Beijing Travelers Recommend

The Great Wall of China isn't, in fact, visible from space, but it’s nonetheless one of the most deservedly iconic sites in the world. No trip to Beijing would be complete without time at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. And you don't need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy a day (or two) on the Great Wall, especially if you visit with a tour guide. Here's everything you need to know.

Temperatures are at their most pleasant and crowds are noticeably thinner in fall and spring, but even in the middle of summer, the wall is as majestic as ever. Some remote parts can even offer a break from the crowds, but with such a variety of accessible sections—both restored and wild—you can choose the perfect segment based on what you'd like to see and do.

Badaling

Most visitors to the Great Wall see the section known as Badaling Pass, located about an hour from Beijing. This portion features a cable car to ferry guests to the top of a flat stretch of the wall that spans out in both directions. While it's the most popular and crowded portion of the wall, it's also one of the most convenient and accessible—perfect for those pressed for time.

Juyongguan

This is actually the closest section of the Great Wall to Beijing at about 35 miles (56 kilometers) away, but a somewhat steep ascent keeps the crowds at bay—most opt for nearby Badaling instead. The views of the wall snaking up the mountain here are photo-worthy, and it’s close enough to the city to combine with visits to other attractions such as the Ming Tombs.

Mutianyu

Great for families and travelers with a full day to devote to the wall, the Mutianyu segment is a scenic, flat stretch of wall with great views and fewer crowds than Badaling and Juyongguan. A cable car lets visitors opt out of a steep climb, and a popular toboggan ride returns visitors to the parking lot.

Jinshanling to Simatai

The most popular Great Wall hike spans the six-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of largely unrestored wall between Jinshanling and Simatai. This four-hour walk offers the chance to see wild portions of the wall without many other tourists and is relatively close to Beijing.

Jiankou

Ideal for adventurous hikers, this steep section of the Great Wall is known for its historic beauty. This section hasn't been restored since its original construction, and seasoned hikers who take on the strenuous (and sometimes nerve-wracking) terrain will be rewarded with some of the wall’s most sublime scenery.

Huanghuacheng

Also called the Great Wall Under the Water, the section at Huanghacheng includes both restored and unrestored pieces, with three portions submerged beneath the surface of the Xishuiyu Reservoir. This section is popular with day hikers looking to experience a wilder Great Wall.

Gubeikou

History buffs and hikers alike head to this hard-to-reach segment of the wall that once played a critical role in protecting China from Mongol invasions. The ruined segment between Gubeikou and Jinshanling makes for a strenuous but rewarding day hike, although it is more commonly visited as part of multi-day hiking tours.

Huangyaguan

This fully restored portion of the Great Wall lies about three hours from Beijing. Those willing to make the drive (and cruise passengers visiting from Tianjin) get to explore a beautiful stretch of wall that sees very little tourist traffic. 

Chinese acrobatics date back as far as the Qin Dynasty, characterized by a variety of feats and demonstrations of physical strength, balance, and agility. No visit to Beijing would be complete without catching a show. Here’s what you need to know.

• See one of the oldest and most famous Chinese acrobatic troupes perform at the Chaoyang Theatre.

• Combine a live acrobatics show with a Peking duck dinner and a visit to the Hou Hai Lakes area by booking an evening combo tour.

• Make it a day by adding visits to the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, or Mutianyu Great Wall before your Chinese acrobatic show.

• Performances generally last one hour.

• Many group tours that feature a performance also include hotel transfer and an English-speaking guide.

Beijing’s hutongs, or traditional courtyard houses, offer a glimpse into Ming and Qing Dynasty Beijing. They’re also some of the city’s hippest neighborhoods, home to the trendiest shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants in the Chinese capital. Here’s what you need to know about exploring the Hutong neighborhoods of Beijing. 

