One important thing to know before visiting Beijing is that the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) requires advance booking. As one of the most popular tourist attractions in China, tickets often sell out quickly and can only be purchased through the official Palace Museum ticket website.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to secure tickets in time, which is why the Forbidden City isn’t included in this guide. That said, Beijing is filled with so many incredible places to visit that missing out on one attraction certainly doesn’t take away from the experience. If you find yourself in the same situation, don’t let it put you off as there’s still plenty to see, do, and explore across the city.

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1. Summer Palace

One of the most beautiful places to see in Beijing, the Summer Palace is a peaceful escape from the busy city. Famous for Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor, it’s an ideal place to stroll, especially in spring or autumn. You can easily reach the Summer Palace by using Beijing’s extensive (and cheap) metro system. Expect traditional Chinese architecture and beautiful scenery but expect to see lots of crowds, especially in the summer months.

This is easily one of the must visit places in Beijing China, and a great spot for photos and relaxed sightseeing.

You can easily book tickets for the Summer palace here and use our code TWOBRITSONTHEGO for a 10% discount!

2. Temple of Heaven

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous places in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven offers a glimpse into imperial China. This was our favourite attraction in Beijing as the site is huge and the architecture is breathtaking. We’d recommend visiting as early as possible to avoid the crowds as you’ll want plenty of time to admire spots such as the Imperial Vault, Echo Wall and Hall of Prayer.

It’s one of the best places to visit in Beijing if you want a glimpse into the history of this incredible city. For the best experience of the Temple of Heaven book a guided tour via Klook.

We actually stayed in a hotel located right next to the Temple of Heaven and we’d highly recommend it as a budget friendly, well located and comfortable option. You can find the details of the hotel here.

3. Mutianyu Great Wall (Day Trip)

No trip to Beijing is complete without seeing the wonder of the world located nearby. If you’re looking for the best places to visit near Beijing, Mutianyu is a clear winner. This section of the wall is less crowded than Badaling, and offers breathtaking views and an optional cable car. You can reach through the wall via a mix of public transport and taxis, however the quickest and easiest way is to book on to a pre-planned tour.

Trip.com is the best place to book day trips and transport in China – you can check out Mutianyu Great Wall excursions here.

4. Dashilan Street

To experience the beating heart of Beijing you’re going to want to add Dashilan Street to your itinerary. It’s a popular street that blends traditional architecture with street food, souvenirs, and historic shops. If you’re wondering where to go in Beijing at night then Dashilan Street is definitely your answer.

5. Hongqiao (Pearl) Market

If shopping is on your list, Hongqiao Market is one of the best places to shop in Beijing. Famous for its pearls, electronics, and endless souvenirs, this huge multi-floor market is a must-visit – and yes, bargaining is expected.

We loved exploring Hongqiao and were genuinely shocked by just how cheap you can find almost anything imaginable. Entire floors are dedicated to electronics, jewellery, clothing, accessories, and more, making it easy to lose track of time. It’s one of the most popular places to go in Beijing for travellers looking to pick up gifts, affordable souvenirs, or tech at bargain prices.

What Else to Know Before Visiting Beijing

Beijing was our first destination in China. Even though we’ve now visited multiple times and explored many provinces, we still find that Beijing requires a bit more planning than other areas. It’s a huge city, which means attractions are spread out, hotel prices are higher, and your choice of location and budget can really shape your experience.

What to eat in Beijing

One of Beijing’s most famous dishes is Peking Duck. While exploring the city, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to try it. We recommend seeking out small restaurants down side streets rather than the main tourist areas — the food is just as delicious and much more affordable.

Like the rest of China, Beijing offers excellent food at great prices. Streets like Dashilan are perfect for sampling street food , so you’ll want to dedicate an evening to trying as many dishes as possible.

Where to Stay in Beijing

Choosing the right location matters. If your time is limited, pick a hotel close to at least one or two major sights. Booking in advance is a must, as hotels can get expensive during peak seasons.

Popular areas include:

• Dongcheng – ideal for sightseeing and first-time visitors
• Chaoyang – modern hotels, nightlife, and shopping
• Haidian – good for attractions like the Summer Palace

For booking, we recommend Trip.com, which is widely used in China. Check out hotels in Beijing here.

Best Time to Visit Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing is spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), when the weather is comfortable and skies are clearer.

We visited in the peak summer season, which was extremely hot. Summer also brings larger crowds at popular sites like the Great Wall and Forbidden City. However, there are perks: summer allows for later opening hours at the Great Wall, so you can experience it in the evening when it’s beautifully lit.

Final Thoughts: Is Beijing Worth Visiting?

With its iconic landmarks, rich culture, delicious food, and easy day trips, Beijing remains one of the top places to visit in China. Whether you have a short stop or a longer itinerary, these highlights give a perfect introduction.

For more help planning your trip, check out our China Travel Tips guide and our detailed Zhangjiajie travel guide if you plan to explore even more of China.

The post Places to Visit in Beijing, China: A Short Travel Guide appeared first on Two Brits On The Go.

But from the moment we landed, China completely surprised us — in all the best ways. Wandering through Beijing’s historic streets, tasting food we’d never imagined, and hiking the jaw-dropping peaks of Zhangjiajie National Park, we were constantly reminded how much there is to discover. So, we’ve put together our top China travel tips to help make your first-time in China as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

Two Brits On The Go is supported by readers like you. This post contains affiliate links – if you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission but at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure.

This guide is about sharing our honest experience, practical tips, and little-known insights we picked up along the way. Sharing everything that made travelling China as tourists an unforgettable experience. By the end, you’ll know what to see and do, and also the little tricks to make your trip smoother and far more enjoyable. We’ll also highlight some of our favourite travel platforms and how you can use our 10% discount code to save along the way!

1. Getting Around China Is Surprisingly Easy

We were expecting things to be a bit of a nightmare. It’s safe to say that most people feel this way because of the language barrier. However, travelling around China as first-time tourists was much easier than we thought. The transport system is really straightforward once you get used to it — and actually quite enjoyable.

The high-speed trains are clean, punctual, and affordable, letting you cover long distances in no time. One of our top travel tips for China is to know how and where to book the trains. We booked our trains through Trip.com and Klook, which made everything really simple. You can easily pick your seats, check timetables in English, and pay online without any fuss. 

One thing to note: stations can get busy, so allow extra time for security checks and queues. We typically arrived at train stations 45-60 minutes early to ensure we had plenty of time. Before entering train stations you have to put your bags through scanners and present your ID (passport for non-citizens).

In the train station, you can easily find the right platform using the electronic boards that often display in English. Or you can check the train number, which is on your ticket if you book through Trip.com. To get onto the platform, you will need to show your ID again (as this is linked to your ticket). But once you’re on the move, it’s great. Travelling between cities and national parks felt far less stressful than we’d imagined. In the end, we even started to enjoy the journeys themselves.

Metro systems in cities like Beijing are also easy to navigate once you get the hang of the ticket machines. Most signs are in English, trains are frequent, and it’s usually pretty straightforward. Similar to the train stations, you will have to go through security to enter Metro stations and show your ID (passport), so we’d advise carrying it at all times in China.

Another easy way to get around China is by taxi. Taxis in China are surprisingly cheap, especially if you book them through China’s equivalent of Uber – DiDi.

2. Apps, Connectivity, and How to Get Around China

One of the biggest surprises for us as tourists was just how different travelling in China is if you rely on the apps we’re used to back home. Google Maps? Doesn’t work. But Apple Maps and AMaps are great. In fact, anything related to Google (including the Play Store) doesn’t work in China – so if you have a Google phone then make sure you have all the apps you need for China downloaded before you go.

We ended up using Alipay for almost everything — paying in shops, ordering food, and even booking taxis (through DiDi). You don’t need to be fluent in Mandarin but a few basics go a long way. You can also use WeChat if you prefer, but we found Alipay covered pretty much everything we needed for our first-time in China.

Top tip: Make sure you have data for China and get an Airalo eSIM before you go. It’s easy to set up and gives you internet to access local apps from day one. You can even use our discount code SARAHC5620 to save $3 when purchasing.

Once you’ve got your eSIM sorted and Alipay downloaded, paying for things, booking trains or taxis, and generally getting around becomes far less stressful. It’s actually quite satisfying once you start feeling like you’ve got the system sussed.

3. Chinese Food That Blew Our Minds

One of the highlights of travelling in China was the food! You’ll be surprised at how varied it is (and completely different to the takeaways back home).

In Pingyao, we tried the traditional copper hot pot. This was delicious and full of meat, noodles, and vegetables — the perfect meal after exploring the ancient town. In Xi’an, stir-fried king oyster mushrooms were simple but packed with flavour. And in Guangzhou, the cold meat fried rice was surprisingly tasty and satisfying.

Night markets are well worth checking out too. Iconic areas such as Dashilan Street in Beijing offered some of the best night markets we’ve ever visited!

4. Tourist Traps vs. Hidden Gems in China

When planning a trip to China, it’s very easy to get caught up in the big-name attractions. We found that most of them really are worth it, but others can be a bit over-hyped.

