← My China route

Things to do in Beijing

The Forbidden City and the Great Wall are the two things you can't skip. The Forbidden City sells out, so book it before you arrive.

The Great Wall at Mutianyu climbing a green ridge
Mutianyu, the section with the toboggan.

What I would do

  • The Forbidden City. Tickets open at 8 pm Beijing time, exactly 7 days before, and they go fast. It's closed on Mondays. Bring the passport you booked with. Tickets →
  • Right after, climb Jingshan Park across the street. It costs almost nothing, and you see all the golden roofs of the Forbidden City from above.
  • The Great Wall at Mutianyu. Take the chairlift up and come down on the toboggan. Do it, seriously. It's about 1h30 from the city, so leave early. Day trip →
  • The Summer Palace, the emperors' garden on a lake. Beautiful gardens, and not crowded at all. Tickets →
  • The Temple of Heaven. Go early, when locals do tai chi in the park around it.
  • The hutongs, the old lanes around Nanluoguxiang and the Drum Tower. Get lost in them on foot or by bike.
  • Peking duck. Absolutely.
The tower of the Summer Palace lit up at dusk
The Summer Palace at dusk.

Where to sleep

Near the hutongs. These are the hotels I'd pick.

Quick answers

When do Forbidden City tickets go on sale?

At 8 pm Beijing time, exactly 7 days before your visit. They sell out fast, and it is closed on Mondays.

Which part of the Great Wall should I visit?

Mutianyu. Take the chairlift up and the toboggan down. It is about 1h30 from the city.

How many days do you need in Beijing?

Three days: one for the Forbidden City, one for the Great Wall, one for the rest.

Keep planning