5 Popular Tourist Routes In Beijing (2025)

1. Imperial Heritage Route

• Route: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Jingshan Park → Beihai Park.
• Key Experiences:
  • Sunrise flag-raising at Tiananmen (arrive by 4:30 AM).
  • Hidden photography spots in Forbidden City (e.g., Corner Towers at golden hour).
  • Panoramic city views from Jingshan’s Wanchun Pavilion.

  

• Pro Tip: Enter Forbidden City via Donghuamen Gate to avoid crowds.

2. Great Wall Adventure

• Top Sections:
  • Mutianyu: Less crowded, cable car available (¥120 round-trip).
  • Jiankou: Wild, unrestored trails for hikers (bring supplies).
• Transport: High-speed train from Beijing North Station (¥30, 1hr).

3. Hutong & Local Culture

• Route: Nanluoguxiang → Shichahai → Drum Tower → Houhai Lake.
• Must-Do:
  • Breakfast at Huguosi Snack Street (try douzhi fermented drink).
  • Rickshaw tour through Yandai Xiejie tobacco-pipe alley.

  

• Nightlife: Bar hopping at Houhai with lakeside views.

4. Modern Beijing & Art

• Highlights:
  • 798 Art Zone: Free exhibitions and industrial-chic cafes.
  • Sanlitun: Boutique shopping and international dining.

  

• New in 2025: Daxing Art District’s immersive digital exhibitions.

5. Day Trips from Beijing

• Chengde Summer Resort: UNESCO imperial retreat (2.5hr by train).
• Tianjin: Blend of colonial architecture and seafood (30min by高铁).

Comparison Chart: Routes by Interest

Pro Tips:

• Book Forbidden City tickets 7 days ahead via official WeChat mini-program.
• Use “Beijing Culture Pass” for discounted metro/attraction combos (¥150/week).