In this one week in Beijing video, we share everything you need to know to enjoy 144 hours in Beijing. Including: how to get around Beijing, tips for visiting Beijing, planning a trip to Beijing guide, best things to see and do in Beijing, when to visit Beijing China and Beijing China travel tips.

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The capital of China, Beijing is a fascinating city with lots to offer visitors. From amazing food, thousands of years of history and a unique culture, there are many reasons that Beijing should be on your Asia travel itinerary.

When to visit Beijing

China is a huge country so the weather in the North and South can be a big contrast throughout the year.

The best time to visit Beijing is from middle of April through to June and September to October.

The winter in Beijing can be bitterly cold, with temperatures reaching minus 15 degrees, with the pollution also running high from November to March. However, summer months are hot and busy in Beijing too.

Whilst planning your trip, you also need to avoid the Chinese national holidays - Golden Week runs during the first week of October and Chinese New Year lands around February, with a handful of long weekends throughout the year. If possible, aim to visit Beijing just after a national holiday; locals all go back to work and attractions and sites are much quieter.

How to get around Beijing

Beijing is a bustling city so the best way to get around is by using the Metro. Download the Beijing metro app to plan your trips around the city.

Also down the Didi App, this is China’s version of Uber and is easy to use. Taxis around the city are cheap but travel outside of rush hour to avoid traffic.

Things to do in Beijing

There are many things to do in Beijing so here are some of the best attractions and sites to visit:

Many people use Beijing as a base for their trip to the Great Wall of China. This iconic wall is definitely the number 1 thing to do in China and you can comfortably visit different sections of the Wall from Beijing. Book a driver and leave early to visit the wall at its quietest.

The Forbidden City is perhaps the most popular attraction in the city itself. This is a place complex and the former home of the Emperor of China from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It is now home to the Palace museum and makes for a great way to spend a morning in Beijing. Head here for opening, this place gets busy quickly.

Whilst you are in Forbidden City, spend some time exploring Tiananmen Square. This square can accommodate a million people and carry a lot of history. Apart from the Forbidden City, you canals see the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao.

The beautiful Temple is another iconic place you should visit during your time in Beijing. This is seen as the most holy imperial temple in Beijing, with emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties using the Royal Alter for their worship.

Another must-see in Beijing is the hutongs - you can even stay in a courtyard hotel tucked away in hutongs for a unique travel experience. Either way, make sure you find some time during your week in Beijing to visit these narrow alleyways, full of tiny stores, street vendors and even the odd hidden bar.

Looking for a place to eat? Make sure you visit the food markets for some tasty local snacks but also try the famous Peking duck at one of the many restaurants in the city.

You may want to escape the crowds of Beijing and one great day trip is to visit to the city of Tianjin. This European influenced city offers an insight into modern local life in China so spend a day walking through the Italian Quarter, cruising along the river and visiting the quiet local temples.

Another fun thing to do in Beijing or in fact, anywhere in China, is a cooking class. Learn how to cook traditional Chinese dishes and visit a local market with your cooking host.

Visit the parks in the city and take in local life in China - with dancers, groups of elderly exercising together and locals playing Go: a Chinese board game played with black and white stones.

Only have a week in China? Split your time between Beijing and another one of the iconic cities. China has an excellent speed train network, meaning you can reach Xi’an, Shanghai or Chengdu in under 5 hours.

We hope you a have an amazing time in Beijing, let us know what your most excited for in the comments below.