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"April is perfect for temple visits in Beijing — plan your spiritual journey. Immerse yourself in a blend of modern culture and local traditions."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Beijing?
Beijing commands as China's imperial heart where the Forbidden City's 980 vermillion-walled buildings sprawl across 72 hectares—the world's largest palace complex housing 24 emperors across 500 years—while north of the city, the Great Wall snakes across mountain ridges in a stone dragon stretching over 20,000 km in total, with several thousand kilometers from the Ming dynasty alone, built to repel northern invaders over 2,000 years. China's capital (about 22 million residents in the municipality, around 22-23 million in the wider metro area) layers millennia: from hutong alleyways where Beijing natives sip baijiu in courtyard homes predating the Cultural Revolution, to Tiananmen Square's 440,000 square meters displaying Mao's portrait and tomb, to Olympic stadiums (Bird's Nest, Water Cube) showcasing 21st-century ambitions. The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) overwhelms with scale—enter through Tiananmen Gate (where Mao proclaimed the People's Republic 1949), cross moat and gates to throne halls where dragon-carved marble ramps carried emperors' palanquins, then wander endless courtyards discovering Imperial Gardens, clock museums, and Nine Dragon Screen.
Yet Beijing's soul extends beyond monuments: Temple of Heaven's circular blue-tiled altar where Ming emperors prayed for harvests still hosts morning tai chi practitioners, while Summer Palace's Kunming Lake and Long Corridor (728m painted with 14,000 scenes) offered Qing Dynasty emperors escape from Forbidden City's formality. The Great Wall demands a day—Mutianyu section (about 73km north, 1.5-2hrs, $6.54 / ¥45 entry + $15 / ¥100 cable car) balances restoration with authentic wall-walking, Jiankou offers wild unrestored hiking for adventurers, while Badaling (closest, 1.5hrs) suffers Disney-level crowds. Hutongs—Beijing's historic alleyways—preserve old Beijing: cycle rickshaw tours navigate Nanluoguxiang's boutique-lined lane, while Gulou (Drum Tower) area's backstreets hide family-run restaurants serving zhajiangmian (Beijing noodles) and jianbingguozi (breakfast crepes).
Food defines Beijing: Peking duck at Quanjude or Da Dong (around $45–$74 / ¥308–¥511 whole duck, carved tableside), lamb hotpot in winter, jiaozi (dumplings) at Baoyuan, and street food vendors throughout the city. Modern Beijing balances tradition: 798 Art District transforms Bauhaus factories into galleries, Sanlitun offers Apple Store-anchored shopping and nightlife, while CBD towers rival any global city. Day trips reach Ming Tombs (paired with Great Wall), or high-speed trains zoom to Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors (5.5hrs).
With 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit for 55 countries when transiting to a third country, Beijing Metro's ~30 lines covering 400+ stations, WeChat Pay dominating payments (foreigners can link cards but setup is tricky), and English signage improving but still limited outside tourist zones, Beijing delivers China's most historically rich experience—where emperors' palaces meet communist monuments, hutong bicycle tours lead to Michelin-starred duck restaurants, and the Great Wall's ancient stones stretch toward horizons that have witnessed 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.
What to Do
Imperial Beijing
Forbidden City
World's largest palace complex with 980 buildings spanning 72 hectares. Enter through Tiananmen Gate where Mao proclaimed the People's Republic in 1949. Explore throne halls with dragon-carved marble, Imperial Gardens, and endless courtyards. Buy tickets online days in advance ($8.25 / ¥57)—sells out in peak season. Spend 3-4 hours minimum. Best early morning (08:30 opening) or late afternoon to avoid tour groups.
Temple of Heaven
Circular blue-tiled altar where Ming emperors prayed for harvests. Arrive early (06:00–07:00) to watch locals practicing tai chi in the surrounding park. The Echo Wall and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are architectural marvels. Park entry $1.45–$2.18 / ¥9.98–¥15 depending on season, or about $4.94 / ¥34 for a combo ticket that includes all main halls (Hall of Prayer, Circular Mound Altar, Echo Wall). Less crowded than Forbidden City but equally impressive—UNESCO World Heritage site covering 2.7 square kilometers.
