Beijing is China's capital and one of its most historically important cities. Imperial palaces, vast ceremonial spaces, traditional hutong lanes and modern districts sit within a huge urban area. You come here for the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, major temples and an understanding of China's imperial and contemporary identity.
The scale can be overwhelming, so it helps to focus on a few important sights each day. Historic landmarks often involve extensive walking, security checks and advance reservations. Between them, you can explore neighbourhood streets, parks and food markets for a more everyday view of the city.
How many days: 5
Use your first two days for the Forbidden City, Tiananmen area, Temple of Heaven and nearby historic districts. Give the Great Wall a separate full day because reaching a suitable section involves travelling outside the city.
Spend the remaining time exploring the Summer Palace, hutongs and parks, with space for meals and quieter neighbourhoods. Five days allows you to appreciate the main landmarks without treating every visit as a race. Check reservation requirements before fixing the order of your days.
What to do in Beijing
- Explore the Forbidden City
- Walk through the vast former imperial palace complex, now home to the Palace Museum. Book through official channels where required and allow several hours.
- Walk along the Great Wall
- Visit an accessible section such as Mutianyu or Badaling for views of the wall crossing mountain ridges. Choose a route suited to your fitness and allow a full day.
- Visit the Temple of Heaven
- Explore the historic ceremonial complex where emperors performed important rituals. The surrounding park is also a pleasant place to observe daily life.
- Discover the Summer Palace
- Spend time among lakes, gardens, halls and walkways at this former imperial retreat. Its extensive grounds reward an unhurried visit.
- Explore Beijing's hutongs
- Walk through traditional lanes around historic residential districts to see courtyard architecture and local neighbourhood life. Respect residents and avoid treating private courtyards as public attractions.
- See Tiananmen Square
- Visit this immense central square and consider its significance in modern Chinese history. Security procedures and access requirements can be strict.
- Climb Jingshan Park
- Walk up the hill immediately north of the Forbidden City for a broad view over its roofs and Beijing's skyline. Clear weather makes the panorama especially rewarding.
- Visit the Lama Temple
- Explore Yonghe Temple, an important Tibetan Buddhist religious complex with richly decorated halls. Be considerate of worshippers.
- Explore the National Museum of China
- Discover exhibitions covering Chinese history, art and cultural heritage. Check the official site for access arrangements and select the collections that interest you most.
- Walk around the lakes of Shichahai
- Explore the lakeside paths and nearby historic streets for a more relaxed side of central Beijing. It is particularly pleasant towards evening.
What to eat and drink
- Try Beijing roast duck
- Enjoy crisp-skinned duck served with thin pancakes, spring onion and sauces. It is one of the city's signature meals.
- Eat zhajiangmian
- Try wheat noodles topped with a rich fermented soybean-based sauce and fresh vegetables. It is a classic northern Chinese comfort dish.
- Sample jiaozi dumplings
- Choose boiled or pan-fried dumplings with fillings such as pork, vegetables or seafood. They are particularly good for a casual shared meal.
- Try lamb hotpot
- Cook thinly sliced lamb and vegetables in a shared pot of simmering broth. Sesame-based dipping sauces are a common accompaniment.
- Enjoy a Chinese breakfast
- Look for steamed buns, savoury pancakes, soy milk or warm porridge. Breakfast is a good opportunity to try everyday local food.
- Sample tanghulu
- Try fruit coated in a crisp sugar shell, traditionally made with hawthorn berries. It is a distinctive sweet snack.
Getting around
Beijing's metro is extensive and usually the easiest way to cover long distances without getting caught in traffic. Stations and major landmarks can be far apart on foot, so wear comfortable shoes. Buses cover additional areas but can be harder to navigate without Chinese-language support. Taxis and ride-hailing are useful when a destination is not close to a station.
The Great Wall is outside central Beijing and requires a longer journey by organised transport, public transport or private car. Different sections have very different access arrangements. Use reliable Chinese mapping and translation tools, and check accepted payment methods before travelling. Most visitors do not need a hire car within the city.
Good to know
- Major landmarks may require advance reservations and identification matching your booking.
- Carry your passport or other required identification, particularly for transport and security checks.
- Many everyday payments are made digitally. Check how visitors can use accepted payment services.
- Some international websites and apps are restricted in mainland China. Prepare essential travel tools before arrival.
- Beijing has hot summers, cold winters and occasional poor air quality. Plan outdoor activities accordingly.
- Check visa or visa-exemption eligibility for your nationality and itinerary before travelling.