Picture stepping into a city where 3,000 years of history unfolds beneath your feet while cutting edge innovation is found virtually in every corner. Beijing isn’t simply another stop on tour. It’s a destination, and time here will help you understand why generations of imperial families made it home. 

As China’s vibrant heart and the world’s most populous city, Beijing is home to over 22.6 million residents. Welcoming millions of international visitors annually, this extraordinary metropolis exceeds every expectation. Here’s why discerning travelers consistently rank Beijing as a worthy inclusion in their tour itinerary.

Safety that lets you explore freely

We know that peace of mind is key to fully enjoying any destination. That’s why Beijing’s outstanding safety – among the best in China, in fact. As an international traveler, you can be confident exploring everything from historic hutongs to vibrant modern neighborhoods.

You can feel assured that the city’s sophisticated security infrastructure and visible police presence create an environment where your biggest concern is choosing between the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace for your afternoon adventure. While standard travel awareness applies in busy markets (as it would anywhere), violent crime against foreign visitors remains remarkably rare, letting you focus on creating memories.

Effortless arrivals, seamless exploration

There’s no better gateway to Asia than Beijing Daxing International Airport. It is the world’s sixth largest aviation hub, where over 80 million passengers annually experience the future of travel through its stunning single terminal design spanning 700,000 square meters. 

In keeping with our philosophy that travel should inspire rather than tire, Beijing has revolutionized entry procedures. Foreign passport holders now enjoy 240 hour visa free transit, contributing to a remarkable 61.3 percent increase in foreign visitors during early 2025. Once you arrive, the city’s 29 line metro network, which rivals Tokyo’s legendary efficiency, connects every must see attraction with English signage and seamless mobile payments through Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Exceptional experiences at extraordinary value

As seasoned travelers know, true luxury isn’t always about spending more. It’s about experiencing more for what you invest. Beijing delivers world class attractions and impeccable service while maintaining refreshingly accessible pricing that lets you say ‘yes’ to those spontaneous discoveries. With 226 registered museums attracting over 80 million annual visits, Beijing offers cultural immersion that few cities in the world can rival, providing experiences that would take many visits to fully absorb.

The city’s tourism renaissance generated USD 4.91 billion in revenue during 2024. That’s a remarkable 151.7 percent increase, proving travelers recognize Beijing’s unmatched value proposition. International four and five star hotels typically range from USD 100 to USD 150 per night, while charming traditional courtyard guesthouses offer authentic experiences from USD 40 to USD 80.

Food experiences in Beijing are unrivalled. Expect to pay between USD 5 and 15 for street food discoveries, and USD 30 to 60 for upmarket dining experiences. There are plenty of fine dining Michelin star options too, and while these may set you back a little more, you’ll enjoy the insight they provide to Beijing’s culinary leadership. And if you’re trying to decide between public transport and Didi, take advantage of the low fares available on buses and trains. At just 50 cents per metro ride, or under USD 5 for all-day access, it is very affordable travel.

Cultural treasures that redefine ‘must see’

Beijing is the only city on Earth to host eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, surpassing iconic capitals like London, Paris, and Rome. The reason? Beijing is home to an extraordinary concentration of landmarks that define both Chinese civilization and human achievement. The city’s remarkable heritage sites hold multiple global records, making Beijing a destination unlike any other.

Of course, everyone knows the Forbidden City or Palace Museum. Standing as the world’s largest imperial palace complex, the Forbidden City sprawls across 72 hectares with 9,999 rooms. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, it served as China’s imperial residence and political center for nearly five centuries. Amazing! Adjacent to this architectural marvel lies Tiananmen Square, recognized as the world’s largest city center square, covering 44 hectares. 

The Temple of Heaven, located in the southeastern part of central Beijing, showcases the world’s largest ancient sacrificial complex, featuring acoustically perfect highlights such as the Echo Wall and the symbolic Circular Mound Altar. Situated in Haidian District, the northwestern suburb of Beijing, another Beijing’s must-see attraction is the Summer Palace, a historical site which is among the best preserved royal gardens, a masterpiece of Chinese garden art and imperial landscape design. 

The ancient Great Wall, accessible from Beijing via its iconic Badaling and Mutianyu sections, represents humanity’s longest defense structure. Incredibly, it stretches over a total length of 21,196 kilometers, hence its Chinese name “10-thousand-mile-long wall”. Apart from being a symbol of China – visionary, enduring, and practical – the Great Wall is also a demonstration of the country’s spirit. A must-see thing to do in Beijing for most first-time visitors to China who make Beijing a destination on the bucket list.