Summer Palace
Imperial garden retreat covering 2.9 square kilometers around Kunming Lake. Walk the Long Corridor (728 meters painted with 14,000 scenes), see the Marble Boat, and explore hilltop temples. Entry $4.36 / ¥30 base ($2.91 / ¥20 off-season), or about $8.72 / ¥60 for combo ticket including extra halls and galleries. Go morning or late afternoon; rent a paddle boat on the lake if weather is nice. Allow 3-4 hours. Peaceful escape from Forbidden City crowds.
The Great Wall
Mutianyu Section
Best Great Wall section for first-timers—about 73km north, 1.5-2 hours by bus or tour. Well-restored but authentic, with cable car or chairlift (about $14 / ¥97 one-way, $20 / ¥138 round-trip) and optional toboggan ride down (fun!). Entry about $5.89–$7.07 / ¥41–¥49. Arrive by 10:00 to beat afternoon tour groups. Bring water, sunscreen, and good hiking shoes—the wall is steep. Less crowded than Badaling but still accessible. Most tours pair this with Ming Tombs.
Badaling Section
Closest section (70km, 1.5 hours) but suffers Disney-level crowds, especially 10:00–15:00. Train S2 from Huangtudian railway station or bus 877 make it easiest for independent travelers. Entry about $5.89 / ¥41 ($4.71 / ¥32 off-season). If you go, arrive right at opening (07:30 summer, 08:00 winter) or after 16:00. Very commercialized but most accessible—wheelchair-friendly sections available.
Jiankou Wild Wall
For adventurers: unrestored, crumbling wild wall with dramatic views. Requires hiking stamina and a local guide (safety essential—some sections dangerous). No facilities, no crowds, incredible photos. Not for first-timers or those with mobility issues. Combine with Mutianyu—hike Jiankou then walk down to restored section.
Local Beijing Life
Hutong Alleys & Rickshaw Tours
Beijing's historic alleyways with courtyard homes dating back centuries. Take a bicycle rickshaw tour through Gulou (Drum Tower) area or Nanluoguxiang. Stop at a family home, see traditional courtyard architecture, and hear stories of old Beijing. Tours $14–$21 / ¥97–¥146 for 2 hours. Or rent a bike and explore independently—get lost in the backstreets between Houhai Lake and Bell Tower. Best morning or late afternoon.
Peking Duck Experience
Beijing's signature dish—whole duck roasted until crispy, carved tableside. Quanjude (around $44–$73 / ¥300–¥503) is the famous chain; Da Dong offers modern upscale version. Duck comes with thin pancakes, spring onions, and sweet bean sauce—wrap and eat. Book ahead for dinner. Local alternative: Siji Minfu for less touristy experience. Budget around $44+ / ¥300+ per person for full experience with appetizers.
798 Art District
Former military factory (Bauhaus-style from 1950s) transformed into contemporary art galleries, cafes, and studios. Free to wander. Mix of Chinese contemporary art, international exhibitions, sculpture gardens, and hipster cafes. Best on weekends when most galleries are open. Takes 2-3 hours. Good afternoon activity—combine with nearby Olympic Park (Bird's Nest stadium) if interested.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: PEK, PKX
- From :
Best Time to Visit
April, May, September, October
Climate: Moderate
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C | -8°C | 1 | Good |
| February | 6°C | -6°C | 2 | Good |
| March | 15°C | 1°C | 4 | Good |
| April | 22°C | 9°C | 3 | Excellent ((best)) |
| May | 28°C | 14°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| June | 33°C | 20°C | 6 | Good |
| July | 32°C | 23°C | 14 | Wet |
| August | 30°C | 22°C | 12 | Good |
| September | 27°C | 16°C | 6 | Excellent ((best)) |
| October | 19°C | 7°C | 4 | Excellent ((best)) |
| November | 12°C | 0°C | 2 | Good |
| December | 3°C | -7°C | 1 | Good |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): Plan ahead: April is coming up and offers ideal weather.
