Best One-Day Trips from Beijing: Explore Nearby Gems
Great Wall of China
Explore the best of Great Wall of China in a day!
Tianjin
Explore the best of Tianjin in a day!
Chengde
Explore the best of Chengde in a day!
Longqing Gorge
Explore the best of Longqing Gorge in a day!
One-Day Trip from Beijing to the Great Wall of China
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Beijing: 70 km (43 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via the G6 Jingzang Expressway for a direct route.
- By Bus: Take the 877 bus from Deshengmen to Badaling.
- By Train: Take the S2 train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling.
Main Attractions
Badaling Section of the Great Wall The most visited section of the Great Wall, Badaling offers stunning views and well-preserved fortifications. It's an ideal spot for hiking and photography. Don't miss the panoramic views from the watchtowers.
Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Less crowded than Badaling, Mutianyu is known for its beautiful scenery and restored wall. You can take a cable car up and toboggan down for a fun experience. The lush greenery makes it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Juyongguan Pass A historically significant section, Juyongguan Pass is known for its steep climbs and ancient architecture. The pass has been a military stronghold for centuries and offers a glimpse into China's rich history.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Start early and head to the Badaling section. Spend a few hours exploring and hiking.
- Midday: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant near the Great Wall.
- Afternoon: Visit the Mutianyu section for a different perspective and enjoy the cable car ride.
- Evening: Return to Beijing, stopping by Juyongguan Pass if time permits.
Local Food
- Peking Duck: A must-try dish when in Beijing.
- Jiaozi (Dumplings): Enjoy these delicious Chinese dumplings.
- Zha Jiang Mian: A popular noodle dish with soybean paste.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The watchtowers at Badaling and Mutianyu offer the best views.
- Hidden Gems: Explore the less crowded sections like Jiankou for a more rugged experience.
- Travel Light: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks.
One-Day Trip from Beijing to Tianjin
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Beijing: 120 km (75 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 30 minutes by high-speed train
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via the G2 Jinghu Expressway.
- By Train: Take the high-speed train from Beijing South Railway Station to Tianjin.
Main Attractions
Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) A historical area with over 230 buildings featuring various architectural styles. It's a great place for a leisurely walk and to admire the European-style buildings.
Tianjin Eye A giant Ferris wheel built over the Yongle Bridge, offering panoramic views of the city. It's especially beautiful at night when the city lights up.
Ancient Culture Street (Gu Wenhua Jie) A pedestrian street filled with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, and eateries. It's a great place to buy souvenirs and try local snacks.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Take the high-speed train to Tianjin and start your day at the Five Great Avenues.
- Midday: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then head to the Tianjin Eye.
- Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring Ancient Culture Street.
- Evening: Return to Beijing by train.
Local Food
- Goubuli Baozi: Famous steamed buns filled with meat or vegetables.
- Jianbing: A popular Chinese street food, similar to a crepe.
- Erduoyan Zhagao: A traditional Tianjin snack made from glutinous rice.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Tianjin Eye and Five Great Avenues offer excellent photo opportunities.
- Hidden Gems: Explore the small alleys around Ancient Culture Street for unique shops.
- Travel Light: Wear comfortable shoes for walking and bring a camera.
One-Day Trip from Beijing to Chengde
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Beijing: 225 km (140 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via the G45 Daguang Expressway.
- By Train: Take a train from Beijing Railway Station to Chengde.
Main Attractions
Chengde Mountain Resort A vast imperial garden and palace complex used by Qing emperors as a summer retreat. The resort features beautiful lakes, pagodas, and temples.
Puning Temple Known as the "Big Buddha Temple," it houses one of the world's largest wooden statues of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The temple's architecture is a blend of Han and Tibetan styles.
Putuo Zongcheng Temple A replica of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, this temple complex is a stunning example of Tibetan architecture. It's a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Drive or take a train to Chengde and start your day at the Chengde Mountain Resort.
- Midday: Have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit Puning Temple.
- Afternoon: Spend your afternoon exploring Putuo Zongcheng Temple.
- Evening: Return to Beijing.
Local Food
- Chengde Hot Pot: A local variation of the popular Chinese dish.
- Manchu Cuisine: Traditional dishes from the Manchu ethnic group.
- Wild Mushroom Dishes: Chengde is known for its variety of wild mushrooms.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The Chengde Mountain Resort offers beautiful landscapes for photography.
- Hidden Gems: Explore the lesser-known temples within the Mountain Resort.
- Travel Light: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen.
One-Day Trip from Beijing to Longqing Gorge
Distance and Travel Time
- Distance from Beijing: 85 km (53 miles)
- Estimated Travel Time: 2 hours by car
Transportation Options
- By Car: Drive via the G6 Jingzang Expressway.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Deshengmen to Yanqing, then a local bus to Longqing Gorge.
Main Attractions
Longqing Gorge Known as the "Little Three Gorges," this scenic area features stunning cliffs, clear waters, and lush greenery. You can take a boat ride to fully appreciate the beauty of the gorge.
Ice Lantern Festival Held in winter, this festival showcases beautiful ice sculptures and lanterns. It's a magical experience and a great opportunity for photography.
Longqing Gorge Dam A massive dam that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. It's a great spot for taking photos and enjoying the scenery.
Itinerary Suggestions
- Morning: Drive or take a bus to Longqing Gorge and start your day with a boat ride.
- Midday: Have lunch at a local restaurant near the gorge.
- Afternoon: Explore the Ice Lantern Festival (if visiting in winter) or hike around the gorge.
- Evening: Return to Beijing.
Local Food
- Yanqing Roast Duck: A local variation of the famous Peking Duck.
- Freshwater Fish Dishes: Enjoy dishes made from fish caught in the local rivers.
- Mountain Vegetables: Try dishes made from locally sourced mountain vegetables.
Local Tips
- Best Photo Spots: The boat ride offers the best views for photography.
- Hidden Gems: Explore the smaller trails around the gorge for less crowded spots.
- Travel Light: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a jacket, as it can get chilly near the water.
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