Fan of city design? Why walk the length and breadth of Beijing’s Central Axis? Measuring 7.8 kilometers, this stretch of road is the world’s longest urban central axis and was recently declared by UNESCO as a shared heritage of humanity. For a step back in time, make your way out of the bustling heart of Beijing and head northwest of the city to the Ming Tombs. This is the world’s most concentrated imperial burial site, covering a huge 40 square kilometers. This imperial mausoleum complex, constructed over 200 years from 1409 to 1644, houses tombs of thirteen Ming emperors, twenty-three empresses, two princes, and over thirty concubines.

Perfect weather windows for every adventure

Those picture perfect travel moments happen when nature cooperates with your itinerary. Beijing’s spring and autumn months deliver ideal conditions: 15°C to 25°C daytime temperatures under sunny skies that make the Great Wall’s ancient stones glow golden in afternoon light.

Environmental improvements have dramatically enhanced outdoor experiences, with annual PM2.5 levels dropping 65 percent since 2013 to just 30.5 µg/m³. The result? More than 300 days annually of excellent visibility for those breathtaking Great Wall panoramas and Summer Palace sunset strolls.

A culinary journey across China’s regions

Why settle for one regional cuisine when Beijing offers them all? Beyond the legendary Peking duck and imperial court delicacies, the capital showcases authentic flavors from across China’s vast territories. Choose from fiery Sichuan hotpot, delicate Cantonese dim sum, bold Hunan specialties, and fresh Shandong seafood to savor the full repertoire of flavors.

Street food markets pulse with energy as vendors craft hand-pulled noodles and perfectly steamed dumplings before your eyes, while Michelin-starred establishments elevate regional traditions into culinary art. Whether you’re craving a quick USD 5 street snack or a USD 60 gastronomic experience, Beijing’s food scene ensures every meal becomes a delicious discovery.

Tailored experiences for every travel style

Whether you’re traveling with three generations of family or organizing a corporate retreat, Beijing adapts to your group’s unique dynamics. Children light up during panda encounters at Beijing Zoo and interactive exhibits at world class science museums, while Universal Studios Beijing provides thrills that transcend language barriers. Visit local food markets or grocery stores to uncover favoured delicacies. Or have your very own suit or dress custom made by the local tailors. Spend a day at one of Beijing’s myriad museums and galleries catering to diverse themes and interests. 

Meanwhile, adults appreciate customizable private tours that move at your preferred pace, private transfers that eliminate waiting, and certified English-speaking guides who adjust their commentary to match your group’s interests and energy levels.

The definitive answer? Yes, Beijing is a must visit destination in China

Whether planning a focused visit or a strategic stopover, Beijing’s unique collection of world class attractions, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional accessibility make it not merely a destination worth visiting, but an essential gateway to understanding both historical and contemporary China. The real question is not whether to visit Beijing, but how much time you can dedicate to fully exploring its extraordinary heritage and vibrant modern life.

Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, stands as the nation’s political and cultural epicenter – and the primary gateway for millions of international travellers each year. Thanks to China’s increasingly generous visa free transit policies, visitors arriving at Beijing Capital or Daxing International Airports can now spend up to 240 hours – that’s 10 whole days – exploring the city and its surrounding regions without securing a visa beforehand. Under this policy, nationals of 55 eligible countries holding confirmed interline tickets to a third country may disembark, apply for a temporary entry permit at the dedicated visa free counter, and enjoy seamless travel within Beijing Municipality. Whether you’ve just a few hours in transit, or are planning a multi-day deep dive adventure, Beijing’s blend of imperial heritage, modern marvels, and authentic neighbourhood experiences offers an unforgettable taste of China.

In this article, we cover our team’s recommended highlights for one, four, seven and ten day tours in Beijing. And if you still can’t decide on what’s best for you, reach out! The friendly ChinaTours.com crew is here to help.

1 Day Beijing highlights tour

For travellers with just one precious day in Beijing, whether on a tight transit schedule or a whirlwind stopover, this ultimate highlights tour packs the city’s most iconic experiences into a seamless, unforgettable experience. You’ll make your way from imperial palaces to ancient battlements, then round off your day with Beijing’s most renowned dish, Peking duck. Covering the bare Beijing essentials, this tour is perfect for travelers with a short layover or transit.

