Beijing might be one of the most intimidating cities for a layover especially if it’s your first time visiting China but it’s also one of the most rewarding in all the best ways!
Whether you’re planning to dash to the Great Wall, explore centuries of imperial history, or just want to relax, sip tea, and indulge in VERY spicy noodles before your next flight, 24 hours in Beijing is enough to experience something memorable.
We flew into Beijing on a layover from Paris to Melbourne, arriving early in the morning and departing the next day.
Since we’d already done the Forbidden City and Great Wall on a past trip, this stop was all about slower moments: wandering, eating, shopping, and staying somewhere central.
Beijing surprised me in the best way.
I was even shocked at how modern the city was and how much it had changed since my last visit.
If you’re wondering how to make the most of a day in Beijing from what apps to use to how to get around and where to stay on a short visit I’ve got you covered. Here’s your go-to layover plan, whether it’s your first time or your third.
⏰ Short on time?
👉 Tours to try in Beijing
– Great Wall layover tour
– Forbidden City Walking Tour with Entry Tickets
– Street food tasting tour
👉 Recommended – Pre-book your airport transfer here
👉 Waking up to City & Temple Views in Beijing? Yes, Please.
($) Peking Youth Hostel
($$) Hotel Kapok Beijing
($$$) The Peninsula Beijing
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Visa-Free Transit: Can You Leave the Airport?
Yes! Beijing offers 24-hour and 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of over 50 countries including the US, UK, Canada, and most of Europe.
If you hold an Australian Passport you can enter visa free for 30 days.
What you’ll need:
- A valid passport
- A confirmed onward flight (not a return to the same country)
- A completed arrival/departure card
Let airline staff know you’re transiting visa-free when you land. Immigration can take 1.5 to 2 hours, so make sure you’ve got at least 7–8 hours between flights if you’re planning to leave the airport.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Beijing has two main airports:
- PEK (Beijing Capital Airport): Around 1 hour to central Beijing
- PKX (Daxing Airport): 1.5 hours by high-speed train or taxi
You’ve got a few options to reach the city:
- DiDi (China’s Uber): Download the app before arriving (you can use international cards with DiDi now)
- Airport Express Train: Cheap (around 25 RMB) and skips traffic
- Private Transfer 👉 Pre-book your airport transfer here
Tip: Google Maps doesn’t work well in China. Use Apple Maps, Maps.me, or Baidu Maps (if you can navigate Chinese characters).
Option 1: Visit the Great Wall (Perfect If You Have 8–12 Hours)
If it’s your first time in Beijing and you’ve got a long layover, you can absolutely visit the Great Wall.
Which Section to Visit?
- Mutianyu: Ideal for layovers. Less crowded, beautifully restored, and has a cable car + toboggan.
- Badaling: Closer to Beijing, but more touristy and busier.
Sample 10-Hour Layover Schedule:
- 2 hrs – Immigration + airport formalities
- 1.5 hrs – Drive to Mutianyu
- 2 hrs – Explore the Wall
- 1 hr – Lunch nearby
- 1.5 hrs – Drive back
- 2 hrs – Check-in and security
Book a Great Wall layover tour here (with airport pickup)
Cable car/toboggan: ~120 RMB
Open from ~7:30 AM
Bring layers, it’s colder at the Wall than in the city.
Option 2: Explore Beijing’s City Centre (Great for Overnight or Short Layovers)
If it’s your first time in Beijing and you’ve got a long layover, you can absolutely visit the Great Wall.
- Mutianyu: Ideal for layovers. Less crowded, beautifully restored, and has a cable car + toboggan.
- Badaling: Closer to Beijing, but more touristy and busier.
- 2 hrs – Immigration + airport formalities
- 1.5 hrs – Drive to Mutianyu
- 2 hrs – Explore the Wall
- 1 hr – Lunch nearby
- 1.5 hrs – Drive back
- 2 hrs – Check-in and security
👉 Book a Great Wall layover tour here (with airport pickup)
Option 2: Explore Beijing’s City Centre (Great for Overnight or Short Layovers)
Not up for the rush? Central Beijing is super walkable and packed with things to do.
Even if you’ve only got 3–4 hours, walking through Tiananmen Square and visiting the Forbidden City is worth it.
- Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Largest palace complex in the world
- Entry: 40–60 RMB
- Bring your passport to buy tickets
- Last entry: ~4 PM, closed Mondays
Climb to the top of the hill for the best panoramic view over the palace rooftops. We went just before sunset and it was golden hour magic.
Bonus: you might spot locals doing tai chi or dancing in the gardens.
Both are great alternatives if you’ve already seen the palace. You only need 1–2 hours at each. They’re peaceful, spiritual, and photogenic.
We spent hours just strolling the Wangfujing pedestrian street. It’s part shopping mall, part local market, part food adventure.
Expect:
- Dumpling stalls
- Fruit candied on sticks
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Fried scorpions (if you’re brave!)
- Silk pyjamas
- Tea shops and boutique stores
We stocked up on snacks and quirky souvenirs here.
What to Eat in Beijing on a Layover
- Peking duck at Quanjude (classic) or Dadong (modern)
- Hot pot with Sichuan peppercorns
- Zhajiangmian – noodles with soybean paste
- Jianbing – Chinese breakfast crepes
- Baozi – fluffy meat-filled buns
👉 Join a street food tasting tour here if you want to maximise time and flavours
Where to Stay on a Beijing Layover
We stayed at Guo Ji Yi Yuan Hotel, and it was the perfect base. Super central, comfortable, and walking distance to most major attractions.
- Comfy beds (soft, which is rare in China!)
- Helpful staff
- Steps from Wangfujing + Jingshan Park
Waking up to City & Temple Views in Beijing? Yes, Please.
($) Peking Youth Hostel
($$) Hotel Kapok Beijing
($$$) The Peninsula Beijing
Where did I Stayed in Beijing
Watch our hotel review staying at Guo Ji Yi Yuan Hotel in Beijing.
FAQs About 24 Hours in Beijing
Yes, if your passport qualifies for the 24- or 144-hour visa-free transit.
Yes, if you’ve got 8+ hours. Mutianyu is your best bet. 👉 Book a layover-friendly Great Wall tour here
Nope, it’s closed Mondays and stops ticket sales 1 hour before closing.
Try Peking duck, street dumplings, or zhajiangmian noodles.
The central district is very walkable especially around Tiananmen, Wangfujing, and Jingshan Park.
Anywhere near Wangfujing is ideal. 👉 Where I stayed
Airport Express Train or DiDi. 👉 Pre-book a private transfer here
It’s handy, but Alipay/WeChat Pay are used more often. Some places now accept foreign cards via Alipay.
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment