Travel to Beijing

Beijing is China’s storied capital. The city’s heart beats in its historic hutongs, echoing with the rhythm of daily life, while just steps away, the grandeur of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square tells tales of dynasties past. Towering business districts rise alongside imperial temples and leafy courtyards. Timeless yet ever-changing, it’s a city that never stops reinventing itself.

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👑 Best of Beijing

Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Beijing.

Top Family Attractions

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📷 Beijing Through Travellers' Eyes

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📌The Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan Park, is the largest imperial garden in Beijing and all of China that has been preserved to this day. The total area of the park is nearly 300 hectares.

📌What to see?

• The Renshou Hall Pavilion, located at the eastern gate. It serves as the centerpiece of the ensemble. This is where rulers conducted their state affairs. The pavilion is surrounded by black stones, symbolizing guards.

• The Long Corridor. It connects numerous structures located on the northern shore of the lake.

• The Tower of Buddhist Incense (Foxiangge). To reach it, you need to climb either side of the Paiyundian, pass through the Hall of Virtue and Harmony (Dehuidian), and ascend about a hundred steps. This temple is a true symbol of the park. From its grounds, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Zhuiyun Cang Palace. You can also marvel at the stunning beauty of the Bronze Pavilion, which required over 200 tons of metal for its construction.

🎫Tickets: 60 yuan/adult
🕐Opening hours: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM. It's best to visit in the morning when many tourists are still asleep, and even the locals are not in a rush to relax so early.

I found a free Beijing layover tour hosted by Trip.com!
⭐︎Updated December 1, 2025⭐︎
This free layover tour was originally a limited-time offer, but as of November 2025, it was still running! It seems to have become a permanent event! 🫶

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to participate due to capacity, but transportation, tours, entrance fees, and even communication fees are all provided for free!

There's nothing to do at Beijing Airport, so it's fun to get out and about.

＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊＊
I also introduce it on my blog, dokoka-ikitai (I want to go somewhere), so please take a look if you're interested! 👀✍️

I'm a travel-loving woman born in the 1990s, part of the Yutori generation. I've been to many places around the world (with a fair amount of bias).
I update my blog on my website, dokoka-ikitai (I want to go somewhere). I'd be happy if you could take a look if you'd like 👀✍️

Hello, adventurers! 👋 Planning a trip to Universal Beijing Resort? That's fantastic! To ensure you don't get lost amidst the magic of Harry Potter and the speed of 'Fast & Furious,' here's a cheat sheet of the main zones and the perfect itinerary.

🌎 7 magical worlds of the park:

1. Harry Potter — Hogwarts, Butterbeer, and 'Escape from Hogwarts.' The heart of the park!
2. Transformers — Tons of adrenaline in 3D battles alongside Optimus Prime.
3. Minions — Crazy fun and vibrant! Perfect for photos and lifting your spirits.
4. Jurassic World — Encounters with dinosaurs and an exhilarating water ride.
5. Kung Fu Panda — A colorful world of legends for the whole family, entirely indoors.
6. WaterWorld — An incredible stunt show on water. A must-see!
7. Hollywood — A parade of stars and meet-and-greets with your favorite characters right on the boulevard.

🚀 Perfect one-day itinerary:
Morning — Head straight to 'Harry Potter' or 'Transformers' (these have the longest lines).
Midday — Explore 'Jurassic World' and 'Minions.'
Afternoon — Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 'Kung Fu Panda' and catch the 'WaterWorld' show as per the schedule.
Evening — Return to 'Harry Potter' to enjoy its magic under the night lights, and take a stroll through 'Hollywood.'

💡 Pro tip: Download the official 'Universal Beijing Resort' app! It features a map, real-time wait times for attractions, and show schedules — a lifesaver for planning your day.

Who has already been? Share your tips in the comments! ✨

Everyone! We've discovered a new photo hotspot in Beijing! 🌟
The soon-to-open "Wanli Wangfujing WellTown" in Tongzhou is incredibly photogenic 💥

Today, I scouted it early for you, and I was amazed as soon as I walked in 😍
Look up, every angle is like a perfect frame for a blockbuster shot!
The best part is the atrium, 360° with no dead angles for photos 📷
There’s also a giant water column installation running from the ground floor to the top 💫
Every snap feels like a sci-fi movie scene!

