Planning a trip to Beijing? This Beijing travel guide will definitely help you! As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most iconic cities in the country — blending rich history, imperial landmarks, and modern city life all in one place.
From walking through the Forbidden City to visiting the Great Wall of China, Beijing offers a completely different experience compared to cities like Shanghai or Chengdu.
In this guide, we’ll share the best things to do in Beijing, where to go, where to stay, and useful travel tips — based on our own experience.
Where is Beijing Located?
Beijing (北京) is located in the northern part of China and serves as the capital of the country. It’s home to many of China’s most important historical landmarks and is one of the main gateways to the Great Wall of China, making it one of the most visited cities in the country.
How to Get to Beijing
Beijing is very well connected by China’s high-speed rail (HSR) and domestic flights.
- From Shanghai to Beijing: ~4.5–6 hours by high-speed train
- From Chengdu to Beijing: ~7–8 hours by high-speed train or ~3 hours by flight
- From Harbin to Beijing: ~5–6 hours by high-speed train
We personally recommend taking the high-speed train for convenience and comfort.
Best Time to Visit Beijing
Beijing can be visited all year round, but the best seasons are:
- Spring (March–May) 🌸
- Autumn (September–November) 🍁
These months offer the best weather and scenery.
Winter can be very cold, especially at the Great Wall, where it may also get slippery and harder to walk.
Top Things to Do in Beijing
1. Forbidden City (故宫)
One of the most famous landmarks in China, the Forbidden City is a massive imperial palace located in the heart of Beijing.
It was once the residence of Chinese emperors and was strictly off-limits to the public — which is why it’s called the “Forbidden City.”
Expect:
- Grand architecture
- Huge courtyards
- A sense of scale that makes you feel tiny
2. Temple of Heaven (天坛)
A peaceful park with beautiful traditional architecture, perfect for a slower, more relaxed experience.
3. Summer Palace (颐和园)
A stunning combination of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It’s huge, scenic, and one of the most beautiful spots in Beijing.
4. Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷)
A trendy alley filled with snacks, cafés, and small shops. It’s more compact and feels more local compared to other shopping areas.
5. Sanlitun (三里屯)
The most modern and trendy area in Beijing.
Think:
- Luxury shopping
- International brands
- Stylish cafés and nightlife
It’s similar to Ginza in Tokyo or Gangnam in Seoul.
6. Wangfujing Street (王府井大街)
A famous pedestrian shopping street in Beijing. That said, we personally prefer Sanlitun for a more modern and premium experience.
7. Shichahai (什刹海)
A beautiful lakeside area with a very oriental vibe.
You’ll find:
- Restaurants
- Street food
- Souvenir shops
- A lively atmosphere day and night
8. Qianmen Street (前门大街)
A popular shopping street and night market filled with local snacks and traditional-style architecture.
9. Universal Beijing Resort (北京环球度假区)
One of the best theme parks in Asia.
Highlights:
- The largest Kung Fu Panda land in the world
- Big-scale rides and immersive zones
While it’s bigger than Universal Studios Osaka, we personally found Osaka slightly more fun overall.
10. The Place
A semi-outdoor mall featuring a massive LED screen overhead that creates a surreal visual experience.
11. Beijing Parkview Green
An artistic shopping mall filled with creative installations. If you love art, this place is surprisingly fun to explore.
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Best Day Trips from Beijing
Yeyahu Lake
Located near the Great Wall, this is a peaceful nature spot surrounded by mountains and trees.
Perfect if you want to escape the crowds and relax.
Where to Stay in Beijing
Here are our top hotel recommendations:
- Grand Hyatt Beijing
Located in Wangfujing, this is a luxury hotel in Beijing. You can never go wrong with Grand Hyatt, and the one in Beijing happens to have one of the coolest indoor swimming pools we’ve ever seen.
- JEN Beijing by Shangri-La
A stylish and modern hotel with views of the iconic CCTV Tower — not just from the rooms, but also from the breakfast restaurant and the gym. The gym here is a real highlight; it’s one of the biggest and coolest hotel gyms we’ve ever experienced!
- Kerry Hotel Beijing
A comfortable and upscale stay. If you’re lucky, you might even get a room with a view of the iconic CCTV Tower, just like we did.
Beijing Travel Tips
- Book tickets for major attractions (like the Forbidden City) in advance
- Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll walk a lot
- Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for convenience
- Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use translation apps
Is Beijing Worth Visiting?
Yes — especially if you want to experience China’s history and culture.
Beijing gives you a glimpse into the country’s imperial past, with landmarks dating back hundreds of years. At the same time, the city is also modern, clean, and relatively easy to navigate.
Compared to Shanghai:
- Beijing = more historical & cultural
- Shanghai = more modern & lifestyle
Both are worth visiting, but for very different reasons.
Our Honest Take
Beijing is a city you visit for the experience and history.
It’s not as “fun” or lifestyle-focused as Shanghai, but it offers something deeper — a chance to understand China’s past while still enjoying a modern city.
If it’s your first time in China, Beijing is definitely a must-visit. And we hope our Beijing travel guide can help you with your planning to Beijing
Check out our Beijing vlog here
Explore More Hidden Gems in China
If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.
For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.
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