Beijing offers a dizzying number of things to see and do, but its appeal extends well beyond the confines of the city. Within easy reach are Ming dynasty tombs, ancient villages, the Great Wall, and even enthralling glass-bottom bridges dangling over a gorge – all memorable ways to spend a day.
As much as we love China’s capital, all it takes is a short trip out of town, and you’ll soon be immersed in stunning forested mountain surrounds. If you’re looking to escape the city, here are our top five getaways.
1. Get Out Along the Great Wall of China
Travel time: 1–2 hours (one-way)
Snaking along the mist-cloaked mountains into the far distance on its epic 21,196km (13,171-mile) journey, the Great Wall is an extraordinary experience that does not disappoint. Beijing is one of the best places to access it; however, the trick lies in picking the section that best suits your tastes and needs. Do you prefer it more wild and remote? Or perhaps somewhere more polished and restored? Are you here for a long hike, or is a cable-car ride more your style?
Just 70km (43 miles) from the capital, the Mutianyu and Badaling restored sections of the wall are the most popular day trips from Beijing, making them highly accessible. With astounding views and easy navigation via cable cars and chairlifts, they cater perfectly to tourists. Conversely, if you seek a more serene experience, the lesser-visited sections like Jinshanling and Jiankou offer a wild atmosphere with half-crumbling walls and an off-the-beaten-track feel.
How to get to the Great Wall from Beijing:
Badaling is notably easy to reach, thanks to a high-speed train taking only 30 minutes. Public transport is available, but often involves a fiddly string of bus connections. For a hassle-free experience, consider taking one of the direct tourist buses departing from Dongzhimen Transport Hub. Alternatively, if your budget allows for it, hire a private car for the most convenient option, especially if traveling in a group.
2. Explore the Ancient Ming Tombs
Travel time: 45 minutes to 1½ hours (one-way)
You may have visited the home of Ming dynasty emperors at the Forbidden City; now, it’s time to see their final resting place at the UNESCO-listed Ming Tombs, located around 50km (31 miles) northwest of Beijing. Set at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, these underground tombs hold the remains of 13 emperors, with only three mausoleums open to the public. The impressive Chang Ling tomb features architectural similarities to the Forbidden City.
Visitors will arrive via the Spirit Way, a 7km (4.3-mile) road lined with gates, archways, ornamental pavilions, and stone statues, leading to the Great Palace Gate, a point of entry for even emperors.
How to get to the Ming Tombs from Beijing:
Bus 872 is the most direct option, taking about one hour. For a more comfortable journey, a taxi will cost approximately ¥300 for a return trip.
3. Don’t Look Down at the Shilinxia Glass Viewing Platform
Travel time: 1–2½ hours
China is renowned for its glass-bottom viewing platforms, with about 2300 scattered across the country. Among them, the Shilinxia Glass Viewing Platform, just 70km (43 miles) from Beijing, is a standout. This unique circular bridge juts out 32m (105ft) over and 400m (1312ft) above the Jingdong Stone Forest Gorge, offering an exhilarating way to take in the beautiful Shilinxia Scenic Area, which spans more than 12km (7.5 miles).
How to get to the Shilinxia Glass Viewing Platform from Beijing:
Take bus 852 from Dongzhimen Transport Hub to Pinggu Bus Terminal, then change to bus 25 to reach Pinggu Shilixia Scenic Area. A private car can be hired for approximately ¥600 for the round trip.
4. Check Out Wanping’s Fabled Multi-Arched Bridge
Travel time: 30–45 minutes
Just a short jaunt across town will take you to the historic walled city of Wanping, known for its multi-arched Marco Polo Bridge. Dating back to 1189 and spanning 265m (869ft) over the Yonding River, it is Beijing’s oldest bridge, distinguished by 485 decorative hand-carved stone lions. The bridge honors the famous Italian explorer, named for his impressive journeys along the Silk Road.
Moreover, this bridge has historical significance, being the site of a military clash in 1937 that ignited the Second Sino-Japanese War. For those interested in history, the nearby Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression provides further insights.
How to get to Wanping from Beijing:
Wanpingcheng subway station is conveniently located on Line 16, or take Line 14 to Dawoyao station, followed by a 1km (0.6-mile) walk to the East Gate of Wanping Town.
5. Escape to the Country at Cuandixia
Travel time: 2 hours
For a perfect antidote to the frenetic pace of Beijing life, consider a beautiful country escape to Cuandixia Village. Nestled in a valley 90km (56 miles) west of Beijing, it is famed for its 500-year-old stone courtyard houses from the Qing and Ming dynasties, many transformed into quaint restaurants and inns. The charming cobblestone alleyways create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy old-world charm.
How to get to Cuandixia from Beijing:
To reach Cuandixia, take bus 22 from opposite Jin’anqiao station to Zhaitang, followed by a short taxi ride. Alternatively, you may consider hiring a car for approximately ¥700–800 from Beijing.
This content is designed for travelers looking for exciting excursions from Beijing, showcasing the remarkable places accessible from the vibrant city.
