Beijing
Your guide to an epic layover in China’s historic capital.
Visa-Free Transit Guide
Beijing offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for eligible nationalities arriving at specific ports, including Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
- Available at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Daxing International Airport (PKX).
- Follow signs for “144-hour Visa-Free Transit” to apply for your temporary entry permit.
- You must hold a valid passport and a confirmed onward air ticket to a third country or region.
- The permit allows travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Getting Around Beijing
Airport Express Train (PEK to City)
Approx. 20-30 minutes to Dongzhimen Station | ¥25 (one way)
The fastest and most reliable way to get from PEK to the city center, connecting to Metro Lines 2 and 13.
Beijing Subway
Vast, efficient, and cheap. The best way to navigate the city’s sprawling attractions. Stations have English signs.
Best Apps for Transit
DiDi Chuxing: For ride-hailing (similar to Uber).
Download on Google Play
Download on Apple Store
MetroMan (or similar Beijing Metro app): For navigating the subway system.
What to Do & Eat: Beijing Layover Plans
If you have 5–7 Hours:
Very tight. It’s best to stay near the Airport Express Line to minimize travel time.
- Take Airport Express to Dongzhimen Station.
- Explore the nearby Gui Jie (Ghost Street) for a huge variety of restaurants.
- Grab some famous Peking Duck at a quick-service local eatery.
- Alternatively, visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), a beautiful Tibetan Buddhist monastery near the station.
If you have 8–12 Hours:
The classic Beijing experience: a trip to the heart of imperial China.
- Take the Airport Express and transfer to the Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East/West Station.
- Walk through Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square.
- Enter the Forbidden City (Palace Museum). Book tickets online in advance to save time! Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore.
- Enjoy a sit-down Peking Duck dinner at a renowned restaurant like Dadong or Quanjude.
If you have 12–24+ Hours
The ultimate adventure: Walk on the Great Wall.
- This requires careful planning. The most feasible option is to hire a private car/driver or book a dedicated layover tour in advance.
- Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It’s well-restored and offers stunning views (approx. 1.5-2 hour drive each way).
- Combine the Great Wall trip with a visit to the Forbidden City if time permits (a very long and tiring day).
- After returning to the city, explore the charming Nanluoguxiang hutongs (alleyways) for snacks and souvenirs.
