Top Beijing Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews & photos]

Beijing Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

55 Beijing trips. Compare tour itineraries from 27 tour companies. 424 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

Small Group Beijing Tours

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Top Beijing Attractions

  • Riding a rickshaw through the winding streets of the Hutong, Beijing’s historic district.
  • Climbing up one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China, and having a view at the expansive Chinese countryside.
  • Walking through an impressive and expansive night market in the city, and trying exotic snacks.
  • Spending an afternoon admiring the incredible Forbidden City and its multiple palaces.
  • Taking your first bite of succulent Peking duck in Beijing, the city where the dish was invented.
  • Hiking up Victoria Peak to get an amazing view of the modern city below.

Beijing Tours & Travel Guide

Beijing Attractions & Landmarks Guide

6 Best Things To Do on a Tour in Beijing

  1. The Forbidden City. This incredible attraction is named after the fact that it was not open to the public until 1924 -- it was believed to be a divine place housing rulers chosen by God, and so ordinary people were not allowed to enter. The Forbidden City includes the largest palatial home in the world, which took 14 years to build and has served 24 emperors in its history. It is an incredible example of traditional Chinese architecture, and includes 100 acres of beautifully manicured gardens.
  2. The Palace Museum. Inside the Forbidden City is the Palace Museum, which holds over 1 million pieces of rare Chinese art, and has some of the most impressive displays in the world. If you are at all interested in Chinese history and culture, this museum is a must-see on your trip to Beijing.
  3. Tiananmen Square. This large square (technically the 4th largest in the world) is a key component of any historical tour of Beijing. The iconic spot of the Tiananmen Square Massacre is a great place to learn about China’s controversial past and present political system, censorship, and those who protested it. You can also visit Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and see his remains.
  4. The Hutongs. The Hutongs are Beijing’s historic residential area that was primarily built during the 15th century.  The homes are, for the most part, single story and multi-generational, with small courtyards. They can be found on small, tree-lined alleyways, which aren’t wide enough for cars, so you can fully experience what life was like in ancient China -- and if you need a lift, take a rickshaw!
  5. Walk Wangfujing. the city’s most popular shopping street. The 1 mile long road is lit with neon signs is one of the busiest in the city, so if you dislike crowds, maybe skip this attraction. Its shops range from large and modern department stores, to time honored traditional Chinese shops specialize in everything from silk to hats.
  6. Donghuamen Night Market. This market is made up of hundreds speciality stands, selling all kinds of exotic food. If you’re feeling adventurous, fried starfish, scorpion, snake, and sheep’s penis are all served on a stick. There are also more classic dishes available, such as handmade dumplings, fried noodles, wontons, and fried ice cream, for sale.

5 Top Beijing Travel Tips

The good news is that if you’re on a group or guided tour of Beijing, there is a lot less you have to worry about. From figuring out how to navigate a public transportation system not only in a different language, but a language in different characters, to balancing different activities depending on when they’re open and what you get tickets to -- your tour guide is going to have it taken care of. That being said, there are still some things any foreign traveler to Beijing should be aware of before arriving.

  1. The day doesn’t end when the sun sets. Most tours plan your itinerary for the entire day, not for the night. At the start of your trip you may need this time to catch up on some much-needed sleep and beat your jet lag, though Beijing’s nightlife is not something you should miss. Beijing has it all -- from casual karaoke venues, to ritzy nightclubs, to scenic rooftop bars, there is something for everyone, so get out of your comfort zone and meet some locals!

  2. Learn a few words in Mandarin, which is the language spoken in Beijing. Even with your tour guide, the people you interact with will appreciate your being able to say a quick “hello” (ni hao) and “thank you” (xiexie). And when you need to get through a crowded street, knwoing how to say “excuse me” ( jièguò yīxià) may be invaluable!

  3. Chinese massages aren’t what you might expect. Sometimes confused with Thai massages, people often recommend you get a cheap massage in China. However, Chinese massages are a bit different -- the Chinese prioritize healing over physical pleasure, and this means your “massage” may consist mainly of suction cups, needles, and wooden hammers instead of kneading hands. This doesn’t mean they aren’t fun to try, or effective, just be aware before booking your first one!

  4. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The vast majority of bathrooms in Beijing are “squat toilets” -- essentially a toilet boil in the ground, without a seat or their own toilet paper -- so you will probably run into at least a couple on your Beijing trip. If you have your own supplies, you’ll be prepared.

  5. Watch where you’re crossing! Pedestrians don’t have the right of way in Beijing, and traffic can be confusing and chaotic. This can be intimidating when you first get to the city. When you do decide to cross, pick a line and stay on it. This way, cars will be able to easily drive around you.


What to Eat in Beijing

  • Peking Duck: This delicacy dates back to the imperial kitchens in 1330, and it became eponymous with Beijing—or Peking, as it was then known—in the 1450s.
  • Qianlong Cabbage: This tasty vegetarian dish is made of shredded cabbage soaked in a tasty soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame. It’s also a Beijing staple, so whether you have it as a side or your main course, know that you’re eating a traditional and still-popular dish.
  • Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles: These wheat noodles are served in a big bowl topped in garnish, occasionally bits of fried pork, and with a delicious side of dark brown sauce. This sauce is essentially a salty, soybean reduction.
  • Wandouhuang (Pea Cake): This “snack” was a favorite of one of China’s empresses, and remains a staple snack food. The yellow gelatin-like squares look sweet, and are bright yellow in color, but taste like peas.
  • Old Beijing’s Pear Drink: This sweet tea-like drink is made of pear, plums, wolfberries -- as well white fungus and rock sugar. It is a popular palette cleanser, and known for easing sore throats, so give it a try!
  • Anything on a skewer: A trip to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without a taste of the city’s famous street food, a great portion of which is sold on sticks. So whatever calls your fancy, from prawns, to mushrooms, to more exotic pickings like starfish. You will watch the meal get fried up right in front of you, and get to choose how spicy you want it.

Beijing Reviews & Ratings

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great trip, who have interest and energy

Kris was an excellent guide with detailed knowledge on the Nation and people of China. Answered questions with a easily to understand words. There is little rest s...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Captivating China

Superb trip with plenty to see and do. The Great Wall is amazing, the Terracotta Warriors fascinating as was the Han Yangling Mausoleum. The Shanghai Museum should...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Impressive and full of variety whilst still feeling welcoming & friendly

This trip ticks all the boxes to immerse yourself in Chinese culture and history. Seeing the Terracotta army in all its glory was a lifelong ambition and didn’t di...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

imperial china and yangsie river cruise

Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages until the present day. I found the trip very educational. The fas...

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Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

So much included

This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their travel comfort-zone and immerse themselves in a completely d...

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