[5% Off] Beijing Tour 2026: Free Layover Tours & Top Attractions
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.
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](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0350p12000ogbhnoqF6CE_C_750_480.jpg)
[Small Group] Universal Studios Beijing Resort Day Trip / Butler Service · Professional Guided Tour
4.1/5
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
2469 reviewsThis is a great tour if you don't want to delve into the details and figure out navigation yourself. Two route options, green and red, are offered on the bus for 140 yuan per person. The green route has long lines, but they're perfectly reasonable. However, we didn't have time to go down the toboggan run because of the line. Lunch is included during your time on the wall (we recommend booking the tour with lunch, as it's a bit cheaper). The lunch is delicious, with a wide selection. Souvenirs are also offered on the bus: a notebook with wall stamps (you can bring your own and display it at the gift shop near the organizers' visitor center) and a glass-framed certificate for conquering the wall. Special thanks to our guide, Misha, for his guidance, the tour, and his attentiveness to each participant.
![One-day tour of the Palace Museum, Beijing [Admission included | Scholar's Guide to Explore the Forbidden City | Gift of Treasures]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0102h1200087d62rxDD6F_C_750_480.jpg)
One-day tour of the Palace Museum, Beijing [Admission included | Scholar's Guide to Explore the Forbidden City | Gift of Treasures]
4.9/5
192 reviewsToday's in-depth tour of the Forbidden City was fantastic! Our guide, Mr. Chen, provided detailed and engaging explanations, making complex concepts easy to understand. Even the children, who grew up in the US, were able to grasp the information and learn a great deal about the Forbidden City and the history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This morning, Mr. Chen even went to the visitor center ahead of time to help with the ticket arrangements for the foreign children. We are very grateful!
![Gubei Water Town Day Trip --- [Optional Day Tour / Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Lunch]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0581112000nl4j7i8DD43_C_750_480.jpg)
Gubei Water Town Day Trip --- [Optional Day Tour / Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Lunch]
4.8/5
164 reviewsAn excellent tour, driven in a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. The guide shared a bit of history, answered questions, and offered helpful tips on how to plan the route. During the day, we explored on our own, and in the evening, we were picked up and dropped off.
Beijing Prince Kung's Palace Museum half-day tour - includes admission ticket / 10-person / 20-person / family-friendly / independent traveler / multiple group types
4.9/5
196 reviewsOverall, the visit to Prince Gong's Mansion was a great experience, thanks to Mr. Zhu, the top student from Beijing, for his excellent explanations. He was very clear and patient, and the route was well-planned, avoiding any sense of rushing. The tour also included breaks to allow for leisurely enjoyment of the scenery while conserving energy. The whole experience was relaxed and comfortable, without feeling particularly tired. I had a wonderful time and would highly recommend it!
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
12474 reviews
5/5
The view from this area is simply stunning! There are certainly crowds of tourists, but that doesn't spoil the experience.
5/5
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, the wall is long and the slope is not gentle!
5/5
This place is worth visiting!!! Beautiful views!! Stock up on water!!!
5/5
We went to the south line vis the funicular in the afternoon. There were barely any line up, it was very enjoyable despite the super hot weather. We saw how crowded the north line is, so glad we were not part of that.
5/5
Getting there is easy. Take the 877 bus directly from Beitucheng MRT station. There are signs inside the station, and everyone is going to the same place, so just follow the crowd. Once you arrive, you don't need to exchange tickets or anything; just scan the QR code at the entrance (a short walk from the bus stop). The scenery is truly spectacular. It's much easier to access than Mutianyu, but it's also much more crowded, so keep that in mind. It was quite crowded even on a weekday morning. But it's still worth going. There's a lot of uphill and downhill walking, so make sure you eat well beforehand. There are very few toilets, so use them when you see them.
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
48453 reviews
4/5
The Forbidden City is worth visiting, but the itinerary could be described in more detail. The current itinerary focuses mainly on the buildings rather than the artifacts, which falls short of expectations.
4/5
I think the Forbidden City and the Great Wall are both very fun.
4/5
A great place to immerse yourself in history. The atmosphere is simply incredible, the architecture is stunning in its grandeur and beauty, and you'll want to explore every corner. I highly recommend it; you won't regret it!
5/5
We had a fantastic time, our tour guide, Lisa (of tour guide 6) was excellent, she anticipated our needs and took us off the beaten path to places that many wouldn’t think to see. We learnt lots and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
5/5
An excellent tour—everything was organized to the highest standard. We were picked up, transported comfortably, fed deliciously, and the guide counted the group several times, smiling and reassuring us, "We won't leave anyone behind on the wall!" 😄
The Great Wall itself is incredibly impressive. I was astonished by its scale, its length, and the time it took to build. It's one of those cases where photographs simply can't capture its grandeur. I highly recommend it!
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
4914 reviews
5/5
Great, the tickets went through.
5/5
I liked it; it was very crowded, but if you want to soak up the history and culture of China, this is a must-see. Don't forget to bring water and an umbrella for the heat.
5/5
It's a beautiful temple. Unfortunately, you can't go inside, but you can see everything through the doors, but you have to squeeze through the crowd of Chinese.
5/5
The area is huge, perfect for a relaxing stroll. It's beautiful and atmospheric, and for the price, it's fantastic.
4/5
Nice gardens and tree lined walkways. The temple buildings were interesting but very crowded and I have seen much nicer, although perhaps not so big, in other places in China. Could not really go inside most of the buildings, probably too many people. And none of the exhibits were in English text also.
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
22747 reviews5/5
I liked everything very much
5/5
We spent the whole day at the park and thoroughly enjoyed it. We visited on a Monday, but despite that, the lines were long, so we used the map to navigate our way around the park to avoid wasting time.
5/5
Yes, it's worth it, but the food is expensive. The sandwich inside is 98 yuan. The longest line was 40 minutes at Jurassic Park. The roller coaster line was 15 minutes at Transformers. Apparently, the Chinese are afraid of this attraction. You can't buy souvenirs from the park for less than 100 yuan. We visited 5 attractions in four hours.
5/5
A wonderful amusement park; the kids loved it. The long lines were a bit of a bummer, but we were prepared for that. There are rides for all ages, and everything is clean and well-maintained. There are plenty of staff willing to help and answer your questions.
5/5
Awesome amusement park with a wide selection of rides and photo spots! It was fun and interesting for both adults and kids! I highly recommend it 😍
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.
See all attractions
745419 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.
[10% OFF] Beijing Hotel Recommendations
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FAQs about Beijing Tour
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- Beijing Tiananmen Square+The Palace Museum + Treasure Gallery Half-Day Tour|Tickets included/Optional English guide
- Mutianyu Great Wall Private Self-Guide Trip With English Speaking Driver
- Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall by ZANBUS 08:00/09:00/10:00 Departure+15:00/16:00/17:00 Return
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