Crowd Alert: Public Attractions to Avoid During the Holidays

October 1, also known as Golden Week, draws droves of local and international tourists to Beijing's most famous attractions. Consider avoiding these sites during the Oct 1-7 period, or visit them later in the day when crowds diminish a bit.

Forbidden City
The name says it all, don’t even attempt to head in the Forbidden City direction as the crowds will be overwhelming. Tourists both local and international will be swarming the place to take photos of this must-see attraction. If you have time either head there before or after Golden Week, making the trip memorable in a good way.

Badaling Great Wall
In April this year, a Canadian tourist knocked over and killed an elderly Chinese woman at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Apparently the tourist was running down the steep steps. In the Badaling section, the crowds make it impossible to even breathe, let alone walk. There are very many tourist buses and all those people are climbing the wall. Avoid this area at all cost. Try the newly opened Gubeikou section instead for a more relaxed hike. Or sign up for hiking tours to the unrestored sections far from the overwhelming crowds.

Tiananmen Square
This is the national holiday period so the Tiananmen area will be restricted for some days, but the rest of the time it will be full of people taking selfies and taking photos of you in the process. Tiananmen Square is packed even on a regular day, but during this time it will be very crowded. If possible, plan on going here outside the holiday.

Summer Palace
This is a must visit for all both residents and tourists but when to visit is important as there’s always a plethora of buses that make access to the area slightly frustrating and difficult to navigate. Therefore imagine the crowds doubling or even tripling in numbers as people want to check this off their lists as soon as possible. This is most definitely a no-no.

Subways
Everyone will be on holiday which means more people commuting around town. Since taxis aren't an option, the most convenient way to travel is using the subway system. On normal days it's packed, but on the holidays, it's downright super packed.