Beijing, as a major transportation hub in China, is an excellent starting point to explore northern and eastern regions. Popular day trips include visiting the Great Wall at Badaling or Mutianyu (hiking in the morning and then visiting the Ming Tombs or Olympic Park in the afternoon), in-depth tours of the Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace (Yiheyuan and Yuanmingyuan), and cultural experiences at the Temple of Heaven combined with the historic Qianmen Hutongs. For slightly longer trips, 2-day tours to Chengde’s Mountain Resort (including the Outer Temples) or Tianjin city (via the high-speed Beijing-Tianjin intercity train, with local delicacies like Goubuli buns and Erduoyan fried cakes) are highly recommended. For those interested in Buddhist art and Shanxi architecture, 2-3 day tours from Beijing to Datong’s Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Monastery are ideal. Meanwhile, 3-day high-speed rail tours to Xi’an, featuring the Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter food experiences, offer a deep dive into China’s ancient capitals. Travel plans should consider seasonal and traffic factors, avoiding major holiday peaks to ensure a better travel experience.

Medium to long-distance tours from Beijing can cover many top-rated national scenic spots, perfect for travelers wanting an immersive cultural and natural experience. The popular 3 to 4-day high-speed rail tour to Xi’an offers comfortable travel in 5-6 hours, with visits to the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, allowing visitors to soak in the deep historical atmosphere of the thirteen dynasties’ ancient capital. 

For those who want to enjoy both natural scenery and ethnic culture, the 5 to 6-day Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Phoenix Ancient Town tour is a great choice, including visits to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s Tianmen Cave and glass walkways, followed by the charming Miao ethnic town of Fenghuang. City and food lovers may prefer 4 to 5 days in Chengdu, where they can visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley, and Jinli Ancient Street, with optional day trips to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System or Leshan Giant Buddha. A 5-day trip to Guilin is also very popular, featuring cruises on the Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, and visits to Yangshuo’s West Street and Ten-Mile Gallery, ideal for families, couples, and photographers.

Additionally, 6 to 7-day tours to Inner Mongolia’s grasslands or deserts during summer are favored for horseback riding, ethnic performances, and yurt stays, providing a refreshing escape from Beijing’s heat. It’s best to select cities accessible by direct high-speed rail or flights and consider seasonal factors for optimal travel planning.

Tours from Beijing are very suitable for seniors and children alike. For elderly travelers, the 3-4 day cultural high-speed rail tour to Xi’an is highly recommended. The itinerary includes comfortable round-trip train travel, stays in centrally located hotels, and visits to relatively flat sites like the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and city walls. Electric carts and cable cars are available to reduce walking, making the pace manageable and enjoyable. 

For families with children, 5 to 6-day parent-child themed tours to Shanghai are popular, covering Shanghai Disneyland, natural history museums, and aquariums that children love. The convenient high-speed rail makes travel easy, and additional activities such as science museums or evening cruises on the Huangpu River add educational fun. Selecting high-speed rail or direct flights, quality accommodations, and well-paced itineraries ensure that seniors get enough rest and children remain engaged, making for a relaxed and joyful family trip.

Overall, Beijing-based tours offer diverse options adaptable to family needs with proper planning around transport, meals, and lodging.

Tourism from Beijing is highly seasonal. Spring and autumn (March to May and September to November) are the best for most medium- and long-distance routes such as Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Datong, Zhangjiajie, and Tibet. These seasons offer pleasant weather for historic city tours and natural or ethnic sightseeing. Nearby cities like Tianjin and Shanghai also enjoy popularity during these times.

Summer (June to August) suits cool retreats like Chengde Imperial Resort, Bashang Grassland, Beidaihe, and Qingdao — ideal for family and child-friendly escapes from Beijing’s summer heat.

Winter (December to February) attracts visitors for ice and snow festivals in Zhangjiakou Chongli and Harbin, with fewer tourists in Beijing and Xi’an, perfect for relaxed deep cultural tours.

Avoid major Chinese holidays such as Labor Day (May 1–5), National Day (October 1–7), and Spring Festival (Lunar New Year week), when popular sites are overcrowded, prices surge, and tickets become scarce.

In summary, picking suitable seasons and avoiding peak holiday periods, combined with routes like Beijing—Xi’an cultural tours, Beijing—Chengdu and Guilin natural scenery tours, Beijing—Datong and Tianjin short trips, and Beijing—Shanghai urban leisure trips, ensures an optimal travel plan.

The fastest and most convenient way from Beijing to Datong is by high-speed train, taking about 2 hours. Other options include long-distance buses or private car hire, suitable for small groups, and driving via the Jingzang Expressway, which takes about 4.5 hours. Datong is rich in Northern Wei Buddhist heritage and border fortress culture. Key attractions include the Yungang Grottoes (a UNESCO World Heritage site; allow 2-3 hours to appreciate the sculptures), the Hanging Monastery (built on cliffs, a thrilling site best avoided by those afraid of heights), Huayan Temple, and the Nine-Dragon Wall (China’s largest of its kind). Visitors with more time can also explore the ancient city walls and Wen Ying Lake Park. A 2-day-1-night or 3-day trip is recommended to fully experience the culture with a comfortable pace. Spring and autumn are the best seasons due to cold, windy winters.

