An EPIC Time In China, Beijing!
If you’re thinking about taking a trip to China, you should! Not only is it way more beautiful than you could ever imagine, but it’s packed with incredible things to do, fascinating culture, super-friendly locals, and a huge landscape that would honestly take months to fully explore.
My mum and I spent three weeks travelling around China, ticking off some iconic spots and hidden gems, and we still barely scratched the surface. We started our trip in Beijing, and honestly… what a way to kick off the ultimate mother-daughter adventure.
From a World Wonder and lively streets to unreal £1.50 food and unforgettable landmarks, Beijing and all the other cities completely surprised me in the best way possible, so much so that China made my Top 10 favourite countries of all time!
In this guide, I’m sharing my top tips for visiting China, plus how to make the most of four days in Beijing, including the best areas to stay, hotel recommendations, must-do activities, and some gorgeous food spot you absolutely cannot miss. You ready?
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What You Need To Know About China/Beijing
Currency: China uses the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB/CNY). Cash is accepted, but most locals pay digitally through WeChat and AliPay. International bank cards are becoming more accepted in big cities like Beijing, but it’s still smart to carry a little cash (we only brought £50 for our entire 3-week trip, and it lasted). Set up Alipay and WeChat before you arrive, you’re gonna need it!
Diversity & Language: China is incredibly diverse, with over 50 ethnic groups, regional cuisines, accents, and traditions. In Beijing, Mandarin is the main language, and English is limited outside tourist areas, hotels, and among younger crowds. Translation apps are a lifesaver! But I found they are also translation app-ready. Locals are often curious and friendly towards tourists, and a few Manarin phrases go along way!
Getting Around: Beijing is huge, but surprisingly easy to navigate thanks to its modern subway system. The metro is cheap, clean, safe, and the fastest way to avoid traffic. High-speed trains connect major cities across China and are honestly one of the coolest travel experiences there. Via Alipay, you can use DiDi, which is similar to the UK’s Uber but better. Rides are very cheap, and you can upgrade to premium for a small fee (e.g. £1). We had a few premium cars with lights, massaging chairs, water, and Michael Jackson music, which was lit. Tour guides are easy to book.
Best Season & Duration: The best time to visit Beijing is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is cooler, skies are clearer, and attractions are more comfortable to explore. Summer can be very hot and crowded, while winters are freezing and beautiful if you want snowy palace vibes. Try to avoid major holidays, as they get extremely busy. For Beijing alone, 4-6 days is ideal to see the major highlights without rushing.
Norms & Values: Chinese culture places strong importance on respect, politeness, family, and social harmony. Public behaviour is generally modest, and people appreciate patience and good manners. Queueing culture can feel faster-paced than in the UK, especially in busy stations or attractions. It’s common to share dishes at meals, and abruptly refusing hospitality too directly can sometimes come across as impolite.
Relevant Knowledge: You’ll usually be served with chopsticks, which I’m now a pro at! But, avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in rice as it is associated with funerals. Avoid speaking disrespectfully about politics and sensitive government topics. Always carry your passport when heading to attractions, as your ID is connected with your entry. Always bring toilet tissue, as tissue is not always readily available. Finally, enjoy being in Beijing, it’s a chill city and extremely safe overall, even late at night in busy areas. Plus, there are cameras and mobile police EVERYWHERE, which provides an extra sense of security. Check GOV.UK to stay up-to-date with the latest travel advice on China.
China has become one of my favourite destinations to visit worldwide!
Best Area & Places To Stay In Beijing
Wangfujing / Dongcheng. This is the easiest, most central, and most recommended area for first-timers to stay. You’re close to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, temples, shopping streets, food, and multiple metro lines. It’s the classic Beijing base with affordable hotels and within walking distance to the action. Although a highly recommended base, it’s not a must. My mum and I enjoyed being on the outskirts, with a more local vibe, and taking taxis into town despite the traffic.
🩵 Recommends: Sunworld Hotel Wangujing offers a cool 4-star stay with good-looking rooms and design.
