Beijing Layover Guide (PKX)

Forbidden City

This UNESCO World Heritage site, was home to 24 emperors throughout the centuries. Once forbidden to access without permission from the emperor, now you can discover its wonders.The huge complex holds paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics of the imperial collections. The Forbidden City is full of yellow royal buildings. Learn about the rich history and the fascinating of residents such as royals, concubines and eunuchs who once lived here. » book this tour

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most famous sites in the world. Take the time to climb up the 20th Watchtower and take in the scenic view from this historical landmark. Marvel at the amazing structure that can even be seen from space. There is a relaxing return coach transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing downtown. » book this tour

Lama Temple

Visit the Tibetan-style Yonshe Temple or Lama Temple which seems like seeing ancient Beijing since it is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. It was initially built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty and served as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was a prince. The Qing Dynasty changed it to become a lamasery in 1744, and so it became the national centre of Lama administration. Explore the Temple and discover the treasures within. » book this tour

Beijing Opera

As one of the legacies left by the Qing Dynasty, the Beijing Opera is a staple of cultural tradition in the modern age. It has world-famous shows and dramatic storytelling which keeps the history alive. The imagery and sound in the Opera along evoke the styles and feel of ancient China.

Time required: A few hours.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour.

Beijing 798 Art Zone

The 798 Art Zone is famous for its unique art exhibition,special creation workshop and being a hub of urban culture in Beijing. It is said that walking in the 798 Art Zone, you can feel the contrast between past and present. The 798 Art Zone is a place where history, reality, industry and the arts are perfectly merged together.

Time required: Set aside at least an hour to explore the art zone.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour and 20 minutes.

Beihai Park

Despite Beihai Park being old, it is one of the most representative imperial gardens in China. It covers an entire 71 hectares which is full of pavilions, bridges, and gardens. There are delightful scenery and relaxing atmosphere with flourishing flowers and lush trees. It’s a great place for a walk while visiting the historical buildings of emperors nearby.

Time required: Set aside 1 or 2 hours to explore the park.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Panjiayuan Antique Market is one of the biggest antique markets in China. The market specialises in selling cloisonné, ivory carvings, jade pieces, lacquer carvings, antiques, freshwater pearls and others.

Time required: Set aside an hour or 2 to see the antique market.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour.

Summer Place

The Summer Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage and is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. It intricately harmonizes plants and paths as well as architecture and horticulture. It is a potent symbol of traditional Chinese gardens and has a picturesque environment with dragon boats on the Kunming Lake nearby.

Time required: At least an hour would be the minimum.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi an hour and 20 minutes.

The Hutongs

The mazes of narrow alleyways connecting old single-story traditional courtyard houses are Beijing’s Hutongs. They offer an insightful glimpse of the history of Beijing. Taking a rickshaw is an authentic way to explore or you can enjoy hutong walking tours to help you discover the most interesting hutong lanes which had significance in the Ming and Qing dynasty eras. The Beijing hutongs are full of activities such as shopping, dining, and experiencing the street life.

Time required: You will need at least 2-3 hour to explore.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of an hour and 15 minutes.

Beijing Zoo

The Beijing Zoo is a zoological park found in the Xicheng District of Beijing. It is one of the oldest zoos in the world since it was founded in 1906 during the late Qing dynasty. The zoo serves as a center of zoological research that studies and breeds rare animals from various continents. You can take time to admire the zoo’s main attraction, the Giant Pandas.

Time required: Half Day.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an hour on average.