Beijing, as the capital of China, boasts a long history, rich culture, and profound heritage. It is also known for its beautiful landscapes and numerous attractions, making every season a delight to visit! For those traveling to Beijing for the first time, you might be wondering how to make the most of your trip. To help you enjoy your visit, here’s a two-day travel guide for Beijing.
Day 1: Climbing the Great Wall
The Great Wall is an important geographical and cultural symbol of China, representing the spirit of the Chinese nation. The section of the Great Wall in Beijing was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty and extensively reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty. It stretches from Pinggu in the east to Mentougou in the west, passing through six districts: Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, Changping, Yanqing, and Mentougou, with a total length of 573 kilometers. The Ming Dynasty remnants of the Great Wall in Beijing include various historical structures such as fortresses, passes, walls, watchtowers, beacon towers, horse-blocking walls, and defensive walls. The Badaling Great Wall and Mutianyu Great Wall are both national 5A scenic spots.
Badaling Great Wall
Historically known as one of the nine passes of the world, the Badaling Great Wall is a crucial part of the ancient defensive project known as the Great Wall of China. It is a key pass of the Ming Great Wall and serves as an outpost for the important military pass at Juyong Pass. Ancient texts say, “The danger of Juyong lies not in the pass but in Badaling Great Wall,” making it a vital barrier for the capital, Beijing, and a strategic location historically contested by military leaders. The Badaling Great Wall is the best-preserved and most representative section of the Ming Great Wall, showcasing both majestic heights and lush scenery. It is famous for its breathtaking views and the saying, “If we fail to reach the Great wall we are not true men”.
Mutianyu Great Wall
In addition to Badaling Great Wall, the Mutianyu Great Wall is equally beautiful.
With an elevation of only 486 meters at Mutianyu Pass, the terrain rises sharply to the East, with the highest point at the Dajiaolou (The high point on the east side of Mutianyu Pass) reaching 117 meters. The western section, from the Zhengguantai to the Nineteen Towers, is relatively flat, while the path from the Twenty Towers to the highest point on the Niujiaobian(at the peak of the mountain located at the westernmost end of the Mutianyu Great Wall) rises 533 meters, culminating in a height of 1039 meters, creating a spectacular view. Both sides of the Mutianyu Great Wall are equipped with battlements, and there is a supporting wall approximately 1000 meters long east of the Zhengguantai, known as the bald tail edge in Chinese.
Other notable Great Wall scenic areas include the Old Badaling Great Wall, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, and Juyong Pass.
Day 2: Visiting Olympic Park (including the National Stadium (Bird's Nest), National Aquatics Center (Water Cube), National Sports Museum, China Science and Technology Museum, National Conference Center, Olympic Park Tennis Center, and Olympic Tower) - Olympic Forest Park - Wangfujing
Exploring Olympic Park
After climbing the Great Wall, head straight to Olympic Park.
Located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, the Olympic Park is situated at the northern end of Beijing Central Axis, stretching from the south bank of the Qing He(River) to Beituchenglu(Rd), and from Anlilu(Rd) and Beichen Donglu (Rd East) in the east to Lincuilu(Rd) and Beichen Xilu(Rd West) in the west. It is a national 5A scenic area.
It covers an area of 11.59 square kilometers, divided into three sections: the northern forest park (6.8 square kilometers), the central area with main venues and facilities (3.15 square kilometers), and the southern area with completed venues and reserved land (1.64 square kilometers). The park symbolizes the continuation of China's thousand-year historical culture and embodies the three concepts of "technology, green, and culture."
Olympic Park presents a unique cultural landscape, featuring a dragon-shaped water system running north to south, a variety of sculptures, intricately designed floral patterns, and scenic light poles. The sunken garden located 9 meters underground combines traditional elements such as courtyards and city gates with modern architecture, creating an immersive blend of ancient and contemporary aesthetics.
Among the park's highlights are the largest artificial water system in an urban area in Asia, the largest urban greening landscape in Asia, the world's largest pedestrian square, and the longest underground traffic corridor in Asia. The park was designated as a national 5A scenic area in 2012.
