Beijing Layover: Explore Imperial History in 24 or 48 Hours
Experiencing Beijing on a Layover
A Beijing layover offers a unique opportunity to delve into China’s rich imperial history, even with limited time. Whether you have a 24-hour or 48-hour stopover, you can experience iconic landmarks and savor authentic Chinese cuisine. This guide provides suggested itineraries to maximize your time exploring Beijing. For a complete overview, see our main guide to China layover tours.
Suggested Itinerary (24 Hours)
If you only have 24 hours in Beijing, focus on the city’s most iconic attractions.
Morning: Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square
Start your day at the heart of Beijing: the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
- Forbidden City: Explore the magnificent palace complex that served as the imperial residence for centuries. Allocate at least 3 hours to wander through its courtyards, halls, and gardens. Consider booking tickets in advance on the official Palace Museum website to avoid long queues.
- Tiananmen Square: After the Forbidden City, walk across to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Take in the historical significance of this vast open space.
Afternoon: Temple of Heaven
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Temple of Heaven: Explore this complex of sacrificial buildings, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a particularly stunning architectural marvel. Allow around 2-3 hours for your visit.
Evening: Wangfujing Street
Conclude your day with a culinary adventure at Wangfujing Snack Street.
- Wangfujing Street: Beijing’s central shopping district, close to the Forbidden City and Qianmen, with historic hutongs nearby. You can find almost anything here, from souvenirs to local specialties.
Suggested Itinerary (48 Hours)
With 48 hours, you can explore beyond the city center and experience more of Beijing’s imperial history.
Day 1: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
Follow the 24-hour itinerary for your first day, visiting the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.
Day 2: Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling), Summer Palace
On your second day, venture to the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.
- Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling): Dedicate a significant portion of your day to visiting the Great Wall. Mutianyu and Badaling are two popular sections. Mutianyu is less crowded and offers stunning views, while Badaling is more easily accessible but tends to be more touristy. Consider booking a guided tour or arranging private transportation to maximize your time.
- Summer Palace: In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace, a former imperial garden and palace. Wander along the Kunming Lake, admire the Long Corridor, and visit the Marble Boat.
Transportation Tips for a Beijing Layover
Navigating Beijing during a layover requires careful planning.
- Visa-Free Transit: Check if you are eligible for China’s visa-free transit policy. Many nationalities can transit through Beijing for up to 144 hours without a visa. See our China Visa-Free Transit Guide: Requirements and Eligible Cities for details.
- Airport Express Train: The Airport Express Train provides a fast and convenient connection between Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the city center.
- Subway: Beijing’s subway system is extensive and efficient. Purchase a transportation card or use mobile payment options for easy access.
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi Chuxing are readily available, but be prepared for potential traffic delays. Ensure your destination is clearly communicated in Chinese.
What to Eat During Your Beijing Stopover
Beijing offers a diverse culinary scene. Don’t miss these local specialties during your layover:
- Peking Duck: Savor the crispy skin and tender meat of Peking duck, a quintessential Beijing dish.
- Jianbing: Try jianbing, a savory crepe filled with eggs, vegetables, and sauces, a popular street food breakfast.
- Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Savory Soybean Paste): Enjoy zhajiangmian, a hearty noodle dish topped with a rich soybean paste sauce.
- Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorns): Indulge in tanghulu, candied hawthorns on a stick, a sweet and tangy treat.
