Beijing is China's capital and one of the most historically rich cities on Earth. With over 3,000 years of history and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the surrounding region, it demands at least three to four full days. This guide covers everything you need: how to book Forbidden City tickets (which sell out fast), which Great Wall section to choose, where to eat hutong food that locals actually love, and how to navigate the city efficiently.
The optimal windows are April to May and September to October, when temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C and skies are relatively clear. Summer (June–August) is hot and humid with frequent thunderstorms. Winter (December–February) drops below freezing but offers smaller crowds and the chance to see a snow-covered Great Wall. Avoid the first week of October (National Day holiday) at all costs — every major site will be packed shoulder-to-shoulder.
A solid Beijing itinerary requires 4 days minimum:
The Forbidden City (officially the Palace Museum) is the world's largest palace complex, with 980 buildings and over 8,700 rooms. It sits at the heart of Beijing along the central north-south axis.
Tickets must be booked online in advance — walk-up sales were discontinued years ago. Use the official Palace Museum website or WeChat mini-program ("Palace Museum"). Book exactly 7 days before your visit at 8:00 PM Beijing time. During peak season, tickets sell out within minutes. The ticket price is ¥60 (off-season, November–March) or ¥40 (peak season, April–October). Yes, off-season is actually more expensive because a special exhibition is usually included.
Enter from the south (Tiananmen Gate) and exit from the north (Gate of Divine Prowess). The route is one-way — you cannot backtrack. Plan 3 to 4 hours inside. After exiting, climb the hill at Jingshan Park directly north for the classic panoramic view of the golden palace roofs.
There are several restored Wall sections near Beijing. Here is the honest breakdown:
70 km northeast of Beijing, about 1.5 hours by car. Fully restored, less crowded than Badaling, and has a cable car up and a toboggan slide down. The wall here winds through forested mountains with 22 watchtowers. Take the special tourist bus from Dongzhimen transport hub (¥30 round trip, 90 minutes).
130 km northeast, about 2.5 hours. Partially restored with some crumbling sections — this is the wall you see in dramatic photographs. You can hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West (about 3 hours). Far fewer tourists.
The closest and most famous section, but it is perpetually mobbed. If you must go, arrive before 8:00 AM. There is a direct high-speed train from Beijing North Railway Station that takes only 20 minutes.
Beijing's hutongs (narrow alleyways) are the soul of the old city. The best food is not in restaurants facing main streets — it is tucked inside these alleys. Here are specific spots worth seeking out:
Siji Minfu (multiple locations, including one near the Forbidden City east gate) roasts ducks over fruitwood and serves them with thin, crispy skin. A whole duck costs about ¥160. Quanjude is the famous name but is widely considered overpriced by locals. Da Dong offers a more upscale experience with super-crispy skin and a modern tasting menu.
Thick hand-pulled noodles topped with a savory soybean paste sauce and fresh vegetables. Try Old Beijing Noodle King (Lao Beijing Zhalu Mian) in the Gulou area — a bowl costs ¥25 to ¥35.
For breakfast, head to Qingfeng Baozi Pu — a chain that President Xi Jinping famously visited. Pork and cabbage buns cost ¥2 each. For a deeper dive into Beijing street food, check our Beijing Travel PDF Guide which includes a full hutong food map with 40+ tested spots.
Beijing-style hot pot uses a copper pot with a chimney, clear broth, and thin slices of lamb you dip yourself. Jubaoyuan in Niujie (the Muslim quarter) is legendary — order the hand-sliced lamb, sesame bread, and pickled garlic. Expect to pay ¥80 to ¥120 per person.
Beijing's subway is the best way to get around. It has 27 lines, costs ¥3 to ¥10 per ride depending on distance, and runs from 5 AM to 11 PM. Buy a temporary transport card at any station or use Alipay's transit code. Taxis start at ¥13 and are cheap, but traffic can be brutal during rush hour (7–9 AM, 5–8 PM). Ride-hailing via DiDi (China's Uber) works through Alipay or WeChat.
For the Great Wall, do not rely on public buses unless you read Chinese well. Use the dedicated tourist bus lines or hire a driver for the day (¥500 to ¥800 depending on the section and your negotiation skills).
For a curated list of hotels with exact addresses, booking links, and neighborhood walkability scores, our Beijing Travel PDF Guide includes a full accommodation chapter.
This article covers the essentials — but our 85-page Beijing Travel PDF Guide includes detailed day-by-day itineraries, interactive hutong food maps, Chinese phrase cards with pinyin, offline subway maps, and money-saving tips that could save you hundreds of yuan.
Get the Beijing Guide PDF