Beijing , China

The Best of Beijing Walking Tour

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About this experience

With a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. Beijing is known for modern architecture as its ancient sites as the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. You will have a chance to explore the city while hearing fascinating facts and the history of Beijing from your charismatic guide. Do you know that Beijing has the ten best sections of the Great Wall of China? You will be surprised after knowing the hidden stories of the streets, buildings, and corners of Beijing. Your charming guide will tell you what is special and unique about living in this city. It is perfect for people visiting the city for the first time and who want to get the most out of it!

Available options

The Best of Beijing Walking Tour

What's included

Professional local guide services.

Detailed itinerary

The Underground City (Chinese: pinyin: Dxià Chéng) is a Cold War-era bomb bunker built beneath Beijing, China. Because it had intended for military protection, it was also known as the Underground Great Wall. As Sino-Soviet ties deteriorated, the complex had built between 1969 and 1979 in preparation for a nuclear war with the Soviet Union, and it had officially inaugurated in 2000.

Qianmen (simplified Chinese: traditional Chinese: pinyin: Qiánmén; Wade-Giles: Ch'ien-men; lit. 'Front Gate') is the colloquial name for Zhengyangmen (traditional Chinese: pinyin: Zhèngyángmén; Wade-Giles: Cheng-yang-men; Manchu: Möllendorff meaning " The gate is located to the south of Tiananmen Square and previously guarded the southern entrance to the Inner City. Although most of Beijing's city walls have been dismantled, Zhengyangmen remains a significant geographical landmark in the city. Zhengyangmen's main gate is located on the city's primary north-south axis. Lizhengmen (simplified Chinese: traditional Chinese, pinyin: Lzhèngmén) means "beautiful gateway."

The People's Bank of China oversees the China Numismatic Museum. It established in 1992, ten years after the China Numismatic Society's establichment. [2] It is located at No. 17 Xijiaomin Xiang, Xicheng District, Beijing, close to Tian'anmen Square. The museum is in two former Commercial Guarantee Bank of China and Central Bank of China Peking Branch buildings. Its mission is to acquire, exhibit, and investigate ancient, modern, and contemporary currency and banking-related artifacts. It houses almost 300,000 numismatic items. It belongs to the International Numismatic Council and the International Committee for Money and Banking Museums (ICOMON).

Stop 4

The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) (simplified Chinese; traditional Chinese; pinyin: Guóji dà jùyuàn; literally: National Grand Theatre), sometimes known informally as The Giant Egg (), is an arts center in Beijing, People's Republic of China. The NCPA, designed by French architect Paul Andreu, debuted in 2007 and is Asia's largest theatre complex.

Zhongnanhai (Chinese: ) is a former royal park in Beijing's Imperial City, close to the Forbidden City, that now serves as the central headquarters of China's Communist Party (CCP) and State Council (Central government). Zhongnanhai is home to the CCP General Secretary's (paramount leader's) office and the Chinese Premier's office. Zhongnanhai is synonymous with the central government and prominent CCP leaders.

What's not included

Underground City China Admission fee

China Numismatic Museum Admission fee

National Centre for the Performing Arts Admission fee

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ZH-CN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is a city of immense historical significance and modern dynamism. It's home to iconic landmarks, ancient palaces, and a vibrant contemporary culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city offers a unique mix of ancient history, cultural treasures, and modern advancements.

Top Attractions

The Great Wall of China

One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China stretches over 21,000 kilometers. The most accessible sections near Beijing are Badaling and Mutianyu.

Historical Half day to full day ¥40-80 (depending on the section)

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts and offers a glimpse into China's imperial past.

Historical 2-3 hours ¥60 (March-October), ¥40 (November-February)

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for good harvests.

Historical 1-2 hours ¥15 (Temple area), ¥35 (Temple and park)

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat and is known for its beautiful landscapes and architecture.

Historical 3-4 hours ¥30 (Park and palace area), ¥60 (Boat ride included)

Hutongs

Hutongs are traditional narrow alleys and residential neighborhoods that offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. Exploring hutongs provides an authentic experience of local culture and history.

Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, but consider paying for guided tours or Rickshaw rides

798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is a contemporary art district located in a former military factory. It's home to numerous art galleries, studios, and cultural events, making it a hub for Beijing's art scene.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore, but some galleries may charge admission

Must-Try Local Dishes

Peking Duck

A iconic dish of Beijing, Peking Duck is roasted to perfection and served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and scallions. The crispy skin and tender meat make it a must-try for any visitor.

Main Course Contains meat (duck), gluten (pancakes and sauce)

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

A popular Beijing street food, Zhajiangmian consists of hand-pulled noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from fermented soybean paste and minced pork. It's often served with cucumber and bean sprouts.

Main Course Contains meat (pork), gluten (noodles and sauce)

Jianbing (Savory Crepes)

A popular Beijing street food, Jianbing is a savory crepe made with a batter of wheat and mung bean flour, filled with egg, scallions, and hoisin sauce. It's crispy, delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast on the go.

Breakfast Contains eggs, gluten (batter and sauce)

Baozi (Steamed Buns)

Baozi are steamed buns filled with various ingredients, such as pork, beef, or vegetables. They are a popular street food and can be found in many markets and food stalls throughout Beijing.

Snack Can be vegetarian or contain meat, depending on the filling; contains gluten (bun)

Popular Activities

Hiking the Great Wall Rock climbing in the Huairou District Mountain biking in the outskirts of Beijing Boat rides on Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace Tea ceremonies at traditional teahouses Gardens and parks at the Temple of Heaven and Beihai Park Exploring the Forbidden City and other imperial palaces Visiting temples and religious sites

Best Time to Visit

September to October, April to May

These months offer the most pleasant weather with clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing. The city is vibrant with cultural festivals and outdoor activities.

15-25°C (59-77°F) 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Mandarin Chinese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas and by younger generations)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8 (China Standard Time)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and tourist spots

Beijing is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night and in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using taxis, and insist on using the meter or agreeing on a price before starting the journey
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and tourist spots
• Be wary of strangers offering services or attractions at inflated prices, and only use licensed and reputable tour guides and operators

Getting there

By air

Beijing Capital International Airport • 32 km (20 miles) northeast of city center
Beijing Daxing International Airport • 46 km (29 miles) south of city center

By train

Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station

By bus

Beijing Sihui Bus Station, Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Beijing Subway is efficient, affordable, and widely used. It's the best way to navigate the city, especially during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing, Tencent Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Dongcheng Xicheng Chaoyang Haidian Shijingshan

Day trips

The Great Wall at Mutianyu

70 km (43 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a less crowded and more scenic section of the Great Wall, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's a popular day trip from Beijing for those looking to experience the Great Wall without the large crowds.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling

130 km (81 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Jinshanling is a remote and less restored section of the Great Wall, offering a more authentic and adventurous experience. It's a popular day trip for those looking to explore the Great Wall's wild and rugged beauty.

The Great Wall at Simatai

120 km (75 miles) northeast of Beijing • Full day

The Great Wall at Simatai is a unique and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic and picturesque landscape. It's a popular day trip for those looking to experience the Great Wall's beauty and history in a more intimate setting.

Festivals

Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) • January or February (varies by lunar calendar) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month (varies by year) Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day) • April 4th or 5th (varies by solar calendar)

Pro tips

Use the official Beijing Subway app for route planning and real-time updates
Carry a VPN to access restricted apps and websites, such as Google, Facebook, and Instagram
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the city's many attractions and neighborhoods
Try local snacks and street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience