Beijing: See Imperial China

If I could only pick one city for your first trip to China or the first stop on your China journey, I would definitely choose Beijing.
Not just because it's the capital, but because it offers the best window into China's rich history, culture, and architectural styles.
From iconic landmarks like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, to the Summer Palace, Beijing brings the past to life.
the guests visited the Mutianyu Great Wall.
If you're interested in local life, take a hutong walk through residential neighborhoods, local markets, and morning exercise parks.
You can even visit a hutong family to see what a traditional Chinese home looks like, learn about their lifestyle, and take part in cultural experiences like mask painting or paper cutting. See Top Hutongs to Visit in Beijing.
Beijing also has a wide range of food options. For something casual, try the small eateries tucked away in the hutongs that serve authentic Beijing snacks. For a more upscale or unique dining experience, go for a famous Peking duck restaurant or even a royal-style banquet like gong yan.
Recommend having a court banquet (gongyan) experience in Beijing
If Beijing is just one stop on your China itinerary, a 3–4 day stay is usually enough. But if you'd like to base yourself in Beijing and explore more deeply, staying for a week is ideal. Besides exploring the city, you can also take short trips to nearby destinations like Datong or Pingyao.
For first timers to China, See most recommended 12-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai Tour