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Bucket list destination:

Last updated: 08 July, 2023
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

The Chinese capital sits at the heart of the national consciousness as its political, cultural and emotional nexus.

A vast city, Beijing is best known for its ancient temples, palaces and proximity to the Great Wall of China, but dig a little deeper and you’ll find a thriving contemporary art scene, walkable old neighbourhoods with stylish cafes and boutiques, and a culinary safari of regional Chinese delicacies.

A megacity in the making, vast malls and skyscrapers are juxtaposed with a shrinking number of charming traditional hutong (historic residential alleyways) and backstreet lanes.

Greater affluence and an increasingly youthful vibe have created a diverse dining and nightlife scene, while mall shopping is a well-catered-to pastime for Beijingers.

Orientation

A huge city with a population of more than 20 million (if you include the outer districts), Beijing’s major sights extend along the city’s historical north-south central axis, with the Forbidden City dead centre, adjoining the vast concrete expanse of Tiananmen Square.

Neighbouring Wangfujing is home to shopping malls and the city’s best hotels, while to the south is the Temple of Heaven.

The leafy hutong neighbourhoods around the Drum and Bell Towers and Houhai Lakes offer a more relaxed, village-y vibe.

A number of temples and palaces are dispersed across the urban landscape, including the Sumer Palace in the northwestern suburbs. Prime attractions like the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs are beyond the city itself. Sanlitun is the destination of choice for nightlife and international dining, while the hutong alleyways are home to hip cafes, boutique hotels and cocktail bars.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this destination, plus helpful tickets and transfers

Private Custom Tour or Private Tour: Beijing in One Day

Beijing

Private Custom Tour or Private Tour: Beijing in One Day
A privately guided tour, customized to your needs for a full day touring in Beijing. Some highlights include the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, visiting the Hutongs by pedicab. But there's more, shopping in Beijing with your own personal guide for the best bargains in town, what could be better. Custom Tour Option: We offer an English-speaking tour guide privately for 8 hours.The transferportation, admission tickets, and meals are NOT included. Private Tour Option: Transportation, English-speaking tour guide, admission tickets, lunch are all included. PVT-01: Forbidden City + Tian An Men Square + Great Wall at Badaling PVT-02: Forbidden City + Tian An Men Square + Temple of Heaven + Summer Palace PVT-03: Great Wall at Badaling + Ming Tomb PVT-04: Mutianyu Great Wall PVT-05: Forbidden City + Tian An Men Square + Temple of Heaven PVT-06: Summer Palace + Lama Temple + Panda Garden PVT-12: Mutianyu Great Wall + Ming Tomb PVT-13: Summer Palace + Great Wall at Badaling

Price: $75

Min age: 0

Rating 4.25 / 5 [112 ratings]

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Private Night Sightseeing Tour of Beijing

Beijing

Private Night Sightseeing Tour of Beijing
See Beijing when it sparkles at night! Beijing’s diversified nightlife is fun for everyone. Take a night tour to watch the attractions come to life through lights and color. Traveling by your a private vehicle, visiting all the famous attractions including The Tian'anmen square, National Centre for the Performing Arts, CCTV headquarter, Beijing National Stadium, Wangfujing Night Food Market and the Houhai lake area. Learn fascinating facts about these legendary landmarks from your professional guide and hear insider tips on exciting places to visit in the capital city at night.

Price: $78

Min age: 0

Rating 4.79 / 5 [34 ratings]

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Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Beijing

Beijing Essential Full-Day Tour including Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
See all of Beijing’s cultural and historical highlights on a comprehensive and captivating full-day tour of China’s capital city. Stroll amid the majestic charm of Tiananmen Square; marvel at the imaginative architecture at the Forbidden City; and see the verdant splendor that surrounds the Badaling Great Wall of China. Alongside your knowledgeable guide, gain fascinating insight into the rich history and distinctive culture of Beijing and enjoy convenient round-trip transportation from selected hotels. •Full-day tour of Beijing's essential attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall at Badaling •Visiting one of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall of China at Badaling •Shopping at the Longdi Jade Factory •Pickup and drop off from hotels within 4th ring circle road •Important Notice: For any bookings within 3 days prior to the tour date, you will visit Jingshan Park instead of Forbidden City if the entrance tickets of Forbidden City are fully booked.

Price: $107

Min age: 0

Rating 4.17 / 5 [204 ratings]

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Beijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City

Beijing

Beijing Private Tour of Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City
Explore the architecture, culture and heritage of Beijing on this private day tour. Follow your personal guide through the massive Forbidden City, UNESCO World Heritage .Watch the morning exercise and fun life in the Temple of heaven Park about locals. Discover the largest city central square, Tiananmen square. Eat at the restaurant where the locals go. Accompanied by your own private guide and private car, you'll relish personalized attention on your day tour of Beijing. Tour includes tasty local lunch, all entrance fee, an English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle.

Price: $132

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [19 ratings]

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2-Day Beijing Highlights Mini-Group Tour

Beijing

2-Day Beijing Highlights Mini-Group Tour
Want a Hassle-Free, "No more than 6 people" small-sized Group Tour for all the important sights in Beijing in 2 days? Want to get on the Great Wall early in the morning to avoid the crowds and queues? A pre-book entrance tickets to Forbidden City? Wanna see the most beautiful park and largest worshipping altar in Bejing? A option to see the Acrobatic show or local shopping market experiences? This is the Tour you looking for!

Price: $182

Min age: 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [28 ratings]

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Beijing Mini Group Day Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen

Beijing

Beijing Mini Group Day Tour: Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen
Join the worry-free Beijing mini group day tour with Price Beat Guarantee and No Shopping Promise. Start with a morning walk through the Tiananmen Square, and skip the ticket line to visit the 600-year-old imperial Forbidden City. Enjoy the 2 to 3 hours' hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall. Lastly stop by the bustling Nanluoguxiang Hutong at night. · Mini group of only 1 to 6 members, with more personal service. · No shopping detours, no factory, no tea ceremony and no shopping site restaurant, which at least save you two hours today for a pure sightseeing experience. That's the reason why you can have more time at the attraction sites. This tour are running for guests' interests rather than the shopping commission. · Avoid the ticket line at the entrance of all attractions. · Professional English-speaking guide offers in-depth commentary and photography inspirations.

Price: $199

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [565 ratings]

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Beijing Highlights Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing

Beijing Highlights Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall
This is the perfect trip for first-time-to-Beijing visitors who want a cultural insight into the city's history and traditions. Make full use of your time in Beijing by visiting the three must-see attractions in just one day, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, and be escorted by friendly and knowledgeable local tour guide.

Price: $200

Min age: 0

Rating 4.39 / 5 [56 ratings]

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Private Day Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall

Beijing

Private Day Tour to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall
This 8-hour tour covers the most highlights in Beijing including Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City & Mutianyu Wall. Picking up and dropping off at the downtown hotel by your personal experienced English speaking tour guide and the package tour will include the entrance tickets to the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Wall with round shuttle bus and Local Chinese Lunch and round cable car up and down the wall or chairlift up and toboggan down the wall are all inclusive.

Price: $209

Min age: 0

Rating 4.99 / 5 [117 ratings]

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Full-Day Beijing Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour

Beijing

Full-Day Beijing Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour
This is a classic Beijing city tour route, covering the highlight wonders in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. A private tour offers you more privacy and flexibility. Lunch will also be included. The tour makes you a worry-free Beijing city exploration.

