top ten beijing tourist attractions

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Aug 16, 2024

Beijing plays an important role in the nation's cultural, economic, scientific, and academic life. Located in the northwest of the North China Plain, not far from the western slopes of the Yanshan mountains, Beijing is still sometimes referred to as Peking and is a great place from which to explore this dynamic country due to its dense network of roads, railways, and airline connections with other major cities.

Beijing itself has no shortage of unique sightseeing opportunities. It is home to some of the country's best-known tourist attractions , including a section of the famous Great Wall of China at Badaling Pass . Among the city's many historical and cultural points of interest are the Imperial Palace, Beihai Park, Coal Hill Park, and the Heavenly Temple, most of them within the well-preserved historic city center.

Other things to do include exploring the mammoth Tiananmen Square and numerous important temples, as well as the new construction brought about by the city's increased prosperity and major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When you've had your fill of sightseeing, enjoy the city's great shopping and dining.

Plan your trip to the Far East with our list of the top tourist attractions in Beijing, China.

The Palace Museum and the Forbidden City

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The Imperial Palace , also known as the Forbidden City, is China's most significant attraction and can trace its origins back to the Yuan Dynasty of the 13th century. Its immense size is the result of enlargements made during the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420 after the capital was transferred here from Nanking.

All told this beautiful palace has been home to 24 Ming and Qing Emperors, earning its nickname of the Forbidden City due to the fact ordinary citizens weren't allowed access. The complex covers 720,000 square meters, all of it surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall with towers in the four corners and a 50-meter-wide moat. It's divided into an area used for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as the private quarters once used by the Emperor and his concubines.

Highlights include the Meridian Gate, built in 1420; the Golden River Bridges, a network of five richly decorated white marble bridges; and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, which functioned as the Emperor's banquet hall.

Other places to visit include the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the largest hall in the Inner Court, and the Hall of Military Courage, a permanent residence and private audience hall for the emperors. The impressive 35-meter-high Hall of Supreme Harmony is notable as the country's largest surviving wooden building and for its splendidly decorated gilded imperial throne.

Located just a short walk away from The Palace Museum stands the historic Imperial College (Guozijian). Founded in 1287 by Kublai Khan and only closed in 1900, this beautiful structure served as the country's national university, and often saw the Emperors of old visit to further their education and knowledge. The complex covers more than 10,000 square meters, much of which can be explored.

Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

Beijing is only an hour away from what is undoubtedly one of the country's most famous historic structures: the Great Wall of China. Here at Badaling Pass, the first part of the Wall to be opened to tourists in the 1950s, you can enjoy a walk along an impressive section of the Great Wall dating from the 16th century and standing up to eight meters high.

Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy numerous towers and parapets offering superb views over the surrounding dramatic scenery. While a hilly walk, you can in fact take a pleasant cable car ride up to the wall. This much-visited section of the Great Wall can get busy, so if possible try to plan your trip for an early arrival.

Another popular spot to experience the Great Wall is Mutianyu, parts of which date back to the 6th century. Rebuilt and expanded over the centuries, it is becoming increasingly popular for its magnificent views, which are particularly beautiful during spring and autumn.

A visit to Gubeai Water Town is a fun add-on to your Great Wall visit. Located adjacent to the Simatai section of China's best-known landmark, Gubeai is undeniably picturesque. In addition to the beautiful surrounding mountain scenery, there are many quiet canal-side pedestrian-only streets to explore, making it a very welcome break after bustling Beijing.

Tiananmen Square, also known as the Square of Heavenly Peace, is the world's largest inner-city square. Designed to hold a million people, it was built to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Chinese Republic in 1958. Considered the center of communist China, the square's symbolic importance dates back to May 4th, 1919, when students demonstrated against the Chinese provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.

Highlights of a visit include the Monument to the People's Heroes (Rénmín Yingxióng Jìniànbei), a 38-meter tall obelisk consisting of 17,000 pieces of granite and marble, and the splendid Tiananmen Gate , known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace. It was completed in 1417 and was once the main entrance to the Imperial City.

