City guide
Beijing 北京
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and hutong lanes older than most countries.
Best time to visit
April–May and September–October: mild weather, clearer skies. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is cold but the Great Wall in snow is unforgettable.
Getting around the city
- 01The metro is extensive, cheap (¥3–9 / under $1.50) and fully signed in English.
- 02Didi via Alipay covers everywhere the metro doesn't.
- 03The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a 1.5-hour drive — arrange a car or join a small tour.
Top tips for first-time visitors
- 01Book the Forbidden City online days ahead — daily tickets sell out and none are sold at the gate.
- 02Carry your passport: it's required to enter most major sights.
- 03Tiananmen-area sights need advance reservations through their official WeChat mini-programs.
Recommended attractions
The Great Wall (Mutianyu)
The best-restored section with fewer crowds than Badaling.
Forbidden City
Six hundred years of imperial China in one vast palace complex.
Temple of Heaven
Ming-dynasty altars plus Beijing's best people-watching park.
Hutong lanes
Wander the old alley neighborhoods around the Drum Tower.
