Visiting Beijing offers more than its palaces and temples – the city is also a perfect starting point for fast and easy train journeys to nearby destinations.
This guide recommends some of the best day trips by train, grouped into short, medium, and longer routes, and provides useful travel tips. Explore historic towns, cultural landmarks, and scenic spots within just a few hours.
Start planning today and explore exciting day trip destinations outside of Beijing.
Best Day Trips by Train from Beijing – Overview
Travelling by high-speed train from Beijing is fast, frequent, and comfortable, saving you from the stress of driving. Popular day trip options include nearby cities with cultural, historic, and scenic highlights. See the table below for travel time, key attractions, and train fares.
Destination | Highlights | Duration* | Ticket Price |
🟡 Within 0.5–2 hours (Short Trips) | |||
🔥 Tianjin | Historic European-style architecture; Tianjin Eye; Street food & snacks | ~30 min | From ¥54.5 |
Hebei’s capital; Ancient temples; Local cuisine | ~1 hr | From ¥129 | |
Springs and parks; Daming Lake; Baotu Spring | ~1.5 hr | From ¥194 | |
Beaches; Shanhaiguan “First Pass Under Heaven”; Coastal scenery | ~2 hr | From ¥126.5 | |
Mountain Resort & temples; Historic imperial sites; Scenic landscapes | ~50 min | From ¥106 | |
🟢 2+ hours (Medium Trips) | |||
🔥 Qingdao | Laoshan Scenic Spot; Beaches; Tsingtao beer | ~3.5 hr | From ¥331 |
🔥 Hohhot | Grasslands; Inner Mongolia Museum; Traditional Mongolian culture | ~2.5 hr | From ¥186 |
Imperial palaces; Historical museums; Dongbei cuisine | ~2.5 hr | From ¥293 | |
Yungang Grottoes; Hanging Temple; Ancient city walls | ~2 hr | From ¥160 | |
Shanxi history & architecture; Jinci Temple; Local noodles | ~2.5 hr | From ¥197.5 | |
🟠 Over 4 Hours (Longer Trips) | |||
🔥 Xi'an | Terracotta Army; Ancient City Wall; Muslim Quarter & Shaanxi cuisine | ~4h 10 min | From ¥547.5 |
*Durations are based on the fastest available high-speed train services and may vary depending on timetables.
Short Day Trips from Beijing (Within 2 Hours)
🟡 Beijing day trip to Tianjin
Tianjin, about 30 minutes away by high-speed train, blends European-style architecture with bustling street markets and local snacks.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~30 min | From ¥54.5 | |
Conventional Train | ~1 hr | From ¥21.5 |
Things to Do in Tianjin
- Italian Style Street: Stroll through historic European buildings.
- Tianjin Eye: Giant Ferris wheel with river views.
- Food Streets: Try local snacks like Goubuli buns and fried dough twists.
Where to Stay in Tianjin
- City Centre (Heping District): Convenient for sightseeing and shopping.
- Near Haihe River: Scenic riverside hotels.
- Budget Options: Guesthouses for short stays.
Tianjin Local Food:
- Goubuli steamed buns
- Erduoyan fried dough twists
- Sweet and savoury street snacks
🟡 Beijing day trip to Shijiazhuang
Roughly 1 hour away, Shijiazhuang features historical temples, modern parks, and traditional Hebei cuisine.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1 hr | From ¥129 | |
Conventional Train | ~2.5 hr | From ¥41.5 |
Things to Do in Shijiazhuang
- Zhaozhou Bridge: Ancient stone bridge and engineering marvel.
- Hebei Provincial Museum: Learn local history.
- Local Parks: Relax in green spaces like Zhongshan Park.
Where to Stay in Shijiazhuang
- City Centre: Close to museums and shops.
- Near Railway Station: Easy access for day trips.
- Comfortable Hotels: Family-friendly and mid-range options.
