14 days in beijing

Question

Hi friends,

I have booked a trip to beijing for 14 days with my partner (end march to early april). Is it too long? Can I have some suggestions whether I should travel out in this 14 days or still ok to stay in Beijing the whole time? Is staying all 14 days in 1 place (hotel/ apartment) a good idea? I prefer something relaxed not too tiring.

Thank you.

Answer

Hello,

Spending 14 days in Beijing can be a wonderful experience if you enjoy a relaxed pace and want to explore the city in depth. However, 14 days in one city may feel long if you only plan to visit the main tourist sites, as Beijing’s core attractions can be covered in 4–6 days at a comfortable pace. With your preference for a relaxed, non-tiring trip, it’s worth planning a mix of in-city exploration and short trips outside the city.

Staying All 14 Days in Beijing:

Pros: You can unpack once, settle into a hotel or apartment, and enjoy a slower pace without constant packing and moving. This works well if you prefer to explore at your own speed, revisit favorite areas, or enjoy local cafés, markets, and parks.
Cons: Without variation, you may get bored of the same surroundings after a week. Beijing is large, and traveling to outer attractions (like the Great Wall) still requires some commuting, which can feel repetitive.

Day Trips and Short Excursions:

Great Wall: Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or Simatai sections offer less crowded experiences. A 1-day or overnight trip can break up the stay in the city.
Chengde / Summer Mountain Resort: About 3–4 hours away, this imperial retreat is scenic and historic, suitable for a 1–2 day visit.
Tangshan / Tianjin: These cities can be reached by train in 1–2 hours, offering a different urban experience and coastal scenery.

In-City Activities for a Relaxed Pace:

Visit historical sites like the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, and Hutong neighborhoods at a leisurely pace.
Explore parks and gardens such as Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, and Olympic Forest Park for outdoor relaxation.
Take time to enjoy local food streets, tea houses, and cultural performances like Peking opera or acrobatics.
Consider a few slower days in cafés, bookshops, or art districts like 798 Art Zone to balance sightseeing and downtime.

Accommodation Advice:

Staying in one hotel/apartment is practical for a relaxed trip. Choose a location central to your preferred attractions to minimize commuting.
If you plan overnight trips outside Beijing, you can either return to the same hotel or try a night in a nearby town for variety.

Summary Recommendation:

Your 14-day stay in Beijing is not too long if you mix in relaxed city exploration with a few short trips outside the city. A central base is convenient and stress-free, but including 2–3 excursions outside the city will make the trip more varied and enjoyable without being tiring. Plan alternating active and leisure days to keep a comfortable pace.

14 days in beijing

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