Beijing is not only a treasure trove of Chinese culture and history, but it is also a great base for exploring nearby highlights. With high-speed trains and highways, you could reach ancient towns, imperial resorts, and even the Terracotta Warriors in just a day.
Here are 9 of the most rewarding day trips you could take from Beijing, with practical advice on what to see, how long it takes, and whether it's worth your time.
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- 1. The Great Wall
- 2. Xi'an
- 3. Tianjin
- 4. Luoyang
- 5. Datong
- 6. Nanshan Ski
- 7. Chengde Mountain Resort
- 8. Longqing George
- 9. Shilin Gorge
1. The Great Wall: A Must-Do Day Trip
The Great Wall is one of the most iconic day trips from Beijing, with several well-known sections located 2-3 hours away by car. But the experience varies greatly depending on which section you visit.
Mutianyu is best for families or anyone looking for a relaxed outing. It's fully restored, easy to walk, and has cable cars and toboggan rides that kids love. Just 1.5 hours from the city, you'll need about 3–4 hours to enjoy it.
MutianyuJinshanling is good for hikers who want fewer crowds and beautiful views. It takes 2.5 hours to reach, and the trail includes both wild and restored sections. Plan for a full day with 3–4 hours on foot.
The sunset over Jinshanling Great WallJiankou is for adventurous, fit hikers only. The wall is unrestored and steep, with near-vertical climbs. It's about 2 hours away, but allow 4–5 hours for hiking. Due to safety risks, a guide is strongly recommended. This is not suitable for casual travelers or solo trips.
Our guests hiked the JiankouSimatai offers something different: explore Gubei Water Town during the day, followed by a lantern-lit night walk on the Great Wall. It's romantic, slow-paced, and perfect for couples or anyone seeking a unique experience.
After the night tour of Simatai, you might return to Beijing around 10-11 p.m.. Consider booking a private transfer for flexibility, or staying overnight in Gubei Water Town for a more relaxed trip.
Simatai at nightRecommended Beijing Tours
- 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
- 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour
- 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour
Feel free to let us know your ideas; our itineraries can be customized and adjusted.
2. Xi'an: Only if You Have a Spare Day (and an Early Train)
Terracotta ArmyLet's be clear, Xi'an isn't a typical day trip from Beijing. It's far, and the day will be long. But if seeing the Terracotta Army is high on your list and you're short on time, it can be done in one day with careful planning.
You'll need to take one of the first high-speed trains out (around 7:00 a.m.) and one of the last one back (around 6:30 p.m.). Each way takes about 4.5 hours, so expect to return to your hotel in Beijing around 11:00 p.m.. That gives you about 6–7 hours in Xi'an.
We recommend this only if you're passionate about Chinese history and don't mind a full, fast-paced day.
Otherwise, staying overnight will let you enjoy more of Xi'an's charms. The Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are all worth exploring if you have more time.
Our guests cycled on the City WallTip:
- Pre-book a local guide or private driver in Xi'an. The Terracotta Warriors are about 1 hour from the train station, and having someone meet you there saves precious time.
- Once on-site, we recommend visiting the most classic and spectacular Pit 1 first, followed by Pits 2 and 3 for a closer look. If you're pressed for time, you could skip the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor.
3. Tianjin: An Easy Change of Scenery with European Flair
If you're looking for a relaxing, low-effort escape from Beijing, Tianjin is probably the easiest option.
It's only about 30 minutes by high-speed train, with trains running every 10–15 minutes throughout the day. No need to get up early or worry about logistics, just hop on a train and go.
For example, you could leave Beijing around 9:00 a.m., explore Tianjin for 5–6 hours, and still be back by dinner. Most sights are close together and walkable, so it's a smooth day.
What makes Tianjin special? It blends European-style architecture with lively northern Chinese street life.
You could stroll along the Five Great Avenues (Wudadao) for colonial mansions, visit the Italian Style Area for quirky cafés, or explore the Ancient Culture Street for souvenirs and local snacks like Goubuli buns.
The Ancient Culture StreetIs Tianjin worth a full day? If you're into architecture, light walking, and soaking in the atmosphere, definitely yes.
But if you're expecting dramatic sights or lots of “must-see” landmarks, you might feel underwhelmed. Think of it more as a laid-back city break than a sightseeing-packed day.
Tip: To save time, arrive at Tianjin Station and depart from Tianjin West Station to avoid backtracking.
4. Luoyang & Longmen Grottoes: For Serious History Lovers Only
Longmen GrottoesTechnically, you could visit the Longmen Grottoes from Beijing in a single (long) day, but only if you're highly motivated.
You'll need to take an early high-speed train around 8:30 a.m. (about 4 hours one way), and get back to Beijing around 9 p.m., resulting a full 12-hour day, with 8 hours spent on trains.
So, is it worth it? Only if Buddhist art and ancient cave carvings are a big draw for you. Longmen is one of China's most impressive grotto sites, with over 100,000 Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs.
It's quiet, atmospheric, and genuinely awe-inspiring. However, the journey may feel long if you're only casually interested
If you go, follow the west-to-east route, and focus on the West Hill area, where the most iconic works are, including the 17-meter Vairocana Buddha. Shuttle buses are available to save walking time.
Our advice: Consider making it an overnight trip if possible. This way, you could also explore the White Horse Temple, or Shaolin Temple the next day without rushing.
5. Datong: Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple – A Big Day, But Very Worth It
This is one of the most ambitious day trips you could do from Beijing. If you're into dramatic scenery, ancient engineering, and Buddhist art, Datong won't disappoint.
Catch a morning high-speed train around 8:30 a.m. (about 2.5 hours). Start with the Hanging Temple, a wooden monastery clinging to a cliff face. It's small but surreal, and you could climb it.
