A Beijing Honeymoon for Adventure-Seeking Romantics

Local laws may restrict service availability to all. See the Equality Index for more information.

---

Considering a Beijing honeymoon? We don't blame you. Some couples are throwing tradition out the window when it comes to weddings, and that also applies to honeymoons. Gone are the days when newlyweds' first vacation involved resorts, sand and sea; now the best honeymoon destinations involve a lot more adventure.

Of course there's nothing wrong with a beach honeymoon; but honeymooners who truly want to explore are choosing a romantic escape to a far-flung locale. This kind of trip offers couples a chance to cross a destination off their bucket lists and discover the history, new foods and culture. A Beijing honeymoon can provide all that, and then some.

Couples can walk the historic grounds of the Forbidden City, where the Ming and Qing dynasties once reigned supreme. The Great Wall of China offers views of mountain tops and other attractions, like the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. While group trips are common in large cities like Beijing, honeymooners should consider intimate private tours. And a trip to the nation's capital offers a chance to sample authentic Chinese cuisine.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

When it comes to planning your honeymoon in Beijing, let us be your guide. From where to stay and what to do, here are our top tips and recommendations for an amazing trip to China.

Beijing Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Best Time to Honeymoon in Beijing
• Beijing Honeymoon Planning Tips
• Best Beijing Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts
• Beijing Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas
• What to Pack for a Beijing Honeymoon

Photo: Hung Chung Chih | Shutterstock

Best Time to Honeymoon in Beijing

Summers are known for being extremely hot, while winters get cold. April through early June or September through October offer the mildest temperatures, making these months the best time to visit. Expect the temperatures to range from 50 to 70 degrees during this time.

Best weather: April to June, September and October.
Festival highlights: Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) in late January or February, featuring dragon dances, fireworks, and special meals; the Mid-Autumn Festival in September or October celebrates with mooncakes and lantern displays; The Beijing International Film Festival in April showcases global cinema, appealing to movie enthusiasts.

Beijing Honeymoon Planning Tips

A Beijing honeymoon involves plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, adventure, and romance. It's a perfect vacation for newlyweds who want to get out and explore. Adventurous couples can explore the formidable Great Wall of China and walk hand-in-hand down the alleyways of Hutong or through the bustling Tiananmen Square.

There's plenty to do in Beijing, but honeymoon packages will often pair a trip to the capital with other Chinese cities. Domestic flights to Shanghai and Xian run two to three hours long.

When planning your honeymoon in Beijing, consider incorporating a mix of historical sites, cultural experiences and relaxation. Booking a well-reviewed tour can enhance your understanding of the city's rich history. Check visa requirements well in advance, as US citizens need a visa to enter China. Also, consider travel insurance for added security. Don't forget to check travel advisories and restrictions before buying plane tickets. Do your research and stay safe.

Entry requirements: You must obtain a visa prior to arrival in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and have a US passport with at least six months' validity remaining.
Language: Mandarin Chinese.
Location: Beijing, the capital city of China, is located in the northern part of the country.
Currency: The Renminbi (RMB) with the yuan (¥) as the basic unit.
Flight time to Destination: From Los Angeles, direct flights can be approximately 12-14 hours.
Getting around: Beijing's public transport system is extensive, including subways, buses and taxis, making it easy to explore the city. If you go with a tour, your guide normally provides transportation for you.

Pro tip: Invite a honeymoon planning expert for advice on booking a Beijing honeymoon. You can find travel agents near you on The Knot Marketplace.

Best Beijing Honeymoon Hotels and Resorts

You can find a range of Beijing honeymoon accommodations, including luxury suites with panoramic city views and traditional courtyard hotels. Many hotels provide honeymoon packages, including spa treatments, romantic dinners and private tours, ensuring a memorable stay.

Photo: HelloRF Zcool | Shutterstock

NUO Hotel Beijing

This five-star Beijing hotel is modern and luxurious. NUO Hotel Beijing's French facade and large marble staircase set the stage for an upscale stay when guests check-in. The rooms are spacious and feel private, and some have free-standing tubs and access to a private lounge. It's walking distance from the 798 Arts District and about 11 miles from the Forbidden City.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Rosewood Beijing

Rosewood Beijing offers plush accommodations and a chance for honeymooners to indulge in some R&R between sightseeing adventures. The 238 guest rooms boast large bathrooms, walk-in closets and views of the city skyline. A visit to the spa is a must, especially since a Beijing honeymoon involves spending a ton of time on your feet. Massages and detoxes soothe the body and soul.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing

Another five-star spot, Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, offers easy access to shops and restaurants. It's also just over one mile from the Forbidden City, and some rooms boast palace vistas. Guests can swim laps in the pool with a sky window or indulge in a mud treatment at the spa. The rooms have cozy beds and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing newlyweds to take in gorgeous sunrises and sunsets while enjoying maximum comfort.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

The Peninsula Beijing

The Peninsula Beijing is sophisticated but comfortable. Located in the Wangfujing district, it offers easy access to local shopping and dining. It's also less than two miles from The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. When the day is done, guests can unwind in large rooms, some of which have city or courtyard vistas. Speaking of views, the rooftop bar has some of the best in Beijing.

