China Beijing Tours

Beijing rewards more time than most capitals, and tours here typically run two to four days to cover the set pieces without rushing. Distances are large, so having transport and a guide arranged saves real hours.

Days In and Out of the City

A standard rhythm gives one day to the palace quarter and Tiananmen Square, one to the Great Wall with the Ming Tombs or Summer Palace, and a third to hutong lanes by rickshaw plus the converted factories of the 798 Art District. Evening additions include a Peking duck dinner, carved tableside, or an acrobatics show.

When the City Is at Its Best

September and October bring dry air and the year's clearest light. April works too, though spring winds can carry dust; midsummer is hot and busy with domestic travel.