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Central Axis: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan and Qianmen
Beijing's non-negotiable imperial and political core: Tiananmen, the Forbidden City and the best overview from Jingshan. Expect reservations, security lines and crowds; Qianmen is useful for a walk, not an authenticity test.
first-timershistoriansarchitecture loversphotographers
Temple of Heaven and southern old Beijing
The city's most elegant ritual complex, with cypress groves, grand ceremonial geometry and a park that feels lived in early in the morning. It is calmer and more spacious than the Forbidden City.
architecture loversmorning walkersfamiliesrepeat visitors
Shichahai, Beihai, Nanluoguxiang and the hutongs
The best part of Beijing for unstructured wandering: lakes, lanes, courtyard houses and evening food stops. Use Nanluoguxiang as a landmark, then get off its commercial spine into quieter hutongs.
first-timerswalkerscouplesfoodies
Dongcheng: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian and Beixinqiao
A compact, layered cultural district where a working Buddhist temple, the Imperial Academy and good small restaurants fit into one satisfying day. It has more texture than the polished hutong tourist circuit.
culture-first travelersrepeat visitorsfoodieswalkers
Haidian: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace and the university district
The Summer Palace is Beijing's essential landscape monument: lake, hill, temples and long painted corridors on a scale that needs real time. Pair it with Old Summer Palace or the university area, not a cross-city monument sprint.
first-timersgarden loversfamilieswalkers
Chaoyang: Sanlitun, CBD, Liangma River and embassy Beijing
Modern, international-facing Beijing: strong hotels, restaurants and nightlife rather than old-city atmosphere. It works well as a comfortable base, but should not replace time in the historic center.
foodiesnightlife travelersbusiness travelersfirst-timers wanting comfort
798 Art District and Caochangdi
Former factories turned galleries, studios and cafés—the clearest counterweight to Beijing's dynastic sights. 798 is uneven and commercial, so check exhibitions before giving it half a day.
art loversdesign travelersrepeat visitors
Mutianyu Great Wall
The best all-round Wall section for most visitors: big mountain views, restored towers, cable-car access and enough length to escape the arrival crush. It is a full-day commitment, not an add-on.
first-timersfamiliesphotographerswalkers
Badaling and the Ming Tombs
The easiest, most infrastructure-heavy Wall option, suited to travelers who value access over atmosphere. Badaling is impressive but crowded; adding the Ming Tombs usually turns the day into a rushed coach itinerary.
families with young childrenmobility-conscious travelersshort-stay visitors
Gubei Water Town, Simatai and Gubeikou
Beijing's best overnight Wall escape, combining Simatai's night experience with Gubeikou's more hiking-oriented terrain. Gubei Water Town is a polished resort village, so stay for the pace and Wall access, not faux-antique charm.
couplesphotographershikerstravelers with six or more days
Tongzhou: Grand Canal and Universal Beijing Resort
A separate eastern outing built around Universal for most visitors, with the Grand Canal as a worthwhile secondary draw. Treat it as a dedicated day rather than trying to bolt it onto central sightseeing.
familiesteenagerstheme-park fansrepeat visitors
Sample routes
Disciplined first visit
4 full daysCentral Axis: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan and Qianmen → Temple of Heaven and southern old Beijing → Shichahai, Beihai, Nanluoguxiang and the hutongs → Mutianyu Great Wall → Haidian: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace and the university district → Dongcheng: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian and Beixinqiao
For first-timers who want the essential imperial city and one excellent Wall day without pretending Beijing's far-flung sights are conveniently adjacent.
Plan this routeClassic Beijing with a modern day
6 daysCentral Axis: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan and Qianmen → Temple of Heaven and southern old Beijing → Shichahai, Beihai, Nanluoguxiang and the hutongs → Mutianyu Great Wall → Haidian: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace and the university district → Dongcheng: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian and Beixinqiao → 798 Art District and Caochangdi → Chaoyang: Sanlitun, CBD, Liangma River and embassy Beijing
The right length for travelers who want the classic monuments but also want room for hutong meals, contemporary art and a proper Chaoyang evening.
Plan this routeBeijing with an overnight Wall escape
8 daysCentral Axis: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan and Qianmen → Temple of Heaven and southern old Beijing → Shichahai, Beihai, Nanluoguxiang and the hutongs → Mutianyu Great Wall → Haidian: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace and the university district → Dongcheng: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian and Beixinqiao → 798 Art District and Caochangdi → Gubei Water Town, Simatai and Gubeikou
For travelers who want a slower, more scenic Wall experience after covering the central city, rather than squeezing every Wall section into day trips.
Plan this routeDeeper Beijing, not filler
10 daysCentral Axis: Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Jingshan and Qianmen → Temple of Heaven and southern old Beijing → Shichahai, Beihai, Nanluoguxiang and the hutongs → Dongcheng: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Guozijian and Beixinqiao → Haidian: Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace and the university district → Mutianyu Great Wall → 798 Art District and Caochangdi → Chaoyang: Sanlitun, CBD, Liangma River and embassy Beijing → Badaling and the Ming Tombs → Tongzhou: Grand Canal and Universal Beijing Resort
For museum, art, food and Wall enthusiasts who have time to compare Beijing's imperial, contemporary and family-entertainment sides. Choose Badaling only if a second Wall section genuinely interests you.
Plan this route