Take Zhangjiajie: the views in the national park are stunning, and Tianmen Mountain is impressive, but it was completely overwhelming. We ended up waiting six hours just to get back down the mountain, which was exhausting and a reminder that planning your timing carefully is key. The maps you get provided in the park can be really confusing, especially if it’s your first time there. To make this easier, we have written another blog post explaining everything you need to know to navigate Zhangjiajie.

The real highlight of China for us, though, was its ancient towns. Pingyao, in particular, was unforgettable. Walking around the old city walls, exploring the narrow streets, and soaking in the atmosphere felt like stepping back in time. In our experience the accommodation was ridiculously affordable too. For example, we paid just £10 a night for a place within the walls of the ancient city, which makes China a budget-friendly travel destination.

Top tip: Book park tickets, guided hikes, or city tours through Klook or Trip.com to skip queues and make life easier. Don’t forget to use our 10% discount code for Klook (TWOBRITSONTHEGO) to make your entry fees or guided experiences a little cheaper.

5. Practical China Travel Tips

Travelling in China can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but with a few simple preparations, it’s completely manageable — and genuinely rewarding.

Connectivity: Get a hassle-free Airalo eSIM before you go. It makes using apps like Alipay and Apple Maps / AMaps much easier, and you can even check reviews or translate menus on the go.

Transport: Book trains, airport transfers, and tours through Klook or Trip.com. Using our 10% Klook discount code (TWOBRITSONTHEGO) saves a bit on tickets and guided experiences, and it makes planning so much simpler.

Timing: Big attractions like those in Zhangjiajie can get busy, so plan your visits early and know that queues are part of the experience. If you’re planning to visit Zhangjiajie National Park, check out our detailed blog post – it’s a lifesaver.

Food & Experiences: Mix local restaurants with street food, and don’t be afraid to try dishes you’ve never heard of. Book food tours or cooking classes via Klook to get a deeper taste of local life.

Finally, don’t overlook China’s ancient towns. Places like Pingyao are magical, affordable, and give a real sense of history and culture that you can’t get in the big cities.

With a little planning, a couple of handy apps, and some insider China travel tips, travelling China for the first-time can be smooth, affordable, and absolutely unforgettable.

Check out our experience visiting China for the first time on YouTube:

The post China Travel Tips: A Practical Guide for First-Time Visitors to China appeared first on Two Brits On The Go.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever explored. As full-time travellers, we’ve seen our fair share of natural wonders—but the dramatic landscapes here truly left us in awe. It’s no surprise this park inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.

If you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker like us, Zhangjiajie is an unforgettable experience. Discover our top tips and must-see spots in Zhangjiajie National Park. Follow our recommended itinerary to make the most of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Two Brits On The Go is supported by readers like you. This post contains affiliate links – if you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission but at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see our Affiliate Disclosure.

Where to Stay in Zhangjiajie

Choosing the right Zhangjiajie accommodation is crucial for a smooth trip. We stayed just 15 minutes from the East Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—ideal for early access into the park. The hotel offered useful amenities like a washing machine and detergent, ideal for longer stays. The breakfast was basic, but there are plenty of restaurants around the East Gate to get a more substantial meal.

Our Recommended Hotel Near Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Wulingyuan East Gate)
This hotel is within walking distance (15-minutes) of the East Gate, perfect for exploring the park. It includes handy amenities like a washing machine and detergent, great for multi-day stays.

Our Recommended Hotel Near Tianmen Mountain (Zhangjiajie City)
Just a 5-minute walk from the Tianmen Mountain cable car, this hotel offers a relaxed stay in Zhangjiajie City. A tasty food street is also right nearby.

Key Information Before You Go

To enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, you’ll need to bring your passport. The system scans your face the first time you enter, and you can simply walk through the facial recognition gates on subsequent days.

The park’s bus system is quick and efficient, but you’ll still walk a lot—so wear proper shoes. Most toilets are squat-style, so bring your own toilet paper. Food and drinks are sold inside but cost more than outside, so packing snacks and water is smart. Summer is the busiest time, so start early to avoid crowds.

Save Time and Money with the Unlimited Transport Pass

To make the most of your time at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, we recommend purchasing the unlimited transport pass. This 4-day pass includes park entry and unlimited access to the cable cars, shuttle buses, and Bailong Elevator. It’s an easy way to navigate the park without worrying about extra costs or ticket lines. The easiest way to book is through Klook, which often offers discounted rates. Use our exclusive code TWOBRITSONTHEGO at checkout to save 10%!