📌 Check-in tips:
📍 Mall address: Direct access from Huazhuang Station on Tongzhou Line 7 and Line 1 (next to Universal Studios)
⏰ Opening date: Officially opens on December 26
📷 Photo tip: Remember to bring a wide-angle lens! 16-35mm is perfect
🕛 Best time: Go on the first day when there are fewer people for the best shots ✨

Architecture lovers & selfie stars, save this!
Go on opening day and it will become the new trending check-in spot! 🔥

#beijing
Galaxy SOHO is, first and foremost, an architectural landmark worth visiting for connoisseurs of modern architecture and anyone who wants to see a different, futuristic side of Beijing. Its main feature is its unique design by renowned architect Zaha Hadid.

🔥What's so appealing about the complex?

Architecture: The main reason to visit is to admire the futuristic forms and flowing lines of the buildings. It's a great place for stunning photos.
Panoramic views: Observation terraces on different levels of the complex offer stunning views of both Galaxy SOHO itself and the surrounding cityscape.

☝️What's inside?

The complex is a business center. But it also houses restaurants and cafes, small shops and boutiques, public spaces, and exhibition areas.

📍How to get there?

Address: Dongcheng District, Chaoyangmen Avenue.
Area: Central Business District (CBD), near the famous Wangfujing Pedestrian Street.
Metro: Chaoyangmen Station (Lines 2 and 6), Exit G.

💡Recommendation

Galaxy SOHO looks especially stunning after dark, when the lights are on. If you love modern architecture, this is a must-see.
#Beijing

Upon entering the Ning Shou Palace Garden, one’s mind is instantly soothed, like a gentle breeze brushing past the ancient Chinese scholar tree. Transitioning from the grandeur of the Forbidden City's majestic halls, visitors are transported into a refined and poetic realm. This garden, built by Emperor Qianlong as a retreat for his retirement, encapsulates a miniature ideal world, perfectly blending imperial grandeur with the elegance of Jiangnan's scenic beauty.

The Gu Hua Pavilion derives its name from the ancient Chinese scholar tree standing in front of the courtyard. The tree's swaying shadows cast a dappled poetic charm, naturally slowing one's pace.

At the Xi Shang Pavilion, a clear winding stream flows through the meandering channel, evoking the ancient literati's elegant gatherings of "floating wine cups along the stream." The serene leisure and refined elegance of scholars seem to come alive, dispelling the solemn atmosphere within the palace walls, leaving only philosophical reflections and a deep appreciation for life.

The beauty of the Ning Shou Palace Garden is subtle and layered. The solemnity of red walls and golden tiles is cleverly concealed, replaced by a transcendent charm of "finding the essence of nature amidst the bustling city."

Here, a triumphant emperor, amidst the splendor of the palace, created a dreamlike landscape for himself. In this space, he is both the supreme ruler and a scholar yearning for transcendence and an elegant life. This garden is a dream he wove for himself in the twilight of a prosperous era, a dream of seclusion and poetic beauty.

Because it’s so beautiful I want to settle in Beijing right away! 😭

Once winter arrives in Beijing, as soon as it snows it turns into Beiping, with red walls, white snow, and glazed tiles—the atmosphere is instantly elevated. Visiting at this time is the right way to unlock Beijing’s charm～

🌟Location & Route Planning

I’ve put together a classic route for you that doesn’t backtrack, tested to be efficient and great for photos:
✅Day 1: Tiananmen Square → The Palace Museum → Jingshan Park
(Book the Palace Museum 7 days in advance! Enter from the Meridian Gate and exit from the Gate of Divine Might, then head straight to Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Palace Museum)
✅Day 2: Temple of Heaven Park → Yonghe Lama Temple → Guozijian / Wudaoying Hutong
(The light and shadow at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in the Temple of Heaven are stunning; you can pray for blessings at Yonghe Temple, and the hutongs hide many treasure shops)
✅Day 3: Summer Palace → Old Summer Palace → Tsinghua University / Peking University off-campus check-in
(The Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace freezes in winter, and the golden light shining through the Seventeen-Arch Bridge is a limited-time beautiful sight!)
✅Day 4: Badaling Great Wall → Olympic Park
(Badaling is the most convenient section of the Great Wall to visit; fewer people in winter means better photos. At night, visit the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube for the night view)