Beijing Hutongs History

Beijing’s Hutong neighborhoods date back more than seven centuries, when some of the first courtyard houses were constructed during the Yuan Dynasty. This style of residential planning continued to gain popularity throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, and each hutong has its own style and history. Certain hutongs were built around specific professions; for instance, the Shijia Hutong is where many of the city’s bankers were based. As the city continued to grow, many hutongs were demolished to make way for modern developments, leaving only a few of these traditional neighborhoods in Beijing. 

Ways to Experience Beijing’s Hutongs

• Soak up the sights and sounds of the hutongs on a relaxing rickshaw ride through the ancient streets and alleys.
• Eat your way through an old Beijing hutong on a guided food tour by tuk-tuk. 
• Stretch your legs with a leisurely bike tour through these historic neighborhoods.
• Start your day off right during a breakfast food tour.
• Follow your guide on a walking tour of a hutong while listening to stories about Beijing’s past.
• Combine your visit to the hutongs with tours of the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Tian’anmen Square.

Tea has played a fundamental role in day-to-day life in China for thousands of years. Unless you're invited into a private home, you'll need to visit one of Beijing's teahouses to enjoy the subtle ceremony surrounding the drinking of tea. Here are some of the best experiences.

• Learn the fundamentals of serving and drinking Chinese tea during a hands-on workshop in a traditional courtyard.

• Enjoy a tea tasting in Maliandao Tea Street, Beijing’s largest tea market, filled with tea shops and teahouses.

• Stop for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony while shopping for souvenirs and jewelry at the Hongqiao Pearl Market.

• Combine a traditional tea ceremony with visits to Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist temples.

• Drink tea just like Chinese people do with tea-drinking etiquette tips from a local guide.

With three days in Beijing, you can explore imperial highlights—from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace—tour the Great Wall, and take a deeper dive into local life in Beijing, including its markets, parks, temples, and traditional neighborhoods. Here are a few ways to make the most of your three days in Beijing.

Day 1: Imperial Beijing

Take the first day to get an overview of the city. Small group sightseeing tours typically include visits to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. If you’d rather explore at your own pace, opt for a customized private tour. After a day of sightseeing, treat your tastebuds to a culinary exploration of the city. Take a walking food tour through the hutongs (alleys) to sample some of the city’s best street food, or book a table at a Michelin-starred restaurant to feast on succulent Chinese soup dumplings.

Day 2: Local Flavor

Now that you’ve seen Beijing’s marquee attractions, take the morning to dive deeper into your own interests. Foodies can tour a local market and learn to cook Chinese specialties with a professional chef or local family, while those interested in Chinese culture and religion can spend time temple-hopping—highlights include the Tibetan-style Lama Temple, serene Confucius Temple, and the sprawling Tanzhe Temple. In the afternoon, hop in a rickshaw to explore the city’s ancient hutongs, cruise on Houhai Lake, or take a walking tour of the imperial gardens of Beihai Park. Treat yourself to a night out by booking seats at one of the many theaters for an evening of Chinese opera, traditional acrobatics, or Shaolin-style kung fu. Many shows include the option for dinner and round-trip transportation.

Day 3: Great Wall of China

You’ve explored Beijing proper; now head out of town for a day dedicated to one of China’s most famous landmarks, the Great Wall. There’s a section of the wall suited to just about every traveler. Active types can take a guided hike from Simatai West to Jinshanling, or along the remote stretch of wall near Jiankou. Families might prefer a tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall, where visitors ride a cable car up and slide back down on a toboggan. Many Great Wall day trips include a stop at the Ming Tombs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where China’s Ming emperors are interred. Back in Beijing, wrap up your visit with dinner at a traditional Chinese hot pot restaurant.

Kunming Lake occupies about three-fourths of Beijing's Summer Palace complex, and during warm months, this man-made lake sets the scene for relaxing cruises through its waters. Here's what you need to know about Summer Palace cruises in Beijing.

Highlights

• Cruise the Imperial Waterway once used by the Empress Dowager Cixi to travel between the Summer Palace and Zizhuyuan Park.

• Take in the sites from a traditional canopied dragon boat.

