Beijing Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Tickets & Deals

When talking about Beijing, many people may think of the Great Wall, but this city also has a wealth of history and modern charm waiting for you to explore. In Beijing, you can visit the Forbidden City to experience the life of ancient Chinese emperors, or climb the Great Wall to enjoy the magnificent scenery.From our guide, specially designed for UAE travelers, will tell you the most worthwhile Beijing tourist attractions to explore in 2026.

Everything You Need to Know About Beijing

To make the most of your trip, it helps to know some basic info before discovering the top things to do in Beijing.

Useful Facts about Beijing: Language, Currency & Time Zone

Understanding below info are the first step in planning your prefect Beijing activities.

• Language: Mandarin is the official language of Beijing, China. English is widely available in major Beijing tourist attractions, international hotels, and large shopping malls.
• Currency: China uses the Renminbi (CNY/RMB). We recommended that you can exchange some cash at a bank or airport and bring an international credit card.

Based on the current exchange rate, 1 UAE AED is approximately equivalent to 1.91 CNY. Please pay attention to the latest currency exchange information.

• Time zone: Beijing is located in the East 8th time zone (GMT+8), which is 4 hours ahead of Dubai. Please adjust to the time difference upon arrival.

Visa and Entry Requirements for UAE Visitors

UAE citizens holding ordinary passports can enjoy visa-free entry to China for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit, and can stay in China for no more than 30 days each time they enter the country.

To ensure a smooth entry, please ensure your passport is valid for more than 6 months and have your return flight ticket and hotel booking confirmation ready for inspection.

Reminder: Visa policies are subject to change at any time. Please verify the latest information on the official website of the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in the UAE before traveling.

Beijing Airports to City Center

After arriving in Beijing, a smooth and efficient journey from the airport to the city center is the start of a wonderful trip.

Beijing has two large international airports and offers a variety of transportation options:

• All prices are approximate and may vary due to exchange rates, seasonal changes, or booking details.

Here's a summary of how to get to the city center from the two major airports, which you can choose based on the amount of luggage, number of people, and budget:

• For those seeking efficiency: choose the airport express.
• If you have large luggage or are traveling with a group: choose a taxi or book a private transfer through Trip.com.

We recommend booking your airport transfer in advance or car rental on Trip.com. A Chinese-speaking driver will be waiting at the exit with a sign and will take you directly to your hotel(No need to worry about needing to communicate). This is the easiest way to start exploring Beijing's tourist attractions.

Now Trip.com offers a 8%OFF coupon on car rental for you, don’t miss it!

Top  Beijing Tourist Attractions in 2026

Exploring the top places to visit in Beijing is the best way to experience Beijing’s charm. From world cultural heritage sites to modern entertainment paradises, here is a list of top attractions in Beijing that you shouldn't miss on your trip.

The Forbidden City: The Heart of the Ancient Chinese Empire

The Forbidden City

Step into the Forbidden City and explore the magnificent palaces of China's ancient emperors.

Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day

Address: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Book the Forbidden City Tickets Now!

Stepping into the Forbidden City is like entering the power center of a former Chinese dynasty.As a World Heritage Site and popular Beijing tourist spots, its nearly 10,000 palaces and halls tell the story of an empire spanning hundreds of years.

It is recommended to make a reservation at least 3-7 days in advance and choose a morning session to avoid the afternoon peak hours.

Temple of Heaven: A Spiritual and Cultural Landmark

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a historic complex in Beijing where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests.

Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours

Address: No.1, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Book Temple of Heaven Tickets Now!

The Temple of Heaven is not only a beautiful ancient building, but also a Beijing attraction for understanding Chinese culture.Its unique Echo Wall (a wall that can echo) and symbolic architectural layout make it a unique and excellent answer to what to visit in Beijing.

Summer Palace: Beautiful and Historical Courtyards

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a beautiful royal garden in Beijing, famous for its lakes, pavilions, and scenic views.

Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day

Address: No. 19, Gongmeng Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Book Summer Palace Tickets Now!

If you're looking for a peace place to relax in, then the Summer Palace is one of your best places to visit in Beijing.You can row a boat on the lake, admire the beauty of the mountains, and appreciate the artistic achievements of classical gardens.

The Great Wall: Top Things to Do in Beijing

Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling Great Wall is the most famous and well-preserved section of the Great Wall near Beijing.

Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours

Address: Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing

Book Badaling Great Wall Tickets Now!

Visiting the Great Wall is the most popular Beijing activities that 90% of tourists do. Standing atop the ancient wall, overlooking the mountains, will surely become an unforgettable memory for you, it is one of the must-see sites to see in Beijing.

Universal Studios Beijing: A World-Class Theme Park

Universal Beijing Resort

Universal Beijing Resort is a world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and movie-themed attractions.

Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days

Address: Universal Beijing Resort, Tongzhou District, Beijing

Book Universal Beijing Resort Tickets

For families and movie fans looking thrills and excitement, Universal Studios Beijing is one of the top Beijing tourist attractions.Here, you can enter the magical world of Harry Potter, fight alongside Transformers, and experience world-class rides and shows.

How to Book Beijing Attractions & Tours Online

Planning ahead is important to see all the top places to visit in Beijing, and booking online makes your trip easier.

Advantages of Pre-Booking Beijing Attractions

Booking tickets for Beijing tourist attractions online has three significant advantages:

• Avoid long queues and save our valuable time.
• Enjoy online discounts, prices are usually more affordable.
• To ensure smooth entry, especially during peak tourist seasons and holidays, tickets for popular attractions in Beijing may sell out on the same day.

