It's clear that Beijing is a top choice to unveil your Chinese adventure. But how long should you spend there? If it's your first time visiting, we recommend a 4-day itinerary. This duration is ideal for experiencing the city's classic attractions while allowing time for arrival and departure. As both the historical capital for six dynasties and the current capital of China, Beijing boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Beyond its historical significance, the city offers a wealth of opportunities to explore traditional and modern architecture, parks, temples, featured streets and a vibrant arts scene. With our expert itinerary suggestions, you'll be sure to maximize your visit to Beijing in 4 Days.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Located in the heart of Beijing, this iconic site dazzles with its magnificent architecture and rich history spanning hundreds of years.
Great Wall: A must-visit when in China! Several sections are accessible from Beijing, each with unique features. We recommend Mutianyu for its proximity, fewer crowds, and convenient cable car access.
Temple of Heaven: Once an imperial altar for sacrifices, this stunning park allows you to explore ancient traditions while admiring beautiful architecture.
Beijing Hutongs: Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys lined with historic Siheyuan courtyards. Rickshaws in Hutongs offer a great experience.
Summer Palace: Serving as a retreat for emperors during the hot summer months, it is features breathtaking lake landscapes and unique architecture.
Gubei Water Town: At the foot of Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town is a theme resort of ancient northern architecture, built by a canal. Its beautiful nightscape and charming atmosphere attracts many visitors...
National Museum of China: For history enthusiasts, this museum spans 1.7 million years of artifacts, showcasing over a million rare pieces waiting to be discovered.
Lama Temple: Also known as Yonghe Temple, this Tibetan Buddhist temple blends Han and Tibetan architectural styles, making it a standout in Beijing.
798 Art Zone: A vibrant cultural hub, this art district is filled with high-end galleries, trendy boutiques, and innovative sculptures and architecture.
Beihai Park: A beautifully preserved ancient imperial garden, where you can enjoy its serene landscapes filled with trees, lakes, and rockeries, resembling a picturesque painting.
Here is the Beijing Attractions Map for your better understanding of the top highlights! For all highlights in Beijing, please check the Top 15 Beijing Attractions to plan your detailed Beijing 4 Days Itinerary. You can also simply find a recommended tour from our Top 6 Beijing Tour Packages»
Beijing Tourist Attractions Map (click to enlarge)
If it's your first time visiting Beijing, and you have 4 days to explore it, this itinerary covering the arrival and departure times, is our top recommendation.
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
Welcome to Beijing! It's a free day for your arrival, with convenient international and frequent domestic flights available. You can also take a high-speed train to Beijing from several cities: Shanghai (4.5–6 hrs), Xi'an (4–6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5–8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5–10 hrs), Chongqing (7–9 hrs), and Hong Kong (8 hrs).
If you arrive in the morning, you'll have time to visit the Summer Palace, a stunning example of classical Chinese garden design. This expansive garden showcases the best features of traditional architectural artistry, including halls, pavilions, rockeries, corridors, and bridges. If the weather permits, consider taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake to admire the surrounding scenery and architecture.
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Summer Palace
Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the expansive plaza where Chairman Mao announced the founding of the People's Republic of China at Tiananmen Gate. After passing through the gate, you'll encounter the impressive Forbidden City, which was the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Once restricted to the royal family, it became the Palace Museum in 1925 and now invites the public to explore its rich history and stunning architecture.
After taking in the intricate designs of the Forbidden City, head to Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the palace. This park is part of the newly recognized World Heritage site, the Beijing Central Axis, located just north of the Forbidden City.
After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, a remarkable example of classical Chinese garden design. This vast garden features the finest elements of traditional architecture, including halls, pavilions, rockeries, corridors, and bridges. Weather permitting, you might want to take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery and architecture around you.
In the evening, consider attending a variety of nighttime performances, such as a kung fu show, an acrobatic show, or Peking opera.
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall – Sacred Way – Olympic Park
After breakfast, take a 1.5–2 hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, an impressive engineering marvel. Mutianyu is accessible for all fitness levels and ages, with convenient cable cars for easy ascent and descent. The wall consists of three sections: the east route between Towers 1 and 6, the middle route between Towers 6 and 14, and the west route between Towers 14 and 20, with entrances near Towers 6 and 14. We recommend starting your visit by taking the enclosed cable car to Tower 14 and then hiking eastward. For a more adventurous option, you can use the chairlift to Tower 6, explore in either direction, and enjoy a toboggan ride back down. If you're an experienced hiker, consider challenging yourself to traverse the entire wall!
