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Best Day Trips from Beijing: Great Wall, Ancient Towns & Hidden Gems
Beijing is an excellent base for exploring nearby historical sites, cultural landmarks, scenic towns, and hidden gems. With convenient high-speed trains, buses, metros, and taxis, many destinations can be reached within a few hours.
This guide covers the best day trips from Beijing, including Great Wall sections, nearby cities, and weekend getaway ideas to help you make the most of your trip. Start planning today and explore the best destinations in and around Beijing.
Best Day Trips from Beijing: Quick Comparison
Travelling from Beijing is easy by high-speed train, metro, taxi, or bus, making day trips stress-free.
Popular destinations include cultural, historical, and scenic spots.
See the table below for travel time, main highlights, and estimated fares.
Destination | Highlights | Duration* | Price |
🏯Historical Day Trips from Beijing | |||
Iconic Wall; cable cars; very tourist-friendly | ~1h 15 min | From ¥16 by train From ¥150 by taxi | |
Well-preserved Great Wall section; cable cars & hiking; scenic views | ~1.5-2 h | From ¥9 by S5 + ~¥40 taxi fare From ¥150 by taxi | |
Historic water town; cable car to Wall; evening lanterns | ~2-4 h | From ¥16 by S5 + bus From ¥330 by taxi | |
Imperial tombs; Sacred Way; Historic architecture | ~1-2 h | From ¥120 by taxi From ¥7 by metro/bus | |
🚄Day trip to cities around Beijing | |||
Historic European-style architecture; Tianjin Eye; street food | ~30 min | From ¥54.5 by train | |
Mountain Resort & temples; imperial history; scenic landscapes | ~50 min | From ¥106 by train | |
Hebei capital; ancient temples; local cuisine | ~1 h | From ¥155 by train | |
Beaches; Shanhaiguan "First Pass Under Heaven"; coastal scenery | ~2 h | From ¥127 by train | |
🏕️Weekend Trip | |||
Terracotta Army; Ancient City Wall; Muslim Quarter | ~4 h 10 min | From ¥577.5 by train | |
Grasslands; Inner Mongolia Museum; Mongolian culture | ~2 h 09 min | From ¥215 by train | |
Laoshan scenic spot; beaches; Tsingtao beer | ~3 h 07 min | From ¥362 by train | |
💎Hidden Gem | |||
Ancient Ming village; hiking & photography; traditional culture | ~1 h 30 min | From ¥200 by taxi | |
Rural village; traditional architecture; local life | ~1 h | From ¥70 by taxi | |
*The travel time is approximate from the city centre (Forbidden City) by the fastest high-speed train, metro, bus, or taxi, and may vary depending on timetables and traffic conditions.
Best Historical Day Trips from Beijing
Beijing is surrounded by a wealth of history and iconic landmarks, making it the perfect departing point for exploring nearby historical sites. From sections of the Great Wall to imperial tombs and ancient water towns, these day trips let you step back in time and experience China's cultural heritage, all within a few hours of the city.
Day Trips to the Great Wall of China from Beijing
The Great Wall is one of China's most iconic landmarks, and there are several sections of the Great Wall available for a day trip starting from Beijing. Sections like Badaling and Mutianyu offer hiking, cable cars, and panoramic views, making them ideal for short excursions.
Day Trip to Badaling Great Wall
Badaling is the most visited and well-preserved section of the Great Wall, known for its wide walkways and accessibility. It takes around 1–1.5 hours to reach by high-speed train or taxi from central Beijing, making it suitable for a half-day or full-day trip.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Beijing North/Qinghe → Badaling | High-Speed Train | ~19-35 min | From ¥16 |
Central Beijing → Badaling | Taxi | ~1h 15 min | From ¥150 |
Beitucheng metro station→ Badaling | Bus 877 | ~1h 10 min | From ¥12 |
Things to Do at Badaling
- Wall Walk: Hike along restored sections with lookout towers.
- Cable Car: Ride to the top for panoramic views (~¥40–80).
- Great Wall Museum: Learn about the Wall's history (~¥40).
Badaling Great Wall
4.7/5
12683 Reviews
The mountains and rivers are magnificent, and the scenery is unparalleled, but with the holiday season in early April, it's incredibly crowded, making it impossible to properly appreciate the beauty.THB 192
Where to Stay in Beijing (if overnight needed)
- Near Forbidden City: Central location for sightseeing.
- Wangfujing: Shopping and easy transport.
- Chaoyang District: International hotels, convenient for early trips.
Day Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu is famous for its beautiful scenery, fewer tourists, and well-maintained watchtowers. Located approximately 1.5 hours by car or taxi from Beijing, it is an ideal choice for travellers seeking a tranquil experience and hiking.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Beijing North → Huairou (near Mutianyu) | Taxi / Private Car | ~1h 30 min | From ¥150 |
Beijing North → Yanqihu Station → Mutianyu Great Wall | S5 Suburban Railway + Taxi | ~1.5-2h | From ¥9 + ~¥40 Taxi Fare |
Things to Do at Mutianyu
- Wall Hike: Stretch along the restored Wall with fewer crowds.