Key Attractions in Olympic Park:
National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
The imposing National Stadium is one of the iconic buildings of the Beijing Olympics, located in the southern part of Olympic Park, east of the central axis. It served as the main stadium for the 29th Olympic Games held in 2008, covering an area of 21 hectares with a construction area of 258,000 square meters. It has approximately 91,000 spectator seats, including around 11,000 temporary seats. The opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics and the 13th Paralympic Games, as well as track and field events and the final of the football matches, were held here. After the Olympics, it will become a comprehensive venue for cultural sports, fitness shopping, dining entertainment, and tourism exhibitions, serving as a landmark sports architecture and Olympic legacy.
The National Stadium is nicknamed "Bird's Nest" due to its branch-like structure. The chief designer, Jacques Herzog, along with Pierre de Meuron from Switzerland, is known for their recent works, including the Tate Modern Museum in London (2002) and the main stadium for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Contact Number: 86-10-84372992
National Aquatics Center (Water Cube)
The crystal-clear National Aquatics Center, known as the "Water Cube", is another iconic structure of the Beijing Olympics, located in the southern part of Olympic Park, west of the central axis. It served as the main swimming venue for the 29th Olympic Games in 2008. The dreamlike square "water bubble" effect left a deep impression on visitors, and this blue water molecule structure stands opposite the National Stadium (commonly known as "Bird's Nest"), symbolizing the Chinese architectural philosophy of "Heaven is round and Earth is square." Compared to the "Bird's Nest", the design of the "Water Cube" embodies a more feminine grace, creating a striking contrast with its masculine counterpart, resulting in a visually impactful representation of Beijing's historical and cultural identity.
The "Water Cube" is the only swimming venue with a capacity of over 10,000 people, receiving donations totaling 960 million yuan, with the largest single donation being 200 million Hong Kong dollars from Mr. Ho Ying Dong. During the 2008 Olympics, the National Aquatics Center hosted swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo events, accommodating 17,000 spectators, with 6,000 permanent seats. After the games, it was transformed into a water park that integrates swimming, fitness, and leisure activities.
Contact Number:86-10- 84370112
National Sports Stadium
The National Sports Stadium is one of the three main competition venues for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Its shape resembles an open folding fan and is located adjacent to the "Bird's Nest" (National Stadium) and the "Water Cube" (National Aquatics Center), forming a distinctive architectural complex. Situated in the southern part of Beijing Olympic Park, it is bordered by the central axis square to the east, the National Aquatics Center ("Water Cube") to the south, the Digital Beijing Building to the west, and the National Conference Center to the north. The total area is 6.87 hectares, with a total construction area of 81,000 square meters and an internal volume of 510,000 cubic meters, accommodating up to 20,000 spectators, making it the largest indoor multi-purpose sports venue in China.
The main competition area covers 30,000 square meters, and the warm-up area is the same size as the main competition venue. The stadium's third floor features a VIP box level, which includes 19 boxes of varying sizes from tens to hundreds of square meters, along with various facilities such as restaurants and dedicated elevators.
The National Sports Stadium features a metal roof, with glass curtain walls for exterior decoration. Its flowing and dynamic design is inspired by the Chinese folding fan. The vertical steel framework surrounding the stadium contrasts with the large, crystal-clear glass curtain walls, resembling an open Chinese folding fan and highlighting the richness of Chinese culture. The flat-topped "Water Cube" and the single-curved National Conference Center to the north and south respectively create a harmonious urban landscape within Olympic Park. The stadium consists of the main building, the connected warm-up area, and the outdoor environment, representing a perfect blend of traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics and contemporary design. A special 300-square-meter platform has been designated on the northern side for disabled spectators, accommodating 250 to 300 wheelchair users. The grandstand is accessible via an elevator to the ground level, allowing disabled spectators to reach their seats directly. As a premier sports facility in Beijing, the National Sports Stadium will serve as a civic activity center that integrates sports competitions and cultural entertainment, providing multifunctional services.
Contact Number: 86-10-84370576
China National Convention Center
The aesthetically pleasing China National Convention Center served as the main press center and international broadcasting center for the 2008 Olympics, as well as a temporary venue for the fencing events and the fencing and pistol shooting competitions of the modern pentathlon. It is located within Olympic Park, to the north of the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube. The design of the main structure incorporates elements from traditional Chinese architecture, such as eaves and arched bridges. Viewed from the front, the roof features a slightly upward-curving design at the corners, resembling traditional Chinese eaves, while the lower part forms a curved line that mimics a traditional arched bridge, echoing the other buildings in the Olympic Park and reflecting a commitment to cultural and informational communication that reaches toward the future.