Tip: If you plan to visit the Forbidden City, you need to book your tickets ASAP . 70% of tourists agree that its tickets are the hardest to get at all Beijing tourist attractions.

Step-by-Step Booking on Trip.com

Booking tickets for attractions in Beijing through Trip.com is a simple four-step process:

1. Search "Beijing" on Trip.com

You can easily find all the popular Beijing attractions, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

2. Choose your tour date and ticket type

Select an adult ticket, child ticket, or family package based on your needs.

3. Secure payment with international credit cards

Trip.com supports multiple international payment methods, ensuring safe and convenient settlement.

4. Receive your e-ticket and scan the code to enter the park

After successful payment, your e-ticket will be sent to your email or the app. No need to exchange for a physical ticket; simply scan the code to enter the park quickly.

Tip: Whether checking into a hotel or entering any attraction in Beijing, it is essential to carry your passport with you at all times.

Popular Beijing Attractions,Tours & Activities Deals

As traveler who has visited Beijing many times, I'm confident you can find many activities and deals related to Beijing on Trip.com:

Best Time to Visit Beijing Tourist Attractions in 2026

Beijing has four different seasons, and the climate changes throughout the year. The table below gives you a quick overview:

Peak Season vs. Off-season Comparison

Peak tourist season (May, October, summer vacation)

• This is the peak season for visiting must-see attractions in Beijing. There are many tourists, and accommodation and airfare prices are higher, but the weather and festivals are also the most frequent.

Off-season for tourism (November, December, January)

• Few tourists, lower travel costs, and a more unique sightseeing experience.

The Best Months to Visit Beijing

Overall, April, May, September, and October are the ideal months to visit Beijing. The temperature is pleasant and the weather is mostly sunny, making it the perfect time for a wonderful experience.

【10%OFF】Beijing Hotels: Areas, Prices & Tips

Besides understanding Beijing tourist spots, choosing the right hotel is also an important part of a perfect trip. Different areas can offer you a completely different Beijing experience.

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Best Accommodation Areas in Beijing

Beijing offers a wide range of accommodation options. A comparison of the main areas is as follows:

• Wangfujing/Dongdan area is the most convenient place to explore attractions in Beijing.

• Chaoyang District allows you to immerse yourself in Beijing's international, fast-paced modern life.

• Shichahai/Nanluoguxiang allows you to deeply experience the old Beijing lifestyle in the hutongs.

• The Xidan area offers affordable options within the city center.

Best Areas for First-visitors to Beijing

For 90% of UAE tourists visiting Beijing for the first time, we highly recommend the Wangfujing/Dongdan area. Located at the heart of the subway network, this location offers extremely convenient access to major Beijing tourist attractions such as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.

Best Hotels Recommended by Budget

• Luxury hotels: International five-star hotels in Wangfujing or Guomao area, costing about 600-1200 AED per night, offering best service and views.
• Comfortable hotels: Four-star or high-quality chain hotels along the subway line, around 300-500 AED per night, balancing quality and value.
• Budget hotels: Clean and safe boutique guesthouses or budget hotels, costing around 150-250 AED per night, are a wise choice for travelers on a budget.

Booking Tips and Popular Areas

We recommend that you book your hotel in advance through the Trip.com, especially during peak travel season.

Using its map filtering function to select hotels with high ratings and close to subway stations will be the most time-saving and effortless strategy for visiting Beijing tourist spots.

Travel Tips for UAE Tourists to Beijing

Trust me! Mastering these tips will make your trip to Beijing activities even more successful.

Payment Methods &Useful Apps

• Payment: Large shopping malls, hotels, restaurants, and major Beijing tourist attractions generally accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).

However, small shops, markets, and taxis may only accept cash, so I recommend carrying a sufficient amount of RMB with you.

• Useful apps: Download Baidu Maps/Gaode Maps (navigation) and Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing) in advance.

Although WeChat Pay and Alipay are more complicated for international tourists to link their accounts, some merchants already support foreign credit cards.

Internet Access and eSIM in Beijing

Staying online is important for navigation, finding information or connecting with friends and family.If your phone supports it, activating an eSIM international data plan is the most convenient option.

Useful Tip: In China, We can't use apps like Whatsapp, Snapchat, Tiktok and etc WITHOUT eSIM, so it's very important to buy one.

Stay Connected in Beijing with eSIM from Trip.com

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Language Tips for Foreign Tourists

Many people may worry that language is a barrier, as an international city, Beijing has:

1. The main attractions in Beijing all have clear English signs.
2. You can get English assistance at hotels, large restaurants, and international service platforms like Trip.com.
3. Learning a few simple Chinese phrases such as "你好 (Nǐ hǎo-hello)", "谢谢 (Xièxie-thanks)", and "多少钱 (Duōshao qián?-how much is this?)" would be very popular.

Local Customs and Behaviors Guide

No matter where you go, respecting the local culture will make your trip more enjoyable:

• In temples and similar places, please dress appropriately and remain quiet.
• In China, there is no tipping culture; you simply pay for what you want to buy.

*Prepared by the Trip.com Travel Team

This Beijing guide is carefully prepared by the Trip.com travel team, combining practical travel tips with local insights. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Trip.com helps you discover Beijing with confidence:

• Seamless Attraction Booking: Reserve tickets for Beijing’s most famous sites and cultural attractions in advance.
• Smart Travel Deals: Find competitive prices on hotels, flights, and tours when planning your Beijing trip.
• One-Stop Planning: Manage transportation, accommodation, and activities all in one convenient platform.
• Local-Focused Insights: Helpful guidance designed to make exploring Beijing easier for first-time visitors.