- Cable Car / Toboggan: Cable car up and optional toboggan down (~¥80–100).
- Scenic Photography: Watchtower views and autumn foliage (free).
Day Trip to Gubei Water Town & Simatai Great Wall
Located around 2–2.5 hours from central Beijing, Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall sit side by side and are often visited together in a single trip.
Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall officially open for night visits, while Gubei Water Town recreates the atmosphere of a traditional northern Chinese water town with canals, stone bridges, and historic-style architecture. The area offers a mix of history, mountain scenery, and evening light displays.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Beijing North → Gubeikou | S501/S503 Suburban Railway + Bus Mi 51 | ~4 h | From ¥16 |
Wangjingxi → Gubei Water Town | Tourist Bus 22 | ~4.5 h | From ¥48 |
Central Beijing → Gubei Water Town | Taxi / Private Car | ~2 h | From ¥330 |
Things to Do at Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town
- Simatai Great Wall: One of the most rugged sections of the Wall, featuring steep watchtowers and mountain views.
- Night Great Wall Experience: Illuminated sections open after sunset (entry ticket required).
- Gubei Water Town: Explore canals, traditional streets, local shops, and cultural performances.
- Cable Car: Access the upper Wall more easily (round-trip from approximately ¥160).
- Drone & Photography Spots: Popular for evening and night photography.
Tickets
- Gubei Water Town: From ¥140
- Simatai Great Wall: From ¥40
- Cable Car: From ¥90 one-way / ¥160 round-trip
Day Trip to the Ming Tombs
Located in Beijing's Changping District, the Ming Tombs are about 1–1.5 hours from the city centre. Built between the 15th and 17th centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the resting place of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by mountains and designed according to traditional feng shui principles, the complex provides insight into imperial burial customs and Chinese history.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Zhuxinzhuang → Shisanling Jingqu Station → Ming Tombs | Metro (Changping Line) + Walk/Bus | ~1 h | From ¥6 |
Central Beijing → Ming Tombs | Taxi | ~1 h 15 min | From ¥120 |
Madianqiao Nan → (Dagongmen) Ming Tombs | Bus 872 | ~1 h 25 min | From ¥8 |
Nearest Metro Station: Shisanling Jingqu Station (十三陵景区站), Exit B Northeast (B东北口) on Metro Changping Line.
Things to Do at the Ming Tombs
- Changling Tomb: Largest and best-preserved tomb in the complex.
- Dingling Tomb: The only excavated Ming emperor's tomb open to visitors.
- Sacred Way (Shendao): A ceremonial pathway lined with stone animals and officials.
- Ming Tomb Reservoir: Scenic area with mountain views nearby.
Tickets
- Changling Tomb: From ¥45
- Dingling Tomb: From ¥60
- Sacred Way: From ¥30
- Combined Tickets Available
Best Day Trips from Beijing by Train
Day Trip from Beijing to Tianjin
Tianjin, about 30 minutes away by high-speed train, blends European-style architecture with bustling street markets and local snacks.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~30 min | From ¥54.5 | |
Conventional Train | ~1 h | 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
Day Trip from Beijing to Chengde
Roughly 3 hours by train, Chengde is known for its Mountain Resort, temples, and peaceful landscapes.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~50 min | From ¥106 | |
Conventional Train | ~5.5-9.5 h | From ¥41.5 |
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
Day Trip from Beijing to Shijiazhuang
Roughly 1 hour away, Shijiazhuang features historical temples, modern parks, and traditional Hebei cuisine.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~1 h | From ¥155 | |
Conventional Train | ~3 h | 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
Day Trip from Beijing to Qinhuangdao
Approximately 2 hours away, Qinhuangdao offers coastal beaches, ancient passes, and scenic seaside walks.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2 h | From ¥127 | |
Conventional Train | ~3 h | 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
Where to Go for a Weekend Trip from Beijing
Weekend Trip from Beijing 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.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~4.2–7 h | From ¥470 | |
High-Speed Overnight Sleeper Train | ~12–13 h | From ¥300 (sleeper) | |
Conventional Overnight Train | ~12–17.5 h | 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
Xian Day Tours: Visit Top Attractions for Less
See all attractions
233 booked
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.