Sanlitun/Chaoyang. This area is known for its modern luxury and nightlife; it’s pretty impressive. It’s the trendy, international side of Beijing. Think rooftop bars, luxury malls, designer stores, cocktail spots, and a younger energy, rather than the iconic, historic Beijing. It’s an awesome base, especially if you’re looking for more of a Western boujee vibe. Mum and I really loved this area and came across some cool spots whilst exploring it.
🩵 Recommends: Sanlitun Service Apartments offers a gorgeous, cosy stay with all the desired amenities.
Hutong Area (Houhai/ Gulou/ Nanluguxiang). This area is a great base offering the best atmosphere. Narrow alleyways, lanterns, tea houses, hidden cafes, local food, bicycles, and courtyards are what you will experience if you choose to stay here. It feels completely different from the modern city and gives a unique, cinematic, old Beijing vibe.
🩵 Recommends: Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Courtyard is a stunning, peaceful retreat with traditional activities available in-house.
Hotel Highlights
I was really sceptical about the hotels in China, as all the hotels looked too good to be true, and I didn’t want to be disappointed. However, all the hotels we stayed at throughout our trip to China did not disappoint! I booked most of my hotels through Booking, but Trip.com offers more hotels and is more widely used.
A.C Art Museum Hotel
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The A.C. Art Museum Hotel stood out to me as the interior was very impressive. The marble floor, the statues, and the artwork were incredible. Plus, the room itself is spacious with incredible views. The staff were friendly, the restaurant food was delicious (delivered to our room by a robot), and the overall vibe made this hotel stand out. The room rate was a good value at £48 a night.
Dequan Luxury Guomao Hotel
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Dequan Luxury Guomao Hotel stands out for being very modern, with stylish rooms featuring smart amenities such as a projector, cool lights, a lighted space-themed ceiling, closing curtains, and an automatic flushing toilet. It’s not in a central location but is still near the centre, with food and shops being cheaper than in town. The room rate was also a good value at £37 a night.
Beijing Food Spot Favourites
Food in Beijing is a huge part of the experience, and honestly, one of the highlights of visiting China. There is food EVERYWHERE throughout China, like literally, everywhere! Every other shop is a food shop, so you won’t starve, don’t worry.
Beijing is famous for its rich, flavourful northern cuisine, with iconic dishes like Peking Duck and handmade noodles. dumplings, hotpot, and delicious but healthy-tasting treats. One of the best things about eating in Beijing is the variety, from tiny local restaurants packed with locals to luxury dining spots that’ll blow your mind – (especially because of the price, in a good way).
Meals are often shared between tables, making food feel very social and communal. Even wandering through the hutongs, you’ll constantly find the smell of sizzling skewers, fresh bao buns, sweet pastries, and bubbling broths filling the streets. Here are some of our favourite food spots in Beijing:
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. Renminshiji Food Market.
OMG, what a find! We went to Renminshiji Food Market on Wangfujing Pedestrian Street multiple times to satisfy our cravings because it offered a wide range of meat, noodles, rice, bubble tea, Peking duck, and more. We each enjoyed a noodle meal, with a side of meat dumplings and 2 bubble teas, for a total of £12. Now that is how Beijing impresses. This food spot is not to be missed.
Favourite Food Market worldwide! Was so delicious and relatively cheap too
Sanlitun, T+ Mall. Ahn Yoo Pop Korean Barbecue.
Whilst strolling through Sanlitum T+ Mall, we came across Ahn Yoo Pop Korean Barbeque. This was a random stop as the interior just looked cool. We loved the way the tables were laid out, and the dishes looked delicious. You pick what you want, from meats to vegetables, and have someone cook it at your table on a stove. It was an interesting experience, and we really couldn’t fault the meal as a whole. Solid 9/10 and for under £30 for 2 people.
Basic starters, and then order as much meat and veg as you go along and they cook it for you
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. The Chocolate Museum.
