How to Plan Your Visa-Free Layover Tour in Beijing?

The 144-hour TWOV (Transit Without Visa) policy provides great convenience for overseas tourists to visit China. Therefore, an increasing number of customers have been asking for itinerary suggestions for an eligible visa-free Beijing trip. Here we’re going to talk about the must-see attractions in Beijing and some detailed itineraries for the permitted 144 hours, helping you maximize your enjoyment of a visa-free layover tour in Beijing.

Step 1: Get to Know the Must-See Attractions of Beijing

• The Forbidden City: the largest ancient palatial complex in the world, with Tiananmen Rostrum as its front gate
• The Great Wall at Mutianyu: the most child-friendly section of the Great Wall and in good restored shape, yet with fewer crowds (or: visit the most precipitous Simatai section with beautiful night views)
• The Temple of Heaven: an imperial altar, used in ancient times to worship heaven and pray for a good harvest; today a well-known park for local people doing their morning exercises
• The Summer Palace: the best-preserved royal garden in the world, a summer retreat for emperors in ancient China

Step 2: Learn about Local Experiences Not to Be Missed in Beijing

When visiting Beijing, the best way to immerse yourself into local life is to walk in its original neighborhood and join in the daily activities. 144 hours (6 days) are plenty to cover the highlight attractions and some in-depth local experiences in Beijing.

2.1 A Stroll around the Hutongs

Hutongs are Beijing’s traditional alleyways, associated with courtyard dwellings; a cultural feature of old Beijing. If you want to catch a glimpse of the traditional and authentic life of its inhabitants, a Half Day Hutong Tour will be one of the top priorities on your travel diary.

China Travel now provides you with opportunities to learn some traditional folk art from a hutong family, such as paper cuttings, facial makeup for Chinese opera, Chinese knotting, painting, or calligraphy. Contact us if you wish to add such activities to your itinerary.

2.2 An Encounter with Giant Pandas

Being the most popular animal in the country, the cuddly and gentle giant panda is known as the national treasure of China. Beijing Zoo is the most accessible place to see giant pandas in Beijing. It would be an excellent experience for panda lovers and children.

2.3 Chinese-Style Shows

Kung fu show at the Red Theater: This performance blends modern dance with traditional Chinese kung fu and arts. The average age of performers is only 17.

Beijing opera at Liyuan Theater: Peking opera presents some brilliant Chinese culture, as well as stories, paintings, costumes, and acrobatic fighting.

Folk performance at Lao She Teahouse: Named after a famous Chinese novelist and playwright, Lao She, and his masterpiece drama, Teahouse, Lao She Teahouse presents almost every kind of Chinese folk art, such as storytelling, cross talk, shadow play, tea ceremony, face changing and so on.

Step 3: Choose from Some Recommended 144-Hour Visa-Free Tour Itineraries in Beijing

The following are three sample itineraries we listed for your inspiration.

3.1 One-Day Layover:

• Beijing Classic Seat-in-Coach Tour – Visit the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.
• Beijing Boutique Small Group Tour – Visit the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall with cable car round-trip.
• Private Beijing Culture Discovery Tour – Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, and the Beijing Hutongs.

Click Beijing Day Trips for more one-day layover itinerary options.

3.2 Three-Day Layover:

• Day 1: Summer Palace, Hutong tour including Prince Gong’s Mansion and rickshaw, Kung Fu Show at Red Theater at night
• Day 2: Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall at Mutianyu (with cable car round trip)
• Day 3: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park

See our Visa-Free Highlights of Beijing Tour for more details.

3.3 Six-Day Layover:

• Day 1: Arrive in Tianjin and enjoy an Hai River Night Cruise at Tianjin Dock after jetlag adjustment
• Day 2: Transfer to Beijing, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Hutong tour by rickshaw in Dongcheng District
• Day 3: The Mutianyu Great Wall (cable car up and slideway down), the Temple of Heaven, Kung Fu Show at Red Theater after dinner

Option: Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning if you’re interested in the morning exercise of the local people.

• Day 4: The Summer Palace, Beijing Zoo
• Day 5: Hiking on Simatai Great Wall and stay at Gubei Water Town at night, an ancient town at the foot of the wall
• Day 6: Free time and departure

If you have any queries about your visa-free layover tour in Beijing, please feel free to Contact Us and we’ll customize your private tour depending on your requests and budget.