Next, visit the Sacred Way, which leads to the Ming Tombs, and learn about the history of the Ming Dynasty emperors. On your return to the city, stop by Olympic Park to admire the modern architecture of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
After your Great Wall experience, head back to Beijing. For food enthusiasts, be sure to try Peking Roast Duck or explore one of the city's night markets for delicious snacks.
Please Note: 1) This day is dedicated to visiting the Great Wall, and you can substitute Mutianyu for other sections like Jinshanling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, or Simatai. However, depending on your travel time to the wall, you may need to skip the Sacred Way and Olympic Park. 2) For travelers interested art and fashion, 798 Art Zone is a nice substitute for Sacred Way.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven – Beijing Hutongs – Your Departure Train Station or Airport
On your final day, we recommend a leisurely half-day itinerary before preparing for your departure. Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a World Heritage site renowned for its imperial sacrificial altars. As you stroll through this majestic complex of exquisite buildings set in lush gardens, you'll gain insights into China's sacrificial traditions and the philosophical relationship between Earth and Heaven. The park is also home to historic pine groves, which serve as a popular spot for locals engaging in morning exercises.
Next, explore one of Beijing's traditional hutongs to experience the local atmosphere and unique architecture. For a fun twist, consider taking a rickshaw ride. If you're traveling with China Discovery, we can arrange a visit to a local family, offering you a glimpse into the life of old Beijing and its courtyard homes.
The rest of your time is reserved for departure. If you'd like to pick up some souvenirs for family or friends, you can visit popular shopping areas like Wangfujing Street, Qianmen Street, Dongdan, or the Xidan shopping district.
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Over the years, many sections of the Great Wall offer sightseeing experiences, but none compare to Simatai Great Wall, thanks to its unique location and the enchanting Gubei Water Town at its base. If you're looking for a romantic nighttime visit to Simatai, this itinerary is perfect for you. You'll also explore the highlights of Beijing and enjoy a fantastic experience at the stunning Jinshanling Great Wall.
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
Day 1 is for your arrival. You can take an international or domestic flight, or a high-speed train to Beijing. Popular train routes include Shanghai (4.5–6 hrs), Xi'an (4–6 hrs), Guangzhou (7.5–8 hrs), Chengdu (7.5–10 hrs), Chongqing (7–9 hrs), and Hong Kong (8 hrs). If you arrive in the morning, spend your afternoon exploring the Summer Palace, the premier imperial garden and summer retreat for the royal family.
Day 2: Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City Jingshan Park – Temple of Heaven – Beijing HutongsBegin your day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you can hike or take a cable car to enjoy breathtaking views.
Today's attractions are all centrally located in Beijing. Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, then walk to the Forbidden City to appreciate its stunning architecture up close. Enjoy a panoramic view from Jingshan Park before heading to the Temple of Heaven, where you can learn about the imperial altar and sacrificial rituals. Keep an eye out for locals exercising in the park's serene pine groves. Finally, explore one of Beijing's charming Hutongs and don't miss the chance to experience a rickshaw ride!
Day 3: Beijing – Jinshanling Great Wall – Simatai Great Wall (Night Sightseeing)
Today promises a visual feast as you explore two stunning sections of the Great Wall: Jinshanling and Simatai. Known for its beauty, Jinshanling offers breathtaking views during the day, while Simatai shines at night. After a 2-3 hour drive, start your adventure at Jinshanling by hiking east from Zhuanduokou Pass to the Small and Big Jinshan Towers, both offering spectacular panoramas.
After sightseeing, you can take a cable car down, or if you have the energy, continue hiking east to additional exits. Next, head to Gubei Water Town, located at the base of Simatai, where you can check into your hotel. In the evening, ascend Simatai via cable car to experience the illuminated wall, focusing on the section between Watchtowers No. 5 and No. 6. You'll enjoy about an hour of stunning night views, and if you're visiting between May and October, you might even catch a breathtaking sunset over the Great Wall.