Note: Only 3,000 visitors can climb each day, and it's not suitable for those with mobility issues or a fear of heights.
Hanging TempleThen, drive 1.5 hours to the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO site with over 50 caves filled with giant Buddha carvings and fine stonework. Focus on Caves 5–20 and use the shuttle buses to save time. You'll need around 2.5–3 hours to explore.
Yungang GrottoesIs it doable in one day? Yes, but only if you're OK with a a packed schedule. Trains run back into the evening (arriving in Beijing at 9:00 p.m.), so you could return the same night.
For a smoother experience, consider staying overnight in Datong and doing the trip at a gentler pace, especially the Yungang Grottoes offer night tours from April to October.
How to choose between Longmen and Yungang?
Longmen is grand and atmospheric, best for those interested in scale and setting. You'll view the carvings from outside.
Yungang is more immersive. You could walk into the caves, see details up close, and the preservation is better.
If you want something more interactive and photogenic, go for Yungang. If you're drawn to elegance and historical significance, Longmen may appeal to you more.
Also, Datong is faster to reach from Beijing (2.5 hours vs. 4 hours), making Yungang more feasible as a one-day trip.
6. Nanshan Ski: The Best Option for a One-Day Ski Trip from Beijing
If you're in Beijing during winter and want to try skiing without venturing too far, Nanshan Ski Resort (skiing season from early December to early March) is the most convenient and complete option.
It's not a world-class alpine resort, but for a quick, accessible winter experience, it delivers.
It takes around 1.5 hours by car. You could spend 5–6 hours on the slopes, so the entire trip takes around 8 hours. There’s no need for an overnight stay or complicated planning; it's just a fun and easy winter break.
Whether you're a beginner, an intermediate skier, or even fairly advanced, Nanshan offers a good range of slopes and training options. You'll find rental gear on-site, English-speaking instructors for basic lessons, and a safe, friendly atmosphere. The resort is well run and especially good for families with kids or anyone trying skiing for the first time.
Nanshan Ski and Snowboard SchoolIf you're looking for a full alpine experience or more challenging terrain, consider a 2–3 day trip to Chongli, home to some of China's best ski resorts and venues from the 2022 Winter Olympics.
7. Chengde Mountain Resort: Great for a Slow-Paced, Scenic Day
Chengde Mountain ResortIf you're hoping for a quiet, green escape from the city, and prefer a slower-paced itinerary, Chengde Mountain Resort is a great one-day option.
Once a summer retreat for Qing emperors, this vast complex offers lakes, pavilions, forested hills, and cooling breezes in summer. It doesn't have dramatic landmarks like the Great Wall, but its peaceful gardens and historic atmosphere provide a unique and rewarding experience.
From Beijing, the bullet train takes just 1.5 hours. You'll need around 5–6 hours to stroll the grounds at a relaxed pace. This means you could leave in the morning and still be back in Beijing for dinner.
One highlight in the Mountain Area is the view over the “Little Potala Palace” and the golden-roofed Xumi Fushou Temple, both of which are photogenic.
This day trip is best if you enjoy light walking, fresh air, and avoiding crowds. But if you're looking for dramatic architecture or a tightly packed itinerary, you might prefer a different destination.
Tip:
From your hotel in Beijing to the resort entrance takes about 3 hours total by train and local transfers. For a smoother ride, consider a private car. Same duration, but more direct and flexible.
8. Longqing George: A Relaxing Nature Trip With Little Hike
Longqing GeorgeLongqing Gorge is one of the easiest and most peaceful nature escapes from Beijing, especially if you want scenery without the hike.
Just 2 hours away by car, it offers dramatic cliffs, a serene river, and cable car views, all in a relaxed half-day format. The total trip takes around 8 hours, including 3–4 hours on-site and a 4-hour round-trip drive.
The highlight is the boat ride through the gorge, where karst-like cliffs rise on both sides. It's often called a mini Guilin's Li River, and it lives up to the name, especially in summer.
Boat rideYou could also take the cable car to panoramic viewpoints or stroll along short cliffside paths for fresh air and photo stops.
That said, if you're looking for something more adventurous or culturally rich, Longqing might feel a little light. But for a calm and scenic break from the city, it's one of the most effortless options.
Tip:
In winter (January–February), Longqing hosts a famous Ice Lantern Festival with illuminated sculptures and snow art displays, which is magical. If you do go, consider arriving in the afternoon, as it looks even more stunning at night.
9. Shilin Gorge: Enjoy Heights and Some Hiking
Not all nature trips from Beijing are gentle. Shilin Gorge is for those who don't mind stairs and want a little adrenaline with their scenery. The highlight is a glass viewing platform that juts out over a 400-meter-deep canyon, walking on it feels like floating in the air.
Glass viewing platformThe drive takes around 2 hours each way, and you'll need 3–4 hours on-site, so the full trip adds up to about 8 hours. It's a good fit if you want a physical activity that's not too intense, but still offers a scenic reward.
Start with a moderate hike up to the Seven-Colorful Pool, where small waterfalls flow over layered rock terraces. Then take the cable car up to the viewing platform, shaped like a flying saucer, and enjoy sweeping mountain views.
If you enjoy light hiking and the idea of standing on a glass platform over a canyon excites you, It could be a great option. If not, you might find it more exhausting than rewarding. And It's not ideal for seniors, young children, or anyone with a fear of heights.
If you're deciding between Longqing and Shilin, go for Longqing if you want something flat, family-friendly, and accessible. Choose Shilin if you want a light hike with a thrill at the top, but wear proper shoes, and avoid visiting in wet weather.