More Beijing visitor resources
Beijing rewards a little planning: palace courtyards, neighbourhood lanes, lakeside parks and contemporary galleries sit within a very large city. Start with the kind of visit you want, then put nearby places together. Leave room for a slow lunch and an unplanned walk rather than treating every landmark as a box to tick.
Find the right guide
- Beijing facts and essentials: entry requirements, practical preparation and an introduction to the city.
- Sights and neighbourhoods: imperial landmarks, museums, hutongs and trips beyond the centre.
- Food and dining: roast duck, noodles, hotpot, ordering and choosing where to eat.
- Hotels and accommodation: location, room types and the questions to ask before booking.
- Markets and shopping: shopping districts, useful gifts and a sensible approach to markets.
- Transport: airports, railway stations, metro journeys and getting home after an evening out.
- Arts and entertainment: performances, contemporary art and relaxed evenings.
A manageable first visit
For three full days, consider one day around the Forbidden City and Jingshan, one around the Temple of Heaven and the southern old city, and one Great Wall excursion. This is a suggested pace, not a fixed tour. With an extra day, add the Summer Palace or a museum and hutong walk. Our 15 things to do helps you choose rather than attempting everything.
Book the hardest-to-secure visit first. The Palace Museum's official visitor information explains advance booking and its usual Monday closure. Treat Tiananmen Square and nearby museums as separate visits with their own entry arrangements. Carry the identification used for reservations and check each operator's notices for your date.
Choose your base and daily rhythm
Stay near the places you will visit most and check the actual walk to a metro entrance. Wangfujing and Dongsi suit a central sightseeing plan; Shichahai appeals for lanes and lakes; other districts may make more sense for work or university visits. Use our hotel selection guide to compare convenience, quiet and room requirements.
Keep a saved Chinese address for your accommodation and prepare more than one way to pay. The Beijing municipal visitor portal provides current public-service and travel information. For outdoor days, check the local weather and the return journey before leaving.
Explore further
The Fragrant Hills guide introduces a wooded escape in western Beijing. Nearby, the Temple of the Sleeping Buddha offers a quieter temple visit within the China National Botanical Garden. These outings work best with time for the journey and walking inside each attraction.
Beijing Page is associated with Tour Beijing. Its Beijing sightseeing resources offer additional ideas; for organised arrangements, compare the route, inclusions and pace with your own needs before booking.