5.0 Star Rating | Read Reviews

JW Marriott Hotel Beijing

Situated in the center of Beijing, JW Marriott Hotel is near Forbidden City. Guests can also easily access China Central Place, which has more than 900 shops. Casual on-site dining options include an Asian bistro and steakhouse. The spa and fitness center both give guests opportunities to keep up with their wellness, while the 400-thread count bedding feels luxurious after a day of exploring.

4.5 Star Rating | Read Reviews

Pro tip: For more honeymoon-worthy hotels in Beijing, look out for top-rated stays and reviews on Trip Advisor.

Beijing Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

Beijing boasts several opportunities for sightseeing with your loved one (and potentially a tour guide). Some attractions lean heavily on history, while others are decidedly modern and others blend the two. Put these things to do on your travel itinerary.

Photo: Songquan Deng | Shutterstock

The Hutongs

The charming Hutongs are alleyways, and you'll find them throughout Japan. Honeymooners can explore them on a rickshaw ride. The hooded, open-air vehicles have become a popular way to get around Beijing among tourists, and they're perfect for newlyweds looking to cuddle while sightseeing. Tripadvisor boasts private half-day tours complete with a Peking Duck lunch. If you'd prefer to turn your Hutong exploration into a workout, there are bike tours, too.

Summer Palace

Once the summer hideaway for the Qing dynasty, the Summer Palace offers vistas of Kunming Lake, rolling hills and imperial gardens. Inside, the 2,388-foot Long Corridor is the longest on the planet and features gorgeous artwork depicting Chinese mythology and folktales. Marble Boat, a lakeside pavilion first built in 1755 and restored in 1893, is a sight to see. The imitation paddlewheels make it appear like a paddle steamer, and the mirrors on each deck make guests feel as if they're immersed in water.

Temple of Heaven Park

Temple of Heaven Park combines a crash course in Confucian design with a bustling urban park. The Ming and Qing dynasties once used the Temple of Heaven, which was built in 1420, to pray for fruitful harvests. The park is 270 acres, but the three-tiered Round Altar is the crown jewel. Guests can climb the stairs to see it up close or stand back and admire it. Nearby, the Imperial Vault of Heaven behind the Echo Wall. The red exterior, double-eave roof and name make it sound like a place of great importance, but it was erected as a storeroom. It's still worth a photo for your Instagram story.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is essentially the Chinese version of Times Square and is considered the heartbeat of modern Beijing. It's near the central business district and has hosted parades and rallies. The Gate of Heavenly piece (the Tiananmen) separates it from the Forbidden City. The Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China reside within the square.

The Great Wall of China

This spot is a no-brainer for any China honeymoon getaway. The Great Wall of China, which is actually a series of fortifications, was likely started during the 7th century B.C. to guard against nomadic groups. Today, it stretches more than 13,000 miles. The Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the most popular spots along the wall to visit, as it's well preserved and favored among hikers. The steep Simatai Great Wall is for considerably advanced hikers. If you fit that bill, a visit to nearby Gubei Water Town, home of the pretty Mandarin Duck Lake Reservoir, is in order. Many Great Wall tours have English-speaking guides.

The Forbidden City

Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once served as the winter getaway spot for the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. The emperors had plenty of room during their stay — the complex sits on 250 acres and boasts nearly 10,000 rooms. A moat and beautifully-manicured gardens surround it. Honeymooners can walk the grounds and learn about Chinese history on Forbidden City tours.

Wangfujing Avenue

So much of a Chinese getaway involves exploring history and culture. But there's nothing wrong with a bit of retail therapy, and Wangfujing Avenue is the place to indulge in it. The walkable shop-focused street Couples can browse everything from souvenirs to fine silks. Wangfujing Snack Street boasts authentic Chinese cuisine like kebabs and tea soup.

Pro tip: Beijing honeymoon packages offer newlyweds plenty of options. Some are shorter and only include Beijing. Others give couples the chance to turn their vacation into an all-out China honeymoon. These China tour packages take honeymooners to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors, Guilin and Hong Kong. They may include multiple-day city tours, private transfers from the airport to the hotel and accommodations with complimentary daily breakfasts. Consider including one in your gift registry, so your loved ones can pitch in on your Beijing honeymoon adventure.

What to Pack for a Beijing Honeymoon

Photo: Haines | Shutterstock

You'll need a visa to travel to China. Your local travel agency or the agent putting together your Beijing honeymoon package can help walk you through this process.

A trip to Beijing will involve plenty of sightseeing on foot. Pack comfortable clothes and shoes in your honeymoon luggage. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers are perfectly acceptable on day tours. If traveling during a shoulder season, bring layers, such as cardigans and sweatshirts, in case the weather gets chilly. A raincoat will keep you dry during a storm, and a backpack will store everything you need during your adventures.

Though you'll be venturing out on tours for much of the getaway, include a nice outfit on your packing checklist for an upscale dinner. A flowy dress, nice pants and collared shirts all work.

Masks were common even before the pandemic due to pollution, so feel free to pack one to avoid poor air quality. China's outlets are also different than those in the US, so an adapter will come in handy.

Brittany Barber contributed to this article.