The total construction area of China National Convention Center is 530,000 square meters, with the main building covering 270,000 square meters. It is fully equipped with advanced facilities. There are nearly 100 meeting rooms of various sizes, equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to meet the multifunctional service requirements of events ranging from 20 to 6,000 participants, including conferences, banquets, performances, product launches, and corporate activities. The largest meeting room spans 6,400 square meters and can accommodate 6,000 people, while the grand banquet hall covers 4,860 square meters and can host 3,500 guests. The exhibition hall is 24,000 square meters with a height of 10 meters and only three columns, allowing for flexible division into four independent exhibition areas, catering to various meetings, exhibitions, incentive tours, and large-scale events. Supporting facilities cover approximately 260,000 square meters, including the luxurious four-star National Conference Center Hotel with 443 rooms, connected to the conference center by a corridor that can be reached within a three-minute walk. As the largest and newest conference center in China, strategically located with comprehensive surrounding amenities, the China National Convention Center has become a world-class venue capable of accommodating large conferences, exhibitions, diverse public events, and hotel room needs.
Contact Number: 86-10-84373300
Olympic Forest Park
The Olympic Forest Park is located at the northern end of the central axis that runs through Beijing, in the northern section of Olympic Park. It has been dubbed the garden of the 29th Olympic Games and has since become a natural sightseeing area for Beijing residents. As the closest forest park to the citizens of Beijing, the park covers an area of 680 hectares, making it larger than the combined areas of the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace, and equivalent to the size of ten Beihai Parks. The southern area spans 380 hectares, and the main mountain, known as Yangshan, aligns with Jingshan Mountain along the central axis, creating a harmonious north-south relationship. The name "Yangshan" is derived from the line in the Book of Songs: High mountains are to be gazed upon; the great path is to be walked upon (meaning that virtues as lofty as high mountains inspire admiration, while actions as bright as the great path guide people to follow.)
The main mountain of Yangshan Mountain, is constructed from 3.98 million cubic meters of earth and complements the Yanshan Mountain range in northwest Beijing. This design adheres to traditional Chinese garden construction principles while harmonizing with the surrounding environment.
The main lake area, "Olympic Lake", along with the scenic waterways, forms a dragon-shaped water system within the Olympic Forest Park, with 122 hectares of water surface exceeding half the size of Kunming Hu(Lake). In Chinese mythology and traditional culture, the dragon is the most revered and sacred totem, always associated with water. Within this water system, the dragon's body meanders through the forest park, with its open mouth facing Qing He (River) and its tail wrapping around the National Sports Stadium. This integration with the surrounding environment creates a beneficial ecological water circulation system. The dragon-shaped water system embodies traditional concepts, featuring a layout of "front with water, back with mountain, and surrounded by mountains on both sides."
Throughout the Olympic Forest Park, visitors can occasionally spot ancient steles, some with clear inscriptions and others faded by time. Each of these weathered steles tells a story, standing like vigilant sentinels guarding this land. The owners of these steles were either valiant generals who fought on battlefields or pillars of the state who governed the nation. Among them is General Tu Hai, known for his significant contributions in quelling the Sanfan Rebellion and the Chahar Rebellion (both wars in the Qing Dynasty). Another noteworthy figure is Zhao Hui, who achieved remarkable feats during the suppression of the rebellious forces in Xinjiang. There is also Hai Wang, a trusted minister of Emperor Yongzheng, who, along with nine others, assisted Emperor Qianlong in governing the country. They chose this location for their family tombs because it lies within the dragon vein, north of Beijing, offering a view of the land where dragons soar. Today, they rest peacefully in the Olympic Forest Park, safeguarding the tranquility and prosperity of this land.
Contact Number: 86-10-64529060
Transportation Routes:
South Gate: Take Subway Line 8 to the South Gate of the Forest Park Station.
West Gate: Take Bus 510 or 81 to the Aolin Chuntian Community stop.
East Gate: Take Express Bus Line 3 to the Yangshan Bridge South stop.
