One Week in Beijing
Though many people explore Beijing as a stopover to see the Great Wall of China, I think it deserves more time. It has many excellent sites to visit, including those on the UNESCO list. It’s also full of rich culture and history. The parks are beautiful.
It also has exciting streets to get lost in, and at the same time, it’s easy to get around. So despite being an overwhelming and congested city, I loved it.
China was my first country abroad and our first stop through our backpacking trip in Asia. It was a bit of a culture shock because rarely anyone speaks English, so it was hard to communicate and get around. But after a day, we got comfortable and used the Google Translate App to help us.
If you are thinking of seeing Beijing in one week, read along to find out what places to visit.
One Week in Beijing: Things to Do
Table of Contents
Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
It would be crazy to visit Beijing and not head to the Wall of China to cross this world wonder off your bucket list. We decided to visit the Mutianyu section because it’s less crowded than Badaling. Going to this section worked in our favor when taking photos. You can get there by bus, private taxi, or tour.
Forbidden City
Forbidden City is known as the Palace Museum. It served as the home to 24 emperors since the Ming and Qing dynasty from 1420-1912. The architecture of this place is what we most loved about it. With gold and blue details, and red rooftops, we fell in love with the beautiful structures.
This place became a UNESCO site because of its significance in Chinese architecture and culture. You will need comfortable shoes because this place is enormous! Just outside, you will find it surrounded by a moat and vendors lining the street just across Jingshan Park. You will cross from the South end to the North-leading you out to Jingshan Park.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is in the center of Beijing, just in front of Forbidden City. You can do both together. Tiananmen Square has the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Jingshan Park
The north exit of the Forbidden City leads you to Jingshan Park. We recommend climbing “Prospect Hill” to get a beautiful view of Forbidden City from above.
Exploring the gardens while snacking away on a bench and enjoying the view is a great way to enjoy peace at Jingshan Park. You’ll need that break after walking so much at Forbidden City.
Visit Hutongs
When we finished walking through Jinshang Park, we wandered to the eastside exit to walk and just get lost in the city. In only minutes, we found ourselves lost in Yuanjing Hutongs.
Hutongs are alleyways of old homes and shops that date back. Only a few remain, and they are a perfect place to wander and get small bites to eat. We found all types of bread, peanuts, dried foods, and seafood sold here.
Beihai Park
We didn’t plan on visiting Beihai Park, but somehow we ended up here after walking the Yuanjing Hutongs. It’s a former imperial park located in Northern Beijing. It’s another beautiful garden with palaces, temples, and a lake.
Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven was one of our favorite spots in Beijing. There are religious temples where prayer ceremonies to heaven took place annually, specifically at the Taoist temple by the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It’s also a UNESCO site because of its architecture. You’ll find every spot to be beautiful, including the peaceful gardens. You’ll even find people practicing Tai Chi, and you can join in if you’d like.
The Summer Palace
Despite being a massive city with many buildings and cars, Beijing has many beautiful lakes, gardens, and palaces. The Summer Palace is another UNESCO site found in Beijing because of its gorgeous gardens once visited by the Qing Dynasty.
The main attraction is Longevity Hill. When you ascend the hill, you get a breathtaking view of the city. The backside of the hill is Kunming Lake. You’ll want to walk the premises to enjoy this beauty. If you get tired, you can take a shortcut back on a small boat.
Dashilan Commercial
We also ended up on this street by accident one evening, but it turns out it’s pretty popular. Dashilar is only a few minutes from Tiananmen Square.
It’s a business street with hundreds of vendors on some streets and an outdoor mall on the main street. The items here are cheap, and it’s fun to walk around seeing all the little trinkets.
Beijing Zoo
The only reason we came to this zoo was to see Pandas. We were hesitant to visit, but I couldn’t resist seeing these beautiful mammals, and they did not disappoint.
The zoo began in 1906 since the Qing dynasty and is one of the oldest in China. However, we were more impressed with the Chinese gardens inside, which were beautiful.