Price: $215

Min age: 3

Rating 4.20 / 5 [24 ratings]

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Private Tour: Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven& Roast Duck Lunch

Beijing

Private Tour: Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven& Roast Duck Lunch
Experience a personalized, bespoke tour of Beijing, where you will embark on a captivating journey to renowned landmarks of immense cultural significance. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this iconic city as you explore celebrated sites, including Tiananmen Square and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. Delight your senses with an exquisite culinary experience featuring the renowned traditional Pekin roast duck. Throughout your tour, your knowledgeable and experienced guide will provide you with an authentic, insider's perspective of Beijing. If you have previously visited any of the featured destinations or wish to explore alternative sightseeing locations, we offer the flexibility to customize the tour to suit your preferences. While certain scenic spots can be substituted at no additional cost, please note that visiting distant locations such as the Great Wall may incur an extra fee due to the extended distance.

Price: $255

Min age: 0

Rating 4.71 / 5 [66 ratings]

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Mini Group: 2-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Tour

Beijing

Mini Group: 2-Day Beijing Highlights and Great Wall Tour
Join a 2-day mini group tour with our friendly and professional tour guide in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Hutong, and the most of highlights of Beijing.

Price: $317

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [238 ratings]

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Beijing Private Tour: 2 Days Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall VIP Tour

Beijing

 Beijing Private Tour: 2 Days Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall VIP Tour
Spend two full days to see the UNESCO-listed top Beijing attractions: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Mutianyu Greatwall, Temple of heaven, Summer palace, Hutong richshaw tour. A famous peking roast duck is an unmissable experience at beijing. Accomponied with a professional guide, driver, two tasty lunches, all sights entrance tickets are included. 

Price: $365

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [46 ratings]

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All-Inclusive Private 2-Day Beijing Highlight with optional Show

Beijing

All-Inclusive Private 2-Day Beijing Highlight with optional Show
Come with us on a discovery journey in the 2 days tour. Here you have the chance to visit the most sights seeing in Beijing during such limited time. Start the tour from your hotel each day to explore Beijing in the city and Mutianyu Great Wall. One day to Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong, Temple of Heaven and followed day to Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall. You can upgrade to have an evening show. Guide, entrance fees, and transfer service Lunches and round cable car up and down or chairlift up and toboggan down the wall are all inclusive.

Price: $380

Min age: 0

Rating 4.97 / 5 [290 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights

Beijing

 2-Day Small-Group Tour of Beijing Highlights
Explore Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square in the first day and visit the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple and old Hutongs with Rickshaw ride in the second day tours. Besides, you will also have a photo stop at the National Stadium (aka Bird's Nest) and stop by the bustling Nanluoguxiang Hutong at the first night. This 2-day mini group tour with maximum 6 guests ensures a more personal experience. Avoid the ticket line at the entrance of all attractions. No shopping detours, no factory, no tea ceremony and no shopping site restaurant, which at least save you two hours today for a pure sightseeing experience. That's the reason why you can have more time at the attraction sites. This tour are running for guests' interests rather than the shopping commission.

Price: $399

Min age: 0

Rating 4.95 / 5 [186 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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2-Day Private Beijing Tour with Forbidden City and Great Wall

Beijing

2-Day Private Beijing Tour with Forbidden City and Great Wall
By joining this tour, you will be able to see the major attractions in Beijing during in 2 days, such as The Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Hill, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace and many more. All attraction entrance tickets, hotel pickup/dropped off and lunch on both days are inclusive. Your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide and private transportation service will make you a memorable stay in Beijing. This is a tour package only, no hotel accommodation included.

Price: $418

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [54 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Beijing Private (less walking) 2-Day Tour with All Attractions

Beijing

Beijing Private (less walking) 2-Day Tour with All Attractions
For this specialized private two-day tour, walk less and save time. On the first day, visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Hutong, and Temple of Heaven. On the second day, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, Summer Palace, and the Bird’s Nest. The cable car of Mutianyu takes you directly to the Great Wall and the dragon boat of the Summer Palace takes you to see the most beautiful Wanshou Mountain (additional break for your legs.) Tour includes tasty local lunch, all entrance fee, a friendly English-speaking guide and transport by private vehicle.

