China Shanhe Lu
Beijing travel routes
North China

Beijing travel routes

The Forbidden City · The Great Wall · Hutongs · Imperial Gardens

The core of the Beijing itinerary is 'Central Axis, a section of the Great Wall, and half a day in the hutongs.' This site arranges the itinerary in three lengths: 4 days, 5 days, and 6 days, detailing the route and tips to avoid crowds each day.

Provincial Routes and Cities

Beijing is the first stop for Chinese travelers returning home. The layout of the Forbidden City's halls, the direction of the Great Wall's walls, the everyday life in the hutongs, along with the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Shichahai, together form the most complete "Guide to the Imperial Capital." This site categorizes Beijing into three lengths: 4 days to see the central axis and the Great Wall, 5 days adding hutongs and gardens, and 6 days extending to the suburbs such as Chengde or Gubeikou.

How to plan the Beijing route

We break Beijing into 3 ready-made routes, covering short, medium, and long durations. Routes within the same province can be freely combined: if time is tight, take the shortest route; for a deeper experience, connect two routes.

Cities and highlights on this route

  • Beijing: The Palace Museum · Tiananmen Square · Temple of Heaven · Summer Palace · Badaling Great Wall

Travel reminders

  • Popular attractions (the Forbidden City, Mogao Caves, Jiuzhaigou, Zhangjiajie, etc.) have real-name entry limits; it is recommended to book 15–30 days in advance.
  • High-speed train tickets go on sale 15 days before departure; during peak season, they sell out on the first day, so set a reminder.
  • Plateau routes (Tibet, Qinghai, Western Sichuan) require a health certificate; it is recommended to take Rhodiola 7 days in advance.
  • For seniors over 60 and children under 1.2 meters, please note when booking, as ticket prices and beds are arranged separately.
  • All itineraries can be adjusted by month, number of days, and traveling companions. For details, see "Itinerary Customization."

Beijing travel routes (3)

How to choose

RouteDaysPriceIntensityBest monthsCities
Beijing Classic 4 Days · Central Axis and Great Wall4 days / 3 nights¥460 from / personRelaxedApril–May / September–OctoberBeijing
Beijing 6-Day In-Depth · Two Sections of the Great Wall and Chengde6 days / 5 nights¥720 from / personModerateApril–June / September–OctoberBeijing / Chengde
Beijing Classic 5 Days · The Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Hutongs5 days / 4 nights¥680 from / personRelaxedBest in April–May and September–OctoberBeijing