Beijing is massive, chaotic, and unforgettable.  If it’s your first time, this guide will help you make sense of it all — and make the most of your trip.

**HOW MANY DAYS** | 3 - 5

**BEST TIME TO VISIT |** Apr - Jun & Sep - Nov

**WHERE TO STAY |** Dongguan Hotel Beijing
**TOP THINGS TO SEE |**
Forbidden City, Tianmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Lamatemple

**HOW TO GET AROUND |** metro, walk, Didi

Planning your trip to China’s capital can feel overwhelming. This city of over 20 million people blends ancient wonders with rapid modern change. You’ll walk through temples older than most countries, eat in alleys that hide Michelin-rated food, and hop on a subway that makes getting around surprisingly easy. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to do in Beijing — from must-see sights and hidden gems to local food tips, neighborhoods worth staying in, and how to get around like a pro.

WHAT TO DO IN BEIJING: TOP HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the most impressive places we visited in Beijing and in any place we’ve been to. It was the home of Chinese emperors for almost 500 years and walking through its gates feels like stepping into another time. The palace complex is massive, with over 900 buildings, huge courtyards, and beautiful details everywhere you look.

We recommend starting early to avoid the the heat. Expect huge groups and crowds, no matter at what time of the day you go. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to explore. We spent almost half a day here. There’s a lot to take in, from the golden roofs to the history behind each hall. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring water, especially in the warmer months.

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Don't make the same mistake we did. The Forbidden City has a limited number of daily tickets. If they’re gone, they’re gone. We were really stressed about it as we did not want to miss it. You have three options to get your hands on some tickets:

First, book your tickets when they are released one week in advance through the official website or WeChat. We never managed to buy anything through the app ourselves. We had issues installing the app, using it, and understanding how to find what we needed. Everything is in Chinese and the outdated interface made it tough.

Second option is easier: book your tickets through platforms like GetYourGuide or Trip.com. This way you know you’re in.

The third option is to queue at the ticket counter at the main entrance, best accessed through the Donghuamen Gate. There’s a limited number of tickets available daily for foreigners, so arrive early to increase your chances — but tickets are not guaranteed.

No matter how you book, don’t forget your passport. You can’t buy or use the ticket without it. Also, prepare for airport-style security. Leave things at your hotel that might not be allowed inside.

BOOK | Forbidden City Walking Tour with Entry Tickets

OPEN | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed on Mondays

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥60 | 7€ | US$8

Explore Tianmen Square

Tiananmen Square is one of those places we’ve seen on TV countless times, but standing there in person gave us goosebumps. It’s especially worth visiting around sunset for the daily flag-lowering ceremony — when the square lights up, it feels both beautiful and powerful. The area is massive and easy to walk around.

Since this is one of Beijing’s most popular landmarks, daily visitor numbers are limited, and you’ll need to reserve a ticket in advance through a WeChat mini program. But even if tickets are sold out, don’t worry: if you’ve visited the Forbidden City earlier that day, you can still enter Tiananmen Square by showing your ticket at the security check.

ENTRANCE FEE | Free

Get to the Top of Jingshan Park

Right behind the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park offers one of the best panoramic views in Beijing. It’s a short but steep climb to the top to get a full view of the Forbidden City rooftops and the city skyline. We recommend coming around sunset when the light hits the rooftops just right. It’s crowded, but a great photo spot that many travelers miss.

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥10 | 1.2€ | US$1.4

OPEN | 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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Climb the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is one of those places that really lives up to the hype. It stretches over 20,000 kilometers across the country and was built over centuries to protect China from invasions. Most of what you can visit today was built during the Ming dynasty, around 500 years ago.

We visited the section at Mutianyu, and it was a great choice. It’s one of the more accessible parts from Beijing and has a cable car and toboggan ride if you’re not up for a big hike. Even though it’s more developed, the views are stunning and you still get that wow feeling standing on the wall. If you want fewer crowds, try to go early in the morning on a weekday.

We actually wrote a full article about our best tips and lessons learned from visiting Mutianyu, including how to get there, what to bring, and what we wish we had known. If you’re planning to go, check it out first.

READ | Escape the Crowds: Mutianyu Great Wall Travel Guide

BOOK | Mutianyu Great Wall Bus + Guide + Lunch

Step Inside Lama Temple

The Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Temple, was one of our favorite temples in all of China. The temple was built in the 1600s and later became a center for Tibetan Buddhism. Inside, you’ll find beautiful halls, colorful roofs, and lots of statues. The highlight is a massive 18-meter-tall Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. It’s impressive and beautiful as the Buddha has a more typical Indian clothing and look. We recommend going early in the day or close to closing time when it’s quieter.

BOOK | Temple Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Hutong Bus Tour

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥25 | 3€ | US$3.5

OPEN | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Marvel at Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most impressive structures and a must for first-time visitors. It’s not just a temple, it’s a huge park with beautiful gardens, old cypress trees, and locals doing tai chi or playing cards. The main highlight is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its round blue roof and stunning details. It’s even more impressive in real life than in photos. We have to confess that we went twice. We visited once in the evening and once in the morning.

We loved visiting in the morning, when the park comes alive with locals dancing, practicing tai chi, or playing music. It feels both peaceful and full of energy — a really cool mix. Another great time is about one or two hours before closing. You’ll catch the temple while it’s still open (it closes at 6 pm in summer), and then you can stay in the park as the sun sets. Once the lights turn on, the temple looks even more magical. That moment really stuck with us. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to wander and soak in the atmosphere before and after sunset.

BOOK | Entry to Temple of Heaven Park

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥34 | 4€ | US$5 (park & temple ground)

OPEN | 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. (last admission)

Wander through Summer Palace

If you’re wondering what to do in Beijing outside the city centre, the Summer Palace is the perfect escape. Once the royal retreat of Empress Dowager Cixi, it feels more like a massive park than a palace. She famously used navy funds to rebuild it in the late 1800s after it was destroyed in war, creating a peaceful lakeside retreat instead of a traditional palace complex.

We recommend entering through the East Gate and starting at the Garden of Harmonious Interests – one of our personal highlights. From there, make your way to the Hall of Happiness and Longevity, and then walk along the Long Corridor, which stretches over 700 meters and features more than 14,000 colorful paintings. Halfway through, climb the stairs up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for a panoramic view.

Continue toward the famous Marble Boat, where you can hop on a boat across Kunming Lake to South Lake Islandand walk back over the scenic Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Whether you take a boat, stroll the corridors, or just sit by the water, the Summer Palace is one of the most relaxing places in Beijing. Plan at least half a day for your visit, especially since traffic in Beijing can be unpredictable and getting there might take longer than expected.

BOOK | Summer Palace entry ticket + optional guided tour

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥60 | 7€ | US$8

OPEN | 8 a.m. - 5.30 p.m.

WHAT TO DO IN BEIJING: LOCAL INSIGHTS

Stroll Trough Hutong Neighborhoods

The hutongs are special neighborhoods in Beijing. They are old narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses. Walking through them gives you a glimpse of what the city used to be like before all the modern skyscrapers came around. Some hutongs have become a bit touristy, with souvenir shops and touristic restaurants, but they still keep their charm. Others are still quiet and lived-in, with locals sitting outside playing cards or selling steamed buns. We really enjoyed just wandering and getting a bit lost. We visited Nanluoguxiang, which is the most famous one. It's lively, full of small shops, cafes, street food, and bars. Great for people-watching and snacks, but it does get crowded and is touristy.

BOOK | Hutong Food Crawl Delights: Peking duck, Hotpot & More

Get a Souvenir at Panjiayuan Antique Market

We really enjoyed our visit to this antique market. It’s one of those places where you can easily spend an hour or two just browsing. You’ll find everything from old-school memorabilia and vintage objects to home decor and collectibles. What we liked most were the stalls with handmade items by local artists. They sell unique souvenirs like hand-painted Shan (fans), traditional-style paintings, and custom bracelets. Some artists even offer to personalize your purchase on the spot, so you get a one-of-a-kind item to take home. It’s a fun mix of history, creativity, and craftsmanship — perfect if you're looking for something more meaningful than a typical souvenir.

Relax at Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a peaceful green escape right in the middle of Beijing. It’s one of the oldest imperial gardens in China and still feels like a slice of old Beijing. You can walk around the lake, rent a paddle boat, or explore the temples and pavilions. The big white stupa on the island is the park’s most famous landmark. It’s a great spot to slow down after a busy sightseeing day and enjoy a more relaxed side of the city.

