Gate 11) offer direct routes to various city districts.
Daxing (PKX): Modern hub south of city (~50km). Airport Express (35 RMB) is fastest to Caoqiao (19 mins), with easy transfers to Lines 10/19. Intercity High-Speed Rail reaches Beijing West Station in ~20-30 mins (30 RMB). Shuttle Buses (Gate 20) provide 24-hour service to central locations like Beijing Station.Check flights via
- Train:
Beijing Railway Station (Line 2): Ideal for visiting iconic sites like the Forbidden City and Wangfujing.
Beijing West (Lines 7 & 9): Serves as a major high-speed hub near the Military Museum.
Beijing South (Lines 4 & 14): Primary arrival point for high-speed trains from Shanghai or Tianjin, offering easy access to the Temple of Heaven and the Niujie food district.Check trains via
City Transport
- Subway: Best option. Use Alipay (Transport) to scan QR code.
- Ride Hailing: Use DiDi via Alipay/WeChat. Avoid illegal "Black Taxis".
- Short Distance: Shared bicycles (scan via Alipay/WeChat).
5. Where to Stay
Qianmen / Dashilan
Top Pick. Walking distance to Tiananmen/Forbidden City.
Shichahai / Nanluoguxiang
Hutong culture and vibrant nightlife.
Xidan / Dongdan
Major commercial hubs. Shopping and transport.
Guomao / CBD
High-end luxury hotels and skyscrapers.
6. Essential Tips
💡 Top Tips
- Reservations: Critical! Book Forbidden City/Tiananmen 7 days in advance.
- Walking: Expect 15,000+ steps/day. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Weather: Hot summers, dry/windy winters. Spring/autumn is best.
- Great Wall: Badaling offers maximum convenience with a fast 20-minute train connection and abundant food choices, but it is famously steep and heavily crowded. Mutianyu provides a peaceful experience with gentler slopes and a fun toboggan ride, though it requires a complex commute and has limited dining options.
- Medical Tourism: refer latest Fudan hospital ranking at: Fudan Hospital Rankings