Another important gateway is Zhengyangmen , or Qianmen, the southernmost gate into Tiananmen Square. Tracing its roots back to the early 15th century and restored in the early 1900s, this imposing structure is considered one of the most important landmarks in the city.

Other features of note are the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution with its exhibits illustrating the various stages of the Chinese Revolution from 1919 and the development of the Communist Party; and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong . Also known as the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, it's here that the body of Mao rests in a crystal sarcophagus.

Address: Dongcheng, Beijing

Just a short distance from the Imperial Palace , Beihai Park is one of the oldest surviving imperial gardens in Beijing. Laid out at the beginning of the 10th century, this beautiful open space takes its name from nearby Lake Beihai (North Lake) and offers many good reasons to visit.

Among the park's most important structures are the Round Fort , dating from the Yuan period of 1271-1368, and the spectacular Hall of Enlightenment . Built in 1690, the hall is home to a one-and-a-half-meter-tall Buddha carved from a single block of white jade, and a large black jade vase from the early 12th century.

Another notable feature is the opulent residence of Song Qingling in which the widow of the founder of the Republic, Sun Yat-sen, lived for 18 years until her death (it's now a museum). You'll also want to see the Living Quarters of Mei Lanfang (Mei Lanfang Guju), a famous male star of the Peking Opera who specialized in playing the role of a woman.

Try to include the Guo Moruo Residence on your Beijing itinerary. It was here, in a home built in traditional Chinese courtyard style, that the famous writer and historian lived from 1963 until his death in 1978. Also, include the beautiful 17th-century White Pagoda on the Island of Exquisite Jade on your list.

Address: 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng, Beijing

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantán) dates back to 1420 and incorporates a group of some of Beijing's most sacred buildings. Surrounded by lush vegetation, these lovely old temples and shrines are set out in two sections, one rectangular, the other semi-circular. Together, they symbolize Heaven and Earth.

It was here that, on the day of the winter solstice, the Emperor would ascend the Heavenly Altar in a solemn ceremony to pray for a good harvest and offer sacrifices in the brightly decorated Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qinian Dian). Built in 1420 in customary Chinese fashion of wood and entirely without nails, the hall sits on a three-tier marble terrace with balustrades and a roof covered with 50,000 blue glazed tiles. A marble plaque on the floor represents the dragon and the phoenix stone, symbols of the emperor.

Another highlight is the Hall of the Vault of Heaven (Huangqiong Yu). Erected in 153, it boasts a blue-tiled conical roof and was used to store the ceremonial plaques of Heaven and the Officials. Be sure to also visit the temple's Echo Wall , which echoes to even the quietest of voices, an effect exaggerated by three unusual echoing stones.

Address: 1 Tiantan E Road, Dongcheng Beijing

Located an easy 30-minute journey by car, bus, or taxi from the center of Beijing, the city's Summer Palace (Yíhé Yuán) is a must-visit. Dating back to the 12th century and more than 700 acres in size, it's a picture-perfect setting, which certainly befits its royal status, boasting a large 700-year-old man-made lake and beautiful gardens.

Often included on organized tours, the top things to see here are the western-styled "Marble Ship" (Shifang), the Hall of Well-being and Longevity (Renshou Dian) with its elaborate throne, and the beautiful courtyard adjoining the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Leshou Tang Hall). You'll also want to see the impressive 19th-century Great Theatre, where you can catch performances of traditional Chinese plays and music.

One of the more popular things to do, if time permits, is to take a ride aboard the small pleasure craft that ferry tourists to the palace's temples; kids especially love the dragon-themed vessels. You'll also want to take a stroll past the traditional riverside shops on Suzhou Market Street.

Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Recognized the world over for its role in the spectacular Summer Olympics held in Beijing in 2008, the National Stadium (Guójia tiyùchang), also affectionately nicknamed the Bird's Nest, is well worth a visit.

Built with a hefty price tag, this remarkable structure owes its unique design to the influences of traditional Chinese ceramics and has, since the Olympics, been used to host large cultural events and performances including opera, pop concerts, and football matches. In winter, it's turned into the world's largest manmade indoor ski slope. English language and self-guided tours are available.