❄️Seasonal Limited Scenery

Come to Beijing in December-January and don’t miss these exclusive sights:
✨First snow at the Palace Museum: red walls and white snow with palace lanterns, every step is like a scene from an ancient drama
✨Shichahai Ice Rink: old Beijing’s winter joy, with ice scooters and ice rings full of festive flavor
✨West Dike at the Summer Palace: with withered lotus reflecting the snow and the frozen Kunming Lake, the mood is perfect
✨Wintersweet at Yonghe Temple: wintersweet blossoms by the red walls, with a subtle fragrance and poetic atmosphere

🍜Food Guide

Old Beijing’s winter food is warm and super comforting:
☑️Copper Pot Hot Pot: sesame sauce dipping with freshly sliced lamb, warms you to the core
☑️Grilled Meat on a Sizzling Plate: juicy grilled meat wrapped in lettuce, so delicious you’ll lick the plate
☑️Fried Liver + Steamed Buns: classic old Beijing breakfast, rich and flavorful
☑️Candied Hawthorn Sticks: freshly made on the street, sweet and sour to refresh your palate
☑️Fermented Mung Bean Juice with Fried Dough Rings: for the adventurous, try this old Beijing specialty, it’s acceptable with pickled vegetables～

📝Before You Go

1. Beijing is super cold in December-January! Make sure to bring down jackets, scarves, gloves, snow boots, and heat patches are also very necessary

2. Attractions like the Palace Museum, Temple of Heaven, and Yonghe Temple require advance booking, don’t miss out

3. Subway is the most convenient way to get around the city; get a transportation card or use the Yitongxing app

4. The Great Wall is windy, so dress warmly and wear non-slip shoes

5. For food, explore the hutongs; local favorite small shops have the most authentic flavors

Winter in Beijing combines the grandeur of the imperial city with the lively atmosphere of the hutongs—it’s truly worth visiting again and again～

First time in Beijing! One-day Great Wall private car tour guide✨ No crowded buses, no detours, super worry-free

First time climbing the Great Wall in Beijing, I decisively chose a private car tour! It was really, really, really wise! The distance from downtown to Badaling is over 70 kilometers. No need to squeeze into the subway or transfer; the driver picks you up and drops you off directly, avoiding traffic peaks. You can enjoy the day easily and fully, with no pitfalls at all~

📅 Babysitter-level itinerary
⏰7:00 Pick-up: Free pick-up and drop-off within the Fifth Ring Road hotels. We chose a 7-seater business car, very spacious for 4 people, with room for luggage and snacks. The driver has over 5 years of driving experience, smooth ride with no detours.
⏰8:30 Arrive at Badaling: Tickets were booked in advance on the official WeChat of "Badaling Great Wall," just scan your ID to enter, saving time from queuing for tickets.
⏰9:00-12:30 Climb the Great Wall and enjoy the scenery: Recommended the North Great Wall! 12 watchtowers with stunning views, the North 8th Tower is the highest point called "Hero Slope," perfect for photos~ For elders and kids, choose the north cable car line, 8 minutes straight to Hero Slope, enclosed cabins are stable and safe; young people wanting excitement can choose the slide car, an open-track car where you control the speed, super fun going down (age restrictions apply).
⏰12:30 Lunch time: The driver recommended a farmhouse near the scenic area, about 60+ RMB per person to eat until full! Must-try roasted rainbow trout (raised in mountain spring water, tender meat) and chestnut braised pork. Huairou local chestnuts are sweet and soft, paired with pork belly that’s so fragrant you’ll lick the plate.
⏰14:00 Return trip with a stop: Instead of going straight back to the city, we asked the driver to detour to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. At dusk, the lights come on, full of tech vibes, perfect for some photos before heading back before the evening rush hour.
⏰16:30 Drop off at hotel: No rush all day, rest in the car whenever tired, perfectly ending the day’s trip~

🚗 Private car must-know tips
✅ Vehicle types: 5-seater sedan, 7-seater business car, also high-end luxury models available, including fuel, tolls, and parking fees, no hidden charges.
✅ Service: Drivers from reputable companies will contact you a day in advance to confirm pick-up time and place, can also help book tickets and recommend food, basically a half-guide.
✅ Flexibility: Departure time is free, you can stay longer at the Great Wall or change the route last minute, much freer than group tours.

💡Traveler pitfall avoidance tips

1. Great Wall tickets must be booked 1 day in advance. During peak season, visitor limit is 65,000 people; no reservation may mean no entry.

2. Wear comfortable sports shoes for climbing, bring enough water and snacks, prices on the Wall are relatively high.

3. Slide car is suitable for young people; elders and kids should prioritize the cable car, which is smooth and bump-free.

