Day Trips from Beijing: Great Wall & Beyond

Introduction

Beijing is surrounded by incredible destinations that are perfect for day trips. This guide highlights the best options.

Great Wall Sections

• Mutianyu: Less crowded, beautiful scenery, cable car access.
• Jinshanling: Most scenic section, less commercialized.
• Simatai: Remote and wild, great for hiking.
• Badaling: Most popular, easy access, very crowded.

Historical Sites

• Thirteen Ming Tombs: Ancient imperial burial sites.
• Chengde Mountain Resort: Qing Dynasty summer palace.
• Zhoukoudian: Peking Man archaeological site.
• East Qing Tombs: Largest imperial tomb complex.

Scenic Destinations

• Gubei Water Town: Beautiful ancient water town with Great Wall views.
• Longqing Gorge: Scenic gorge with boat rides.
• Fragrant Hills: Beautiful mountain park, especially in autumn.
• Beijing Botanical Garden: Large garden with diverse plants.

Cultural Experiences

• Tianjin: Port city with European architecture.
• Langfang: Traditional Chinese gardens.
• Zhuozhou: Ancient city with historical sites.

Day Trip Tips

• Plan Early: Book tickets and transportation in advance.
• Leave Early: Start your day trip early to avoid crowds.
• Pack Snacks: Bring food and water for the trip.
• Transportation: Options include buses, trains, private cars, or tours.

Last Updated: July 2026