Another nearby attraction is the Beijing National Aquatics Center . It's also known as the Water Cube for its attractive night-time display, which sees it lit up and looking like a giant ice cube. In addition to being the site of Olympic swimming events, part of the building has been turned into the fun Watercube Waterpark.

Afterward, be sure to stroll along the lovely Olympic Green. This pleasant parkland and green space will take you past many of the most significant buildings from the 2008 Olympics.

Address: 1 National Stadium S Road, Chaoyang

Also known as the Yonghe Temple, the Lama Temple is one of Beijing's most attractive and best-preserved temples. Completed in 1745, the building served a political purpose by giving Lamaism, the religion of the then-just annexed Tibet, an official seat in the capital. It was built to generous proportions and equipped with many valuable works of art.

Its most important feature is the Hall of the Kings of Heaven (Tian Wang Dian) with its statue of Buddha surrounded by the four kings who are provided with symbolic objects (a toad, sword, snake, and shield). Also noteworthy is the statue of Weituo, the protector of Buddhism, holding an iron staff.

Other important buildings include the Pavilion of the Four-tongued Stele (Yubi Ting), which houses a stele dating back to 1792 that contains the history of the Lama religion written in Chinese, Manchurian, Tibetan, and Mongolian; and the Hall of the Buddhist Wheel (Falun Dian), the teaching and assembly hall of the monastery, its interior dominated by a six-meter-tall statue, two thrones, and numerous sacred manuscripts.

Be sure to also see the largest building at the Lama Temple, the Pavilion of Four Thousand Fortunes (Wangfu Ge), with its enormous 18-meter-high sandalwood statue.

Address: 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

Arts and culture buffs are extremely well catered to in Beijing. Of particular interest is the excellent Beijing Capital Museum , one of the country's leading art museums. Opened in 1981, the museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts, including ancient items of porcelain and bronze, traditional calligraphy and artwork, along with many fine statues from Chinese and other Asian cultures.

Other highlights of its collection of more than 200,000 important cultural artifacts, many originating from in and around Beijing. These include the huge gravestone of Emperor Qian Long. Weighing more than 40 tons, it stands nearly seven meters in height and contains ancient scripts and writings.

Another modern Beijing landmark worth visiting is the National Centre for the Performing Arts (Guójia dà jùyuàn), also nicknamed the Giant Egg. Considered one of the best opera houses in Asia, the building opened in 2001 and has since hosted many of the world's leading operatic performers. It's particularly worth visiting if you're able to take in a performance.

Address: 16 Fuxingmen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing

Completed in 1442, the fortress-like Beijing Ancient Observatory (Beijing Gu Guanxiàngtái) lies in the east of the city near the station quarter and was continuously in use right up until 1929. It is widely considered one of the oldest such observatories in the world.

Among the 10,000-square-meter facility's many fascinating old pre-telescopic instruments are a celestial globe dating from 1673 and an 18th-century armillary globe depicting the planets, at least those that were known at the time. There are also a number of large bronze instruments designed by the Jesuit missionary Ferdinand Verbiest.

Once part of the old city walls, this tall brick tower serves as a museum offering a glimpse into the surprising amount of knowledge of the stars and planets that existed at the time.

Address: 2 Dongbiaobei Hutong, Jian Wai Da Jie, Dongcheng, Beijing

Fayuan Temple (Fayuán Sì), also known as the Source of Law Temple, dates back to the year AD 645 and consists of several halls where many ancient stone inscriptions are kept, the oldest dating from the 7th century. The temple has witnessed many of Beijing's most important historic events, including serving as a prison for Emperor Huizong in the 12th century, a place of examination for the highest offices of state, as well as a botanical garden.

Today, the temple is a place of worship and the seat of the Buddhist Academy , the most important educational establishment in China. Other highlights include the bell and drum towers in the first courtyard; the Hall of the Kings of Heaven with its fine statues; the Mahavira Hall housing Buddhas of the present, past, and future represented in 18 Luohan figures; and, one of the temple's most precious objects, a Han Dynasty (AD 25-220) ceramic statue in the Dabianjue Tang Hall.