We’ve also written a Guide for First-Time Visitors to China to give you more general practical tips and advice for your trip to China!

Our Zhangjiajie Itinerary: What to Expect

After spending four days exploring the jaw-dropping landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the surrounding areas, we’ve put together a detailed day-by-day itinerary based on our personal experience. Whether you’re planning a short trip or staying a little longer, this itinerary will help you make the most of your visit—highlighting the best viewpoints, suggested routes, and time-saving tips to avoid the crowds.

Day 1 – Avatar Floating Mountains and Natural Wonders

We began our first day at the East Gate entrance, arriving just after 7:00am. After a quick face scan at the ticket gate, we caught a bus to the Tianzi Mountain cable car. The ride up is stunning, and being early meant we avoided queues. At the top, we walked around He Long Park and visited the famous Yubi Peaks and the Warrior Training a Horse viewpoint—one of the best and least crowded in the park. There are more vendors and shops at the top of Tianzi Mountain than other areas, but it doesn’t feel overly commercial.

From Tianzi Mountain, we took the bus to Yangjiajie. Most people head straight to the cableway here however we followed a path toward One Step to the Sky—a lesser-visited but highly rewarding 3km round-trip hike. Along the way, we saw wild monkeys and very few other tourists. The viewpoint itself is peaceful and dramatic, offering sweeping views across the forested valley.

After returning, we caught another bus to Yuanjiajie, where the landscape becomes increasingly dramatic. This is where you’ll find the No.1 Natural Bridge and the famous Hallelujah Mountains—the very formations featured in Avatar. There are multiple viewing platforms and photo spots, including the one that appears on the back of the 100 yuan note. We ended the day by taking the Bailong Elevator down from the top of the cliffs to the valley floor, then a bus back to the East Gate. It was a long but exhilarating day.

Day 2 – Tranquil Forests and Amazing Viewpoints!

We started Day 2 a bit later, arriving at the park around 8:30am after grabbing coffee and a light breakfast at Starbucks just outside the East Gate. This time, our face scan was recognised instantly and we were waved through the entrance. We took a bus toward the Bailong Elevator area, but instead of going up, we began walking along the Golden Whip Stream.

The Golden Whip Stream trail is flat, shaded, and scenic, running beside clear streams and beneath the towering cliffs above. It’s peaceful and relatively easy walking, with the occasional monkey making an appearance—especially if people are eating. The trail ends near a temple, where we caught a bus to the Huangshi Village cable car.

At the top of Huangshi Village, we walked the Dahuanzhai Visitor Road—a circular path with panoramic views at every turn. We strongly recommend this route over the older, less scenic trail. The loop includes highlights such as Five Finger Peak and the Echo Wall, both of which offer incredible photo opportunities. We returned via the same cable car and took a shuttle to the South Gate to exit the park.

This day involved over 19,000 steps, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes or trainers.

Day 3 – Optional Exploration and Ten Mile Gallery

If you have a third day in Zhangjiajie, we recommend starting with the Ten Mile Gallery. This area is located off the same internal bus route as the Bailong Elevator. The trail itself is mostly flat and runs alongside dramatic rock formations. There’s also a small tourist train with glass sides and a roof that you can pay extra for if you prefer not to walk.

From the Ten Mile Gallery, you could take the Yangjiajie cable car up or down depending on your route. Alternatively, explore more of the forest park by walking from this area and exiting through the South Gate, combining some sightseeing with a descent through the forest.

Should You Visit Tianmen Mountain?

On our final day, we visited Tianmen Mountain, which is located closer to Zhangjiajie city and requires a completely separate ticket. To be honest, we found the experience underwhelming compared to the national park. The views are nice, but not as impressive, and the site was incredibly crowded.

We took a shuttle to the express cableway up the mountain. At the top, we opted to pay extra to go up the escalators (five of them) rather than the long staircase. Although the view looking up at Heaven’s Gate is impressive, the top didn’t offer anything more spectacular than what we’d already seen. To descend, we had to collect a ticket just to join the queue for the cable car—and then waited three hours to board!

If you’re determined to see Tianmen Mountain, we suggest doing it first thing in the morning on your first day in Zhangjiajie. But honestly, we’d recommend skipping it altogether and using your time to further explore the national park.

For a more in-depth look at our time in Zhangjiajie, check out our video guide on YouTube below! We dive into all the best spots, share pro tips, and give you a visual walkthrough of the park’s stunning landscapes.

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Zhangjiajie, feel free to get in touch or check out our videos over on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok @twobritsonthego.

Watch our Zhangjiajie Full Vlog here:

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