Yes, the high-speed train from Beijing South Station to Tianjin takes only about 30 minutes, making same-day return trips very feasible. Trains run frequently, roughly every 10 minutes. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance via the official “12306” railway app or through authorized travel agencies offering guided tours. Tianjin’s main attractions include the Italian Style Town, ideal for walking and admiring cafes and old architecture; the Five Great Avenues area with horse-drawn carriage tours of European-style buildings; Ancient Culture Street for traditional crafts and souvenirs like clay figurines and folk paintings; and the Haihe River night view featuring the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel, best visited at dusk. Sampling local specialties such as Goubuli buns and Erduoyan fried cakes is a must. Avoid traveling back during late afternoon rush hours (around 4:30-6:30 PM) to dodge crowding.

Both train and flight are suitable for travel between Beijing and Xi’an. The high-speed train journey takes about 4.5 to 6 hours, offering scenic views and arrives at Xi’an North Station, with easy subway access to downtown. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer comfort and a relaxed pace. Flights take about 2 hours and are good for travelers short on time, though the airports are farther from city centers (about 1 hour by car). Key sights in Xi’an include the Terracotta Warriors (with emphasis on the famous Pit 1 and the bronze chariot exhibit), Huaqing Palace (famous for the Tang dynasty romance of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei), the Big Wild Goose Pagoda square with its nightly fountain shows, the ancient city wall where cycling is popular, and the Muslim Quarter night market known for its diverse street food (though travelers should be mindful of hygiene). Two-night stays allow side trips to Famen Temple or Mount Hua. Xi’an is suitable for year-round travel, but summers can be hot, and peak-season tickets should be booked in advance.

Flights from Beijing to Guilin take around 3 hours, making 3-4 days ideal for a leisurely itinerary. Recommended spots include the Li River cruise (especially the Yangshuo section, about 4 hours, with famous scenes like Nine Horses Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Reflection), Elephant Trunk Hill Park, Reed Flute Cave (a limestone cave illuminated with colorful lights), Yangshuo West Street for evening strolls, Silver Cave, and the serene bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, perfect for couples and families. It’s best to spend the first night in Guilin city and then 1-2 nights in Yangshuo to enjoy countryside life and vibrant nightlife. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, while summer is peak time and July to August bring typhoon risks.

Beijing to Chengdu flights take about 3 hours. Chengdu offers a balanced mix of food, cultural sites, and panda watching, making it a great destination for a 4-6 day immersive visit. Recommended stops include the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best to arrive before 9 am when pandas are most active), Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street for Three Kingdoms culture and traditional snacks, Kuanzhai Alley for historic neighborhoods, and People's Park for tea house culture. Day trips to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System or the Taoist sacred site Qingcheng Mountain add depth. Evenings offer chances to savor spicy Sichuan hotpot, bobo chicken skewers, and other local delicacies. Visitors may extend their trips to Jiuzhaigou or Mount Emei using connecting flights or high-speed trains. A minimum of 5 days is recommended for a rich experience.

Travelers to Tibet typically fly direct from Beijing to Lhasa, with flights taking about 4.5 hours. Tours usually last 6-8 days including visits to Lhasa’s Jokhang Temple, Potala Palace, Norbulingka, and nearby Yamdrok Lake and Namtso Lake. Arriving by train is also possible via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway but takes around 40 hours, better suited for those with more time and interest in the scenic journey. Altitude sickness is a serious concern at over 3,600 meters elevation. It’s advisable to rest 1-2 days in Lhasa upon arrival, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and consult a doctor about medication such as acetazolamide. Slow acclimatization, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and monitoring health symptoms are critical. Winter is cold but less crowded; summer is warmer but can have rain and crowds. Booking with experienced local operators who provide oxygen and emergency support is recommended.

The high-speed train between Beijing and Shanghai takes about 4.5 to 6 hours and is the most convenient option, with over 50 daily departures. Flights are also available, taking about 2 hours, suitable for travelers with limited time. Shanghai’s must-visit landmarks include the Bund with its stunning night views, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Urban History Museum, Yu Garden along with the City God Temple snack street, Nanjing Road pedestrian street, and the historic neighborhoods of Xintiandi and Wukang Road. The city perfectly blends modernity with its unique Shanghai-style culture. A 3-4 day itinerary allows for an in-depth experience. For families with children, a full day at Shanghai Disneyland can be included. Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit; summer tends to be hot and humid, while winter is cold and windy. Planning the itinerary with reasonable pacing is recommended.