Taikoo Li Sanlitun
Formerly known as Sanlitun Village, Taikoo Li Sanlitun is a popular shopping area with many stores, including fashion brands. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to stop here, but we did see how busy the site got when we passed by.
Eat Street Food
Hutongs are the place to go to try new food. We were a bit picky (it was our first trip abroad), so we didn’t try too many things. However, it’s a great place to experiment. We went around tasting things that weren’t as adventurous such as bread and sweets. A popular food to try in China is duck.
Side note: Restaurant service is different from the U.S. Your food may arrive all at once or in parts. Sometimes one person will get their meal while the other waits much longer. Also, sometimes you are served hot boiled water with your meals. I had no idea if they would bring me tea or coffee, but it turns out drinking hot water is normal practice in the morning. It’s to help the digestive system and get it going.
How to Get Around
Ride the Metro
The best way to get around Beijing is the Metro. It’s quick, cheap, and easy to understand. Because the Olympics were held here, everything has an English translation. If you ride during rush hour, expect to be packed inside like sardines!
Ride a Rickshaw
Rickshaws are a popular tourist transportation option because it allows you to see the streets of Beijing at a slower pace. Of course, it’s pricier than a taxi, but taking it once or twice is a perfect way to enjoy the city.
Take a Taxi
We never found one taxi driver who spoke English, so make sure you have the place you want to go written down, preferably in Chinese. Again, a translation app can help with this. Also, check that they have the meter turned one and expect a lot of traffic, especially at rush hour.
If you don’t want to get ripped off as we did upon airport arrival, go to the official taxi stand, which will charge less. Trust us on this! We got charged double what it should have been (beginner backpacker mistake). You can also hire a taxi for the day like we did to get to the Wall of China. Many people do it, and prices are reasonable.
Essential Things to know before visiting:
Great Firewall of China
China has a Great Firewall, meaning it regulates the internet and blocks selected foreign websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and more. Google will not work when you connect to WiFi, so we did some research on a different search engine. It’s www.baidu.com.
Luckily, with our T-mobile free-roaming, we could use our favorite sites because T-Mobile acts like a VPN, bypassing the Great Firewall. However, if you don’t have T-Mobile, you can download an app or install a VPN on your phone or device before arriving in China. A VPN will give you access to your favorite sites, and it’s convenient for getting around.
Visa Requirements
Most countries must apply for a visa beforehand because they don’t give them on arrival. They’re not cheap and take some work. You must have a letter of invitation from a relative or a detailed itinerary of your hotel stay, with return or outbound flights.
However, certain countries can visit visa-free for 72 hours, making Beijing a wonderful stopover city. So check your visa requirements before visiting!
Language Barriers
Rarely anyone speaks English, and I don’t expect that. But getting around can be tricky without a translation app. So make sure you have one before arriving. Also, learn critical common words that can help you get around.
Cash is King, Tipping, and Haggling
Although some places do accept cards, cash will be your best bet when getting around. The only currency accepted is the yuan, known as RMB or quai. Also, they don’t expect tips, nor do they practice tipping. Also, it’s okay to haggle since it’s a common practice.
The City has Pollution
Pollution is severe in Beijing and larger cities in China. No joke! We were there on the first warning of the Fall Season with pollution considered highly dangerous.
Even the sun could be clearly seen without squinting because the pollution created a very red effect of the sun. We even got a headache from the pollution. So, if you are sensitive to air pollution, wear a mask like the locals do and check the air quality each day.
Squat Toilets
Squat toilets might be new for you like it was for us. It was a bit of a culture shock because we had never used them before (only while camping). Just make sure to carry toilet paper or tissue because most toilets will not have any. Also, pack hand sanitizer.
Even the sun could be clearly seen without squinting because the pollution created a very red effect of the sun. We even got a headache from the pollution. So, if you are sensitive to air pollution, wear a mask like the locals do and check the air quality each day.
Driving in China
You are brave if you rent a car and drive in Beijing. There are no rules. None. It’s like red lights don’t exist, nor did it feel there was a driving side. It’s chaotic! I don’t recommend it. Instead, get around on the metro.