Another Buddhist site worth visiting is the Zhihua Temple . Dating from 1444, it's one of the most important original Ming period complexes in Beijing's old town. Of particular note is the two-story Tathagata Hall (Rulai Dian), named after its statue of the transcendental Buddha. It's also known as 10,000 Buddha Hall for the many small Buddha figurines adorning the walls.

Address: 7 Fayuansi Front St, Xicheng, Beijing

Located directly opposite the North Gate of the Imperial Palace, Coal Hill Park (Jingshan) offers some of the best views in Beijing, particularly over Beihai Park Lake and the Forbidden Palace . Taking its name from the coal that was once stored here for the Ming Emperors, this largely man-made hill, one of just a handful in Beijing, was started around 1416 during the construction of the Imperial Palace.

After years of receiving rubble from the old city wall and large quantities of soil from the excavation of the moat surrounding the palace, the once-low natural mound soared to its current height. A highlight of a visit, in addition to the many splendid gardens and walkways, is an old acacia tree from which the last Ming emperor was supposed to have hung himself in 1644.

Address: 44 Jingshan W St, Xicheng District, Beijing

A short walk from the Lama Temple in a pleasant side alley spanned by ornamental gates is the Beijing Temple of Confucius. Built in 1302, it's dedicated to the great philosopher and teacher, Confucius, whose teachings dominated public and private life for centuries.

One of China's best-known Confucius temples, the Beijing Temple once hosted many elaborate ceremonies honoring its namesake under the leadership of the emperor. The forecourt harbors 198 steles with inscriptions naming all 51,624 Confucian scholars who, after 1416, successfully passed the highest examinations of the state until abolished in 1904.

A highlight is the Hall of Great Achievements (Dacheng Dian). It's home to numerous shrines dedicated to Confucius, his students, and other Confucian philosophers, as well as many old musical instruments and other ritual items used in the celebrations, which take place on the large terrace in front of the hall.

Another religious site worth a visit for its fine exterior is Niu Jie Qingzhen Si Mosque , built in AD 995. Beijing's oldest and largest mosque, it's in the Muslim quarter and includes a minaret, a six-cornered moon observatory tower, and two pavilions featuring numerous steles with Chinese and Arabic inscriptions. Only Muslims are permitted to enter.

Address: 15 Guozijian Street, Dongcheng, Beijing

Located in the northwest area of the city, the Beijing Zoo (Bei jing dòng wù yuán) covers an area of more than 220 acres and was established in 1906, making it one of the oldest zoos in China.

Boasting an impressive collection of close to 15,000 animals from 950 species, the largest in the country, the zoo includes many rare native species. Notable examples include South China tigers, snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and pandas. Not-so-rare species include the red-crowned crane and Pere David's deer.

Species from across the world are also well represented and include elephants, lions, and jaguars, all spread around grounds that closely resemble classical Chinese gardens. These beautiful areas come complete with dense woods, meadows, rivers, streams, and ponds, along with a number of pleasant gazebos and terraces. The zoo also has a well-stocked aquarium.

Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing

Although now mostly just ruins, the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is located in Yuanmingyuan Park in northwestern Beijing and is well worth a visit. Once the imperial residence of the Qianlong Emperor, it was considered one of the most spectacular achievements of Chinese architecture and garden design when constructed in the 1700s, and was for a time known as the "Garden of Gardens."

The palace was home to a vast and important collection of art and antiquities and was looted and destroyed by the British and French during the Second Opium War in 1860. It took hundreds of troops three days to burn and demolish the site.

These days, the grounds serve as a popular public park, and the old ruins are a delight to explore. To gain a picture of just how spectacular the old palace once was, be sure to pop into the small on-site museum with its reconstructions and models.

Also known as Dashanzi Art District, 798 Art Zone is a unique art community, and one of the more unusual things to do in Beijing. This vibrant cultural district grew up in and around a former military manufacturing complex in Beijing. Now dedicated entirely to more peaceful pursuits, these interesting old factories and warehouses are home to everything from galleries to studios and exhibition spaces hosting events dedicated to the arts.

It's a delightful area to explore, with at every turn some interesting and sometimes challenging art on display or performed by artists from across China and from around the world. While still very much a hub of artistic endeavors, in recent years 798 Art Zone has also become increasingly gentrified and is now as much a draw for its hip shopping opportunities.