Whether you’re racing against the clock or simply sampling the essence of Beijing, this one day tour delivers imperial splendor, ancient wonder, and culinary perfection – all in a single, unforgettable transit stop. Enjoy every moment of your Beijing highlights reel!

4 Day Beijing highlights tour

Embark on a captivating four day journey through Beijing, where ancient grandeur and vibrant modernity coexist in perfect harmony. From the moment you touch down at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport, your private guide will welcome you into the heart of China’s capital, unveiling millennia of history, imperial treasures, and authentic local life. Over the next four days, you’ll wander the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, marvel at the winding Great Wall, and discover serene temple complexes. Stroll through bustling hutongs, sample street market delights, and witness the city’s spectacular Olympic landmarks. 

Whether you’re a history buff, a culture seeker, or simply in search of an unforgettable adventure, this expertly crafted Beijing tour delivers the perfect blend of iconic sights, insider experiences, and flexible free time, ensuring your Beijing highlights are stored as beautiful travel memories.

Experience Beijing’s highlights in four days: explore the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Mutianyu Great Wall; wander historic hutongs; and marvel at the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, seamlessly woven with insider access, private transfers, and free time for your perfect Beijing adventure.

7 Days Beijing highlights tour

Embark on a comprehensive seven-day Beijing journey that blends ancient wonders, modern marvels, and authentic local life. You’ll trace imperial history at the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and National Museum; conquer the Mutianyu Great Wall; wander storied hutongs like Wudaoying and Shichahai; meet giant pandas at Beijing Zoo; and shop for treasures at Panjiayuan and Hongqiao markets, immerse into Beijing’s art and fashion at Sanlitun and 798 art zone. With thoughtful pacing and curated experiences, this tour ensures an immersive, unforgettable exploration of China’s dynamic capital.

This comprehensive six night tour weaves together the magnificent of Beijing’s imperial history, vibrant hutongs, local markets showcasing both the beautiful and brash, popular shopping destinations, and modern attractions. Perfect for travelers with time and who enjoy getting ‘under the bonnet’ of the destinations they visit.

Extended Beijing DIY tour (10+ days)

While some travelers enjoy the company and support of bilingual guides, there are others who embrace adventure and prefer to self manage their exploration. This extended 10+ days Beijing DIY tour is flexible enough to take everything listed in our recommended one, four, and seven day tours – and then some. As experienced tour designers, here’s our ‘ingredients list’ for the resourceful, adventurous type who loves to discover on their own.

Whether you stay for ten days or two weeks, Beijing offers endless ways to build your perfect China travel adventure, with experiences that span six key themes: iconic landmarks, cultural immersion, local neighborhood life, contemporary art and design, wellness and leisure, and regional excursions. You might hike remote sections of the Great Wall, join a calligraphy or martial arts workshop, wander hidden hutongs, explore contemporary galleries in the 798 Art Zone, unwind in a traditional spa, or take day trips to ancient towns and beachside escapes. With so many options across these diverse perspectives, you can mix and match to design a trip that reflects your interests.

Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through ancient hutongs in perfect spring weather or watching autumn leaves cascade around the Great Wall, timing your Beijing adventure to experience all this city and surrounds has to offer is key to curating the perfect China tour. Having designed thousands of tours for discerning travelers, we understand that choosing when to visit this captivating city can feel overwhelming. With its four distinct seasons, vibrant festivals, history spanning millennia, and varying travel conditions throughout the year, it can make for a difficult choice.

It’s with that understanding we happily draw on decades of crafting unforgettable Beijing experiences for travelers from every corner of the globe that we’ve distilled our expertise into this easy-to-follow guide. You’ll discover which months offer perfect temperatures, when to avoid the city’s busiest travel spikes, and how to align your trip with Beijing’s cultural calendar – all so you can plan the ideal experience in China’s dynamic capital.

Spring and Autumn: Best seasons to visit Beijing

Given the array of sites Beijing offers, and to make the most of your time, it’s essential to align your visit to those seasons that highlight Beijing’s very best. Unquestionably, April, May, September, and October are the best months to experience Beijing. These golden months offer that perfect sweet spot we travelers dream about – comfortable temperatures, stunning natural beauty, and ideal conditions for exploring everything from the Great Wall to the Summer Palace.

Spring splendour: Beijing in April and May

As though divinely inspired, as the end of winter ticks over into spring, the city is converted to a veritable garden. Beijing in April and May erupts into bloom, with magnolias, peach blossoms, crabapple flowers, tulips, apricot blossoms, and lilacs creating a gorgeous tapestry of colors against Beijing’s historic backdrop. Spring in Beijing is a start contrast to its winter self, enjoying temperatures ranging from a comfortable 46°F to 79°F (8°C to 26°C) .

