Beijing Itinerary for First-Timers

Note: For all these activities, the best thing you can do is to email your hotel’s concierge to start pre-planning. Many of these activities require advanced tickets that sell out days and weeks ahead of time, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Great Wall of China

There are options for where to start your Great Wall adventure. Mutianyu Wall is recommended because fewer people go there as it is a bit further up. Aside from tickets for the main entry, you can also purchase cable car tickets to expedite your way up and down. Expect about a half day at the wall with a good amount of inclined walking with some steep steps to get up on to the wall as well as uneven pavements.
Read about Tours to the Great Wall on TripAdvisor
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Forbidden City

Aside from The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City is an absolute must visit when you go to Beijing. Ask concierge to help secure your tickets, or through a ticketing company like those recommended below. Start early because of the lines to get inside. You can bring food inside the palace grounds to enjoy a picnic break between touring. A guide is recommended so you can learn the stories and history of the palace.
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Museums

Beijing is filled with museums, many of which are free so long as you book tickets in advanced. Registration is required and your concierge can help assist you with those details. Or, you can also use the links below to secure your tickets.

National Museum of China
Read about the National Museum of China on TripAdvisor

Capital Museum
Read about the Capital Museum on TripAdvisor

Museum of The Communist Party of China
Read about the Museum of The Communist Party of China

Nan Luo Gu Xiang

For souvenir shopping and local street eats, head over to this tourist alley and enjoy a walk back in time. No need for a guide to get here, but if you have a private driver for the day, you can include this as a stop.

Read about Nan Luo Gu Xiang on TripAdvisor

Private Car and Driver

While Beijing has ride-hailing apps, such as DiDi, you can also book a private car and driver for your stay – whether for a half day or full day. This gives you the relief and luxury that you do not have to worry about how to get around.

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