Recommended day trip from beijing

Question

Hi all,

I am travelling to Beijing for 10days in Nov. As I am traveling with my elderly parents, I am planning to travel at a relaxed pace. If so, is 10 days in Beijing considered excessive or I should plan for other day trips? Besides Great Wall(Mutianyu), Gubei Town, are there any other day trips that you can recommend? thanks all for your suggestions.

Answer

Ten days in Beijing can feel long if you plan to stay strictly in the city, but it’s actually a good amount of time if you want to travel at a relaxed pace, especially with elderly parents. Beijing has many major attractions that can be tiring if done back-to-back, so spacing them out and adding day trips is a good idea.

Besides the Great Wall (Mutianyu) and Gubei Water Town, there are several other worthwhile day trips and nearby excursions that offer a mix of history, culture, and scenic views without too much physical strain:

Chengde Mountain Resort: About 3–4 hours northeast of Beijing, this was the summer retreat of Qing emperors. It has beautiful gardens, palaces, and temples.
Qinhuangdao & Shanhaiguan: A coastal city about 3 hours by car or train. The Shanhaiguan section of the Great Wall, also known as the “Old Dragon’s Head,” is where the Wall meets the sea. Easy walking and great photography.
Longqing Gorge: Approximately 90 minutes north of Beijing, offering river views, cliff scenery, and a small cable car for minimal walking. Good for a relaxed outdoor day trip.
Beijing Hutongs & Traditional Courtyards: Staying within the city, a guided rickshaw or walking tour through historic Hutongs can give cultural insight without too much exertion.
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): Although in Beijing proper, it’s spacious and scenic with options for short walks or boat rides, suitable for a slower pace.
Ming Tombs (Tomb of Emperor Yongle & Changling): About 50 km north of Beijing. There is an option to take a small electric shuttle or cable car, reducing the amount of walking.

Tips for planning with elderly parents:

Consider hiring a private car or joining small guided tours for day trips to minimize physical strain and simplify logistics.
Check accessibility and available transport options for each site—some areas may have stairs or uneven paths.
Plan city sightseeing and nearby trips on alternating days to avoid fatigue.
Dress in layers in November, as it can be chilly, especially at higher elevations like the Great Wall or Gubei Water Town.

In summary, ten days in Beijing is reasonable with a relaxed itinerary and a mix of city highlights and nearby day trips. Mutianyu, Gubei, Longqing Gorge, Chengde, Shanhaiguan, the Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, and some cultural city experiences can fill your time comfortably without feeling rushed.

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