Life of Travel
Imperial palaces, the Great Wall, ancient hutongs, and modern Olympics legacy
Beijing is China's political and cultural heart, where 3,000 years of history meet modern ambition. The Forbidden City housed 24 emperors across 500 years. The Great Wall snakes across nearby mountains. Centuries-old hutong alleyways wind between gleaming skyscrapers. From Tiananmen Square to the Olympic Green, Beijing is a city of superlatives that demands to be explored.
Great Wall
Temple of Heaven
Hutong Alley
Summer Palace
September to November
Best time to visit. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures, stunning fall colors at the Great Wall.
April to May
Pleasant weather, occasional sandstorms. Cherry blossoms in parks. Avoid Labor Day week.
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World's largest palace complex with 9,999 rooms
Best for: Imperial History • Architecture • Must See • Half Day
Best restored section with cable car and toboggan
Best for: Hiking • Photography • Cable Car • Day Trip
Where emperors prayed for good harvests
Best for: Architecture • Morning Exercise • Parks • History
Imperial garden retreat with beautiful lake views
Best for: Gardens • Boat Rides • Photography • Half Day
Traditional alleyways and courtyard houses
Best for: Culture • Walking Tours • Local Life • Food
1.5 hours from Beijing
Well restored, cable car up, toboggan down. Best for most visitors. Less crowded than Badaling.
2.5 hours from Beijing
Semi-restored, dramatic scenery, great for hiking and photography. Fewer tourists.
1.5 hours from Beijing
Most accessible and crowded. Good facilities but very touristy. Easy by public transport.
2 hours from Beijing
Unrestored and challenging. For experienced hikers only. Stunning rugged scenery.
Peking Duck: The iconic dish. Quanjude is traditional, Da Dong is modern. Book ahead.
Jiaozi: Beijing style dumplings, especially at hole-in-the-wall hutong spots
Zha Jiang Mian: Thick noodles with soybean paste sauce, a Beijing staple
Jianbing: Savory breakfast crepes from street vendors. Perfect morning fuel
Lamb Skewers: Cumin-spiced at Guijie (Ghost Street), Beijing's famous food street
Tiananmen Square early morning, Forbidden City (half day), Jingshan Park for sunset view, Peking Duck dinner
Early start to Mutianyu Great Wall, cable car up, hike along wall, toboggan down. Return for Guijie street food
Temple of Heaven morning tai chi, Hutong walking or rickshaw tour, Drum and Bell towers, 798 Art District evening
Summer Palace morning, Olympic Park (Bird's Nest), Nanluoguxiang shopping street, departure
4 to 5 days covers the highlights well. Add more time for day trips to other Great Wall sections or the Ming Tombs.
Hire a private driver ($80 to 150 round trip) or join a group tour. Public bus to Badaling only. Most hotels arrange transport.
Yes! Book online at least a few days ahead, especially in peak season. Daily visitor limits apply. Passport required.
Excellent for families. Children are fascinated by the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and hutong rickshaw rides. Mutianyu section of the Great Wall has a cable car and toboggan that kids love. Many quality hotels offer family rooms and interconnecting suites.
Let us take the stress out of planning your perfect family holiday. We'll arrange private guides, family-friendly hotels, and ensure the Great Wall experience is manageable for all ages.
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