24hrs in Beijing

Question

So might have 24/30hrs in Beijing, what are your top places to visit? Never been to China before so keen to squeeze in as much touristic areas as possible

Answer

If you only have 24–30 hours in Beijing and want to see the key attractions, it's best to focus on the city's most iconic sights and plan your route efficiently. Beijing has excellent public transport, so you can combine metro and taxis to save time.

Suggested highlights:

Forbidden City (Palace Museum): A must-see historic site. Allocate 2–3 hours. Arrive early to avoid long lines and explore the main halls and courtyards.
Tiananmen Square: Adjacent to the Forbidden City, the world’s largest public square. Spend 30–45 minutes to view the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Temple of Heaven: Famous for its imperial architecture and surrounding park. A visit takes about 1–2 hours, and it’s a great place to see locals practicing Tai Chi in the morning.

Optional attractions if time allows:

Summer Palace: Beautiful lakes and gardens. Best if you have an extra half-day, otherwise skip.
Hutongs (old alleys) around Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang: Offers a glimpse of traditional Beijing life. Walking through can take 1–2 hours.
Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling): Only feasible if you have a full day or a 24-hour layover with early morning departure; otherwise, focus on central Beijing.

Food and evening:

Try local Beijing cuisine: Peking Duck at a recommended restaurant (Quanjude or Dadong).
If time permits, stroll Wangfujing Street for street food and souvenir shopping.

Tips:

Use metro or taxis to maximize sightseeing in a short period.
Start early to cover more attractions and avoid peak crowds.
Plan indoor attractions around possible weather, as Beijing can be cold or hot depending on the season.

In summary, for 24–30 hours in Beijing, prioritize the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and explore a Hutong or Wangfujing Street for local culture and food. Skip the Great Wall unless you have additional time.

24hrs in Beijing

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