Beijing / 北京
Self-guided travel guide
Plan your own Beijing trip around imperial landmarks, hutong walks, and a Great Wall day out. Choose your stops and explore at a pace that suits you.
City overview · Reference-based AI imagery
Discover Beijing
Beijing history
As the capital of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Beijing developed around palaces, ceremonial spaces, and a central axis. Its monumental layout still shapes the city, while the hutongs preserve a more intimate sense of its past.
Culture and everyday life in Beijing
Courtyard homes, Peking opera, and neighborhood parks reveal life beyond the imperial landmarks. A quiet hutong walk or time watching music and games in a public park can be as memorable as a major attraction.
Beijing food: what to eat
Peking duck is the best-known specialty, served with thin pancakes and accompaniments. For a simpler meal, try zhajiangmian, noodles with soybean paste, or jiaozi dumplings; small neighborhood restaurants offer a different experience from formal duck dinners.
Things to see in Beijing
The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven introduce two sides of imperial Beijing, while the Great Wall calls for a separate day outside the center. Group nearby sights together and check official booking requirements before setting out.
Getting around Beijing independently
Use the metro for cross-city journeys. Carry your passport and check each attraction’s official booking requirements.
Plan your stay in Beijing
Plan a self-guided stay with nearby sights grouped into relaxed daily routes, budget estimates in US dollars, Chinese address and ordering cards, and booking guidance. Your itinerary comes as an interactive HTML page and a print-friendly A4 PDF.
Plan your self-guided tripThis is a general city introduction. Opening hours, prices and booking rules should be checked before travel.