Price: $450

Min age: 0

Rating 5 / 5 [22 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All-Inclusive Private 3-Day Beijing Highlight Tour with Optional Evening Show

Beijing

All-Inclusive Private 3-Day Beijing Highlight Tour with Optional Evening Show
Take part in this very exciting and comprehensive private tour. Our professional guide will take you to explore the amazing Beijing city during this 3 days tour, - Discover most incredible attractions such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, and etc. You can choose the different option by your own preferences; - Efficient way to visit the Forbidden City beating the crowd, see the valuable exhibits and visit less-know halls of the palace; - Experience the Toboggan (slide) at Mutianyu Great Wall; - Entrance fees, guide, lunch and transport are inclusive. 

Price: $560

Min age: 0

Rating 4.99 / 5 [191 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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When to go

The weather is at its most pleasant in spring, from May to June, and in autumn, from September to early November. Hotels are busier and prices are higher during these periods.

Summer (July and August) can be intolerably hot and humid. The freezing winter months (December to March) are quieter, and the icy lakes and hot pot feasts lend Beijing a unique seasonal appeal.

Beijing gets very crowded with Chinese tourists during the week-long public holidays of Chinese New Year (late January or February) and National Day (from 1 October).

Getting there and away

Beijing has two major international airports. The closest to the city is Beijing Capital Airport, a thirty-minute ride via the Airport Express train into central Beijing.

Beijing Daxing Airport, opened in 2019, is about 1 hour and 10 minutes from the city centre, using a combination of Airport Express and subway.

A taxi from Beijing Capital Airport takes 30-45 minutes to downtown. From Daxing Airport, allow at least an hour.

The high-speed ‘bullet’ train arrives from most major Chinese cities into one of Beijing’s three main stations: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station.

Getting around

Beijing is a huge, spread-out city, and distances on maps often look shorter than in reality. Utilise taxis and the subway to full effect to save unnecessary walking time.

Taxis are plentiful, but drivers don’t speak English so have your destination written in Chinese characters and ensure the driver uses the meter. Uber isn’t used in China, but the equivalent Chinese app, Didi Chuxing, has an English interface and can be used by overseas tourists to hail metered taxis (not private cars), paying with cash at the end of the journey.

The subway system is cheap, efficient and easy to navigate. Car rental is not an option unless you have a Chinese driving licence. Traffic can get congested, so leave plenty of time for your journey, especially at rush hours.

With dedicated cycle lanes on many roads, cycling can be a great way to explore, especially through the quiet hutong lanes. You’ll see dockless hire bikes everywhere, but you will need to enlist the help of a Chinese person to use them.

Where to stay

For first-time visitors, Beijing can seem rather spread out and sprawling, so it’s important to choose your hotel location carefully.

Wangfujing is the safest all-round bet – it’s central, with a huge choice of places to stay, and within walking distance of the Forbidden City. A little further out, the Central Business District has some very swanky international hotels and good subway links.

Sanlitun, with its trendy design hotels, is the location of choice for night owls, while those seeking a more authentic hutong experience can opt for the neighbourhoods around the Drum and Bell Tower and Houhai Lakes, home to a few notable boutique hotels.

Health & Safety

Petty crime rates are low, but always take sensible precautions especially in crowded areas and on public transport. Traffic is very congested during weekdays, and Beijing drivers are impatient so cross streets with care. Pay special heed to zippy electric scooters, which you won’t hear coming.

Although improving year on year, air pollution can still be an issue, particularly in winter. The summer heat and humidity is draining. Tap water is not safe to drink, but safe bottled water is sold everywhere.

If English-speaking Chinese approach you outside major tourist sites, it might be one of two well-known scams. One leads to a hard-sell on student art, the other is the infamous tea scam, where an invite to drink tea could mean end up footing a hefty bill.

Get a VPN (Virtual Private Network) subscription if you want to use Google, Facebook or other banned sites extensively while away. Note that these while these sites are blocked over Wi-Fi and local mobile networks, they are still accessible if you use your own carrier’s roaming service.