[5% Off] Beijing Tour 2026: Free Layover Tours & Top Attractions

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by Bethy

April 1, 2026

AttractionsGuided ToursBeijing
Beijing Tour

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.

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This summary is AI-generated by Trip.com. For the complete guide, please refer to the article below.

Beijing offers free transit layover tours for passengers with 8+ hours of wait time. Tours include the Great Wall and city highlights.

[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.

Book Beijing group tour, Beijing private tour or Beijing DIY tour with discounts now. (*DIY tour is available for HK,SG market)

[Small Group] Universal Studios Beijing Resort Day Trip / Butler Service · Professional Guided Tour
[Small Group] Universal Studios Beijing Resort Day Trip / Butler Service · Professional Guided Tour
4.1/5
1 reviews
Our 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)
Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site (ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus)
4.9/5
2537 reviews
I loved it! A huge thank you to our guide Vanya (Van Gu Jo) for a fascinating tour during our trip to the wall. The wall itself was a delight! Yes, it was hot, yes, there were a lot of people and long lines, but it was worth it! We chose the green route and went up and down on the cable car (we wanted to take the toboggan, but there was a really long line). The route up the wall itself was picturesque: mountains, trees, towers. Super Chinese fitness!
One-day tour of the Palace Museum, Beijing [Admission included | Scholar's Guide to Explore the Forbidden City | Gift of Treasures]
One-day tour of the Palace Museum, Beijing [Admission included | Scholar's Guide to Explore the Forbidden City | Gift of Treasures]
4.9/5
194 reviews
Here is a review of about 70 words for your reference: This half-day tour of the Forbidden City was fantastic! The itinerary was very smooth and efficient. Our guide, Mr. Wang, was experienced, humorous, and engaging, explaining the historical evolution and architectural details of the Forbidden City in a vivid and detailed way. We learned a lot and highly recommend it!
Gubei Water Town Day Trip --- [Optional Day Tour / Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Lunch]
Gubei Water Town Day Trip --- [Optional Day Tour / Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Lunch]
4.8/5
177 reviews
I bought this tour on a friend's recommendation and was already familiar with the process. We were picked up from the metro station at the appointed time. We had previously contacted our guide, Susie, and she sent me all the information via WeChat, which was very convenient. On the way to Gubei (2.5 hours), Susie explained our route and timings and asked if anyone wanted to take the cable car and boat. We took the cable car in both directions, which we later regretted a little, but that's our experience. We had an excellent guide; she was available the entire time and promptly resolved any issues that arose. We had enough time for everything; we didn't take the boat. After purchasing and issuing our tickets, Susie showed us where the restaurant was and what time we needed to be there. We strolled to the restaurant (a hotpot), had lunch, and then headed to the wall. We went up the cable car and then up the steep stairs. We then walked along the wall and, after passing several towers, reached a zipline, which we used to descend. Then we walked around the city for a long time. At the appointed time, we departed for Beijing.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City &Treasure Museum Small-Group Tour( Eng or Esp Optional)
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City &Treasure Museum Small-Group Tour( Eng or Esp Optional)
4.8/5
2084 reviews
The tour was very well planned and our guide, Snow, was excellent. She told us so much, even in the very humid weather. I had imagined it would be worse with the crowds, but we were at the campsite within half an hour. We definitely recommend Snow and the tour.

Why Book Beijing Day Tours on Trip.com?

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).

Book Beijing Tours
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🔥Free Beijing Layover Tour – Explore During Your Transit

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):
    1. 7:30–13:00: Journey to the Great Wall Tour: Departs airport → Visits Badaling Great Wall → Returns to airport (6.5 hours total)
    2. 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

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Join Beijing FREE Layover Tour

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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.

How to Book Day Tours in Beijing
  • 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.
How to Book Day Tours in Beijing
  • 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.