There's everything here from bookstores and galleries to designer fashion boutiques, along with many cafés and restaurants.

Address: 2 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang, Beijing

Occupying a large chunk of the east section of Tiananmen Square, the impressive National Museum of China is the second most visited art museum in the world after the Louvre in Paris, and also one of the largest.

Opened in 2003 and completely renovated in 2011, the museum serves as a place of education regarding the country's rich history, with a particular focus on exhibits related to culture and art. Expect to spend many an hour here as there is so much to see in each of the museum's 48 exhibition halls.

Especially interesting among the museum's more than one million artifacts is the huge Simuwu Ding, the world's heaviest ancient bronzeware, as well as collections of rare gold, jade, and ceramic artifacts from various dynasties through the ages. Other interesting exhibits deal with the first human settlements in the country, as well as the founding of the communist state.

If you're planning a lengthy visit, note there's a café and teahouse serving refreshments. Also, a strict "no-selfie stick" policy is in place, so if you have one, be prepared to leave it back at your hotel or at the coat check.

Address: 16 E Chang'an Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing

The city's newest attraction, Universal Beijing Resort , is also one of the best places to visit in China for those traveling with kids. Construction of this multi-billion dollar, 990-acre project started in 2016 and the first "districts" within the park opened in 2021.

Usually referred to simply as Universal Beijing and one of the largest of the country's theme parks, you'll notice plenty of similarities with other destinations in the brand's portfolio. The focal point, Universal Citywalk, features food and shopping experiences, along with an array of entertainment options and accommodations.

The real fun, though, is to be found in Universal Studios. In addition to thrilling rides and fun experiences based around such characters as the Minions, Transformers, and Harry Potter . Kids will love exploring the world of Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness . A second theme park and ride area, along with a waterpark, are also planned.

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Beijing Day Trips: While there are plenty of fun things to see and do in Beijing, try to find time in your China travel itinerary to see the sights surrounding the country's capital. Top day trips from Beijing include a visit to the Great Wall, naturally. But be sure to visit other points of interest, too, such as the scenic Fragrant Hills Park, a fun mountain area named after the fact that its peak looks like an incense burner; the Caves of Zhoukoudian and the Peking Man Museum; and the Marco Polo Bridge, named after the famed explorer who traveled the area extensively.

Other Great Cities : Thanks to the many easy connecting flights available from Beijing's modern international airport, some of the most interesting of China's cities are not much more than a couple of hours away. Popular destinations to fly to from Beijing include Shanghai , where you can explore the city's historic Bund promenade; Chengdu , the home of the famous Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (check out their unique panda experiences!); and Hangzhou , perhaps best known for beautiful West Lake, making this city one of the most picturesque in the country.

China Outdoor Adventures: Adventure seekers are also well-catered to in China. Some of the best experiences are in the northwesternmost part of the country, where you'll find Dunhuang , famous throughout the ages for its prominent location on the historic Silk Road trade route. Here, you can enjoy such outdoor adventures as camel trekking through the rugged Gobi Desert, as well as exploring some of the most remote sections of the Great Wall. There's also plenty of outdoor fun to be had enjoying a cruise on the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo . Highlights include a chance to drift past some of the most dramatic, breathtaking scenery in the country, and afterward embark on a smaller river aboard a traditional bamboo canoe.

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《儒琴中国行》 Ruqin China Travel

Top 10 Attractions in Beijing: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Plan your Beijing tour ? Beijing, the capital of China, is a city rich in history, culture, and modern marvels. For first-time visitors, the sheer number of attractions can be overwhelming.

To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Attractions in Beijing . These iconic landmarks and cultural sites offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of the city, ensuring your visit is both memorable and enriching.

1. The Forbidden City: A Glimpse into Imperial China

First on our “Top 10 Attractions in Beijing” list is the Forbidden City , also known as the Palace Museum. This massive complex served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Spanning over 180 acres, the Forbidden City is home to nearly 1,000 buildings and countless treasures. As you walk through the ancient halls and courtyards, you’ll be transported back to a time of emperors and dynasties.

