Beijing
First-time visitors who want big sights, deep history and excellent city food
Beijing at a glance
Beijing rewards planners: the Forbidden City in the morning, a hutong alley for lunch and the Temple of Heaven before the light goes. Layered history sits alongside some of the country's best museums and food.
The week ahead
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Where to base yourself
- Dongcheng and the Forbidden CityCentral and walkable: Tiananmen, the Palace Museum and hutong neighbourhoods. Best base for a first visit.
- Sanlitun and ChaoyangEmbassy district, restaurants, parks and modern hotels. Good for families wanting international food and easy transport.
- Haidian and the Summer PalaceNorthwest side near the university and the lake palace. Choose it for a quieter base with good metro links to the centre.
A sample 3-day rhythm
- Day 1Forbidden City, a Jingshan panorama and a hutong lunch; evening peking duck dinner.
- Day 2Great Wall at Mutianyu with an early start, back for a relaxed evening.
- Day 3Temple of Heaven, then the National Museum or the 798 art district depending on the weather.
Want more? Use the planner to stretch this into a full trip.
Tips before you go
- Book the Forbidden City timed ticket well in advance; daily numbers are capped.
- Use the metro; it is cheap, extensive and avoids central traffic.
- Air quality varies — check the daily index and pack masks if you are sensitive.
- Learn a few Mandarin phrases or keep a translation app handy; English is limited outside hotels.
Common questions
- How do we get to the Great Wall?
- Mutianyu is the most family-friendly section; an organised transfer or private driver is simplest with children.
- Do we need a VPN or payment setup?
- Many foreign apps and sites are blocked — arrange a VPN ahead, and carry some cash since mobile pay dominance can complicate card use.
- How many days do we need?
- Three full days covers the headline sights; four gives breathing room and a rainy-day museum slot.
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