Beijing One-Day Tour Guide

Forbidden City (8:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry 3:30 PM), closed Mondays

Ticket Policy: ¥60 (peak season), ¥40 (off-season). Pre-booking required via the official website or WeChat mini-program. Foreign visitors can use passport for entry.

Introduction: The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, served as China's imperial palace from 1420 to 1911. This UNESCO World Heritage site features 980 surviving buildings and over a million historical artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into China's imperial history and architectural brilliance.

December 2025 Special Event: "Winter Solstice in the Imperial Palace" – special guided tours highlighting imperial winter traditions, with traditional music performances in the Hall of Supreme Harmony on weekends.

Nearby Dining: For an authentic Beijing breakfast before your visit, try Jingweilou (5-minute walk from the东华门 entrance) famous for douzhi (fermented soybean milk) and youtiao (fried dough sticks). After your visit, Quanjude (Wangfujing branch) offers renowned Peking duck.

Tiananmen Square (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)

Opening Hours: 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Ticket Policy: Free entry (ID/passport required for security check). Special exhibition halls may charge separate fees.

Introduction: One of the world's largest public squares, Tiananmen Square holds profound historical significance as the political heart of China. Surrounded by iconic buildings including the Tiananmen Rostrum, Great Hall of the People, and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the square offers a powerful symbol of modern China.

December 2025 Special Event: Annual "New Year Countdown Preparation" exhibition showcasing traditional lanterns and decorations being prepared for the upcoming January celebrations.

Nearby Dining: Wangfujing Snack Street (10-minute walk north) offers a variety of local snacks. For a quick lunch, try Da Dong Roast Duck (Wangfujing branch) for their famous crispy-skinned duck.

Summer Palace (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM)

Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM (April-October); 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM (November-March)

Ticket Policy: ¥30 (park only), ¥60 (park + palace buildings). Boat rentals available separately (¥60-80 per boat).

Introduction: A masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, the Summer Palace served as the imperial retreat during the Qing Dynasty. The 290-hectare complex features lakes, gardens, and palaces integrated into a harmonious whole, demonstrating traditional Chinese philosophy's connection between humans and nature.

December 2025 Special Event: "Winter in the Imperial Garden" – special illumination of the Long Corridor every evening, with traditional music performances and hot tea service in the Garden of Harmonious Interests.

Nearby Dining: Su Zhou Street within the Summer Palace offers traditional snacks. For a more substantial meal, Yiheyuan Restaurant near the East Gate serves authentic Beijing cuisine with lake views.

Badaling Great Wall (6:00 PM - 8:30 PM)

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (November-March)

Ticket Policy: ¥40 for the Great Wall itself, ¥10 for cable car one-way, ¥100 for round-trip cable car and slide down.

Introduction: The most accessible section of the Great Wall, Badaling offers spectacular views of this ancient defensive structure that stretches over 21,000 kilometers across northern China. First built over 2,000 years ago, the Great Wall represents one of humanity's most remarkable architectural achievements.

December 2025 Special Event: "Great Wall Night Tour" – special extended evening hours with festive lighting and cultural performances. Limited to weekends in December.

Nearby Dining: Great Wall Restaurant at the entrance offers长城火锅 (Great Wall hotpot) and local Beijing dishes. For a quick option, Ming Dynasty Snack Bar serves traditional noodles and dumplings.

Practical Tips for December 2025 Visitors

• Temperature in December ranges from -8°C to 5°C (17°F to 41°F) – dress warmly with layers, hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear.

• Allow extra travel time between attractions (especially to the Great Wall) due to possible traffic and winter road conditions.

• Most attractions offer English audio guides for rent (¥40-60) or have QR codes for smartphone-based guides.

• Carry cash as some smaller restaurants and vendors may not accept foreign credit cards.

• December 2025 special events require separate reservations through each attraction's official channel.

This itinerary provides a balanced experience of Beijing's historical treasures while incorporating practical information for a smooth visit. Adjust pace as needed and allow time to absorb the unique atmosphere of each location. Enjoy your Beijing adventure!