• See the lake's most important attractions—including the Marble Boat, Longevity Hill, 17 Arch Bridge, South Lake Island, and Kuoru Pavilion—from the water.

Things to Know

• You can combine your Summer Palace cruise with a tour to other important Beijing attractions, such as the Forbidden City, the Beijing Zoo, and Tiananmen Square.

• The boat ride from Zizhuyuan Park to the Summer Palace takes about 40 minutes.

• Day tours that include a dragon boat cruise on Kunming Lake and visits to other Beijing sights can last upwards of seven hours.

These days the temples Beijing builds tend to be modern skyscrapers honoring the gods of business, but this ancient city also features many temples reflecting a more spiritual past. Here are some of the best to see during your visit.

Lama Temple

With archways and five main halls, revolving prayer wheels, colorful glazed tiles, statues of Chinese lions, and Mongolian, Manchu, Tibetan, and Chinese decoration, Beijing’s Lama Temple is the most magnificent Buddhist temple in the city. Don’t miss the 60-foot (18-meter) statue of Buddha, said to be sculpted from a single sandalwood tree.

Temple of Heaven

Situated in Temple of Heaven Park, this popular UNESCO-listed temple—a stop on just about every Beijing tour—was originally built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties as one of the city’s eight ancient altars. The Taoist temple was used in ceremonies to ask the gods for good harvests in the fall and a prosperous new year on the Winter Solstice.

Tanzhe Temple

Tanzhe Temple ranks among the city’s oldest and largest temple complexes, though many of the structures you see today date back to the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. Set amid the forested hills west of central Beijing, the temple is especially scenic in spring when the magnolias are blooming.

Confucius Temple

The second largest Confucius temple in China dates back to 1302. A quiet sanctuary away from the busy streets, the restored main hall of this temple contains a statue of the sage Kongzi (Confucius). Nearby is the Imperial College, built in 1306 by the grandson of Kublai Khan to teach Confucianism.

Miaoying Temple

Miaoying, also known as the White Stupa Temple, is best known for its collection of thousands of Tibetan Buddhist statues. It’s also home to the tallest Tibetan-style pagoda in China, set amid one of the city’s traditional hutong neighborhoods.

Beijing, particularly the areas of Daxing and Changping, is home to numerous hot springs, famous for their reported healing properties. Whether you're in need of some relaxation after a day spent sightseeing or want to treat yourself to some pampering, these are some hot springs experiences to consider.   Group Tours Perfect for families and budget-minded travelers, small-group hot springs tours offer all the blissful relaxation of Beijing’s hot springs resorts with added value. Most tours include pickup from your Beijing hotel, entrance fees, as well as two to three hours to relax in the soothing waters. Some itineraries also include lunch.   Private Tours Couples or travelers looking for a more intimate spa experience can opt for a private tour. Your guide and driver will pick you up for a day of pampering. Choose between indoor or outdoor springs, or indulge with an experience that includes a body or foot massage. By the time you return to your hotel, you’ll be stress-free and primed for a good night’s sleep. ** Combo Tours** Soaking in a hot spring is a great way to unwind and sooth sore muscles after a busy day of sightseeing. Combo tours let you mix and match the attractions you most want to see with a restorative soak. Spend the morning touring the Great Wall, strolling through the Summer Palace, or hitting the slopes of a ski resort before your hot springs session, or combine an afternoon bath with a traditional Chinese dinner show.

The best flavors of China are on the menus of Beijing, China's capital city. Influenced by its neighboring regions as well as the imperial cuisine of the Forbidden City, the food is characterized by its bold flavors and hearty preparations. Here are a few favorite foods and activities you won't want to miss.

Must-Try Dishes

Beijing's most famous dish, the crispy-skinned, juicy-on-the-inside Peking duck, is often served with rice flour wraps, cucumbers, green onions and a sweet, salty hoisin sauce.

