[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 transit passengers with 8+ hours layover access free tours to the Great Wall or city highlights at Terminal 3.

[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 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.
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
2816 reviews
It was well organized, they explained everything, showed us everything, and even advised taking the lift both ways. That's a good idea, because you'll be so stomping around there that you won't even bother going down, and there won't be time for lunch. Two routes are also impossible to handle, and they're not necessary; it's all the same. The crowds, especially at the beginning of the route, are overwhelming, but further up towards the 24th tower, the crowds thin out and it becomes more comfortable. The guide's service is mediocre; they won't tell you much, just a brief description and a little about themselves (I don't know, maybe others had a different experience with Oleg: he's a good guy, but he's been around for a year). The lunch is a buffet, a must-do; you'll try it and regret your small stomach, everything is delicious. Taking the tour, in my opinion, was the right decision; I don't regret going with it. By the way, there was such a crowd at the ticket office that it would have taken at least an hour to stand in line, but for us, the entrance and the lift were enough.
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
206 reviews
The scholar said that Teacher Zhou was extremely professional! He focused on explaining the professional details of the Forbidden City, such as the palace layout, the auspicious beasts on the roof ridges, the colors of the glazed tiles, and the mortise and tenon joints. He explained the significance of each scenic spot's level and the logic of its layout clearly and meticulously, providing a wealth of valuable information in a well-organized manner, allowing us to understand the culture and wisdom behind the architecture of the Forbidden City.
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
199 reviews
Everything was great—the guide messaged us on WeChat in advance and met us at the metro station. The bus was quite comfortable, with a USB port for charging and air conditioning. The guide explained the route in detail and gave recommendations. We paid separately for the ascent and descent on the cable car—160 yuan per person. The section of the wall is very beautiful and picturesque, but quite dangerous—keep that in mind. We climbed from the 5th to the 10th tower—were very tired, but satisfied. Gubei village is also very beautiful—you want to take photos at every turn. There are lots of cafes and shops.
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
2437 reviews
Tour guide is knowledgeable about China Forbidden City history and Tiananmen Square. Be prepared to walk, we did almost 16,000 steps. Very crowded attraction, use trip.com package as this will skip the long line up at security check point. Price is reasonable, meeting point is easy to find, use didi to get there.

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

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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
12173 reviews
5/5
Very nice musical and dancing tour Amazing views very well organised . Enjoyed very much starts 6:30 evening
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5/5
You absolutely must visit this place! The Great Wall of China is a structure that still boggles the mind! A few tips: - It's best to visit during the off-season, as it's incredibly crowded with locals! - It's best to take the cable car at the very beginning of its operation, ideally arriving the day before and staying overnight in one of the nearby hotels. - If you get on the cable car during rush hour, don't turn right when you get off. That's where the tallest tower in this section will be, and it will be incredibly crowded. If you turn left, it will be much less crowded! But this is truly a must-see!
review picture
5/5
The the wall of china is amazing, it’s definitely worth seeing, there’s nice high speed train, from Beijing north station to get there, also a prefect place to practice mandarin. Also the ticket was very simple to use, just scan it at the gate, no stress.
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5/5
Magnificent! Grandiose! Since I didn't buy a cable car ticket, I recommend doing the southern section (towers 1 to 7) and then the northern section (towers 1 to 4), or even more if you have time. The southern section is admittedly lower, but it's much less crowded, allowing you to admire the wall in peace.
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4/5
go early! be prepared with snacks, water and good shoes. the hike and the views are breathtaking.
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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
47356 reviews
4/5
Early entry with opening, the less crowded inside. In the middle directly to the clocks , opens 09:30 am.
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5/5
It is spacious and large. Overall, it fully serves as a landmark representing Beijing. Many tourists are busy taking photos, and they seem to feel overwhelmed. It takes at least four hours to see the entire place. I recommend visiting with ample time.
review picture
5/5
Top sitios que ver en Beijing.
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5/5
The place is stunning and there are lots of people .It takes about 2.30 hrs. It is suitable for someone who can't buy a ticket in advance, I booked a tour a few days before. They speak English well. it is a bit too hot when they stop by the spot for gathering to get the information. The meeting point is a bit hard to find, btw.
review picture
5/5
Our tour guide Susie was amazing! She did a great job in telling us everything about the forbidden city and the palace museum and the chinese emperors lives. Recommend taking an earlier tour though as the time for the treasure chamber is falling short when you book the tour for 1pm. Museum closes at 5pm.
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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
5466 reviews
4/5
The scenery is nice too, and the Echo Wall really does echo. If you really want to learn more, hiring a guide would be more fun. Otherwise, you're just looking at a bunch of buildings.
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5/5
A wonderful place, you need a couple of hours to visit, close to the metro
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5/5
We liked everything, we went around it in 2 hours
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5/5
The main thing is to get there before 4:00 PM, otherwise you'll only be able to see everything through the fence.
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5/5
The entrance fee is only for the exterior; if you want to enter the temple, you pay separately there.
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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
24510 reviews
5/5
It's impossible to describe in words, you have to see it in person 😭
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4/5
100% everyone should visit!!!
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5/5
I had fun exploring every fun and recommended rides, lucky to meet Luffy and Nami cosplayer. Took pictures with them too. But menu doesn't have halal options. So hungry in lunch time. Hopefully they will accommodate different dietary. It was solo trip and when i heard the staff call for one person i immediately advanced the line like a fast tracker. it was the decepticoaster ride i got the front seat with group of 3 high schooler girls.
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5/5
A must-see. Alcoholic beverages are not sold anywhere on the property. After passing through the metal detector, you can buy beer to take home. There's only one restaurant in the center of Jurassic Park that serves beer and wine. You can ask for a takeaway. No need to thank me.
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5/5
I read a lot of reviews about the park being too crowded. In reality, this park in Beijing is much less crowded than similar parks in Japan and the US. I was delighted with the Kung Fu Panda area!
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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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