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Book Beijing Tours Now

[8% OFF] Best Beijing Hotels

Top 4 Attractions for Your Beijing Tour

Top 3 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
12364 reviews
5/5
Booking my Badaling Great Wall ticket through Trip.com was quick and convenient. I received my confirmation and QR code almost immediately, and the booking process was very easy.The funniest part happened at the entrance. The staff seemed unfamiliar with the Trip.com QR code at first, so they were a bit confused about where to scan it. It was actually quite funny because I didn’t expect that! After a few minutes, everything was sorted out, and I entered without any issues.Overall, it was a smooth experience, and I would still recommend booking through Trip.com. Just allow a little extra time at the entrance in case the staff need a moment to check the QR code.
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5/5
Wonderful place. However, the wait to get to the cable car was very long. Over 2 hours and 40 minutes. But everything was perfectly organized and that was quickly forgotten when faced with the wonderful scenery at the top.
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5/5
The Great Wall at night was magical and breathtaking. It had a different atmosphere than during the day, and there were fewer people, so I'm glad I visited. Climbing it twice in one day was well worth it, and at night it felt especially like having the place all to myself. I highly recommend the Great Wall at night in silence.
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5/5
I enjoyed the trip. The guide was a Chinese woman who spoke good English. One downside: since the entire group except me was Chinese, she didn't give the tour in English. Overall, if you have a translator, you can easily navigate the wall on your own. I was lucky; I met a Chinese woman who helped me with any difficulties I had.
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5/5
It was beautiful, we went in the height of summer at the beginning of August, it was very hot, and it was packed with people. It's worth arriving very early, at 6:30 in the morning.
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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
4.9/5
48155 reviews
4/5
It was extremely hot, and we stood in the sun for a long time. The tour went well, and we even managed to stroll around the Forbidden City afterwards.
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4/5
I saw "The Last Emperor"—the only film allowed to film in this location. Honestly, as a cultural heritage site, it's very good, but my impressions of the place itself are mixed. You can come there, stroll around a bit, and then leave. I may not have seen everything there, but I wasn't too impressed by seeing it all in person, especially after visiting Zhangzajie, where the views/landscapes/sights were better. It's worth a visit once, just to see how people used to live. The grounds themselves are well-kept, and while there are a lot of people, no one lingers, so you can see everything in peace and without waiting in line.
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5/5
We bought tickets well in advance, way, way in advance, about a month in advance. The place itself is very beautiful, historically significant. We went on a Sunday, and it was crowded, but don't worry, everything was fine, there was enough space for everyone.
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5/5
The building itself is very historical. It's worth a visit. Getting inside is practically impossible unless you book in advance. In this case, they helped us with no problem. Unfortunately, we missed the tour because we were late, but they still issued us a ticket. Thank you very much for that!
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4/5
Historical place in Beijing
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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
5216 reviews
5/5
Spectacular place, the ticket only includes access to the park, on site you can buy a ticket to access the perimeter of the temple
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4/5
We loved the Temple of Heaven; the visitor flow is very well organized, as are the exits, which are very clearly marked. I highly recommend this activity. The temple is magnificent.
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4/5
Upon your Beijing travel research you're definitely stumble upon the Temple of Heaven! 🇨🇳 Constructed all the way back in 1420, the Ming and Qing Dynasties would worship the god of heaven and offer sacrifices for good harvesting weather at the Temple of Heaven. The Qing Dynasty built and constructed majority of the structures in the 273 hectare area. In 1966 it was designated a 'State Priority Protected Site' and in 1988 it was inscribed on the world heritage list. 🎫 The 4 of us took a Didi from Wangfujing Pedestrian Street area to the east ticket office which cost us 17.80 yuan (approx $2.64 USD / $4.49 NZD). We arrived at around 11am and queued for less than 2 minutes! Ticket cost will be different for peak and low season and depend on what you want to see at the park. If you're over 60, good news ... free admission for you! Make sure you bring your passport just like anywhere you visit in China. 🍃 The park is HUGE so allow plenty of time if you want to see everything! We opted for the main attraction which was the Temple of Heaven as we were on time constraints. As one of Beijing's main attractions, don't miss out on this precious site.
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4/5
Not bad
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5/5
Beautiful!!
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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
23507 reviews
5/5
A great park for the whole family.
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5/5
I liked the amusement park. We went on a Monday, but it's school holidays, so there were still a lot of people. Lines average 40 to 70 minutes for the most popular rides. The Kung Fu Panda pavilion offers a break from the heat. We'll definitely visit again, but it's the colder months.
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5/5
I liked everything. There were a lot of people, and lines for the rides lasted 40-60 minutes. We managed to see everything.
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5/5
A really cool park, but we got there when it was busy, right before the holiday! Great organization and lots of events.
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5/5
A perfect option for a hot day. You spend most of your time indoors, with the outdoors used only for transitioning between themed zones. We didn't have a Fast Pass, and by 6:00 PM we'd already hit all the main attractions and seen the most interesting zones. The longest line was about an hour, but it was constantly moving, so the wait went by unnoticed. Our top attractions • Decepticoaster • Battle for the AllSpark • Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey • Jurassic World Adventure • Kung Fu Panda: Journey of the Dragon Warrior (and be sure to have lunch in this themed zone—it's delicious!) • The Untrainable show—don't miss it.
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What Is the Best Way to Tour Beijing?

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.
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How to Book Tickets to Tiananmen Square, Great Wall & Forbidden City

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.

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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.

[10% OFF] Beijing Hotel Recommendations

See All Hotels
NO.1
Radisson Hotel Beijing Daxing Airport
9.6/105996 reviews
Radisson Hotel Beijing Daxing Airport
★★★★★
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NO.2
UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City
9/104178 reviews
UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City
★★★★
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NO.3
ELONG R.YUN (Beijing Capital Airport Branch)
9.3/105066 reviews
ELONG R.YUN (Beijing Capital Airport Branch)
★★★
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NO.4
Manxin Mansion Beijing Qianmen Courtyard
9.7/103117 reviews
Manxin Mansion Beijing Qianmen Courtyard
★★★★
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NO.5
VOYAGE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (Capital Airport New National Exhibition Store)
9.8/1024715 reviews
VOYAGE INTERNATIONAL HOTEL (Capital Airport New National Exhibition Store)
★★★★
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NO.6
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
9.5/104988 reviews
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
★★★★★
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NO.7
Beijing Voyage Garden Hotel（Beijing Daxing International Airport Store)
9.8/1012097 reviews
Beijing Voyage Garden Hotel（Beijing Daxing International Airport Store)
★★★★
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NO.8
Sofitel Beijing Central
9.2/1012853 reviews
Sofitel Beijing Central
★★★★★
Hotel in Beijing

FAQs about Beijing Tour

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Bethy

Bethy

Trip.com Travel Expert

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Hey there! I’m Bethy (Huang Lan, 黄澜) – a travel enthusiast and content creator for Trip.com. I live as a digital nomad, mostly based in China, and I’ve also lived in awesome places across Southeast Asia and Eastern Europe. I love traveling all over the world, sharing useful travel tips and guides for fellow wanderlusters. When I’m not on the road, I’m a huge cat lover and play guitar for fun~

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