While rice dishes are popular in the south of China, the north leans more toward noodles and dumplings called jaozi, which come stuffed with shrimp, pork and a variety of vegetables. To satisfy a hankering for noodles, try Zhajiang noodles, a hand-pulled wheat variety served with minced pork and a smoky fermented soy bean paste sauce. And on a cold day in Beijing, nothing beats a bubbling lamb hot pot —a dish once enjoyed by Qing Dynasty royalty.

Must-Do Experiences

• Set aside an evening to feast on Peking duck before attending a famous Chinese acrobatic show, an iconic experience in the Chinese capital.

• Eat like a local and sample a variety of different foodson a street food tour. Opt for one in the Beijing hutongs to get a feel for some of the city's most interesting neighborhoods.

• Take the flavors of Beijing home with you by learning new recipes at a cooking class (dumplings, anyone?)

• Gain an understanding of Beijing's culture and cuisine bytouring one of the many food markets anddining with a local family.

Beijing, China’s capital and fourth largest city, is at once a modern metropolis and a gateway into China’s long history. You could easily spend weeks exploring the city’s imperial grandeur, gastronomic landscape, and hidden cultural gems. If you only have 24 hours to explore, here are some suggestions for how to spend your time.

Morning: Imperial Beijing

Start with a deep dive into Beijing’s imperial past with visits to three of the city’s top attractions. Get up early for a walking tour of the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace). Opt for skip-the-line access to save time. Make a stop in front of Chairman Mao in Tiananmen Square before continuing your tour to the nearby Temple of Heaven, the UNESCO World Heritage Site once used by the emperor for rituals. 

Afternoon: UNESCO Icons

After lunch, continue the imperial theme with an afternoon tour of the Summer Palace, the UNESCO-listed lakeside retreat where Empress Dowager Cixi retired. Walk down the Long Corridor, hike up Longevity Hill, or take a boat ride on Kunming Lake for views of Marble Boat, Nanhu Island, and 17-Arch Bridge. Alternately, head north of Beijing for a visit to an icon of China, the Great Wall. The Badaling section is the most easily accessible from Beijing, but it’s possible to visit the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven in the morning with an afternoon tour of the quieter Mutianyu Great Wall.

Night: Dinner and a Show

Finish off your day with more quintessential Beijing experiences, a traditional Peking duck dinner followed by a performance of Shaolin kung fu, Peking opera, or Chinese acrobatics at one of the city’s many theaters. Many tours include pickup and drop-off from your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about the hassle of transportation after a long day of sightseeing. For a more low-key evening, hop in a tuk tuk for a food and beer tour of Beijing’s historic hutongs (alleys).

Beijing has long been a city of royalty, and you can dine like a royal at these historic sites and exquisite restaurants around the city.

Diaoyutai State Guesthouse

Dining here is akin to having dinner at the US White House Mess Hall—this historic hotel complex has hosted more than 1,200 government dignitaries and heads of state, including Richard Nixon, Henry Kissinger, Margaret Thatcher, and Michelle Obama. A once-in-a-lifetime, six-course dinner experience at the guesthouse takes place in a luxurious restaurant specializing in traditional Chinese cuisine.

Badaling Great Wall

Many travelers to Beijing have seen the Great Wall, but far fewer have dined there. A watchtower at the Badaling section of the Great Wall sets the stage for an unforgettable formal sit-down lunch. Diners have the opportunity to restore a portion of the wild wall by adding a brick and see an area of the wall rarely visited by tourists.

Chinese Royal Gastronomy Museum

Opened in 2010, the Chinese Royal Gastronomy Museum celebrates dynastic dining. The museum's food court serves more than 3,000 traditional snacks from all over China, while the exhibits cover everything from classic recipes to cooking artifacts. Foodies interested in learning about China's long culinary history can get their taste buds involved by sitting down for an imperial banquet dinner inside the museum.

Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Beijing's famous Bai Jia Da Yuan restaurant occupies the 300-year-old grounds of a former Qing Dynasty palace spread across 124 acres (50 hectares) of gardens, pavilions, terraces, and corridors. The restaurant and cultural heritage site specializes in imperial cuisine, served by fully costumed staff who look like they've just stepped out of Imperial China.