Beijing’s best spring attractions

During Spring, the Temple of Heaven transforms into a flowering wonderland, featuring Beijing’s largest apricot grove in the inner city precinct. Incredibly, most of these ancient apricot trees were planted during the Qing Dynasty, creating a stunning spectacle when they bloom from late March to mid-April. The peaceful temple grounds provide the perfect backdrop for morning photography as locals practice Tai Chi beneath the blossoming branches.

Make your way to Yuyuantan Park, which celebrates spring with its renowned Cherry Blossom Festival (mid-March to late May). Stroll beneath the park’s vast cherry garden – China’s largest where nearly forty cherry varieties burst into bloom in succession. By early April, hundreds of trees form a snowy canopy, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics.

At the Summer Palace, hundreds of pristine magnolias burst into life before Leshou Palace, once home to Empress Dowager Cixi. These snowy blooms seem to appear overnight, quietly transforming the imperial gardens. Reflections of white petals ripple across Kunming Lake, creating a scene of serene splendor.

Mutianyu Great Wall delivers a springtime spectacle like no other. Beginning in March, peach, apricot, and rhododendron blossoms paint the mountain slopes, and by mid-April the hiking trail becomes a fragrant floral corridor. Here, you’ll marvel at the Wall’s ancient stone alongside a riot of spring color.

Spring culinary delights

Spring brings Beijing’s markets alive with seasonal treasures that locals eagerly await each year. The tender Chinese toon leaves (xiangchun 香椿), crunchy Spring bamboo shoots (zhusun 竹笋) and fresh Shepherd’s Purse (jicai 荠菜) are the crown jewel of spring cuisine, appearing in markets after the precious spring rains. These seasonal delicacies, rich in antioxidants, are available for only a few weeks and are treasured by local chefs for their unique flavor. 

Like every region in China, Beijing has its specialties. Each year, Beijingers celebrate and welcome Spring by having ‘Spring dishes’ like stir-fried Chinese toon with eggs; cold-dressed Chinese toon salad with tofu; pork and Shepherd’s Purse dumplings; braised Spring bamboo shoots; and Spring pancakes (chunbing 春饼), a wrap with stir-fried garlic chive, sprouts, spinach, shredded meats, fried eggs. 

Beijing’s famous spring onions reach peak freshness during this season, providing the perfect accompaniment to the city’s renowned Peking Duck. Spring is also ideal for enjoying fresh noodle dishes like Zhajiangmian, which locals affectionately refer to as ‘the taste of home’, especially when paired with seasonal toppings that change with spring’s arrival.

Autumn’s brilliance: September and October

There’s something truly special about Beijing in autumn that captures the hearts of every visitor. As the summer heat fades, the city transforms into a floral masterpiece painted in osmanthus, chrysanthemums, red maple leaves, and golden ginkgo trees. September and October offer crisp, clear days with temperatures between 59°F to 79°F (15°C to 26°C), creating perfect conditions for outdoor exploring. The peak fall foliage season runs from mid-October to mid-November, when Beijing’s mountainous areas become a stunning palette of yellows, oranges, and reds.

Best Autumn Attractions to Experience

The Forbidden City becomes even more majestic in autumn, with a striking contrast evident in yellow ginkgo leaves offset by traditional red walls, ultimately creating some of Beijing’s most photographed scenes. September brings fewer crowds, allowing you to explore the vast Imperial Garden and scattered courtyards where colorful autumn flowers bloom alongside ancient architecture.

Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan Park) remains Beijing’s most popular destination for red maple leaves, transforming into a blazing canvas from mid-October. The park’s South Monkey Ridge Scenic Area and Baizhang Cliff Area offer the best viewing spots, where visitors can witness nature’s spectacular color show against clear autumn skies.

Beijing Diaoyutai Ginkgo Boulevard provides the most famous place to observe beautiful yellow ginkgo trees. These ancient trees, some with histories spanning several centuries, turn the entire boulevard into a golden tunnel that attracts photographers from across the city. The peak viewing time occurs from late October to early November.

In September, Taoranting Park transforms into a canvas of reds and yellows, with chrysanthemums bursting into late bloom. The park’s tree-lined paths and lakeside trails offer a sense of serenity, while historical structures like the Wan Shou Pavilion provide cultural depth and a deeper appreciation of traditional culture.