Culture
I share the things below because this was my first country abroad and I found them interestingly different to where I live.
Spitting is the norm. You’ll see it happen a lot, and you’ll see the spit on the floor, pretty much anywhere.
Personal space means something completely different. Life is rushed. So, expect pushes and shoves. Lines, what are those? You will be skipped. Just go up to the counter and ask for what you need.
Some Chinese will be excited to see tourists, especially Chinese tourists from smaller villages. Naturally, they’ll want to take pictures with you if you look different. So please don’t get offended, instead know that they’re excited.
Chinese are helpful and kind. But you do need to ask for help first if you need it. So, don’t be shy.
What to Pack
Are you planning a backpacking trip soon? Check out some of my favorite items to pack:
One Week in Beijing
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and purchase a product, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Please note I only recommend products and brands that I personally use or have used and believe in.
One Week in Beijing
Oh, lovely, there’s a lot more to see and do than I realised. Beijing is on my wishlist to visit, one of the great cities of East Asia and am very keen to see it all.
It’s such a great city. You’ll enjoy it.
My China travels have been quite limited to date and I definitely want to go back. I’ve always heard of Beijing as a place to visit on a layover, but seems like there is a good amount to do there. The Great Wall would be the big draw for me. Thanks for the tips on the less touristy area of Mutiany – thats more my vibe when visiting these types of places.
I’m glad we took more time to explore it. Definitely worth it because there is so much to do. But most popular places can be done on a long layover. Do go to Mutianyu if you can though.
We totally loved Beijing but only had 3-4 days there earlier this year and needed more time. I love reading your post and defo would agree with your tips for first timers heading to the Chinese capital. I hope to go back soon and finish off what we started. 🙂
Nice! I’m sure you’ll get to see many new and interesting spots. We hope to go to other parts of China someday.
We visited Beijing last year and it was a fascinating place to experience, such a crazy city and a huge culture shock. We loved the great wall and also visited the same section as it was quieter. One thing I did hate though was all the scammers, you really need to be careful!
Haha! Yes, definitely a culture shock for us. Life is very different and we also got scammed by the first taxi from the airport. 🙁 However, the city was great to explore.
Beijing is high on my list and I’d definitely need at least a week. This is such a great guide and your photos are stunning. I would definitely want to explore popular sights like the wall and Forbidden City but also the hutongs! Thanks for sharing.
I think you would really enjoy this city on a longer stop. I feel the limited normal 3 day stay makes you rush and most sites in Beijing involve a lot of walking!
Beijing is on my bucket list. I am going to bookmark this and use it as a planning resource. What a great tip to visit the Mutianyu section of the wall. I would prefer not be part of the crowds when I finally get to visit the Great Wall. Great shots as well!
Hope it helps you! SO many great things to do and you’ll love the Mutianyu section.
China is a fascinating country and there are so many sights to see and experience. This is a useful guide to first time visitors to plan their itinerary. My favourite places here would be the Great Wall and the Forbidden City which has always fascinated me ever since I saw the movie, “The Last Emperor”.
I’ve never seen the movie! I’ll have to look into it. But I agree, the Great Wall and Forbidden City are highlights!
I think this is the first time I have seen pictures of autumn foliage with the Great Wall of China. The vibrant colors offset the wall so well. And why did I never associate Pandas with this country?
I had no idea I was arriving to a Fall looking Wall and I LOVED it! It made it more beautiful. Haha! I associated Pandas even more since the movie Kung Fu Panda.
The Great Wall of China is absolutely a must do, you’re right! But I’ve seen that you listed such interesting highlights, I’m saving this for our trip!
Yes! Our favorite part was the Wall, a must. Hope it helps you on your trip.
This is a really comprehensive review. I have never been to China but would love to visit. While the Wall is a huge draw, I’m also particularly interested in Tiananmen Square. Thanks!
Thanks! Hope you get to make it soon. So many great things to enjoy!