Beijing
China's capital, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to hutongs and night markets: what to see, how many days you need and when to go.
Last reviewed October 23, 2026 · conditions change — confirm opening times and permits before you go
Why Beijing
Beijing is where China’s past and present run side by side: imperial palaces in the morning, skyscrapers by evening. If it is your first trip to China, this is the city that explains the most about the country. It is dense, sometimes tiring, and absolutely worth 3–4 days.
How to plan your days
Give the Forbidden City one full morning — buy timed tickets on its official mini-program a week ahead, they sell out. Do the Great Wall on a separate day: Mutianyu has the best views for the effort and is less crowded than Badaling. Keep one evening for a hutong walk around Gulou, and one for Wangfujing or a roast duck dinner. The Summer Palace deserves a half-day, not an hour.
Getting around
The subway is cheap (¥3–7), signed in English and covers every site on this page. Taxis and DiDi work but lose to the subway in rush hour. A 3-day metro card is not necessary if you pay with Alipay transit codes — just scan at the gate. Avoid hotel taxis parked outside tourist exits; call a DiDi instead.
Where to stay
Stay inside the 2nd ring road if budget allows — around Dongsi, Wangfujing or Qianmen — and you will walk to half the sights. Gulou area puts you next to the hutongs and good coffee. Budget travelers do fine near any subway interchange on Line 2.
What to eat
Roast duck is the obvious one, but the real breakfast is jianbing (savory crepe) from a street cart. Try zhajiangmian (noodle with fried sauce), mutton hotpot, and the night market snacks around Guijie. Skip the duck inside tourist-mall food courts; locals have strong opinions about Siji Minfu and similar chains — ask your hotel front desk.
Practical notes
Air quality drops in winter — check the AQI and bring masks. Summer is hot; spring and autumn are the sweet spots. Carry your passport everywhere: it is required for Forbidden City and Great Wall entry. English menus are common in tourist areas; one subway stop away they disappear — a translation app covers the gap.
Routes that include Beijing
Beijing 3-Day First Trip
A realistic three-day Beijing route for first-timers: the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall and one calm neighborhood day without rushing the city.
View day-by-day →Classic Beijing Experience
Five unhurried days in Beijing: the Forbidden City, Mutianyu’s Great Wall, hutong evenings and a realistic pace for a first visit.
View day-by-day →Beijing to Xi'an 5 Days
Beijing and Xi’an in five days by high-speed rail: Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Army and where to eat in the Muslim Quarter.
View day-by-day →Other destinations
Shanghai
Experience the dynamic blend of East and West in China's most cosmopolitan city. Explore historic Bund, modern Pudong, and vibrant food scenes.
Best time: March - May, October - November
Xi'an
Step back in time at the ancient capital with the Terracotta Army and City Wall. Taste amazing Muslim Quarter street food.
Best time: April - May, September - October
Chengdu
Home of giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine, a city that combines tradition and modernity. Enjoy hot pot, tea houses, and slow pace of life.
Best time: March - June, September - November
Questions about your trip?
If you want help with routes or want to ask me something directly, you can find me here.