Practical Information
Getting There
Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) is about 32km northeast—Airport Express to city $3.65 / ¥25 (30min). Beijing Daxing Airport (PKX) is 45km south—Daxing Airport Express to Caoqiao $5.07 / ¥35 (19-22min), then connect to metro. Taxis $14–$22 / ¥97–¥154 (45min-1hr, negotiate or meter). DiDi app (Chinese Uber) $12–$18 / ¥81–¥122. High-speed trains from Shanghai (4.5hrs, $80 / ¥552), Xi'an (5hrs), Tianjin (30min). Most international flights use PEK or PKX.
Getting Around
Beijing Metro: ~30 lines, 400+ stations, incredibly efficient but huge. Fares $0.44–$1.3 / ¥3–¥8.92, buy tokens or transport card. English signs. Taxis: cheap ($1.88 / ¥13 start, $7.07–$12 / ¥49–¥81 across city) but drivers don't speak English—use DiDi app (accepts foreign cards, English interface) or have address in Chinese. Buses confusing for tourists. Bikes everywhere but traffic crazy. Great Wall requires private tour or public bus (long). Metro + DiDi handles everything.
Money & Payments
Chinese Yuan (CNY, ¥). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ ¥6.89. China nearly cashless—WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. Foreigners can link foreign cards (setup can still be finicky). Cash works but many places prefer mobile pay. ATMs accept foreign cards (fees vary). Credit cards mainly work at hotels and some upscale places. Tipping not customary.
Language
Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) official. Beijing dialect (Beijinghua) has strong 'r' sounds. English very limited—fewer English speakers than Shanghai. Hotel staff speak some English, taxi drivers don't. Translation apps essential (Google Translate offline mode). Metro has English, restaurants mostly don't. Learn: Nǐ hǎo (hello), Xièxiè (thank you), Bù yào (no thank you), Duōshao qián? (how much?). Prepare for significant language barriers.
Cultural Tips
Internet: Great Firewall blocks Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter—install VPN before arrival (ExpressVPN, Astrill). WeChat essential (messaging, payments). Pollution: can be severe (wear mask if AQI over 150, common in winter). Spitting common (locals, not tourists). Queuing: push or get left behind. Smoking: banned indoors but enforced loosely. Squat toilets: bring tissue (not provided). Dining: slurp noodles okay, tea refills common, flag down waiters (no offense). Politics: NEVER discuss Tiananmen 1989, Tibet, Taiwan independence, Xinjiang, criticize government, or joke about Xi Jinping. No VPNs on public wifi (risky). Photos: avoid military, police, government buildings. Tiananmen Square: ID checks, security high, no bags. Bargaining: expected at markets (Silk Market, Pearl Market), not stores with tags. Staring: foreigners get stared at (curiosity). Personal space minimal—expect crowding. Punctuality valued. Remove shoes at homes. Beijing more traditional and less international than Shanghai—prepare for culture shock.
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Perfect 4-Day Beijing Itinerary
Forbidden City & Tiananmen
Great Wall Day Trip
Temples & Hutongs
Summer Palace & Departure
Where to Stay
Dongcheng (Forbidden City Area)
Best for: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, imperial Beijing, hutong alleys
Houhai / Shichahai
Best for: Historic lakes, hutong exploration, bar scene, traditional Beijing
Sanlitun
Best for: Expat nightlife, international dining, shopping, modern Beijing
Qianmen / Dashilar
Best for: Pedestrian shopping streets, traditional shops, Peking duck, Temple of Heaven
CBD (Guomao)
Best for: Business district, skyscrapers, CCTV building, modern China
798 Art District Area
Best for: Contemporary art, galleries, industrial architecture, creative scene
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Beijing
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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