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.
Common questions before you go
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.
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.
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.
北京最值得去的地方
北京特色美食推荐
Beijing's No.1 dish — crisp skin, tender meat, wrapped in a pancake with sauce....
Old Beijing's traditional hotpot — a clear broth with hand-sliced mutton, all ab...
The everyday Beijing noodle — chewy wheat noodles with a savory fermented soybea...
A Beijing breakfast oddity — fermented mung-bean drink with a sour, funky tang, ...
交通·住宿·最佳时间·注意事项
Neighboring cities worth a side trip
北京's immersive visual journey
