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.
Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site (ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus)
4.9/5
808 reviewsThe magnificent atmosphere, stunning views and, of course, amazing architecture make visiting the Great Wall of China an unforgettable experience.
![In-depth Forbidden City Tour in Beijing [Includes Tickets + Scholar's Insightful Commentary/15 or 25 Travelers/Internet-Famous Group]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0102h1200087d62rxDD6F_C_750_480.jpg)
In-depth Forbidden City Tour in Beijing [Includes Tickets + Scholar's Insightful Commentary/15 or 25 Travelers/Internet-Famous Group]
4.9/5
147 reviewsLiu Laoshi was extremely patient and merticulous in her explanation of all attractions. She handled late comers with patience and efficiently while ensuring the main group progressed thru smoothly thru the expansive Palace.
![Beijing W Town 1-day tour [Includes special lunch ◉ Optional hot spring ◉ Night tour of Simatai]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0581112000nl4j7i8DD43_C_750_480.jpg)
Beijing W Town 1-day tour [Includes special lunch ◉ Optional hot spring ◉ Night tour of Simatai]
4.8/5
33 reviewsThis was a great day trip. This section of the wall is easier to traverse, and different in structure. Our guide, Roberta, knows when to speak, and provides the right information. I didn’t enjoy the food -prepaid hotpot. I recommend you get your own, plenty of options available. Overall, I highly recommend this trip. It was quiet, away from the crowds.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Treasure Museum Small Group Tour
4.8/5
673 reviewsI had an excellent experience on the Mubus City Walk Tiananmen and Forbidden City tour with tour guide Vanessa. She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging, providing fascinating insights into the history, architecture, and culture of both Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Her pacing was perfect, allowing plenty of time to explore and take photos without feeling rushed. Vanessa’s attention to detail and ability to answer all questions made the tour both informative and enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting a deep and memorable experience of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.
Beijing Prince Kung's Palace Museum Half-Day Tour - Includes Admission Ticket for 10-Person Group/20-Person Group/Independent Traveler Group/Multiple Group Types
4.9/5
122 reviewsOur guide, Ms Zhu Zhu (珠珠）was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. Her tour was lively, illuminating and engaging. Our family of 4 were totally captivated by the historical significance of The Prince Kung Palace Museum. Ms Zhu’s anecdotes and stories brought the place back to life. We were fully satisfied with the tour which started exactly on time and brought us on a journey back in time, back to a period of greatness in the history of this great civilization: China. Thank you, Ms Zhu, for your patience and passion!
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
11896 reviews
4/5
It was crowded but bearable. The changcheng is worth visiting there is no other comments to make. I just want to beware everyone: when returning by train you should enter the station 12 MINUTES before the departure!! If you’re late go straight to the cashier right behind the station entrance and change your ticket for the next train. You should also consider that the staff is very slow and almost rude so be ready. And one more thing: you cannot buy or change the ticket to the train that departs in less than 20 minutes. Every minute counts in Badaling train station. (We’ve been to more that 10 cities during this trip and this kinda rule was only in Badaling and I guess Beijing).
5/5
A very good experience, excellent service, quick arrangements, highly recommended, and the price is reasonable. Worth a visit.
5/5
I had purchased an admission ticket with transportation from another site, but I read in a review that on the bus I was forced to buy a theater ticket bundled with the ropeway ticket, so I purchased the ropeway ticket here. So I was very happy that I was able to board the ropeway smoothly without spending any extra money.
5/5
The price was cheaper than buying from the official website, and it saved me the time of queuing. The tickets were issued in just 10 minutes after I booked, which was incredibly fast. I'll definitely use this platform again next time I go.
5/5
It’s as iconic as you’d think. Went off season in December, fewer people but pretty icy winds.
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
48391 reviews
5/5
It was a day that was enough to satisfy the visit to the Forbidden City Palace Museum starting from Tiananmen.
5/5
It's really convenient to book through trip.com
5/5
This place is so grand. If you visit Beijing, you must come and see it at least once.
5/5
Sofia nice tour good information, nice place, good view of architectue
5/5
I really liked that there is an audio guide in Russian, it turns on automatically at the markers, there is a map on the back, it is very beautiful and interesting ❤️
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
4461 reviews
4/5
Magnificent place.. very windy hence it is hard to mingle long in this area but it is nice place..
5/5
This is my third trip to Beijing, and my favorite place in Beijing is the Temple of Heaven. Just looking at the vibrant blue makes me feel good. The entire area surrounding the Temple of Heaven is a park, so it would be wonderful to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy a cup of tea. It's fascinating how they created that vibrant blue and those umbrella-ribbon-like folds. If you're planning a trip to Beijing, I highly recommend a visit.
5/5
amazing
5/5
A wonderful place, very beautiful views, an observation deck, the temple is impressive ❤️
5/5
Teacher Zhu, the top scholar from Beijing, provides in-depth and meticulous explanations, with thorough historical research and clear explanations that are easy to understand. He is a rare and exceptional tour guide, patient, professional, and highly recommended.
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
17609 reviews4/5
Of course worth the visit but try to avoid Chinese national holidays. Otherwise you will stand at the queue all day.
5/5
There were long lines for the rides, but the wait was worth it. It's a very well-designed and convenient park.
5/5
This park is a hit with both adults and children. It's huge, so you could spend the whole day there. We got there by metro. The atmosphere inside is incredible. Be sure to download the Universal Beijing app; it has a schedule of all the events.
5/5
A great amusement park with an incredible atmosphere. It's best to bring your own food, as there are very few cafes inside and it's expensive. The lines for the rides are long, but they're worth it.
5/5
This is an amazing place; we were amazed at how beautifully and well-made everything was, from the toys to the buildings. A must-see in Beijing; you'll be immersed in the atmosphere of movies and cartoons, and the Harry Potter area is definitely a heartwarming experience ❤️
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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384349 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.