Weekend Trip from Beijing to Hohhot
Around 2.5 hours away, Hohhot showcases grassland culture, Mongolian traditions, and unique temples
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~2 h | From ¥215 | |
Conventional Train | ~9 h | 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
Weekend Trip from Beijing to Qingdao
About 3.5 hours by train, Qingdao is a seaside city with German-style buildings, beaches, and famous Tsingtao beer.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Train Type | Duration | Price (CNY) |
High-Speed Train | ~3-3.5 h | From ¥362 | |
Conventional Train | ~9 h | 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
Best Hidden Gem Day Trips from Beijing
Day Trip from Beijing to Cuandixia Ancient Village
Cuandixia Ancient Village is around 1.5–2 hours from central Beijing and offers a glimpse into traditional rural life in western Beijing.
First established during the early Ming Dynasty by military settlers from Shanxi Province, the village has preserved dozens of stone courtyard houses for more than 600 years.
Built along a mountainside, its layered grey-tiled homes have earned it the nickname "the living fossil of Qing-era residential architecture in western Beijing".
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Central Beijing → Cuandixia Ancient Village | Taxi/ride-hailing | ~1.5 h | From ¥200 |
Pingguoyuan → Zhaitang → Cuandixia Village | Bus M22 + M12 | ~3.5 h | From ¥18 |
Things to Do at Cuandixia Ancient Village
- Traditional Courtyard Houses: Explore more than 70 well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty courtyards.
- Village Walking Trails: Wander through narrow stone lanes and hillside pathways.
- Mountain Views: Enjoy views of the surrounding valleys and traditional architecture.
- Photography: Popular spot for cultural and landscape photography.
Tickets
- Village Entrance: Free
- Some cultural activities and exhibitions may require an additional fee.
Cuandixia Village
4.4/5
51 Reviews
Quite a trek to get there, but beautiful scenery everywhere! Bought a ticket as I entered the town and everyone I met was polite and friendly. The town is small but has so much to see! You can hike through the town and up to different temples and lookouts. Would highly recommend visiting Cuandixia if you want to see an ancient village in China and experience a part of history! There is a bus that can take you to and from Cuandixia, but make sure you check the times for them! Worth the journey 100%.Day Trip from Beijing to Liuliqu Village
Liuliqu Village is located in Beijing's Mentougou District, around 1–1.5 hours from the city centre.
Known as the "Home of Glazed Tiles in Western Beijing", the village has supplied glazed tiles for imperial buildings such as the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven since the Yuan Dynasty over 700 years ago.
Today, visitors can learn about traditional ceramic craftsmanship and explore one of Beijing's most distinctive cultural heritage villages.
Route & Transport Options
Route | Transport | Duration | Price (CNY) |
Central Beijing → Liuliqu Village | Taxi/ride-hailing | ~1 h | From ¥70 |
Pingguoyuan → Liuliqu Village | Bus M3/M7/929+ Walk | ~1 h | From ¥3 |
Wangfujing → Pingguoyuan → Liuliqu Village | Metro Line 1 + Bus M22/892/929 | ~1 h 45 min | From ¥8 |
Things to Do at Liuliqu Village
- Liuli Culture Creative Park: Learn about traditional glazed tile production and local heritage.
- Historic Kiln Sites: Discover the history of imperial glazed tile manufacturing.
- Traditional Village Streets: Walk through old alleys and admire preserved architecture.
- Cultural Workshops: Join pottery and handicraft experiences when available.
Tickets
- Village Entrance: Free
- Liuli Culture Creative Park: Free admission
Liuliqu Village
4.5/5
14 Reviews
Liuliqu Village, Mentougou District, Beijing
FAQ – Best Day Trips from Beijing
What is the best day trip from Beijing?
The Great Wall is the most popular choice. Sections like Badaling and Mutianyu are under 1.5 hours from Beijing by car or train, making them ideal for a day visit. Jinshanling and Simatai are better for guided tours.Which section of the Great Wall is best for a day trip?
For first-time visitors, Badaling is the easiest, with direct high-speed trains from Beijing Qinghe Station. Mutianyu is also popular, often reached via organised day tours or private transfers. Jinshanling and Simatai are best with guided tours, as public transport is limited.What are the best day trips from Beijing by train?
Popular short trips include Tianjin, Chengde, Shijiazhuang, and Qinhuangdao. Longer trips like Xi'an and Qingdao are better with an overnight stay.Can you visit the Terracotta Warriors on a day trip from Beijing?
No. The Terracotta Warriors are in Xi'an, around 4.5–6 hours by high-speed train from Beijing (approx. 652 miles / 1,050 km). This makes it too far for a day trip. Xi'an is best visited with a 2–3 day stop.Can you do a day trip from Beijing to Xi'an?
Technically yes on the fastest train (~4h 10m), but most travellers prefer at least two-to-three day in Xi'an. This gives time to see the Terracotta Army and other attractions without rushing.How much does it cost to travel by high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an?
Tickets start at around ¥547.5 (≈£60) for second-class seats. Sleeper options for overnight travel cost about ¥254.5–¥300 (≈£28–£33).
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