Looking for an insider highlight? Late October to Early November is the ultimate window for a Great Wall adventure. At Mutianyu, Badaling, or the rugged Jiankou section, trek high above valleys cloaked in red and gold. With mild temperatures, crystal clear air, and panoramic autumn hues, every step along these ancient ramparts feels like walking through a living masterpiece.

Autumn Culinary Delights

Traveling during this season offers a taste of Beijing’s autumnal dishes, perfect for warming up after being in cooler weather. After a Great Wall hiking adventure, savor Beijing’s most comforting culinary tradition: mutton hot pot (shuanyangrou). As Chinese traditions go, few things are better than sitting around a steamy hotpot as autumn drapes a chilly cloak over North China.

Autumn in Beijing brings the city’s most beloved seasonal foods, creating an atmosphere where streets are filled with aromas of roasted chestnuts and fresh seasonal fruits. Roasted chestnuts become the season’s signature street food, with long queues forming before hot chestnut stalls. These sweet and delicious treats not only warm your hands but also provide medical benefits, helping prevent diseases caused by the drier autumn weather.

Fresh persimmons flood Beijing’s autumn markets, offering their sweet, astringent flavor that perfectly captures the essence of the season. These shiny orange globes provide benefits needed to combat the cool, dry weather according to traditional Chinese medicine. Market vendors throughout the city showcase persimmon varieties, from soft honey-sweet types to crisp apple-textured varieties.

Tanghulu (candied hawthorn) reaches peak popularity during autumn months. This traditional snack of candied fruit, consisting of hawthorn berries with hardened sugar coating, provides the perfect balance of sour, sweet, and cold flavors. Street vendors throughout Beijing’s hutongs and major attractions offer these colorful skewers that have become synonymous with autumn in the capital.

Best times to avoid Beijing

While it’s difficult to avoid crowds wherever you are in China, there are times and places that are best avoided, and although sometimes travel dates aren’t entirely flexible, if you have options, here are the periods when Beijing becomes significantly more challenging for international visitors:

Chinese New Year – This traditionally significant annual festival – held during February – brings the largest migration of people in the world, with over 800 million trips occurring during this period. Chinese New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17th, starting a year of the Fire Horse. While fascinating and celebratory, expect widespread closures, extremely crowded transportation, and premium pricing across the board. China’s public holiday for Lunar New Year is eight days, typically running from Chinese New Year’s Eve (February 16th) to February 23rd in 2026.

Labor Day Holiday (May 1-5, 2026) sees millions of domestic travellers flooding Beijing’s attractions. During this period the normally peaceful Temple of Heaven and Great Wall are overrun with domestic tour groups and hotel prices surge dramatically.

National Day Golden Week (October 1 – 7, 2026) is perhaps the most challenging time to visit. Despite being autumn – normally the best season – this week-long holiday means popular destinations like Beijing become extremely crowded during Golden Week as millions of locals take advantage of the public holiday to travel. In 2026, National Day Golden Week will run from October 1 – 7, creating one of the year’s busiest travel periods.

Beijing’s summer (July to August) brings sweltering heat, often above 30°C with high humidity and sudden thunderstorms, making outdoor sightseeing uncomfortable. This coincides with China’s school holidays, so families flood the city’s most iconic sites. Think the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, creating long lines and overcrowded conditions. 

During this period, the city’s air quality can worsen as heat and rainfall patterns trap pollutants. To mitigate these challenges, visit attractions early or late in the day, stay hydrated, and book accommodation well ahead.

Insider tips for booking your flights to Beijing

When it comes to booking your flights to Beijing, timing is everything. Aim to reserve your international flights at least six months in advance. This gives you access to the widest range of seats, the lowest fares, and the most convenient connections. As seasoned travelers ourselves, we’ve seen ticket prices climb dramatically once airlines adjust their schedules three to four months before departure.

For the very best deals, target September and October. Why? Because these shoulder‐season months combine mild weather with reduced demand. That means you’ll often find fares 10 to 20 percent lower than the annual average. Imagine touching down in crisp autumn air without breaking the bank!

Conversely, expect steep pricing from June through August as families flood the skies for summer vacations, and again in December when festive cheer drives ticket costs skyward.

To maximize savings:

• Set fare alerts six months out and monitor midweek drops.
• Book weekday departures, which can be 15 to 25 percent cheaper than weekends.
• Consider early morning or late night flights as these less popular slots often carry hidden bargains.