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)
[Small Group] Universal Studios Beijing Resort Day Trip / Butler Service · Professional Guided Tour
4.3/5
1 reviewsOur Universal Studios Beijing tour guide was outstanding—knowledgeable, friendly, and very well organized. They managed time efficiently, explained attractions clearly, and helped us skip unnecessary waits. The experience was smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free. Highly recommended for first-time visitors and families wanting the best park experience.
Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site (ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus)
4.9/5
1290 reviewsEverything is very well organized. From the moment you make the purchase, they contact you via WhatsApp within minutes (in my case) and give you all the details about the meeting point. Once you arrive, if you don't see them, they'll find you. They give you a free bottle of water, and you can buy your chairlift and toboggan tickets from them. Also, after you arrive back at the MuBus offices after visiting the Great Wall on your own, they have free snacks and tea. Highly recommended. You leave at 8:00 AM and are back in Beijing at 4:30 PM. The round trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
![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)
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]
4.9/5
174 reviewsTour guide Lee was very friendly and helpful with our little kid. He gave us a lot of insights about the beautiful forbidden palace in Beijing.
Gubei Water Town Day Trip - & Optional Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Optional Lunch
4.8/5
49 reviewsI enjoyed the tour. Roberta was an excellent guide. She met me, accompanied me, and was always in touch. We highly recommend her.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Treasure Museum Small Group Tour
4.9/5
1046 reviewsIcy is a fantastic guide for the Forbidden City. Her knowledge of Chinese history is impressive, and she has a great way of explaining things clearly. She was incredibly patient with our group and flexible with the itinerary. Even during the long entrance queues, she kept us entertained and informed with engaging stories. 5 stars!
Beijing Prince Kung's Palace Museum Half-Day Tour - Tickets Included / 10-Person Group / 20-Person Group / Independent Traveler Group / Multiple Group Types
4.9/5
149 reviewsOur guide was fantastic! He was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain the site and its history to us, and to comment on all the information that was in Chinese... I really enjoyed this visit; it's well worth the trip!
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).
Badaling Great Wall Tickets & Reviews
4.7/5
12270 reviews
5/5
We finally arrived at the Great Wall. Cable car tickets can be bought on-site; a one-way ticket costs 100 RMB, and a round trip costs 140 RMB. We bought one-way tickets, ran up the "Hero's Slope" to reach the highest point, and then walked down. The whole trip takes two to three hours. Walking down is quick, only about an hour.
5/5
It's a very nice place and you must go.
5/5
Excellent service! They kept me updated on the status throughout. I really liked it!
5/5
It's truly grand. It's definitely worth a visit! But keep in mind that there aren't just steps (which vary in height, and sometimes you ascend or descend almost vertically), but also a smooth surface where you slide or climb 😅 And the cable car takes exactly one or two minutes to ascend.
4/5
Enjoyed the short walk. Okay for beginners although the first part after the cable car was steep ang no steps. It started to snow just when I went out of the train so the view it a bit foggy
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.
Forbidden City Tickets & Reviews
4.8/5
48847 reviews5/5
Go early in the morning, fewer people. There are long lines and passport control, but it's quick.
5/5
房老师的讲解非常生動和引人入胜. 她对明清的历史和各种故宮文物遼如指掌,对团员的互动非常好. 引起我们对乾隆皇帝和历代皇帝的起落的好奇. 听了我想去雍和宮,天安门. 总结, 房导遊非常专业, 非常细心,她照顾到喜欢拍照的团员的需要. 三小时多的旅程非常难忘.推荐房老师.
5/5
Amazing place. A must-see for Beijing. Definitely visit the Treasure Gallery
5/5
Beautiful
5/5
Despite the crowds on a weekend, we were able to get in quickly, just with our passports. It was quite beautiful inside; it was very crowded, with historic buildings and exhibits.
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).
Temple of Heaven Tickets & Reviews
4.7/5
4643 reviews5/5
A wonderful experience walking through the park and exploring the sights. It was very convenient; they sent us QR codes the day before, and we used them without any problems. The park was crowded, but comfortable. Even though the flowers weren't in bloom yet, it was still impressive. The buildings are vibrant and interesting. I definitely recommend visiting. It's an unforgettable experience and beautiful photos.
5/5
Beautiful place
5/5
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site. It was an amazing experience. Highly recommended!
5/5
It was sooo atmospheric)
5/5
A very nice place
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.
Universal Studios Beijing Tickets & Reviews
4.6/5
19587 reviews
5/5
Great place
5/5
Its always fun to go to universal not to crowded, doesnt need extra pass.. all the waiting line max around 40mnt. We came at 9.30 and finish all the game at 18.00
5/5
The park is very large and beautiful, with numerous themed locations and attractions. Each location faithfully recreates the atmosphere of the film, with meticulous attention to detail. The attractions are best enjoyed by those with a well-developed vestibular system. All videos and performances are in Chinese only. I recommend checking out the stunt show in Water World and the "How to Train Your Dragon" performance.
5/5
Must-visit attractions
4/5
Of course, the location is incredibly beautiful, but this thing with endless lines, where the entertainment itself lasts 40 seconds or even a minute, and you stand in line for 40 minutes – it seems unrealistic. I really miss a food court with coffee, matches, and hot tea, because it was chilly on our day. I would also like some hot food, not just the usual cold fast food. The stores are reasonably priced for such a location, but they aren't all that high-quality. The Minions area is for kids; adults shouldn't bother. I also didn't get the point of the Transformers theme; we were absolutely thrilled with Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, or the Transformer roller coasters. It would be cool if they had photographers walking around selling cool photos, either on a magnet or just plain. I think that would be a cool must-have.
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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489327 booked
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
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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.