BEIJING, CHINA 5 Days
This itinerary visits Banff National Park, the Icefields Parkway, Yoho and Jasper National Parks.
Beijing is the capital and the beating heart of China’s culture, politics, and global commerce. With a recorded history spanning over three millennia, it stands as the last of the Four Great Ancient Capitals. For much of the second millennium, it was the largest city on Earth, strategically developed between protective mountains to serve as the unassailable seat of the Emperor.
Today, Beijing is a global powerhouse, hosting the world’s largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies and boasting record-breaking infrastructure. The city’s architectural identity is a striking contrast: ancient, narrow hutongs and opulent imperial palaces exist alongside soaring modern skyscrapers.
Why you should visit: Beijing offers a rare, immersive "time-travel" experience. You can explore thousand-year-old imperial wonders and traditional alleyways while standing in the center of a
high-tech, record-breaking global superpower. It’s unforgettable.
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Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to visit Beijing due to two policies:
1. The 240-Hour (10-Day) Transit Visa-Free Policy
China now often waives visas for short stays. Since late 2024, its transit policy was extended from 144 to 240 hours for citizens of 55 countries (including the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and most of Europe).
The "Trick": You must be transiting to a third country or region. For example: USA → Beijing → Hong Kong or UK → Beijing → Japan qualifies.
A simple round trip (e.g., USA → Beijing → USA) does
NOT qualify.Movement: You are typically restricted to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during your stay.
Summary: If you are flying from the US to Beijing and then returning directly to the US, you will need to apply for a
10-year multiple-entry L-visa. If you can add a stop in a different country (like Japan or South Korea) on your way home, you can enter Beijing visa-free.
2. Unilateral Visa-Free Entry (30-Day Policy). “USA is not eligible”
For 2026, China has extended unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of over 40 countries for stays up to 30 days.
Eligible Countries: Includes much of the EU Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan, Canada and UK
The USA is NOT on China's 30-day unilateral visa-free list Quick Checklist for Visa-Free Entry:
Passport: Must be valid for at least 3–6 months.
Evidence: You must show a confirmed onward/return flight ticket.
Stay: You must register your address (hotels do this for you automatically).
Notice: travelwildnow is NOT responsible for errors, misunderstanding, or changes.
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1. Alipay: Your Phone Is Your Wallet
China mostly doesn’t use cash anymore. Even though a new 2026 rule says shops must accept cash, almost everyone pays with their phone.
The “No Change” Problem:
Even if a store takes your 100 RMB bill, they might not have change to give you back. They expect you to scan a QR code and pay with your phone instead.It Does Everything:
Alipay isn’t just for paying. It can do many things inside one app:Didi – Like Uber. It’s easier than trying to get a taxi on the street, and you can type your destination in English.
Metro/Bus Codes – No need to buy tickets. Just scan your phone at the gate.
Ordering Food – Many restaurants don’t use paper menus anymore. You scan a QR code at your table to order and pay.
International Friendly: you can easily link your international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay without needing a Chinese bank account.
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What it is:
Amap is the main map app in China.How it works:
Works very well in China
Good for walking, driving, метро, and buses
Shows live traffic
Shows small local places better than foreign apps
Mostly in Chinese
Best for: Using maps while you’re in China.
📌 Tips:
Travel Guides: Lonely Planet Beijing or DK Top 10 Beijing
Travel Adapters: Type A, C, I. Which is "most common"?
Type A and Type C are equally common. Almost every Chinese outlet is designed to take both.
Less common is Type I (used for ground devives).
Google, Facebook, and WhatsApp are blocked, so a reliable VPN (installed before you land) is mandatory for
basic communication.👮 China (including Beijing) is generally a very safe country for visitors, including walking alone at night.
One area to watch is petty theft: Pickpocketing happens in crowded places like subways, train stations, and busy markets (for example, Beijing’s Silk Market).
Don't photograph anything "official"—police stations, military vehicles, certain bridges, or government buildings.
🏨 The Forbidden City is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and it is strictly closed every Monday.
Tickets are absolutely essential and must be booked in advance. The palace complex operates under a strict daily visitor cap, and physical tickets are no longer sold
on-site. You should secure your entry exactly seven days in advance through the official Palace Museum WeChat mini-program or website. <Reservations>
DAY 1
Arrival at Beijing airport and transfer to your hotel.
Stroll Jingshan Park for a 360-degree overlook of the Forbidden City.
Evening: Instead of a formal tour, take a leisurely stroll through
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street right outside your door.
It’s vibrant, neon-lit, and the perfect "soft landing" into Beijing.Dinner suggestion: Casual local dumplings.
Where to stay: Wangfujing is central and convenient.
Why it’s ideal: Close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
(15–20 minutes on foot or a short subway ride) and highly accessible.Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Waldorf Astoria Beijing and
The Peninsula Beijing are top choice for visitors.
DAY 2
The Imperial Heart:
Morning: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
(Note: Aim for the 8:30 AM entry to beat the 10:00 AM tour groups).
The Forbidden City is a massive, 600-year-old palace in the heart of Beijing.
