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
51 articles — page 2 of 9
All destinations
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
Read →
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
Read →
photographyChina Photography Guide 2026: Best Locations, Timing & Practical Tips
A photographer's guide to China — the 15 most photogenic locations, ideal shooting times and conditions, seasonal advice, and practical tips for travelling with camera equipment in 2026.
Updated May 2026
Read →
familyChina with Kids: The Complete Family Travel Guide 2026
Everything families need to plan a successful trip to China with children — best destinations for kids, how to handle food and health, getting around with young children, and ready-made 10-day family itineraries.
Updated May 2026
Read →
beijingBeijing Fragrant Hills Autumn Foliage Guide: Red Leaves & Imperial Forest
Visit Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) in western Beijing for the famous autumn red-leaf season — when Chinese smoke trees turn crimson in mid-October, the imperial hunting park fills with colour, and visitors from across Beijing make the pilgrimage for what locals call 'the most beautiful season in the capital.'
Updated May 2026
Read →
beijingBeijing Olympic Park Guide: Bird's Nest, Water Cube & 2008 Legacy
Visit Beijing's Olympic Park — the spectacular centerpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics. Explore the Bird's Nest stadium, Water Cube aquatics center, and the broader Forest Park, with practical tips for getting there and making the most of your visit.
Updated May 2026
Read →