Some forum users recommended Travel China Guide for tours in Beijing, highlighting their responsiveness and enjoyable experiences. Another popular option mentioned is Beijing Mubus, specifically for trips to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where the guide handles all ticket purchases and logistics.

Travelers have shared that private driver guides are suitable for small groups of 1-3 people, providing a more personalized experience. It's noted that hiring a private driver allows for flexibility, such as combining a morning visit to the Great Wall with an afternoon trip to another major site like the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace.

For those preferring group tours, TravelChinaGuide Tours was praised for its well-organized itineraries, which include major attractions like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall, without any forced shopping stops. The guides are noted for their excellent English and efficient handling of the tour logistics.

Alternatively, some travelers prefer exploring Beijing independently, using public transport and self-guided tours to visit major sites. This approach is considered highly cost-effective and allows for a more flexible schedule.

Some travelers have explored Beijing during their layovers using the city’s subway system, which provides access to major sights except for the Great Wall. There are recommendations for self-guided tours with resources like subway maps and instructional videos available online to help navigate the system.

For those with nighttime layovers, exploring local neighborhoods for dining and shopping experiences is suggested. Areas around the airport might offer a variety of places to eat and shop, providing a glimpse into Beijing’s culture and cuisine even during short stays.

Travelers with very short or awkward layover times have considered staying within airport boundaries or nearby transit hotels to rest. Information about airport lounges and hotel facilities that offer short-term accommodations can be useful for layovers that do not allow enough time for city exploration.

According to forum posts, the Crowne Plaza in Wangfujing is recommended for its proximity to major attractions and the subway, making it suitable for first-time visitors. Travelers have called out its convenient location and the inclusion of breakfast as major advantages.

For families traveling with children, some travelers suggested serviced apartment hotels, which offer amenities like a concierge, room service, and often a pool, along with in-room laundry facilities that are particularly beneficial for longer stays. Lee Garden Service Apartments and Hilton Beijing Wangfujing have been highlighted for their family-friendly accommodations and additional space.

Travelers looking for a more local experience recommended staying in a hutong area, which offers a blend of traditional architecture and modern conveniences. Kelly’s Courtyard was specifically mentioned as a clean, friendly, and well-located option offering a unique stay in the heart of Beijing.

Some travelers recommended booking tours for convenience and comprehensive experiences, particularly for visiting the Great Wall. Options include joining small group tours or hiring a private English-speaking driver, which offers a direct journey and a more personalized experience. For instance, tours like Beijing Downtown Backpackers have been praised for their organization and value.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is highly recommended due to its scenic beauty and fewer crowds compared to Badaling. It provides a less commercialized experience and is accessible via tours or private transport. Travelers have mentioned that Mutianyu offers a more enjoyable and authentic visit.

For independent travelers, using public transport to reach sections like Badaling is feasible. Buses such as the 877 from Deshengmen Tower are available and affordable. However, this section can be extremely crowded. Travelers have suggested visiting early in the morning to avoid large crowds and to ensure a smoother experience at the Wall.

According to forum posts, tickets for the Forbidden City often sell out quickly, particularly in the morning. It is recommended to purchase tickets from the official website (https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn/) or other authorized platforms. Some travelers have suggested purchasing tickets for multiple days to ensure flexibility and canceling those that are not needed.

Travelers have called out that arriving early to the Forbidden City is advisable to avoid large crowds. The site typically opens at 8:30 AM, and getting there as it opens can provide a quieter and more enjoyable experience.

For many users, hiring a guide has enhanced their visit, as guides provide detailed historical insights that are not available from signage or audio guides alone. Guides can often be booked through the official website or arranged on arrival.

Some travelers said that after visiting the Forbidden City, you can easily walk to nearby attractions such as Jingshan Park and Beihai Park, which do not require advance ticket purchases and can be bought at the gate.

According to forum posts, travelers can utilize China's TWOV policy, which allows a visa-free stay for up to 144 hours in the Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province transit area under certain conditions. This policy is applicable if the traveler is transiting through China to a third country, with no other stops in mainland China, and cannot return to the country from which they arrived.

For stays longer than the allowable period under the TWOV or if not meeting its conditions, a visa is required. Some travelers mentioned that the process involves going to a visa center, as mailing applications is not an option. Additionally, all necessary documents, including flight and hotel bookings, must be presented during the visa application process.

Travelers have noted that as of a recent update, Irish passport holders are allowed visa-free entry to China until November 2024, simplifying travel for tourism purposes during this period.

According to forum posts, travelers can utilize a 144-hour transit visa exemption when passing through Beijing if they are transitioning between two different countries with confirmed onward travel within 144 hours. This period begins at midnight following the travelers' arrival.

Travelers have noted that under the 144-hour rule, it is permissible to arrive and depart from different airports within the Beijing area. For instance, one can arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport and depart from Daxing International Airport.

Forum contributors have shared that upon arrival, travelers should head to the designated 144-hour visa-free transit counter in the immigration area to apply for a temporary stay permit. Essential documents include a valid passport, a confirmed onward ticket, and, if applicable, a hotel reservation.

Some users have pointed out that the 144-hour transit visa exemption does not permit travel outside the designated transit area, like Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei. Also, the exemption is only valid if Beijing is the only stop in China.

According to forum posts, train tickets in Beijing can be purchased at any train station across the city, not necessarily from the station of departure. Travelers have highlighted that tickets for specific routes like Beijing to Shanghai can also be bought at different stations, avoiding the need to travel to the departure station.

Some users have noted that train tickets can also be purchased online through various platforms, which may include service charges. This is particularly useful for securing tickets for popular or fast trains that might be sold out if trying to purchase just a few days in advance.

On the day of travel, travelers must go to the ticketing counter to show their booking references and passport for verification in exchange for the actual ticket, as mentioned in the posts. However, recent updates indicate that for some trains and stations, it is possible to access the train by simply scanning a passport, eliminating the need for a physical ticket.