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥20 | 2.5€ | US$3

OPEN | 6.30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Climb up Bell & Drum Tower

The Bell and Drum Towers once marked the heartbeat of Beijing, helping the city keep time before modern clocks. Today, you can climb the steep stairs of both towers to see the massive instruments up close and enjoy a panoramic view over the surrounding hutongs and the city's central axis. Around the square, locals often gather to play Jianzi, a traditional game where a feathered shuttlecock is kicked back and forth — feel free to join in. If you're wandering through the nearby hutong neighborhoods, this stop adds the perfect mix of history and local life.

BOOK | Hutongs & Drum Tower City Walking Tour

ENTRANCE FEE | ¥30 | 3.5€ | US$4

OPEN | 9.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m

WHERE TO STAY IN BEIJING?

If it’s your first time in Beijing, Wangfujing is one of the best areas to stay. It’s part of Dongcheng District, which is the historic heart of the city. You’ll be close to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. Wangfujing also has lots of food options, shopping, and Metro Line 1 is nearby, so it’s easy to get around.

Just keep in mind that hotel prices usually drop the further you stay from the center. If you’re on a budget, staying a bit outside the main areas can be worth it. Just make sure your hotel is close to a metro station. That way you’ll save time and energy getting around the city.

When booking places to stay in China, we usually use Trip.com. It has more hotel options than Booking.com and is widely used within China.

BUDGET | Choose Dongguan Hotel Beijing for a modern, comfortable and clean stay.

COMFORT | You will love James Joyce Coffetel for a hotel that blends a clean, contemporary design with charming vintage travel elements.

ESCAPE | Stay at East Sacred Hotel to be at the heart of the tourist attractions. It is a stylish and modern hotel with an included incredible breakfast and dining opitions.

HOW TO GET TO BEIJING?

You can fly into Beijing through two main airports: Beijing Capital (PEK) and Beijing Daxing (PKX). Most international flights still arrive at PEK, while Daxing is newer and often used for domestic and low-cost carriers. From both airports, it takes about 1 hour to get to the city center by taxi or airport express train (only from PEK). Be online as soon as you land by installing an eSIM before entering China. We use Saily because it offers the best value and worked well all over China.

If you're already in China, the high-speed rail is a great option. For example, the train from Xi’an to Beijing takes around 4.5 to 6 hours and arrives at Beijing South Railway Station, which connects directly to the metro. These trains are very popular, so we recommend booking in advance via 12go.asia to secure your spot.

AIR | Search for affordable air fares with kiwi.com here

For more tips like these, don’t miss our article What We Wish We Knew Before Visiting China — it's packed with lessons learned from our own trip.

NEXT | Why We Fell in Love With the Ancient City of Pingyao

HOW TO GET AROUND BEIJING?

The metro is the easiest way to reach most places in Beijing. It’s clean, reliable, and very affordable. You can buy tickets at the machine or just scan your Alipay code, but make sure it’s set up before you travel.

Yes, life in China runs through apps. But no stress, we explain it all in our step-by-step guide: Chinese Essential Apps for Traveling in China. These apps help with getting around, paying, and staying online.

We also often used Didi, China’s ride-hailing app. It works in English and lets you pay in the app.

Another fun way to get around is by using a shared bike. You’ll see yellow and blue bikes all over the city. Just scan one with the Meituan or DiDi app and start riding.

We recommend you to spend at least 3 full days in Beijing. That gives you enough time to see the major sights like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Summer Palace.
If you want to go at a slower pace or include day trips, 4 or 5 days is better. Beijing is not a place to rush. The city is huge, and most places take longer to explore than you think.
The best time to visit Beijing is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). The weather is nice and the skies are usually clear. Summer can be very hot and crowded. Try to avoid Chinese public holidays like Chinese New Year (usually in late January or February) and Labor Day (May 1st), as popular spots can get extremely busy.
Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. While strict dress codes are rare, it's respectful when entering religious sites.
We were surprised how little English is spoken in Beijing, even in restaurants or at tourist attractions. Outside of main tourist areas, English is rarely used. Make sure to download a translation app or have pictures of important things ready on your phone.
Peking duck, jianbing (Chinese crepes), dumplings, and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) are popular local dishes you shouldn’t miss.