Olympic Park Tennis Center
The Olympic Park Tennis Center is located within Beijing Olympic Park, north of the Northern Fifth Ring Road, east of Beichen Xilu (Rd West), west of Baimao Village Lu (Rd), and south of the archery range. The entire project covers an area of 16.68 hectares, with a total construction area of 26,514 square meters, featuring ten competition courts. The central court serves as the venue for finals and can accommodate 10,000 spectators. Court 1 can hold 4,000 people, and Court 2 can accommodate 2,000. Additionally, there are seven preliminary courts, each with a capacity of 200 spectators, totaling 17,400 seats. Six practice courts are also available.
The central court is the final venue for tennis competitions and is designed with a focus on human-centered principles. In achieving a "humanistic Olympics", careful attention has been given to aspects such as environment, ventilation, temperature, water supply, fire safety, and bathing comfort, ensuring convenience and comfort for athletes, coaches, referees, and the audience, particularly for individuals with disabilities. The central court and other venues are arranged in three gradually rising rectangular platforms that blend into the forest backdrop. The outer side features preliminary courts, while the highest platform includes the central court and Court 1. The spectator area is positioned above the platforms, while VIPs, athletes, and media personnel are located below, cleverly facilitating the separation of movement for spectators and participants.
Contact Number: 86-10-64881300
The Olympic Tower
In the park, you can easily spot the Olympic Tower. The design of Beijing Olympic Tower is inspired by the concept of the "Tree of Life", symbolizing the earth's uplift and cracking, from which the Tree of Life emerges from the crust and grows naturally. At the top of the tower, it gradually spreads outwards to form a crown shape, resembling a bouquet of flowers, bursting fireworks, or a spring of clear water. The five towers of varying heights appear to blend and separate in the air, creating a unique silhouette. The nighttime illumination combines LED mesh screens with external lighting, allowing the tower to display various themed light scenes at night, such as "Brilliant Ice and Snow", "Five Olympic Rings", and "Tree of Life", making it a new highlight of Beijing's nighttime landscape.
Headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
In September 2019, infused with Chinese elements and a global vision, the Asian Financial Tower quietly emerged as a new landmark in the Olympic Forest Park, covering a total construction area of nearly 390,000 square meters. This building also houses the headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Inside, nearly 200 tons of Taishan Mountain stone are prominently featured, standing 15 meters tall and 3 meters high, complemented by a mirrored water pool that imparts a beautiful meaning to the entire structure.
Transportation: Accessible via Subway Line 8 at Olympic Park Station, Olympic Sports Center Station, Forest Park South Gate Station, and Lincui Bridge Station, as well as Subway Line 15 at Olympic Park Station.
Strolling Wangfujing
If you still have energy in the evening, I recommend visiting Wangfujing.
Wangfujing
Wangfujing is located in the Dongcheng District of Beijing and boasts a long history. After Zhu Di(third emperor of the Ming Dynasty) moved the capital to Beijing, ten royal residences were built here, leading to the area being called the "Shiwangfu" or "Shiwangfu Street" during the Ming Dynasty, meaning ten palaces of a prince built here. It was close to the royal palace and inhabited by nobility, not commoners. By the end of the Qing Dynasty, particularly during the Guangxu and Xuantong periods, the area began to prosper, with numerous vendors and shops lining the streets, becoming one of the bustling commercial districts of the capital. After 1949, Wangfujing gradually evolved into a famous commercial area promoted by the government.
Today, Wangfujing is 1,818 meters long and is divided into four sections from south to north: from Chang'anjie(Ave) to Dongdansantiao (280 meters); from Dongdansantiao to Jinyu Hutong (548 meters); from Jinyu Hutong to Dengshikou(St) (344 meters); and from Dengshikou(St) to Wusi Street (646 meters).
Beneath Wangfujing Department Store lies a secret: the underground Heping Guoju, a memory of Old Beijing (a modern-day commercial street).
Visiting Wangfujing during the day feels like "traveling through 700 years of prosperity." The street is lined with a variety of shopping malls, the most famous being the Beijing Department Store, along with numerous others such as APM, Oriental Plaza, New Yansha Golden Street Shopping Center, Wangfu Central,Yintai IN88, and Dong'an Market. There are also the Wangfujing Church, Beijing Lisheng Sports Building, and flagship stores for LEGO and NBA, as well as collection stores for Adidas and Skechers, blending a sense of history with modern fashion and vibrancy.
Transportation: Subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station.
