Discover Trip.com’s FREE Beijing layover tour for transit passengers, top 3 Beijing attractions, how to book a Beijing day tour/ticket (Forbidden City, the Great Wall), and practical tips for sightseeing. Plan your trip to Beijing with ease.
[5% OFF] Beijing Tour Packages & Reviews
Get 5% off when you book Beijing tours—including day trips to the Great Wall, Forbidden City visits, or even Universal Studios Beijing packages! See more Beijing day tour.
![[Small Group] Universal Studios Beijing Resort Day Trip / Butler Service · Professional Guided Tour](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350p12000ogbhnoqF6CE_C_750_480.jpg)
![A one-day tour of the Palace Museum in Beijing [Pre-sale for Chinese New Year, including admission | Detailed lectures by a scholar | Gift of precious artifacts]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0102h1200087d62rxDD6F_C_750_480.jpg)
Why Book Beijing Day Tours on Trip.com?
Official Partnerships
Trip.com works directly with local operators to ensure genuine tours (no scams).
Multilingual Support
English, Chinese, and other language services (helpful for international travelers).
Flexible Changes
Free cancellation or rescheduling for most tours (most up to 24 hours before departure).
All-Inclusive
Many tours include transport, tickets, and guides (no hidden fees).
🔥Free Beijing Layover Tour – Explore During Your Transit
If you’re an international traveler with an 8+ hour layover at Beijing Capital International Airport, Trip.com’s “Beijing Express” lets you see Beijing for free—no extra cost for transport, tickets, or guides. It’s perfect for making the most of your waiting time.
- Eligibility: International transit passengers with a layover of over 8 hours at Beijing Capital International Airport
- Two Free Routes (all times in Beijing time, GMT+8):
- 7:30–13:00: Journey to the Great Wall Tour: Departs airport → Visits Badaling Great Wall → Returns to airport (6.5 hours total)
- 13:30–21:00: Highlights Half-Day City Tour: Departs airport → Visits Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, Tiananmen Square → Returns to airport (7.5 hours total)
- How to Join: No online registration—sign up on-site at the International Arrival Hall (next to Manner Coffee) in Terminal 3 (first-come, first-served, based on tour bus capacity). Guides assist with sign-ups 1 hour before the tour starts.
Learn more and check updates: Trip.com Beijing Express Free Layover Tour
How to Book Day Tours in Beijing
Booking a day tour of Beijing on Trip.com is the easiest and safest way - you can get official guarantees, multilingual support and flexible choices. Whether you want a one-day tour of the Great Wall or a trip to a historic city, here are some suggestions.
- Go to Trip.com’s Attractions & Tours page or open the Trip.com app. Or directly check Beijing Day Tour page.
- Enter “Beijing”, Click Search (and it will recommend relevant Beijing attractions & tours on the rigt side).
- Filter by Day Tour tab, then choose Date, Meet-Up Method, and other inclusions.
- Select your favorite itinerary, fill in the traveler's details (passport information for international guests), and make the payment safely.
- Receive the confirmation email regarding the time, location and contact with the tour guide of the travel conference (save it for your trip).
Pro Tip: If you’re a transit passenger, pair your free layover tour (from Trip.com) with a day tour for extra exploration—both can be booked on Trip.com, so you can enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Top 4 Attractions for Your Beijing Tour
Beijing has dozens of attractions, but these 3 are must-sees for first-timers—they showcase the city’s history and culture, and many are covered in Trip.com’s tours.
1. Badaling Great Wall
- Highlight: One of the most well-preserved sections of the Great Wall, with easy access and stunning mountain views. It’s included in Trip.com’s free layover “Journey to the Great Wall Tour.”
- Best Time to Visit: March to May (mild weather) or September to November (clear sky). Avoid summer crowds.
- How to Book Tickets: Included in Trip.com’s great wall day tours. For independent travel, can also book tickets on Trip.com (avoids long on-site lines).
2. Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
- Highlight: The former imperial palace of China’s emperors—home to 186,000+ cultural relics. A must for history lovers.
- Best Time to Visit: 8:30–10:00 AM (fewer crowds); closed on Mondays (except public holidays).
- How to Book Tickets: Must book in advance (up to 7 days early) on Trip.com or the Palace Museum’s official site. Bring your passport (international travelers) for entry.
3. Temple of Heaven
- Highlight: An ancient imperial complex where emperors prayed for good harvests—famous for its circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. It’s part of Trip.com’s free layover “Highlights Half-Day City Tour.”
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (watch locals do tai chi) or late afternoon (golden light on buildings).
- How to Book Tickets: Book on Trip.com (skip on-site queues) or buy at the gate (cash/online payment accepted).
4. Universal Studios Beijing
- Highlight: If you want fun after visiting historical spots, this is the place. It’s a world-class theme park with 7 areas, including Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade (where you can ride the Hogwarts Express and drink butterbeer), Transformers Metrobase, and Jurassic World. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone who loves movies and roller coasters.
- Best Time to Visit: Go on a weekday (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid weekend crowds. Early spring (March–April) or late autumn (October–November) is best—weather is cool, and you won’t sweat through long waits for rides. Avoid public holidays (like Chinese New Year)—lines can be 2–3 hours long for popular attractions.
- How to Book Tickets: Book directly on Trip.com—they often have package deals (like “ticket + hotel near the park” or “fast pass bundles”) that save money.
What Is the Best Way to Tour Beijing?