For a sweet treat, The Chocolate Museum on Wanfujing Pedestrian Street is it. You can try different chocolates for free and purchase a variety of other sweet treats. We loved the wrapped sweet section, where you can fill up your bag with random treats. The White Rabbit originals are the best, and so are anything in a pink packet (sorry, don’t know the name of the other sweets). The prices weren’t too bad either, with 1/4 of the bag costing £7.
The Chocolate Museum has so many cool chocolates and sweets
Guijie Street, Bakery Store.
I’m not exactly sure of the bakery’s name, but it’s on Guijie Street, right next to the restaurant pictured below. They have a fresh selection of different treats that will blow your mind. My mum and I went a little crazy with it, but loved most of them, absolutely stunning. Somehow they tasted slightly healthy, so we didn’t feel too bad eating them all. We got around 8 items for around £9, which you could never get in England, so we were happy.
This bakery was bussing! Soo damn good.
Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!
Fun Things To Do In Beijing
You cannot skip Beijing when planning a trip to China, that’s just criminal! We were able to fit a lot in for our 4-day trip without feeling rushed, and we loved all the attractions Beijing has to offer. I’ll start with the big day tours and then some other cool spots you can visit without a tour guide.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall of China
On one of our days, we booked the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, & Great Wall of China Tour. We knew it was going to be a big day, and it was. The tour was around 11 hours, and we covered the iconic spots you shouldn’t miss if you only had one day.
We started the day around 8 am on a coach with a small group and headed to Tiananmen Square first. Heads up, leave your bag on the coach and only bring your passport as it’s easier to get through the queue. Mum and I brought a small bag, and it caused so many issues, which our guide amazingly navigated through – she was a pro, but it was still an inconvenience.
Once we got to Tiananmen Square, our lovely guide gave us some great info via the headphones we’d been provided about the history and let us explore. It’s a massive, completely open square, with flags stretching overhead and crowds moving in every direction, yet it still somehow feels the same. You’ll spot a heavy security presence, making you realise how significant this area is. It was an iconic spot to visit, given its infamous history, and a genuine, surreal moment to be there.
Enjoying Tiananmen Square’s huge open space
Then we walked over to the Forbidden City, where there were so many intricately detailed temples, gates, and courtyards. The Forbidden City is known as the former imperial palace of Chinese emperors for centuries, and it’s one of the best-preserved palace complexes in the world, making a walk through it feel almost unreal.
As we moved through the enormous stone pathways and towering red walls, every entrance revealed another layer of stunning details, with golden paint that was fascinating to the eye. This historic place will take you by surprise. It was honestly incredible to walk through something so iconic and see it in person.
Outside of the Forbidden City and Chinese Traditional outfits
After exploring the Forbidden City, we made our way back through the crowds and onto the coach, ready for the final and most anticipated stop of the day, the Great Wall of China. As we got further out of the city, the scenery slowly started to change, with historic buildings fading into mountains and open landscapes.
When we finally arrived at the Great Wall of China, you could immediately feel why it’s considered one of the world’s wonders. The Wall stretches out across the mountains like it has no end, weaving and wandering into the distance.
Our tour guide took us to the cable car section, which led us up to Tower 14, where we could spend a few hours exploring. There is an option to do the Tobago Slide down, but all of us on the coach wanted to walk The Wall instead. The cable car up was super high and provided unreal views.
Once we got to Tower 14, we started making our way up. Heads up: it gets far steeper and more intense than it looks in photos. The stone steps are uneven in places, and some sections are almost vertical, so you really have to take your time. But every pause gives you a chance to look around, and the views just keep getting better the higher you go. Disclaimer: You will see a lot of flies up there, but don’t let that put you off.
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After spending time walking along the Great Wall of China and taking it all in, we eventually made our way down. We surprisingly weren’t that exhausted, just in awe of what we accomplished and experienced. It honestly felt like the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.
So, if you’re going to do just one tour in Beijing, the Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, & Great Wall of China Tour is the one to set your eyes on for your travel itinerary.
Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple & Summer Palace
For another day in Beijing, we booked the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, & Summer Palace Tour. It was a slightly more relaxed but still semi-big day, lasting around 8 hours and covering more of the city’s iconic landmarks that you really don’t want to miss when visiting China.
We started the day around 9 am on a coach, accompanied by a mid-size group, all curious to see what the hype around these famous Beijing attractions was about. Our first stop was the Temple of Heaven, where we spent a couple of hours exploring its open parklands and striking architecture. It’s one of the most important examples of Chinese ritual designs, and you can really feel the balance of calmness and history as you walk through it, especially with locals practising tai chi and playing foot badminton (which I got involved in and was super terrible at).
Our guide was fantastic, explaining the site’s history in detail and answering all our questions, no matter how random. Plus, the people on our tour were really friendly, which made the tour even better.
At the Temple of Heavens
From there, we had a food break and were served an unreal feast that included the iconic Peking duck. Then, we continued to the Lama Temple, which had a completely different feel from the open spaces of the Temple of Heaven. It felt more enclosed, incense-filled, and spiritual, with each courtyard offering its own uniqueness.
The Lama Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing, and you can see that reflected in the beautiful carvings, vibrant colours, and towering statues inside the main halls. The most iconic part was the huge Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood; it was enormous. If I remember correctly, our guide said it took 3 years to transport the wood from Tibet to Beijing. It was really cool to witness. After some prayers with incense, we made our way to the coach for our final stop, Summer Palace.
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After visiting the Lama Temple, we headed to our final stop of the day, the Summer Palace. It was the perfect way to end the tour. Compared to the busy streets and temples earlier in the day, everything felt far more peaceful and open, with huge lakes, traditional bridges, and palace buildings surrounded by greenery and hills.
We had a cool boat ride to the main attraction, the Summer Palace, and the scenery was just stunning. The architecture was beautiful, but what made the Summer Palace stand out most was the atmosphere; it felt calm and elegant, and at times it looked unreal, especially when looking out across Kunming Lake with the mountains in the background.
One of the most impressive parts was seeing just how enormous the palace grounds are. There were hidden viewpoints, ornate buildings with detailed paintings at every corner. Even with plenty of visitors around, it never felt overly hectic because the space is so vast.
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After a full day exploring, it was the perfect place to slow down a little, take in the scenery, and end the tour on a more relaxing note. So, if you have a few days exploring Beijing, the Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, & Summer Palace Tour is one to add to your China itinerary.
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
One place we kept finding ourselves drawn back to in Beijing was Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. It’s one of the city’s most famous shopping streets, with a lively atmosphere both day and night. The entire street is lined with huge shopping centres, food spots, souvenir stores, luxury brands, and bright screens lighting up the area, making it feel energetic no matter what time you visit.
We kept going back to the food market (as mentioned in the food section) because it was cheap, delicious, and very clean. But, what made Wangfujing Pedestrian Street really stand out was how it blended modern Beijing with traditional toyches at the same time. One minute you’re walking past massive designer stores and futuristic buildings, the next you’re stepping into smaller side streets filled with local snack stalls, tea shops, and hidden restaurants.
At night, you can expect a busier crowd, with music places, the smell of food sizzling on grills, and a lively atmosphere. You don’t need a plan, just wander and soak up what this iconic strip has to offer. Wangujing Pedestrian Street is defo worthy of a spot on your itinerary if you’ve got the time.
Loving Wangijing Pedestrian Street and the cool drinks dispenser on the right
Sanlitun SOHO
Another area we loved exploring in Beijing was Sanlitun SOHO, which gave a different vibe to the city’s historic landmarks and traditional temples. This part of Beijing is modern, stylish, and full of energy, with huge shopping centres and stunning skyscrapers. rooftop restaurants, luxury stores and cafes, creating a more international and western side to the city.
We walked around Sanlitun SOHO in the evening and really loved the energy there, with bright lights, glass buildings, and people strolling and living their best lives. Here is where we found the awesome Korean BBQ spot (as mentioned in the food section) and a delicious cake store we were obsessed with.