For centuries, it was the secret home of 24 Chinese emperors and their families.
Today, it is a world-famous museum where you can see how royalty lived.The Main Sights The palace is split into two halves. The South part was for
big ceremonies. It features the Three Great Halls, where the emperor sat on
a "Dragon Throne" to make big decisions.
The North part was the private home where the royal family actually lived and slept.Cool Things to See:
The Walls: You can walk along the top of the 30-foot-high outer walls. It’s a great way to escape the crowds
and get amazing photos of the rooftops.The Treasure Gallery: This is like a "mini palace" filled with gold, silver, and jade jewels.
Don't miss the Nine Dragon Screen, a beautiful wall made of colorful tiles.The Imperial Garden: At the very back, there is a peaceful park with ancient trees and rock gardens.
The Clocks: There is a famous gallery full of incredible mechanical clocks from all over the world.
Visit Tiananmen Square before the Forbidden City. Go to Tiananmen Square first. The Forbidden City only lets visitors
move south-to-north, so this avoids backtracking.Morning plan 7:00–7:30 — Arrive at Tiananmen Square Security can take 30–60 minutes even with a reservation.
Come early so you don’t miss your Forbidden City slot.Walk north under Mao’s portrait at Tiananmen Gate through the Meridian Gate Pass to reach the Forbidden City entrance.
Enter at your reserved time. Book early to avoid later tour groups.
Quick checklist:
Book ahead: both sites need separate reservations (Tiananmen is free; Forbidden City often sells out a week early).
Around 16 million visitors a year, so it’s busy. Important: Bring your passport for security checks and ticketing.
Lunch tip : Traditional Zhajiang Noodles (Beijing’s signature pasta).
Afternoon: Rickshaw ride through the Hutongs. This is your "wow" cultural moment.
Dinner suggestion: Peking Roasted Duck. (Siji Minfu near the Forbidden City).
Day 3
The Great Wall & Olympic Spirit
Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall. Take the cable car up, walk the ramparts, and take the toboggan slide down (a major "wow" and very fun).
Afternoon: On the drive back, do a "photo stop" at the Bird’s Nest (Olympic Stadium). It’s striking architecture and doesn't require a long tour.
Evening: Foot massage at the hotel to recover from the Wall.
DAY 4: Gardens, Monks, and Michelin Stars
Morning: Summer Palace. Focus on the Long Corridor and a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Experience royal splendor 30 minutes from Beijing at the Summer Palace, built by Empress Dowager Cixi. Stroll its pavilions,
take a boat across Kunming Lake—and remember the 10,000 laborers forced to build it.
Lunch: Near the Summer Palace (Try the "Imperial Cuisine").
Afternoon: Lama Temple (Yonghegong).
With sloping orange-tiled eaves by an elevated ring road in central Beijing, Yonghegong (the Lama Temple) has been the city's
Tibetan Buddhist center for over three centuries. Amid incense and praying monks, visit the Hall of Boundless Happiness for a startling, immense surprise.
Michelin-level dinner : at Zijin Mansion. <directions from Hilton Beijing Wangfujing>
Day 5: Local Life & Temple of Heaven
Early Morning: Temple of Heaven. This is the best place to see the Tai Chi, fan dancing, and "water calligraphy" in the park. It is the most "authentic" Beijing experience.
Afternoon: White Pagoda Temple (Miaoying). It’s quiet, stunning for photography, and much less crowded than other sites.
Late Afternoon: Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxing or Jingshan Park for a 360-degree overlook of the Forbidden City.
Day 6:
Transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination.
Larch Valley:
The moderate hike is most spectacular as the autumn colors come alive.
Rockpile hike:
The best spot for great photos of popular Lake Moraine.
Lakeshore Trail:
An easy flat 3 km RT trail with excellent mountain views.
Lakeshore trail:
An easy 4 km stroll allowing visitors to explore Lake Louise. Duration: 1 hr.
Fairview trail:
View of the Fairmont hotel on Lake Louise. Difficulty: moderate, 2.5 km. RT.
A 8 km heavily trafficked RT trail with nice views and a teahouse. Difficulty: moderate
Lake Agnes trail:
Plains of the Glacier:
At end of the popular trail is a teahouse. Difficulty: moderate, 14 km. RT.
Plain of the Glaciers
The Treehouse:
You can grab a delicious lunch at the teahouse before returning back.
DAY 4
Explore Yoho National Park. <map> The park contains alpine lakes, cliffs, waterfalls and wooded trails.
Wapta Falls, is located on the Kicking Horse River.
Emerald Lake (easy shoreline trail) - this turquoise lake offers superb walking and paddling.
Takakkaw Falls (10 min. stroll from parking lot.) - these falls are among the highest in Canada.
Overnight: Lake Louise.
Distance: Lake Louise ---> Yoho Parkm, 35 min.
DAY 5
Next stop - Icefields Parkway - a 240 km stretch of double-lane highway winding along the Continental Divide connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Exceptional photo opportunities along the way. <Points of Interest>
Bow Valley - area with short trails. A nice spot to grab a photo.
