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

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by Bethy

October 15, 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.

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

Beijing offers free layover tours for transit passengers with 8+ hour wait times at Terminal 3. Travelers can access the Badaling Great Wall and Forbidden City by booking tickets up to 7 days in advance. Universal Studios Beijing and other attractions provide flexible day tour packages via Trip.com for simplified travel planning.

[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 Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Taiwan markets)

[Small group] Universal Beijing Resort 1-day tour/butler service · professional guided quick play
[Small group] Universal Beijing Resort 1-day tour/butler service · professional guided quick play
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.
Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Tickets | Exclusive Visitor Center + Free Shuttle + Fast Entry | EN/ES/RU Guides | 5-Hour Visit, Skip the ticket Line
Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with Tickets | Exclusive Visitor Center + Free Shuttle + Fast Entry | EN/ES/RU Guides | 5-Hour Visit, Skip the ticket Line
4.9/5
3078 reviews
The tour was wonderful. Everything was very well organized and easy to understand. The guide explained everything in English several times and encouraged questions. They took us to the site, explained everything, and then we explored the chosen route independently (there are two difficulty levels). You need to purchase a separate ticket (140 yuan per person) for the descent and ascent for either the cable car or the toboggan run; these routes are impossible to complete on foot. I also really enjoyed the buffet lunch, which was included in the tour price (you can buy it on the bus). The Great Wall of China certainly leaves a lasting impression! Thank you, mubus!
Beijing The Palace Museum 1-day tour [including ticket | Treasure Gallery admission | 3-hr guided tour by popular guide team]
Beijing The Palace Museum 1-day tour [including ticket | Treasure Gallery admission | 3-hr guided tour by popular guide team]
4.9/5
228 reviews
The guide, Director Ren, was fantastic! He's knowledgeable about the history of the Forbidden City, told stories vividly and easily, was patient and meticulous, maintained a comfortable pace, answered all questions, and provided an immersive experience of the Forbidden City. A wonderful experience overall, highly recommended!!!
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
211 reviews
We used it as a transfer. The tour itself was in Chinese. We took the boat ride and didn't regret it. We didn't buy any food, but instead stopped at various cafes in the evening and bought whatever we wanted. We only took the cable car "there"! Don't take it back, or you'll have to do it all over again. After reaching a certain tower, you can walk down with beautiful views.
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
2681 reviews
It was a great tour with many interesting points, and the guide was excellent, providing great information. I highly recommend this tour, but bring some food because it gets quite intense.

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

🔥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

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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
11990 reviews
5/5
Chinese English and Russian English clashed when we purchased the ascent and descent passes. But the wall is worth the visit. It's challenging, but unforgettable.
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5/5
It's definitely worth a visit, with fresh air and a great experience, though it can get a bit crowded on weekends. A quick note: avoid going on Mondays, as all attractions in the city center are closed on those days.
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5/5
Wonderful despite the crowds
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5/5
Padaling Pass is very beautiful, but the north cable car was closed the day we went, so we had to walk up. It wasn't too bad though; the path was easy and not too steep, although there were some steep spots. It's suitable for elderly people.
review picture
5/5
The Badaling Great Wall is the most quintessential section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and a World Cultural Heritage site. The wall winds its way up the mountains, its imposing presence awe-inspiring. Climbing the ancient brick walls and gazing into the distance offers not only breathtaking views of the landscape but also a profound sense of history, confirming the sentiment that "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero."
review picture

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
47489 reviews
5/5
Everything went perfectly. Entry with passport.
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5/5
Great day with a humorous and knowledgeable tour guide Lee!
review picture
5/5
Director Guo's explanations were very detailed, and he was kind and patient! He also patiently answered everyone's questions, which was excellent! 👍🏻
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5/5
It was crowded and atmospheric. Unfortunately, we weren't lucky with a guide. We walked around on our own, searching for information online. We also visited the watch and jewelry pavilion—it has many wonderful exhibits.
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5/5
I strongly advise everyone to carefully review all the information sent to you via email! We didn't do this right away and therefore got a bit lost before entering the ZG. We had to walk around. But apparently we weren't alone. The staff directed us to the correct entrance. Don't make the same mistake we did. 😊 We booked our visit a month in advance and connected the audio guide to our headphones.
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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
6046 reviews
5/5
The online ticket worked without a hitch, and we strolled through the historical sites from our textbook ❤️
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4/5
Un loc impresionant, foarte multa istorie, te cucerește pur și simplu, tot peisajul. Te lasă fără cuvinte. O sa revin cu plăcere.
review picture
4/5
This place is worth visiting, a landmark in Beijing. We went on a Saturday morning, and it was very crowded; apparently, all the locals are out for a stroll on Saturday mornings. It's beautiful, a very large park with beautiful trees. We went at the end of our trip and were a bit tired of the scenery, so I recommend putting it at the beginning.
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5/5
A wonderful place. We enjoyed the audio guide; we followed the suggested route completely, walking through both the park and the various locations.
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5/5
The temple is beautiful, located near the Forbidden City. The temple itself is crowded, but it's located in a large park where you can stroll peacefully and enjoy nature. There are several other historical buildings within the park, and you can buy ice cream. Overall, if you're in Beijing, you should definitely visit.
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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
26247 reviews
5/5
Good afternoon! The booking process itself was hassle-free. I recommend booking a little in advance; our trip ended up being more expensive than previously reported. A passport is required for entry. The wait for the most exciting attractions is about an hour or so, especially during the off-season and on a weekday. Overall, we were pleased with our visit!
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5/5
Visiting this park was a truly immersive experience and definitely worth the money. We absolutely loved it; we booked tickets a month and a half in advance—it only cost 8,600 rubles for two. We went on a Thursday, and the crowds were moderate; the longest we waited in line was 60 minutes. The Halloween program in the evening was also amazing.
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5/5
We visited this park in May 2026 and absolutely loved it. We'll definitely be back with the kids. It was easy to get there and back by metro; the metro station is right at the park entrance. We went on a weekday; there were a lot of people, but the line moved quickly everywhere, and the signs always showed the wait time. 👍 Be sure to try the Mktoa cafe; it's delicious and reasonably priced. The non-alcoholic caramel beer is amazing (just make sure you get it without ice). The park is new, and I think it's a bit unusual; everyone goes to Shanghai Disneyland.
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5/5
It's a truly magical place. I recommend visiting during the off-season: short lines, fewer people, and a chance to see everything without the crowds.
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5/5
Many amazing rides: Jurassic Park, Transformers, Harry Potter – you have to try them! Great atmosphere. Fly with the Dragon show is fun. Worth the entrance fee. Bags are scanned before entry, but it's convenient. Get your legs ready and let's go!
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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.

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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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