144-Hour Visa-Free Beijing 3-Day Tour

Tour Overview

Experience the grandeur of China’s capital in just three days with this perfectly designed tour for 144-hour visa-free transit visitors. This comprehensive itinerary covers Beijing’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the magnificent Forbidden City to the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Ideal for travelers transiting through Beijing who want to maximize their visa-free stay, this tour delivers an unforgettable introduction to Chinese imperial history, ancient architecture, and vibrant culture without the need for a visa.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing - Forbidden City - Tiananmen Square

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport, your guide will meet you after customs clearance with the 144-hour visa-free transit stamp. Transfer to your centrally located hotel for check-in and a brief rest.

Afternoon exploration begins at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and the symbolic heart of modern China. Cross into the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) through the magnificent Meridian Gate. Spend the afternoon exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest palace complex with 980 surviving buildings. Walk through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, where emperors conducted state affairs. Discover the Inner Court where the imperial family lived, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Imperial Garden.

Evening enjoy an authentic Peking Duck dinner at a renowned local restaurant, savoring Beijing’s most famous culinary treasure.

Meals: Dinner (Peking Duck) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in central Beijing

Day 2: Great Wall at Mutianyu - Olympic Park

Early morning departure for the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved and least crowded sections of this ancient wonder. Located about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing, Mutianyu offers stunning scenery with the wall snaking across forested mountains.

Take the cable car to the wall and spend the morning hiking along the watchtowers, marveling at this 2,000-year-old engineering feat that stretches over 20,000 kilometers across China. Enjoy panoramic views of the wall disappearing into the misty mountains. For the adventurous, descend via the thrilling toboggan ride through the forest.

Return to Beijing and visit the Olympic Park, home to the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics. Take photos of these architectural masterpieces that represent modern China’s achievements.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (Great Wall area restaurant) Accommodation: 4-star hotel in central Beijing

Day 3: Temple of Heaven - Summer Palace - Departure

Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sacred complex is where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning circular building constructed entirely without nails. Walk along the Echo Wall and stand on the Center of Heaven Stone, where whispers can be heard from any direction.

Continue to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Cruise across Kunming Lake on a traditional dragon boat, stroll along the famous Long Corridor decorated with over 14,000 paintings, and climb Longevity Hill for panoramic views of the palace grounds. Visit the Marble Boat and the beautiful Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Afternoon transfer to Beijing Airport for your onward flight, concluding your memorable Beijing experience.

Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (imperial cuisine restaurant)

Travel Tips

• The 144-hour visa-free transit policy requires arrival and departure from designated ports
• You must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 144 hours
• Book Forbidden City tickets in advance online as daily visitor numbers are limited
• Wear comfortable walking shoes; the Forbidden City and Summer Palace involve extensive walking
• The Great Wall at Mutianyu has fewer crowds than Badaling but still arrive early
• Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best weather and visibility
• Bring layers as temperatures can vary significantly between city and Great Wall
• Keep your passport and transit documents with you at all times
• Download a translation app as English signage can be limited outside major attractions
• Inform your guide of any dietary restrictions for meal arrangements