A layover in Beijing can be an exciting opportunity to explore one of the world’s most vibrant and historic cities, even if you only have 24 hours. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, incredible sights, and, of course, the world-famous Great Wall. This guide will help you make the most of your short stay, ensuring you get a taste of Beijing’s unique charm and history.
Visa-Free Transit: Making It Possible
Before diving into the itinerary, it’s crucial to understand China’s visa-free transit policy. Travelers from 53 countries can enjoy a 24-hour, 72-hour, or even a 144-hour visa-free transit in Beijing.
Check out China Visa-Free Travel Policies for more information about China visa.
If you have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country and your layover is within these time frames, you can leave the airport and explore the city without a visa. Notify your airline about your transit plans, fill out an arrival card, and proceed to the visa-free transit counter upon arrival.
Morning Layover: Arrival and Quick Transit to the City
1. Arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport
Upon landing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PXX), clear immigration and customs as quickly as possible. The airport is well-organized with clear English signage. Once you have your temporary entry permit, head towards transportation options to the city center.
2. Transportation to the City
The quickest way to reach downtown Beijing is by taking the Airport Express train or Subway. It connects the airport to the city in about 30 minutes and costs around 25 RMB. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, which takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and costs between 100-150 RMB.
Morning to Early Afternoon: Exploring Beijing’s Highlights
1. Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Start your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. This massive public square is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. Spend some time walking around and soaking in the historical ambiance.
Next, head to the Forbidden City, located just north of Tiananmen Square. This former imperial palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s dynastic history. Allocate at least two hours to wander through its vast courtyards, halls, and gardens.
2. Jingshan Park
After exploring the Forbidden City, walk over to Jingshan Park, located directly to the north. Climb to the top of Jingshan Hill for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline. It’s a short but steep hike, well worth the effort for the stunning vistas.
Afternoon: Authentic Layover in Beijing Experience
1. Hutongs and Traditional Courtyards
Beijing’s hutongs, or traditional alleyways, offer a charming contrast to the grandeur of the city’s historical sites. Head to areas like Nanluoguxiang or the Shichahai lakes area to wander through these narrow lanes. You’ll find traditional courtyard houses, local shops, and eateries that provide a glimpse into old Beijing life.
2. Lunch at a Local Restaurant
While exploring the hutongs, stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Try Beijing specialties like Peking duck, dumplings, or zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). Many hutong restaurants offer a cozy, authentic dining experience. Check out Street Food in Beijing: What to Eat and Where to Find It for more information.
Early Evening Layover: A Visit to the Great Wall
1. Transportation to the Great Wall
A trip to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall is a great choice for a layover visit as it’s less crowded and well-preserved. It’s about 1.5 hours from downtown Beijing by car. Consider hiring a private car or joining a half-day tour that includes transportation.
2. Exploring Mutianyu
Once you arrive at Mutianyu, take the cable car or chairlift up to the wall to save time and energy. Spend about 2-3 hours walking along this stunning section of the Great Wall. The views are breathtaking, and the experience of standing on this ancient structure is unforgettable.
Evening: Return to Beijing and Relax
1. Return to the City
After your visit to the Great Wall, head back to Beijing. Depending on your energy levels and remaining time, you can either head straight to the airport or make a quick stop in the city.
2. Dinner and Relaxation
If you have time, enjoy a relaxing dinner in Beijing. Wangfujing Street is a great option, offering a variety of restaurants and street food stalls. It’s a lively area perfect for a last-minute shopping spree or simply soaking in the city’s evening atmosphere.
Practical Tips for a 24-Hour Layover in Beijing
1. Plan Ahead
Given the limited time, plan your itinerary in advance. Prioritize the sights you want to see and understand the logistics of getting to and from these locations.
2. Pack Light
Carry only essentials in a small backpack. This will make navigating the city and the Great Wall easier and more comfortable.
3. Stay Connected
Consider getting a local SIM card or a portable Wi-Fi device at the airport. This will help you navigate the city, check transport schedules, and stay connected.
4. Currency and Payments
Have some local currency (RMB) for small purchases and transportation. However, major credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist areas, and mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are incredibly convenient. Check out How to Use Alipay or WeChat Pay in China: A Travel Guide for more information.
5. Be Time-Conscious
Keep a close eye on the time to ensure you return to the airport with ample time for your onward flight. Beijing traffic can be unpredictable, so factor in extra time for travel.
A 24-hour layover in Beijing offers a unique opportunity to experience some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Great Wall. With careful planning and efficient time management, you can explore the heart of Beijing, enjoy local cuisine, and visit one of the world’s most famous landmarks. This whirlwind tour will leave you with unforgettable memories and perhaps inspire a longer visit in the future. Have a wonderful layover in Beijing!
More Beijing Travel Guides
Planning your Beijing tour? Our “Beijing Travel Guide“ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. From transportation tips and local customs to insider recommendations for hidden gems, these travel tips will ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience in China’s vibrant capital. Let us guide you through the best practices for exploring Beijing with confidence!
I have a layover in Bejing from 2pm until 10:30 am the next day. I really want to visit the Great wall before sunset. In January, sunset us around 5PM, so i hope to leave the Airport by 3PM. I should arrive hopefully at the great wall by 4:30 PM, giving me about 30 minutes to enjoy the view befor it gets dark. Do you think plan is realistic? or its not enough time ?
Dear Benny,
Thank you for reaching out to Ruqin China Travel!
I’m delighted to hear about your interest in visiting the Great Wall during your layover in Beijing. I’ll do my best to help you make the most of your visit.
Since you have a layover from 2:00 pm until 10:30 am the following day, visiting the Great Wall is possible, but the timing will be tight given the winter sunset. Here are some important considerations:
Airport Location: Beijing has two major airports—Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Travel time from Capital Airport to the nearest Great Wall section (Mutianyu) is approximately 1.5 hours, while from Daxing it could take 2 hours or more, depending on traffic.
Great Wall Visit Timing: Most sections of the Great Wall ticketing till 4:30 pm and close by 5:30 pm in January. Arriving by 4:30 pm will likely give you limited time to explore, even worse, you possibly cannot buy the tickets (last entry at 4:30). Lighting may be insufficient by that hour, especially during winter.
Two Suggested Plans:
Recommended Plan A: Choose the nearest section of the Great Wall to save time and arrive at the Wall before 4:30 PM ( the last entry time ). We suggest you see the sunset at Juyongguan Great Wall ( Juyong Pass) instead of going to either Mutianyu or Badaling. Click the link for more information about Juyonghuan Great Wall: https://rachelmeetschina.com/2022/03/31/juyongguan-great-wall-visit-the-juyong-pass-in-beijing/
Recommended Plan B : For a more relaxed and fulfilling experience, you might consider visiting the Great Wall in the early morning before your departure. Starting as early as possible could provide you with a few peaceful hours at the Wall and a scenic sunrise experience, depending on weather conditions.
Looking forward to helping you create a memorable layover in Beijing!
Warm regards,
Daniel
Ruqin China Travel