China Tours
By duration
By travel style
10 daysCities & sights
Beijing
Imperial palaces, the Great Wall and old hutong lanes in China’s capital.
RegionNorth China
Best timeApril – May, September – October
Suggested stay3 – 4 days
By airBeijing Capital and Daxing airports
By railHigh-speed trains to Xi’an and Shanghai
Six centuries of the imperial capital
Beijing was the seat of the Ming and Qing emperors for almost 500 years. The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are all World Heritage Sites, and the Great Wall is an easy day trip.
Between the monuments, the hutongs still hold courtyard houses, small shops and neighbourhood life. Most first trips spend three days here: palaces, the wall, then gardens and hutongs.
A hutong in central Beijing
Top sights
The Forbidden City
Palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, with almost a thousand buildings behind red walls.
Temple of Heaven
Where emperors prayed for good harvests. Locals still come in the mornings for tai chi.
Summer Palace
The imperial garden of Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and the Long Corridor.
When to go
Mild days and blossom in the parks.
Hot, with afternoon showers and busy sights.
Clear skies and golden leaves on the Great Wall.
Cold and dry, with quiet sights and the odd snowfall.