The best way to tour Beijing depends on your travel style, time, and needs—here are the top options, with Trip.com recommendations:
1. For Transit Passengers: Trip.com’s Free Layover Tour
If you have 8+ hours between flights, this is the best choice. It’s free, time-efficient, and includes all key logistics (transport, tickets, guides). You don’t need to plan anything—just sign up at the airport.
2. For First-Time Visitors: 3–4 Day Guided Tour
A tour with a guide can relieve the pressure of planning. Trip.com's 3-4 day Beijing tour includes all major attractions (the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven), including accommodation (some, not all incl this), transportation, and an English-speaking guide. If you want to learn about the history of Beijing from experts, this is an ideal choice.
3. For Free Travelers: Customized Self-Guided Tour
If you prefer flexibility, you can book single ticket (for the Great Wall and the Forbidden City) and local transportation on Trip.com. Plan a 3-day itinerary: the first day (Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square), the second day (Great Wall), and the third day (Temple of Heaven + Qianmen Street). The Trip.com app features maps and scenic spot tips that can help you navigate.
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How to Get Around Beijing as a Tourist
Beijing has a convenient transport system—here’s how to use it easily, with tips for tourists:
1. Airport Transport
- Airport Express: Connects Beijing Capital International Airport to downtown (30 minutes to Dongzhimen Station). Buy tickets at the airport or use the “Yitongxing” app (mobile payment).
- Trip.com’s Free Layover Tour Transport: Included—no need to book extra; the tour bus picks you up at the airport.
2. Subway
- Coverage: Beijing’s subway reaches most tourist attractions (e.g., Line 1 to Tiananmen Square, Line 8 to Temple of Heaven).
- How to Use: Download the “Yitongxing” app (add a payment method for easy entry) or buy a single-ride ticket at stations (¥3–¥10, depending on distance).
3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
- Taxis: Start at ¥13 (3 km); add ¥2.3 per km after that. Look for official taxis (blue/green/red) with meters.
- Ride-Hailing: Use the Didi app (English version available) for cheaper fares and easier booking. Enter your destination in English (e.g., “Forbidden City South Gate”).
4. Tour Buses to Attractions
- For attractions like the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) or Summer Palace, book a round-trip shuttle bus on Trip.com. It’s cheaper than taxis and more reliable than public buses.
How to Book Tickets to Tiananmen Square, Great Wall & Forbidden City
Booking tickets in advance saves time and avoids disappointment—here’s how to book each key attraction, with Trip.com tips:
Attraction | How to Book Tickets | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
Tiananmen Square | No ticket needed, but must register (for international travelers: show passport at the entry gate). Trip.com’s guided tours include registration assistance. | Arrive early (8:00–9:00 AM) to avoid security lines; no large bags allowed. |
Great Wall (Badaling) | Included in Trip.com’s free layover tour or day tours. For independent travel: book on Trip.com (valid for 1 day; scan QR code to enter). | Badaling is busy—book Trip.com’s “early access” tour to beat crowds. |
Great Wall (Mutianyu) | Book a “bus + ticket” package on Trip.com (includes round-trip transport from downtown and entry ticket). | Mutianyu has a cable car (book separately on Trip.com) for easy access. |
Forbidden City | Book on Trip.com or the Palace Museum’s official site (up to 7 days in advance). Select a time slot (e.g., 8:30–10:30 AM) and bring your passport. | No on-site ticket sales—advance booking is mandatory. |
What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
[8% OFF] Beijing Hotel Recommendations
FAQs about Beijing Tour
Do you need a tour guide for Beijing?
Yes, it’s recommended—especially for historical attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall). Trip.com’s tours include English-speaking guides who explain the history and culture, making your visit more meaningful. For independent travel, you can book a 1-day guide on Trip.com.Can you tour China without a guide?
Yes, but it’s harder for first-timers (language barriers, advance ticket requirements). Trip.com’s “self-guided packages” help—they include tickets, transport, and 24/7 customer support (English available) so you can travel independently with peace of mind.How many days in Beijing for first timers?
3–4 days is ideal. This lets you visit all top attractions: Day 1 (Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square), Day 2 (Great Wall), Day 3 (Temple of Heaven + Qianmen Street), Day 4 (Summer Palace or hutongs). Book a 3–4 day tour on Trip.com to save time.Are taxis cheap in Beijing?
Taxis are affordable for short trips (e.g., ¥20–¥30 from downtown to Temple of Heaven). For long trips (e.g., downtown to Great Wall), they’re expensive (¥200–¥300). Instead, book a round-trip bus + ticket package on Trip.com (cheaper and more reliable).Do I need to book Temple of Heaven in advance?
It’s not mandatory, but recommended during peak seasons (April–May, October). Book tickets on Trip.com to skip long on-site lines. For same-day visits, you can buy tickets at the gate (cash or mobile payment).How do I get to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing?
The easiest way is to book Trip.com’s “Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour” or “Bus + Ticket Package.” The package includes round-trip transport from downtown (1.5 hours each way) and entry tickets. Avoid public buses (frequent delays) or expensive taxis.Is Trip.com’s free Beijing layover tour available for all transit passengers?
It’s open to international transit passengers arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport with a layover of over 8 hours. You must check your home country’s visa requirements (some nationalities need a transit visa to enter China).Can I join Trip.com’s free layover tour if I arrive at Beijing Daxing International Airport?
No—currently, the free layover tour only operates at Beijing Capital International Airport. For Daxing Airport passengers, book a downtown transfer on Trip.com and join a day tour instead.