Peyto Lake - a vibrant blue glacier fed lake, located 40 km (25 mi) north of Lake Louise.
Lake Cephren - a easy trail, great for a family hike. 8 km. RT.
Located on Hwy 93 North, 60 km north of Lake Louise in the Waterfowl Lakes Campground.
Columbia Icefield - two (2) hours north of Banff or one (1) hour south of Jasper.
The best time to visit the Icefield is before 1PM or after 3PM. It is the largest Icefield in the Rocky Mountains.
Saskatchewan River Crossing - a region where elk and moose are commonly seen. <location>
The Icefields Parkway is open year-round but may close in winter due to avalanches. For up-to-date road conditions, call 511 in Alberta or 1-855-391-9743 in North America.
Overnight: Jasper (4 nights) <where to stay>
Distance: Lake Louise ---> Jasper (with no stops) 4 hr. / 240 km.
DAYS 6-8
Three (3) days exploring Jasper National Park.
The park is famous for its large wild areas, impressive mountains, diverse animals, and stunning scenery.
Lake Maligne-located 1 hr. from downtown Jasper. It is famed for the color of its water, the towering peaks & several glaciers.
The best hiking trails + <trail map>
Moose Lake Loop - an easy self-guided 3 km. trail where moose are regularly spotted.
Within the lake sits Spirit Island, a frequently photographed islet.
Explore Spirit Island - a tiny picturesque islet in Lake Maligne and one of Canada’s most popular attractions.
Only accessible by boat (Lake Maligne Boat Tour). <departure location>
Take a cruise to Spirit Island. A “must do” tour. Duration: 2 hr. Best time for a photo is the afternoon.
<Cruise operates from June 3, 2023 — October 9, 2023>
🦌 Medicine Lake - a common place to spot moose at dawn or dusk, drive 23 km from Jasper town center. <location>
Valley of the Five Lakes - a moderate walk, 2 hours, it is a place of beautiful colors consisting of five (5) lakes.
Pyramid Lake <map> is a wonderful after dinner walk close to the town of Jasper. The trail is family-friendly, perfect for people of all ages, with beautiful views of the stunning lake.
Day hiking in Jasper Park <read more>
Download the Day Hiking Guide.
Overnight: Jasper.
Carry bear spray when hiking.
DAY 9
Today drive back to Calgary. Head south on the Icefields Parkway toward Banff.
Sunwapta Falls - a five (5) minute walk from the parking lot, off Icefields Parkway, located 55 km south of Jasper. <location>
If time permits, stop and explore Banff. The town consists of boutiques and restaurants mixed with souvenir shops.
Overnight: Calgary
Distance:
Jasper Park ---> Banff, 4.5 hr.
Banff ---> Calgary, 1.5 hr.
DAY 10
Depart anytime for your flight back home.
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1. Will I be attacked by a bear in the Canadian Rockies ?
Bear encounters are common in the Canadian Rockies, however it is very very uncommon to be attacked by a bear unless you get too close or do something stupid ! Plain truth. Bears are shy creatures and are more scared of humans than we are of them!
The general rule is, as long as you act correctly, you'll be fine. If you're hiking outside of the more popular areas, always carry bear spray and know how to use it. Bear spray can be bought in any general store. To avoid confrontations with bears while hiking, always make noise, talk or sing loudly to alert them of your presence.
2. Will I be able to witness the Aurora Borealis ?
NO. Places like Banff or Jasper are too far south so the chances of seeing an aurora display in Banff is very unlikely, than somewhere further north like Yellowknife in Northwest Territories. Yellowknife is in fact one of the best places in the World to see the Northern lights.
3. Is driving in the Canadian Rockies safe ?
Yes, Canada's roads are excellent. With wide lanes and plenty of signs, it's easy to navigate.
4. Is there tipping for resturants and other services in Canada ?
Tipping is expected in Canada much like the USA but generally it's a little less than the US 20% norm.
5. Should I make hotel reservation well in advance ?
Yes, the sooner the better, because peak season is June thru September so the season is short.
Popular hotels can book out more than 6 months in advance.
6. Do US citizens need a passport to/from Canada ?
Passport requirements have been a complicated and ever-changing issue for U.S. travelers to/from Canada.
We STRONGLY RECOMMEND to have a valid US. passport to lessen any unexpected complication. The Canadian government requires citizens of the United States to have a passport to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport, but not to enter Canada by land or by boat. For those travelers, in lieu of a passport, Canada requires that you carry proof of your citizenship, such as a birth certificate, certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status, as well as photo identification.
Search for your hotel
Average cost:
(EXCLUDING AIRFARE)
$$$ USD for two (2) people
Budget: $4,000
Moderate: $5,000
Luxury: $6,300 +
🌤️ Climate
During the months of June through September you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.
The last 2 weeks of September is the best time for fall foliage season.
Cold season /winter are the months of November through April.
May is the wettest month.
February is the driest month. Most likely to get clear blue skies. BUT temperature is very cold.
Source: Wikipedia, Government Canada Parks., hikejasper.com, venture beyond.No copyright infringement is intended on this website by travelwildnow.com