3 days
Imperial Beijing
- Tiananmen area
- Forbidden City
- Temple of Heaven
北京 arrival guide
Beijing arrival plan for first-time visitors.
History, imperial sites, Great Wall trips, museums, and travelers checking whether a short visa-free transit route can work.
Arrival airport
Beijing Capital (PEK) or Beijing Daxing (PKX)
Beijing has two major airports. Confirm PEK or PKX before booking hotels or transfers because the ground journey can differ a lot.
Last verified: 2026-07-01
First 24 hours
- Check in and keep your first route close to the hotel.
- Use the first evening for a simple meal and payment test.
- Save Forbidden City and Great Wall plans for a rested day.
Starter routes
Choose a realistic first itinerary.
5 days
Beijing plus the Great Wall
- Summer Palace
- Mutianyu Great Wall
- Hutong walk
7 days
Deeper culture route
- National Museum
- Lama Temple
- 798 Art District
Common mistakes
Avoid the first-day friction.
- Many major sites require booking or identity checks.
- Do not place Great Wall on arrival day.
- Check airport and station names carefully; Beijing has multiple large transport hubs.
Survival card preview
Driver-facing phrases unlock in the paid pack.
Please take me to the hotel address below.
Chinese version included in Survival Pack.
I have a reservation. Please help me check in.
Chinese version included in Survival Pack.
Where is the nearest subway entrance?
Chinese version included in Survival Pack.