Why Go to Beijing
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Beijing is where China's ancient past and rapid present meet. As the nation's political and cultural capital, it offers an incredible window into thousands of years of history, while a sleek modern city keeps rising all around it. Imperial palaces sit beside new subway lines, peaceful temples share the skyline with world-class Olympic stadiums, and the scale of it all is astonishing.
Many of the city's landmarks are known around the world. Walk through the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, the home of emperors for nearly 500 years, and stand in enormous Tiananmen Square. Visit the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, and explore the narrow hutong alleyways for a glimpse of traditional neighborhood life. Then head into the hills north of the city to see the Great Wall winding across the ridges, the experience most visitors remember forever.
Beijing is huge, and getting around efficiently makes a big difference. I'll arrange expert guides, a quieter section of the Great Wall and a well-located hotel, and connect Beijing to Xi'an, Shanghai or a Yangtze cruise.
BEST FOR
History buffs, foodies, architecture enthusiasts and cultural travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–May and September–October
EXPLORE
The Forbidden City and Tiananmen area mark the historic center; hutong neighborhoods surround old lanes; Chaoyang has business and contemporary attractions.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Beijing
Asia › East Asia › China › Beijing Municipality
Imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and a dynamic capital
Historical & Heritage
Ancient
Architecture
Museums
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Reserve major sights using their official platforms and allow a separate day for the Great Wall.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check passport-based advance entry requirements and allow several hours.
Forbidden City / Palace Museum
The vast imperial palace complex preserves halls, courtyards and collections from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Arrive early to enjoy the park atmosphere; individual monuments may require admission.
Temple of Heaven
Historic ceremonial park contains the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and expansive walking grounds.
Allow a half-day or more and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Summer Palace
An imperial garden of lakes, bridges, halls and landscaped hills offers a scenic change from downtown.
Allow travel time and check admission and transport arrangements.
Great Wall at Badaling
A major restored section of the Great Wall lies outside central Beijing amid mountain scenery.
Check security, identification and reservation requirements before visiting.
Tiananmen Square
An immense civic square lies at the center of the capital near major monuments.
An elegant luxury hotel near Wangfujing shopping streets and the Forbidden City sightseeing district.
Waldorf Astoria Beijing
Wangfujing
Hotel Tags
A central all-suite luxury hotel near major historic attractions and downtown shopping.
The Peninsula Beijing
Wangfujing
Hotel Tags
A sophisticated hotel with city views and convenient access to the Forbidden City.
Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing
Wangfujing
Hotel Tags
A contemporary luxury property near the capital’s business and diplomatic districts.
Rosewood Beijing
Chaoyang / CBD
Hotel Tags
A full-service luxury hotel convenient for embassy-area dining and northeastern Beijing.
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Liangmaqiao / Chaoyang
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Beijing
High 50°F · Low 32°F · Rain 0.5 in
Crisp autumn days and golden leaves at the Great Wall.
Spring and autumn are usually comfortable for walking; winter can be cold and summer hot and rainy.
Best Times to Visit Beijing
WHEN TO GO
06
Access restrictions and visitor documentation
Build extra flexibility around access restrictions and visitor documentation when visiting Beijing. Verify access, cancellations, road or sea conditions and the return journey before committing to an excursion.
05
Historic neighborhoods on foot
Plan time for historic neighborhoods on foot in Beijing. Check terrain, weather, accessibility and local restrictions; allow an alternate transfer where walking is impractical.
04
Licensed taxis and ride-hailing
For more flexible journeys, licensed taxis and ride-hailing may be relevant in Beijing. Use authorized providers, confirm the pickup location and agree on payment arrangements before travel.
03
High-speed rail terminals
Consider high-speed rail terminals when organizing trips beyond your accommodation. Confirm the exact boarding location, advance booking requirements and any transfer between terminals.
02
Beijing Subway
For travel within Beijing, investigate beijing subway. Verify route coverage, ticket rules, operating dates and the last return service before relying on it for sightseeing.
01
Beijing Capital and Daxing airports
Beijing Capital International (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International (PKX) both serve the city, and each has an express train and taxis into central Beijing.
The subway reaches many urban attractions. Use official taxis or reliable ride services and allow extra time for security screening and traffic.
Getting Around Beijing
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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