One of the best things about Sanlitun was how much there was to do in one area. Whether it was shopping, trying different restaurants, or simply exploring the area, it felt lively without being overwhelming. We were just left to it. If you want to experience Beijing beyond the temples and palaces, Sanlitun SOHO is definitely worth visiting for a more modern and upscale side of the city.
Sanlitun T+ Mall was actually a cool spot to hang out
Other Tours from Beijing
Beijing is full of cool things to do, whether you’re staying for a few days or a few weeks, you won’t get bored. If you have more time after all the jam-packed days exploring Beijing, you could add on some other great activities, such as a Walking Food Tour, Night Acrobatic Show, or a Night Tour of Simatai & Gubei Water Town.
Here’s also a great collection of the best guided tours to take whilst visiting Beijing, China.
Best Tour Collection!
– Beijing
Onward Travel From Beijing
One of the best things about visiting Beijing is how well-connected it is and how easy it is to travel to the rest of China. Whether you want more history, nature, or modern city life, there are plenty of great options for your next stop, depending on the type of experience you’re after. Mum and I flew to Chongqing after Beijing, where we spent a few nights before taking a train to Chengdu, which we booked via Trip.com. There are some really cool alternatives from Beijing, depending on the vibe you want next:
Xi’an. From Beijing, you can take a high-speed train to Xi’an in around 4.5-6 hours, or a short domestic flight of around 2 hours. Xi’an is best known for the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries. It’s a must-visit if you’re interested in ancient Chinese history, and the city itself is surrounded by impressive city walls and a lively Muslim Quarter full of street food.
Shanghai. You can reach Shanghai by high-speed train in about 4.5-6 hours, or fly there in roughly 2 hours. Shanghai is the complete opposite of Beijing in many ways, as it’s ultra-modern, fast-paced, and full of futuristic skyscrapers. If you’re looking for luxury, shopping, and cosmopolitan city life, Shanghai is your ideal next spot.
Chengdu. A flight from Beijing to Chengdu takes around 3 hours. This location is most famous for its giant pandas, which alone make it worth the visit, as well as its amazing food scene, especially if you love hotpot. The city has a much more relaxed, laid-back vibe, making it a great place to slow down whilst still experiencing a major Chinese city.
Zhangjiajie. To reach Zhangjiajie, you’ll need a 2.5-hour flight from Beijing, plus a short transfer into the national park area. This destination is completely different to the cities, it’s all about dramatic natural scenery and misty mountain landscapes that inspire Avatar’s floating mountains. It’s perfect if you want something more adventurous and outdoors-focused after Beijing’s urban and historical sites.
Chongqing. A flight from Beijing to Chongqing takes around 3 hours, or a high-speed train around 6.5-8 hours. It’s one of China’s most dramatic and visually striking cities, built across steep hills, with skyscrapers, bridges, and railways stacked at different elevations. It’s best known for its futuristic, almost cyberpunk-style cityscape with neon lights at night. This was our next stop from Beijing, and OMG, what an experience it was.
Chengdu (L) and Chongqing (R) are amazing stops to explore after Beijing
That’s A Wrap!
Exploring Beijing was honestly one of the most unforgettable travel experiences I’ve had. China is my new Top 10 as it truly deserves a spot for its diverse cities, food, people, and experiences. Every day felt completely different, but equally full of moments that stayed with us long after we left.
From walking through Tiananmen Square, walking the Great Wall of China, and seeing the stunning Summer Palace and the liveliness of Sanlitun SOHO, Beijing really came through and showcased its worthiness of belonging on a China itinerary. I’m totally obsessed. It’s a city that constantly shifts depending on where you are and what time of day it is, which makes it feel endlessly interesting.
If you’re thinking about visiting China, Beijing is the perfect place to start. It’s incredibly beautiful and rewarding, and more than anything, it’s a city that stays with you, long after you’ve moved on to your next destination. So, what are you waiting for? This is your sign to say YES to that trip to China, you won’t regret it!