Shijiazhuang Local Food
- Hebei-style noodles
- Dumplings with various fillings
- Local pastries
🟡 Beijing day trip to Jinan
Around 1.5 hours by high-speed train, Jinan is famous for its natural springs, lakes, and peaceful gardens.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1.5 hr | From ¥194 | |
Conventional Train | ~6 hr | From ¥69 |
Things to Do in Jinan
- Baotu Spring: Enjoy the famous natural spring water.
- Daming Lake: Scenic walks and boat rides.
- Thousand Buddha Mountain: Hike and see historic carvings.
Where to Stay in Jinan
- City Centre: Near springs and shopping areas.
- Lakeside Hotels: Quiet scenic locations.
- Boutique Guesthouses: Traditional charm with modern comfort.
Jinan Local Food
- Jinan-style tofu
- Spring water dumplings
- Local sweet snacks
🟡 Beijing day trip to Qinhuangdao
Approximately 2 hours away, Qinhuangdao offers coastal beaches, ancient passes, and scenic seaside walks.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2 hr | From ¥126.5 | |
Conventional Train | ~3 hr | From ¥43.5 |
Things to Do in Qinhuangdao
- Shanhaiguan “First Pass Under Heaven”: Historic Great Wall site.
- Beaches: Relax along golden sands and coastlines.
- Laolongtou Scenic Area: Coastal views and cultural sites.
Where to Stay in Qinhuangdao
- Near Beaches: Perfect for seaside stays.
- City Centre: Close to transport and markets.
- Budget Hotels: Simple, convenient options for day trips.
Qinhuangdao Local Food
- Fresh seafood
- Grilled fish and local snacks
- Coastal pastries
🟡 Beijing day trip to Chengde
Roughly 3 hours by train, Chengde is known for its Mountain Resort, temples, and peaceful landscapes.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~50 min | From ¥106 | |
Conventional Train | ~9.5 hr | From ¥38.5 |
Things to Do in Chengde
- The Mountain Resort Scenic Area: Former royal retreat with lakes and palaces.
- Puning Temple: Home to a large wooden Buddha statue.
- Scenic Parks: Relax in natural landscapes.
Where to Stay in Chengde
- City Centre: Easy access to main attractions.
- Near Mountain Resort: Scenic hotels and guesthouses.
- Boutique Hotels: Mix of comfort and style.
Chengde Local Food
- Chengde pancakes
- Manchu-style dishes
- Local dumplings
Medium Day Trips from Beijing (2+ Hours)
🟢 Beijing day trip to Qingdao
About 3.5 hours by train, Qingdao is a seaside city with German-style buildings, beaches, and famous Tsingtao beer.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~3.5 hr | From ¥331 | |
Conventional Train | ~9.5 hr | From ¥119 |
Things to Do in Qingdao
- Zhanqiao Pier: Famous seaside landmark.
- Tsingtao Beer Museum: Learn about beer culture.
- Badaguan Scenic Area: European-style houses and seaside walks.
Where to Stay in Qingdao
- City Centre: Close to shops and attractions.
- Seaside Hotels: Great for beach lovers.
- Boutique Guesthouses: Stylish and cosy stays.
Qingdao Local Food
- Fresh seafood
- Qingdao clams and beer pairing
- Local dumplings
🟢 Beijing day trip to Hohhot
Around 2.5 hours away, Hohhot showcases grassland culture, Mongolian traditions, and unique temples
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2.5 hr | From ¥186 | |
Conventional Train | ~9 hr | From ¥86 |
Things to Do in Hohhot
- Inner Mongolia Museum: Explore grassland culture.
- Dazhao Temple: Historic Buddhist temple.
- Grassland Excursions: Experience Mongolian yurts and horse riding.
Where to Stay in Hohhot
- City Centre: Convenient for museums and food.
- Near Grasslands: Unique yurt stays.
- Modern Hotels: Comfortable for families.
Hohhot Local Food
- Roasted lamb
- Dairy products like milk tea and yoghurt
- Traditional Mongolian hotpot
🟢 Beijing day trip to Shenyang
About 2.5 hours by train, Shenyang is home to imperial palaces, lively markets, and hearty Dongbei cuisine.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2.5 hr | From ¥293 | |
Conventional Train | ~6-7 hr | From ¥98 |
Things to Do in Shenyang
- Shenyang Imperial Palace: Explore China’s second-largest imperial palace.
