Beijing is China's thousand-year-old capital, where imperial palaces, ancient temples, and the majestic Great Wall sit alongside a fast-moving modern metropolis. For a first-time visitor, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide pulls together the most practical things to know: what to see, what to eat, how to get around, and the best time to come.
What to see in Beijing: the unmissable sights
If you only have a few days, prioritise these:
- The Great Wall: the symbol of China itself. The Mutianyu and Jinshanling sections are scenic and far less crowded than the busy Badaling stretch.
- The Forbidden City: the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Allow at least half a day.
- The Temple of Heaven: where emperors prayed for good harvests, famous for its round wooden hall.
- The Summer Palace: a serene retreat of lakes, a long painted corridor, and Longevity Hill.
- Gubei Water Town: a restored canal town at the foot of the Wall, magical after dark.
Cultural experiences worth trying
Beyond the headline sights, Beijing rewards a slower, more local approach:
- Explore the old hutong alleys on foot or by rickshaw to feel the rhythm of old Beijing.
- Watch a Peking Opera performance, with its distinctive face paint and singing.
- Catch the dramatic kung fu show "The Legend of Kung Fu".
- Visit the 798 Art District, where former factories have become contemporary galleries.
What to eat in Beijing
Food is a core part of any Beijing trip:
- Peking duck: the signature dish, crisp skin wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion and sweet bean sauce.
- Zhajiangmian: thick noodles tossed in a savoury fermented bean sauce.
- Mongolian hotpot: thinly sliced mutton dipped in a clear broth.
- Jianbing: a savoury crepe sold on street corners, the local breakfast of choice.
- Imperial cuisine: refined dishes that recreate the royal table.
Getting around Beijing
Beijing's subway is vast, clean, and signposted in English, making it the cheapest and fastest way to move around the city centre. A transit card or local ride-hailing app makes payment easier. For distant sights like the Great Wall or Gubei Water Town, which lie well outside the centre, hiring a private car with a driver saves far more time and effort than public transport.
For visitors who don't speak Mandarin and find mobile payments tricky, travelling with a French- or Vietnamese-speaking guide smooths out ticketing and scheduling considerably.
When to visit Beijing
The best season is autumn, from September to November — clear skies, mild weather, and golden leaves across the parks. Spring (April–May) is also pleasant. Summer is hot and busy, while winter is cold but a snow-dusted Great Wall is unforgettable.
How many days do you need?
To do Beijing justice, plan for about 4–5 days: two for the centre (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs), a full day for the Great Wall, and the rest for the Summer Palace and cultural experiences.
A few practical tips
- Wear comfortable walking shoes — the Forbidden City and the Wall both involve a lot of walking.
- Book Forbidden City tickets in advance, as daily numbers are capped.
A little careful planning, plus a companion who knows the ground, turns a Beijing trip into a lasting memory.