Discover the Best Day Trips from Beijing

Beijing offers a plethora of amazing sightseeing opportunities, but the surrounding areas are also home to some must-see attractions. With convenient transportation and numerous tour options, venturing outside the city for a day trip is a breeze.

Top day trip destinations include the Great Wall of China at Badaling Pass, the serene Fragrant Hills Park, the historic Ming Dynasty tombs, and the site of the Peking Man discovery. Enhance your China travel plans with our guide to the best day trips from Beijing.

1. Badaling Pass and the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu

Badaling Pass, the most visited section of the Great Wall, is about 80 kilometers from Beijing. This 16th-century marvel is up to eight meters high and six meters wide. For a different perspective, visit the Gubeikou section, 130 kilometers away, offering stunning views. Consider a day tour to explore the wall and the Ming Tombs, with an expert guide and a stop at the Longdi Jade Factory.

Official site: www.mutianyugreatwall.com/homePage/toIndexEn

2. The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace spans 716 acres and is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Notable features include the Hall of Well-being and Longevity, the Great Theatre, and the Marble Ship. Combine your visit with the Mutianyu Great Wall on a private day tour, complete with an English-speaking guide and hotel pickup.

Address: 9 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, China

Official site: www.summerpalace-china.com/English/index.htm

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3. Fragrant Hills Park

Fragrant Hills Park, located in the Western Mountains, is famous for its natural beauty, especially during autumn. The park features Spectacle Lake, the Temple of Light, and the Liuli Ta Pagoda. A challenging path leads to the peak, offering panoramic views.

Address: 40 Maimai Street, Maimai, Haidian District, Beijing

Official site: www.xiangshanpark.com/en/

4. The Ming Dynasty Tombs

The Ming Dynasty Tombs, 50 kilometers north of Beijing, are the final resting place for 13 Ming emperors. The site features sacrificial halls and pavilions, with some open to the public. The Dingling tomb and the Path of Souls are particularly noteworthy.

Address: 212 Provincial Road, Changping District, China

5. The Zhoukoudian Peking Man Museum

The Zhoukoudian site, a World Heritage site, is renowned for its archaeological significance, including the discovery of Peking Man. The museum showcases fossils and artifacts, providing insights into early human life.

Location: Fangshan District, Beijing

Official site: www.zkd.cn/en

6. The Marco Polo Bridge

The historic Marco Polo Bridge, named after the famous explorer, is adorned with lion sculptures and has withstood floods and wars. It's a short trip from Beijing and can be combined with other attractions like the Peking Man Museum.

Location: Fengtai District, China

7. The Eastern Qing Tombs

The Eastern Qing Tombs in Zunhua are the burial grounds for Qing Dynasty leaders. The site includes 14 tombs with impressive architectural features and is considered superior to the Ming Dynasty Tombs.

Location: Malanyuzhen, Zunhua, Tangshan, Hebei

Official site: www.qingdongling.com/En/idx

8. The Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an

Though requiring a flight, a visit to the Terracotta Army in Xi'an is a breathtaking experience. This ancient army was built to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Tours from Beijing often include flights and a guided museum visit.

Adddress: Lintong District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China

Official site: www.bmy.com.cn/2015new/bmyweb/

9. Shilinxia Glass Viewing Platform

The Shilinxia Glass Platform offers a unique view of the surrounding gorge. Accessible by cable car, the area provides nature trails for exploration.

10. The Tanzhe Temple

The Tanzhe Temple, with its ancient architecture and mountain setting, is a peaceful retreat from Beijing. The temple complex includes several halls and pavilions with historical significance.

11. Gouya Natural Scenic Area

The Gouya Natural Scenic Area is known for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Gouya Rocks and Ziji Peak. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking trails and ancient temples.

Location: Hangping District, Beijing, China

12. The Western Qing Tombs

The Western Qing Tombs, the resting place for four emperors and their families, are an impressive historical site with elaborate mausoleums and temple buildings.

Location: Yi County, Hebei Province