- Zhongjie Street: Bustling shops and markets.
- Beiling Park: Gardens and historic tombs.
Where to Stay in Shenyang
- City Centre: Convenient for museums and shopping.
- Near Zhongjie: Perfect for nightlife and food.
- Budget Guesthouses: Affordable and simple.
Shenyang Local Food
- Dongbei dumplings
- Grilled skewers
- Northeastern stews
🟢 Beijing day trip to Datong
Around 2 hours away, Datong offers ancient grottoes, temples, and dramatic city walls.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2 hr | From ¥160 | |
Conventional Train | ~6-7 hr | From ¥51.5 |
Things to Do in Datong
- Yungang Grottoes: Ancient Buddhist cave carvings.
- Hanging Temple: A unique wooden temple built on cliffs.
- Ancient City Walls: Walk along restored walls for panoramic views.
Where to Stay in Datong
- Near Yungang Grottoes: Good for early visits.
- City Centre: Close to transport and dining.
- Traditional Inns: Local charm and cosy atmosphere.
Datong Local Food
- Datong sliced noodles
- Lamb dishes
- Local pastries and buns
🟢 Beijing day trip to Taiyuan
Around 2.5 hours away, Taiyuan features Shanxi’s history, temples, and famous noodle culture.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2.5 hr | From ¥197.5 | |
Conventional Train | ~5 hr | From ¥72 |
Things to Do in Taiyuan
- Jinci Temple: Ancient temple with historic halls.
- Shanxi Museum: Explore regional culture and history.
- Twin Pagoda Temple: Famous landmark with historic architecture.
Where to Stay in Taiyuan
- City Centre: Close to museums and markets.
- Near Jinci Temple: Peaceful stays with cultural charm.
- Modern Hotels: Comfortable mid-range options.
Taiyuan Local Food
- Shanxi hand-pulled noodles
- Vinegar-flavoured dishes
- Local snacks and pastries
Long Day Trips from Beijing (Over 4 Hours)
🟠 Beijing day trip to Xi'an
Xi’an is one of the most visited cities in China for foreign travellers, known as the ancient capital and the starting point of the Silk Road. It attracts visitors with its rich history, world-famous Terracotta Army, impressive city walls, lively Muslim Quarter, and delicious Shaanxi cuisine. Many travellers from Beijing choose to visit Xi’an by high-speed train because it is fast, comfortable, and offers a scenic way to reach this cultural treasure.
How to Get to Xi’an from Beijing
- High-Speed Train: The fastest service takes about 4h 10m, with many daily departures from Beijing West to Xi’an North.
- Overnight D Train Sleeper: A popular choice for budget travellers, allowing you to sleep on the train and arrive in the morning.
- Flight: The quickest option, taking about 2–2.5 hours, available from Beijing to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport.
Search Flights to Xi'an & Hotels in Xi'an Save 6% on avg.
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~4.2–6 hr | From ¥547.5 | |
High-Speed Overnight Sleeper Train | ~8.5–12 hr | From ¥300 (sleeper) | |
Conventional Overnight Train | ~12–17.5 hr | From ¥148.5 (hard seat) From ¥254.5 (hard sleeper) |
Things to Do in Xi’an
- Terracotta Army: Visit one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites.
- Xi'an City Wall: Cycle or walk along the massive Ming-era walls.
- Muslim Quarter: Explore lively food streets, markets, and mosques.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A historic Buddhist landmark.
- Bell Tower & Drum Tower: Central city symbols with cultural performances.
