Your Ultimate Beijing Complete Travel Guide

My dears, if you’re planning a trip to Beijing, this is the complete travel guide you absolutely must read before you go! I’ve compiled everything from ticket prices to insider tips, so you can explore the city’s treasures without falling into common traps. From iconic Beijing attractions to practical advice on navigating its bustling streets, I hope you find this guide as informative and reassuring as I did while planning my visit.

Where to Go: Must-See Beijing Attractions and Ticket Prices

Beijing’s attractions are beautifully spread across several districts, each with its own vibe and highlights. Here’s how I mapped out my itinerary with current ticket prices to help you budget:

• Haidian District: Summer Palace (30 yuan), Yuanmingyuan combined ticket (25 yuan), Xiangshan Park (15 yuan), Haidian Park (free), Oceanarium (170 yuan), and the famous Tsinghua & Peking Universities (both free).
• Dongcheng District: Tiananmen Square (free), Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (free), Forbidden City (40 yuan), Temple of Heaven combined ticket (34 yuan), Lama Temple (25 yuan), Confucius Temple (30 yuan), National Museum (free), Nanluoguxiang Hutong (free), Natural History Museum (free), Wangfujing (free), Zhongshan Park (3 yuan).
• Xicheng District: Prince Gong’s Mansion (40 yuan), Jingshan Park (2 yuan), Beihai Park (free), Shichahai (free), and Niujie Mosque (free).
• Chaoyang District: Olympic Park (free), Bird’s Nest Stadium (100 yuan), Water Cube (30 yuan), Chaoyang Park (free), Sanlitun (free), and Beijing Happy Valley amusement park (299 yuan).
• Others: Universal Studios Beijing (315 yuan), Ming Tombs (40 yuan), Badaling Great Wall (40 yuan), and Mutianyu Great Wall (45 yuan).

This variety means whether you love history, nature, or modern thrills, Beijing has something unforgettable waiting for you.

Insider Tips for a Smooth Beijing Trip

Here are some key tips I learned — don’t make the mistakes I almost did:

• Beware of the 50 yuan Great Wall one-day tours: These are often scams or offer very poor experiences. Instead, invest a little more to enjoy the authenticity and beauty without the hassle.
• Bring your own power bank when visiting the Forbidden City: There are no rentals there, and you’ll want your devices charged for those stunning photo ops.
• Avoid sitting in private seats by Shichahai Lake: The cost of consumption is outrageously high, so it’s better to enjoy the public areas or find a cozy cafe nearby.
• No eating or drinking inside the National Museum: I almost forgot this rule and had to leave my water bottle outside. Keep your snacks and drinks handy only for outside the venue.
• Don’t drive or enter Tiananmen Square with out-of-town vehicles during the flag-raising ceremony: It’s strictly controlled 24 hours a day, so better to use public transport or taxis to avoid any stress.

Planning Your Visit: More Tips and Helpful Resources

If you want to dive deeper into planning your trip, check out this Beijing Travel Guide on TravelChinaGuide.com — it covers everything from maps to transportation and detailed tips on top Beijing attractions. Watching travel vlogs can also give you an unfiltered look, like this “Back in Beijing” VLOG on YouTube, which captures the city’s vibrant energy through a visitor’s lens.

Final Thoughts on Your Beijing Adventure

Beijing is a city of contrasts, where ancient history and modern excitement coexist side by side. With this Beijing travel guide, you can feel confident navigating everything from the majestic Forbidden City to the expansive Great Wall. Remember to plan carefully, respect local rules, and embrace the city’s unique rhythm. I hope your trip fills you with the same awe and joy that mine did!

Hurry up and save it, be sure to read it before you go~ Your unforgettable Beijing journey starts here!

Save this itinerary for your next China trip — you’ll thank yourself later!