4. Don’t trust unlicensed roadside cars; choose private car services from official platforms and sign contracts for better protection.

For the first time climbing the Great Wall in Beijing, private car tours are truly the best choice! No time wasted on transportation, all energy can be focused on enjoying the scenery, the driver avoids congested roads, and the recommended farmhouse dishes are super authentic~

Beijing·China

Flew Singapore Airlines Economy Class from Singapore to Beijing, and the experience was consistently smooth and pleasant — exactly what you would expect from SIA. Boarding was orderly, cabins were clean, and the seats offered good comfort for a medium-haul flight. Legroom was reasonable, and the seat ergonomics made it easy to relax, whether watching a movie or taking a short nap.

In-flight entertainment was excellent, with a wide selection of movies, shows, and music. The touchscreen was responsive, and the headphone quality was decent for economy class. Meal service was efficient, and the food portions were generous. The taste was better than typical airline meals, and the warm bread roll is always a nice touch. Cabin crew were polite, attentive, and professional, checking in regularly without being intrusive.

Overall, Singapore Airlines delivered a solid and enjoyable economy experience — reliable service, comfortable seating, and a stress-free journey from takeoff to landing. A great way to begin a trip to Beijing.

#chinaadventures

#hellochristmas #singaporetrip #beijingtrip #singaporeairlines #sia #economyclass #flightreview #travelasia

To truly experience the spirit of old Beijing, you need to step off the beaten tourist paths and lose yourself in the maze of hutongs. This is a journey through time, where every turn reveals centuries of history embodied in stone and daily life.

Here’s your perfect half-day itinerary.

Part 1: Immersion in Authentic Hutongs

Forget the polished, restored alleys around the Forbidden City. Real life thrives in the hutongs north and west of the White Stupa Temple (Baitasi).

· Starting Point: Your journey begins at Xisi Metro Station.
· What to Expect: From the main streets, dozens of small, lively alleys branch off like capillaries. Here, you’ll find the essence of hutongs:
· Architecture: Gray bricks, old tiles, traditional courtyard homes (Siheyuan). Their weathered appearance is not neglect but authenticity.
· Life: Elderly residents playing mahjong, laundry fluttering on lines, the aroma of cooking food, bicycles and mopeds squeezing through narrow passages.
· Crafts: Street artisans repairing shoes or bicycles right at their doorsteps.

👀 Tip: Don’t hesitate to venture into the most inconspicuous side alleys. The true atmosphere is hidden there. But remember to respect the private lives of local residents.

Walk for 15-20 minutes

Part 2: White Stupa Temple (白塔寺, Báitǎ Sì)

From the chaotic world of hutongs, head to an oasis of tranquility.

· History: The temple was founded in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty by order of Kublai Khan. It is one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet.
· Main Attraction: The majestic white stupa, standing 51 meters tall. It was built to house Buddhist relics, modeled after a stupa in Nepal.

Walk 5 minutes from the temple

Part 3: Observation Deck at Yao Café and Traditional Pharmacy

End your day with the best view of the temple and an introduction to Chinese medicine.

· Address: 185 Fuchengmen Inner Street.
耀咖啡(白塔寺店)
· What to Do:
1. Head to the observation deck at Yao Café. From here, you’ll get the best view of the White Stupa Temple. It’s the perfect spot for sunset photos when the ancient stupa is bathed in golden light.
2. Try signature drinks. The café offers interesting seasonal options, such as persimmon coffee.
3. Explore the pharmacy. Go down to the second floor of the same building, where a traditional Chinese pharmacy is located. This is not a museum exhibit but a functioning establishment. Take in the pungent aroma of herbs, examine the giant cabinets with hundreds of wooden drawers, antique scales, and mortars.

FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?
Singapore passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. For longer stays or multiple entries, a visa is required.
What’s the best time to visit Beijing?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) have the best weather—cool, clear, and comfortable. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold and dry.
How do I get around Beijing?
The Beijing Subway is fast, cheap, and covers most tourist spots. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also widely used.
Can I use mobile payments in Beijing?
Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and foreigners can now link international credit cards to both apps.
What local foods should I try in Beijing?
Must-tries include Peking duck, zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), jianbing, and street snacks like tanghulu (candied hawthorn).

Leona

Traveller, Writer, Cat Lover, Sea Lover

Always on the hunt for smart travel! I love exploring new places, testing out travel products, and finding little hacks that make every trip smoother.

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