1
Deciding to go
Is Beijing worth visiting
Match your expectations with the time and preparation you want to put into the trip. Establish your reasons for visiting before trying to fit everything in.
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Find your own way to explore Beijing
Beijing: build a visit around your interests
The Meridian Gate places the guide in Beijing's Forbidden City. Start with what you most want to do, then make room for it. Bring accommodation, journeys and meals into the same plan so your time in Beijing feels well spent.
Turn a list of ideas into a workable visit
This Beijing travel guide brings together the choices that shape a visit: what interests you, when you can go, where to stay and how much you want to spend. If you live here, an activity or a meal can be the starting point for a day out, too. Before settling on an itinerary, compare the locations of your plans and allow time for travel and breaks.
- Choose your priorities before dividing up your available time.
- Assess accommodation in relation to your visits and journeys.
- Budget separately for accommodation, meals, transport and activities.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an from Beijing
Day trip from Beijing to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors. Includes round-trip bullet train tickets and private return transfers between your central Beijing hotel and Beijing West railway station.
Ten questions to help you plan Beijing
Start with the choice you are least sure about. Your dates, accommodation, transport and budget all help determine the pace of your visit.
2
Choosing your dates
Best time to visit Beijing
Weigh your available dates against your weather preferences and the activities you have in mind. Consider how much flexibility you want in your plans.
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3
Finding a base
Where to stay in Beijing
Choose a base with your main interests in mind. Compare location, transport connections and accommodation terms before making a decision.
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4
Choosing activities
Things to do in Beijing
Prioritise activities that suit your interests and available time. Balance organised plans with free time so you can adjust your day.
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5
Planning journeys
How to get around Beijing
Work out how to reach each visit from your accommodation before fixing the order of your day. Compare options using the full journey time.
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6
Managing your budget
Beijing travel budget
Divide your spending between accommodation, meals, transport and activities. Decide what matters most to you and leave room for unexpected costs.
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7
Making time for meals
Where to eat in Beijing
Plan meals around the places you intend to visit and your food preferences. Check menus and how to communicate any dietary needs before choosing.
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8
Preparing the essentials
Staying safe in Beijing
Prepare your documents, useful contacts and a way back to your accommodation. Check current information when making decisions about travel safety.
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9
Avoiding setbacks
Mistakes to avoid in Beijing
Check journeys and activity terms before committing to a packed schedule. Leave enough flexibility to change a plan without disrupting the whole day.
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10
Shaping your visit
Beijing itinerary
Group visits by location and spread your priorities across the days you have. Include meals, journeys and breaks when you put the itinerary together.
View guide →Make activities part of your plan
Before choosing an experience, compare its duration, travel requirements and inclusions. Keep time for the things you would like to do independently, too.
Plan from where you are
Plan my dayWhat can you do in Beijing today?
Build an itinerary around your location, local time, weather and real places, or discover several options that fit right now.