Day 4: Gubei Water Town – Beijing - Your Departure Train Station or Airport
This morning, take time to explore the enchanting Gubei Water Town before heading back to Beijing. This themed resort, nestled by picturesque canals, offers a peaceful escape reminiscent of the Southern Yangtze River water towns. As you wander along the stone-paved streets, enjoy serene lake views, ancient stone bridges, charming pavilions, and traditional northern Chinese architecture. For a stunning panoramic view, climb to Gubei Church on a small hill. You can also participate in various activities like brewing, dyeing, and crossbow shooting for an additional fee.
In the afternoon, drive back to Beijing to catch your flight or train to your next destination.
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In 2024, the Beijing Central Axis, a stunning ensemble of buildings representing the ideal order of the Chinese capital, was listed as a World Heritage site. This site attracts both culture lovers and urban explorers. This 4-day itinerary allows you to explore Beijing's cultural landmarks in a unique and enjoyable way - on foot.
Day 1: Arrival Train Station or Airport - Your Hotel
You can get to Beijing via flight or train. Both international and domestic flights provide convenient options, and high-speed trains are available from major cities like Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Xi'an (4-6 hours), Guangzhou (7.5-8 hours), Chengdu (7.5-10 hours), Chongqing (7-9 hours), and Hong Kong (8 hours).
Day 2: Beijing Central Axis Walk (Zhengyangmen Gate – Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Jingshan Park – Wanning Bridge – Bell and Drum Towers)Begin your day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where you can hike or take a cable car to enjoy breathtaking views.
You will spend a full day walking along the most captivating section of the Beijing Central Axis. Start at Zhengyangmen Gate, a historical city gate complex used for defense during the Ming and Qing dynasties. From there, make your way to Tiananmen Square to admire the iconic Tiananmen Gate and the surrounding buildings before entering the Forbidden City. As you traverse from the south gate to the north gate, you'll be awed at the magnificent architecture and fascinating imperial stories.
After exploring the Forbidden City, enter Jingshan Park, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the palace from the hilltop pavilion - an unforgettable way to conclude your visit. Continue your walk to Wanning Bridge, the oldest bridge along the Beijing Central Axis. Your day will end at the Bell and Drum Towers, where you can experience the rich tradition of Chinese timekeeping and take in the beautiful scenery along the northern section of the central axis.
Optional Night Activities: 1) Watch a wonderful acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theater. 2) Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.
Day 3: Summer Palace – Mutianyu Great Wall
After breakfast, drive to the outskirts to explore the Summer Palace, the summer retreat for emperors and their families. This beautifully preserved garden features stunning architecture, including pavilions, corridors, bridges, and halls, set amidst serene lakes and rockeries. Next, head to the Mutianyu Great Wall to marvel at this incredible man-made wonder. As you walk along its ancient pathways, you'll appreciate both human ingenuity and the surrounding natural beauty. For convenience, consider taking a cable car to ascend and descend the wall.
Day 4: Temple of Haven – Beijing Hutongs – Your Departure Train Station or Airport
Today, delve into another World Heritage site: the Temple of Heaven, once an imperial sacrificial site. This historic structure provides insights into China's past, while the surrounding pine woods serve as a popular spot for locals' morning exercises. Before departing Beijing, take a rickshaw tour of the charming Hutongs, with highlights including Shichahai, Nanluoguxiang, and Yandaixie Street. A special visit to a local family in their traditional quadrangle dwelling offers an ultimate glimpse into daily life.
Your tour concludes as you catch your flight or train to your next destination.
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Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
Bell Tower
Shichahai Hutong
Haven't found an itinerary that fits your interests? We're here to help! Contact us to customize your own unique itinerary in Beijing. Our team can create a tour package tailored to your specific preferences, travel duration, and budget, ensuring you get the most out of your experience. Whether you're interested in exploring historical sites, sampling local cuisine, or venturing into nature, we can craft the perfect plan for you. You can also explore our top Beijing tour packages or Great Wall tour packages for inspiration and ideas to kickstart your adventure.
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Beijing, altogether with Tianjin and Hebei has implemented 144-Hour Visa-free Transit to visitors from 54 countries with valid travel documents & connecting (flight, ship, trains) tickets to a third country/region. These countries include 25 European Schengen Visa Agreement countries (Austria, Germany, Italy…), 14 Other European countries (Russia, United Kingdom, Ireland…), 6 America countries (United States, Canada, Brazil…), 2 Oceania countries (Australia and New Zealand) and 6 Asian countries (South Korea, Japan, Singapore…).
