Beijing · 44 m
Beijing
China’s capital for six centuries: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall at Mutianyu and the hutong lanes where people still live.
Altitude
44 m
Best time
Apr–May, Sep–Oct
Suggested stay
3–4 days
Beijing is flat and spread out, so the tiring part is distance, not climbing. The Forbidden City alone is a long walk from south gate to north gate, and the Great Wall is a day out of town. One big sight a day is plenty; keep the evenings for food and slow walks.
Best way to see it
- Walk the Forbidden City along the central axis in the morning, then climb Jingshan Park for the view over the roofs
- Give the Great Wall at Mutianyu a full day and use the cable car
- Come to the Temple of Heaven early, when locals sing, dance and exercise
- Spend an evening in the hutongs around Shichahai, or on Qianmen Street, with Peking duck for dinner
The Forbidden City is usually closed on Mondays, and tickets are booked ahead under each visitor’s passport name.
Sights
The Ming and Qing emperors’ palace. You walk in from the south and leave by the north gate, so the visit is one way. Booked ahead by passport name; usually closed on Mondays.
Long and mostly flat, with steps at each gate; about 4 h on the central axis
Good to know
- Major sights in Beijing are booked ahead by passport name, and you show the same passport at the gate. Keep it with you every day.
- Beijing air is dry, and spring and autumn mornings and evenings are cool. Bring a light jacket, lip balm and drink more water.
- Singapore passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days.
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