Terracotta Army Ticket From £12.44
Xi'an City Wall Ticket From £5.59
Xi'an Bell Tower Ticket From £3.11
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Ticket From £1.04
Xi'an Drum Tower Ticket From £3.11
Shaanxi History Museum -Free Entry
Tang Paradise Ticket From £7.04
Grand Tang Mall -Free Entry
Song of Everlasting Sorrow Ticket From £19.57
The Longest Day in Chang'an Theme Block Ticket From £7.04
👉Find More Must-See Attractions in Xi'an
Where to Stay in Xi’an
- City Centre (Bell & Drum Towers area): Perfect for first-time visitors, close to shopping and nightlife.
- Near Ancient City Wall: Great for scenic views and cultural stays.
- Qujiang District: Modern hotels close to Big Wild Goose Pagoda and museums.
- Budget Hostels: Popular with backpackers, especially near the Muslim Quarter.
Xi’an Local Food
- Biang Biang Noodles: Wide hand-pulled noodles with spicy toppings.
- Roujiamo: Often called the “Chinese hamburger”.
- Yangrou Paomo: Crumbled flatbread in lamb soup.
- Cold Noodles (Liangpi): A refreshing street food favourite.
- Persimmon Cake: Local sweet snack.
Travel Tips for Train Day Trips from Beijing
Planning a train day trip from Beijing is a great way to easily explore nearby cities. Here are some practical tips to make your journey smoother:
1. Plan Ahead
- Choose your destination: Cities like Tianjin, Baoding, and Shijiazhuang are 1–2 hours by high-speed train and perfect for a day trip. Beijing to Xi'an is a popular route, but it's worth spending more than a day on it.
- Check train schedules: Use 12306 or Trip.com to see available trains and pick an early departure for maximum sightseeing time.
2. Tickets and Transport
- Book in advance: Tickets on busy routes sell out quickly. Buy 3–15 days ahead if possible, and consider return tickets.
- Travel documents: Bring your passport for ticketing and station entry.
- Local connections: Upon arrival, use metro, buses, or taxis. Research options before you go.
3. Sights and Itinerary
- Focus on key spots: Select 1–2 major attractions to avoid rushing. For example, Tianjin’s Five Great Avenues or Italian-Style Street, or Xi’an’s Terracotta Army and city walls.
- Time management: Check opening hours and plan routes carefully. Allow extra time at each stop.
4. Food Experience
- Try local dishes: Sample Tianjin’s jianbing (pancake wrap) or donkey meat sandwiches, as well as Xi'an's biang biang noodles, roujiamo (Chinese roujiamo), yangroupaomo (mutton soup buns), and liangpi (cold noodles).
- Meal planning: Eat at off-peak times to avoid queues.
5. Stay and Return
- Overnight stays: If time allows, stay in the city centre or near attractions for convenience.
- Return journey: Check your return ticket times and allow enough time to get back to Beijing comfortably or travel to your next destination.
6. Other Essentials
- Weather: Pack suitable clothing and umbrellas depending on the forecast.
- Safety: Keep valuables secure, stay hydrated, and avoid exhaustion.
- Memories: Bring your camera or phone to capture the highlights of your trip.
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Beijing Day Trips by Train FAQs
What are the best day trips from Beijing by train?
Popular options include Tianjin, Chengde, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao for short journeys, while Xi’an and Qingdao are better for longer trips.
Can you do a day trip from Beijing to Xian?
Technically yes by the fastest high-speed train (~4h 10m one way), but most travellers prefer at least an overnight stay. Staying overnight allows more time to see the Terracotta Army and other attractions.
Is the Great Wall a day trip from Beijing?
Yes, sections such as Badaling and Mutianyu are under 1.5 hours by train or car, making them perfect for a day trip.
How long is the bullet train from Beijing to Xian?
The fastest high-speed train takes around 4h 10m, while the slower ones take 6 h.
How much is the train from Beijing to Xian?
High-speed tickets start from about ¥547.5 (≈£60). Overnight sleeper options range from ¥254.5 (≈£28) to ¥300 (≈£33).
What activities and sights should I prioritise during my day trips?
Historic landmarks such as the Great Wall, cultural cities like Tianjin, and unique experiences such as Xi’an’s Terracotta Army or Qingdao’s seaside charm.