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 4 of 9
All destinations
itinerary3 Days in Beijing: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)
The ideal 3-day Beijing itinerary for first-time visitors — Forbidden City, Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, hutongs, Peking duck, and the best of imperial Beijing in 72 hours, with daily schedules, transport directions, and what to skip.
Updated May 2026
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foodChina Food Guide: 30 Dishes You Must Try and Where to Find Them
The essential China food guide for travellers: 30 must-try dishes organised by region, how to find the best versions, how to order without Chinese, food safety tips, and a guide to the regional cuisines that make Chinese food endlessly varied.
Updated May 2026
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beginners2 Weeks in China: The Ultimate Independent Itinerary for First-Timers
The definitive 14-day China itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai — with exact train connections, daily budgets, booking tips, and honest advice for independent travellers doing it without a tour group.
Updated May 2026
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beijingForbidden City (Palace Museum) Beijing: Complete Visitor's Guide
Everything you need to visit the Forbidden City in Beijing — booking tickets online, the best route through the palace, hidden halls most visitors miss, and tips from frequent visitors.
Updated May 2026
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beijingGreat Wall of China Travel Guide: Best Sections, Tips & Getting There
The ultimate guide to visiting the Great Wall of China — best sections for first-timers, how to avoid the crowds, transportation from Beijing, tickets, and insider tips from thousands of local travelers.
Updated May 2026
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beijingBeijing Food Guide: Peking Duck, Hotpot, Street Snacks & Where Locals Actually Eat
The definitive food guide to Beijing — from the perfect Peking duck restaurant to hutong snack alleys, lamb hotpot, zhajiangmian noodles, and the night markets that locals love and tourists miss.
Updated May 2026
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