Discover Beijing
The Millennial Capital

Forbidden City · Great Wall · Hutong wanderings
The complete 2026 Beijing travel guide

About Beijing

Beijing's grandeur lives in the glazed tiles of the Forbidden City and the locust-shaded alleys of its hutongs. As China's capital, it is at its most inviting from September to November, when crisp autumn air and golden ginkgo leaves make exploring the imperial city a pure pleasure. Carve out a few unhurried days, because this is a city worth a proper holiday.

Best Time

Sep – Nov

Recommended Days

4 – 5 days

Province

Beijing

Climate

Temperate monsoon, four distinct seasons

Beijing FAQ

Common questions before you go

Why is autumn the best time to visit Beijing?

From September to November the skies are clear and the breeze is gentle, ginkgo and maple leaves come into color, and you avoid both the summer humidity and the Spring Festival crowds. Spring brings sandstorms, and winter is dry and cold.

How should I plan 4 to 5 days in Beijing?

Spend one day at the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, one on the Great Wall, one at the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace, a half-day at the National Museum, and the rest wandering the hutongs and Sanlitun. The metro is your most reliable bet.

For the Great Wall, Badaling or Mutianyu?

Badaling is the famous, easy-to-reach choice but often packed; Mutianyu is more scenic and tranquil, and far better for photos. With kids or elderly travelers, go with the latter.

Top Attractions

The most worthwhile places to visit in Beijing

Forbidden City

The Ming-Qing imperial palace, with over nine thousand halls along a central axis — red walls, gold tiles, six centuries of dynastic breath. Stand at the Hall of Supreme Harmony square and feel the grandeur.

¥60 Half day – full day

Badaling Great Wall

The most complete section of the Ming Great Wall — watchtowers rise and fall along the ridge. Climb high and take in the winding passes and mountain vistas.

¥40 Half day

Temple of Heaven

The blue-roofed circular mound where emperors prayed for grain. The Echo Wall and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests encode round-heaven square-earth cosmology in wood and stone. Allow 2–3 hours.

¥15 2 – 3 hours

Summer Palace

The Qing imperial garden where Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill bring Jiangnan charm north. The Long Corridor's painted beams and the Marble Boat are dowager Cixi's summer stage.

¥30 Half day

Tiananmen Square

The world's largest urban square — the Monument to the People's Heroes faces the rostrum, and the flag-raising ceremony is solemn. The heart of the capital.

Free 1 hour

Nanluoguxiang Alley

A Yuan-dynasty hutong survived into the present — eight branching lanes hide cafés, design shops and courtyard homes. Old Beijing's everyday texture, distilled.

Free 2 – 3 hours

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Must-Try Food

Beijing's iconic dishes

Beijing Roast Duck

Beijing's No.1 dish — crisp skin, tender meat, wrapped in a thin pancake with sweet bean sauce, scallion and cucumber. The quintessential imperial indulgence.

Copper-Pot Mutton Hotpot

Old Beijing's traditional hotpot — a clear broth in a tall copper pot, hand-sliced mutton cooked in seconds, dipped in sesame paste. Pure northern winter warmth.

Zhajiangmian

The everyday Beijing noodle — chewy wheat noodles topped with a savory fermented soybean paste, mixed with shredded cucumber, radish and bean sprouts. Comfort in a bowl.

Douzhir & Jiaoquan

A Beijing breakfast oddity — fermented mung-bean drink with a sour, funky tang, paired with crisp golden fried dough rings. An acquired taste locals adore.

All Food →

Travel Guide

Transport · Stays · Best time · Tips

Getting There

Flights: Capital International (PEK) or Daxing International (PKX), both metro-connected. High-speed rail: Beijing South / Beijing West. The metro covers the whole city.