beijing
Imperial grandeur, ancient hutongs, and the world's greatest concentration of UNESCO heritage sites
Top Highlights
- 1 Forbidden City
- 2 Great Wall
- 3 Summer Palace
- 4 Temple of Heaven
- 5 Nanluoguxiang
Visa & Entry
144-hr & 15-day visa-free
Citizens of many countries can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days, or use the 144-hour transit visa-free scheme for shorter visits.
Full visa guideBest Time to Visit
Apr–May & Sep–Oct
Suggested stay: 4–6 days. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (1–7 October) and Spring Festival (Jan/Feb) — crowds are enormous and prices peak.
Seasonal travel guideNearby destinations
53 articles — page 1 of 9
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Beyond the Pitch: How China Shapes the World Cup – From Referees to Merchandise
Explore China's growing influence at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, from referees and VAR officials to tech, manufacturing, and cultural exports like intangible
Updated Jun 2026
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beijingMutianyu Great Wall Guide 2026: Toboggan, Best Towers & How to Visit Without a Tour
Everything about visiting Mutianyu Great Wall — how to get there independently (much cheaper than tours), which towers to hike to for the best views, the famous toboggan descent, best time to visit in each season, and why Mutianyu is better than Badaling for most visitors.
Updated May 2026
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beijingSummer Palace & Old Summer Palace Guide: What to See, Best Routes & Historical Context
The Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) — Beijing's two great imperial garden complexes. How they differ, the specific sites in each, the historical story of the 1860 destruction, and how to combine both in one Beijing day.
Updated May 2026
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beijingBest Day Trips from Beijing 2026: Great Wall Sections, Ancient Cities & Natural Escapes
The best day trips from Beijing — wild Great Wall sections, Chengde mountain resort, Tianjin's colonial architecture, Shanhaiguan where the Wall meets the sea, and the valley towns north of the city — with transport logistics and time requirements.
Updated May 2026
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beijingBeijing Xicheng District Guide: Beihai Park, Shichahai Lakes & the Best Hutong Area
Explore Beijing's Xicheng District — the Beihai imperial lake park, Shichahai's three connected lakes and bar street, the most authentic hutong neighbourhood, the Drum and Bell Towers, and the Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall.
Updated May 2026
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beijingBeijing Chaoyang District Guide: Embassies, Expat Life, 798 & Sanlitun
The complete guide to Beijing's Chaoyang District — the international embassy zone, 798 Art District, Sanlitun nightlife and shopping, Chaoyang Park, and the most cosmopolitan neighbourhood in China's capital.
Updated May 2026
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