The itinerary in this tour can be customized according to your own interests and needs. Usually, Mutianyu Great Wall is the top recommended among several sections of Great Wall in and around Beijing, because it's less crowded, fully-restored and quite family-friendly. If you want to explore the primitive appearance of Great Wall and want a memorable hiking experience in lesser known sections, consider hiking less-traveled sections like Jinshanling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc. It is also available to choose some other attractions based on your interest. Besides, you can visit a local family in Beijing Hutongs, or take part in some other interested activities. If you have any personal travel ideas, feel free to tell us.
As China's capital and a top tourist destination, Beijing is equipped with numerous hotels and restaurants for your choice. Undoubtedly, every traveler can stay in Beijing with great comfort. There are enough luxury hotels with good location and best value. It is also easy to find many comfortable 4-star hotels and economical hotels. You can choose one hotel according to your tour itinerary and budget. Beijing also offers a large number of choices of food – from multi-course cuisine to various street food to satisfy your taste bud.
Beijing boasts a well-developed transportation network, making it accessible from both international and domestic cities. There are many daily flights from Europe (London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam, etc.), America (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Washington, etc.), Asia (Singapore, Tokyo, Taipei, Macao, etc.) and Oceania to Beijing. Additionally, domestic flights from over 120 cities in mainland China, including major hubs like Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Chengdu, make reaching Beijing convenient.
With a temperature monsoon climate, Beijing enjoys four distinctive seasons. It has warm spring (March ~ May), hot summer (June ~ August), cool autumn (September ~ November) and cold winter (December ~ February). Visiting Beijing in different seasons allows you to see different featured scenery, but the best time to visit Beijing is spring and autumn because you can enjoy the most comfortable weather. It is also important to avoid visiting Beijing in China's big festivals, including May Day, Tomb Sweeping Day, Dragon's Boat Day and National Day when most of the scenic areas will be crowded and it will be common to meet traffic jam.
If you have more days in China, you are strongly suggested to extend your tour to another two top tourist destinations - ancient Xi’an and modern Shanghai. This combination provides a comprehensive view of China's historical and contemporary highlights. A tour combining these three cities will help you get a first panoramic view of China. For a more enriching experience, you can visit Guilin for its stunning karst landscapes or take a Yangtze River cruise for a relaxing holiday. Check China Tours from Beijing 2024/2025 >>
Beijing, the massive capital city of China for centuries, offers you much to discover and explore. All of your dreams about the charming Beijing can be true in our Beijing tours. No matter it is your first, or the second or the third trip to Beijing, China Discovery will always find a suitable tour package for you to see and experience Beijing by the best way. If you have no idea where to start, please don't hesitate to contact our travel experts for help.
This is the most popular China tour to Beijing, Xian and Shanghai to visit the most iconic China attractions - Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, The Bund, etc., and explore great of both China’s past and present.
Visit the best and featured highlights of Beijing in a single trip and explore the glorious past and present of Beijing in one go. Apart from Beijing's time-honored landmarks - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Great Wall, you will admire the most outstanding architectures in Olympic Park.
Visiting two ancient hearts plus a cozy high speed train experience, you will not only explore the long history of China, but also find out how the time-honored country is like in recent days.
This thoughtfully designed itinerary is perfect for travelers with limited time in Beijing. Whether you're taking advantage of a layover or simply want to make the most of a short trip, this tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city's iconic attractions.
This 4-day tour offers the chance to explore Jinshanling by day, known for its breathtaking vistas, and Simatai by night, celebrated for its enchanting evening views. The itinerary also includes a visit to the charming Gubei Water Town. Of course, essential Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and traditional Hutongs are covered.
Want a quality but enjoyable time with your children in Beijing? This 5 days Universal Studios Beijing family tour is well-arranged to fulfill your needs. You will have a sightseeing trip involving a full-day adventure to Universal Studios Beijing. Apart from offering entertainment, this tour helps them learn, grow and gain a better understanding of China.
Visit the top travel destinations in vast China, Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, with the fabulous trip to Zhangjiajie and Guilin with stunning natural miracles.
Coverinng top highlights in China to please your eyes, ease your spirit, witness grand and beautiful landscape in special ways.
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
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