Additionally, the detailed architecture and rich history make this a must-see attraction in Beijing. Be sure to explore the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the largest hall in the complex, and the Imperial Garden, a peaceful retreat within the palace walls.

2. The Great Wall of China: An Iconic Symbol of Strength

No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. Stretching over 13,000 miles, this ancient structure is one of the most famous landmarks in the world.

For first-time visitors, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is highly recommended. It’s less crowded than the more popular Badaling section and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Moreover, you can take a cable car to the top or, for the more adventurous, hike up the stone steps. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos, as the Great Wall is one of Beijing’s most iconic attractions.

3. Tiananmen Square: The Heart of Modern Beijing

Next, head to Tiananmen Square , the largest public square in the world. This vast space is surrounded by significant landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People , the National Museum of China , and the M ausoleum of Mao Zedong .

Tiananmen Square is not only a historical site but also a symbol of modern China. The square is a great place to witness the daily flag-raising ceremony, which takes place at sunrise. As you stand in this historic square, you’ll feel the weight of China’s past and its journey to the present.

4. The Temple of Heaven: A Spiritual Haven

The Temple of Heaven , a UNESCO World Heritage site, is another must-visit on your Beijing itinerary. This ancient complex was used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests.

The Temple of Heaven is renowned for its architectural perfection and spiritual significance. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its circular design and blue-tiled roof, is the most famous building in the complex.

Additionally, the surrounding park is a popular spot for locals to practice tai chi, fly kites, and socialize. Visiting the Temple of Heaven offers a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Beijing.

5. The Summer Palace: A Royal Retreat

The Summer Palace is another of Beijing’s top tourist attractions, offering a serene escape from the city’s busy streets. This sprawling complex of lakes, gardens, and palaces served as a summer retreat for the Qing dynasty emperors.

The highlight of the Summer Palace is the Kunming Lake, where you can take a boat ride and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Additionally, the Long Corridor, a covered walkway adorned with intricate paintings, offers a scenic route through the gardens.

Don’t miss the Marble Boat , a unique structure located at the northern end of the lake. The Summer Palace is a beautiful example of Chinese landscape design and a must-see for anyone visiting Beijing.

6. The Hutongs: Discover Beijing’s Traditional Alleys

To experience the traditional side of Beijing, a visit to the city’s hutongs is essential. Hutongs are narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes, offering a glimpse into Beijing’s past.

The most famous hutong is Nanluoguxiang , known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and eateries. Additionally, taking a rickshaw tour through the hutongs is a great way to explore these historic neighborhoods.

As you wander through the maze of alleys, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, local markets, and a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries. The hutongs are a cultural landmark that shouldn’t be missed on your trip to Beijing.

7. The National Museum of China: A Journey Through Time

For those interested in history and culture, the National Museum of China is a top place to visit in Beijing. Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, this museum houses over one million artifacts, spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history.

From ancient pottery to modern art, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of China’s rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the museum’s exhibitions are well-curated, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors.

Be sure to check out the ancient bronzes and jade carvings, which are among the museum’s most prized possessions. The National Museum of China is an essential stop for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Chinese history.

8. The Lama Temple: A Spiritual Oasis

The Lama Temple , also known as Yonghe Temple, is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet. This temple complex, with its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere, offers a unique spiritual experience in the heart of Beijing.

The highlight of the Lama Temple is the 18-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Additionally, the temple’s intricate woodwork and vibrant colors make it a photographer’s dream.

As you explore the temple grounds, you’ll encounter monks chanting, incense wafting through the air, and a sense of peace that contrasts with the busy streets outside. The Lama Temple is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or seeking a moment of tranquility.

9. The Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest): A Modern Marvel

The Beijing National Stadium , popularly known as the Bird’s Nest, is a symbol of modern Beijing. Built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, this architectural marvel is one of the most famous sites in the city. The stadium’s design, inspired by a bird’s nest, is both innovative and visually striking.

Visitors can tour the stadium, explore the Olympic Green, and even attend events or performances held here. Additionally, the Bird’s Nest is especially beautiful when illuminated at night, making it a great spot for evening photography.

The Beijing National Stadium represents the city’s forward-looking spirit and is a must-visit for those interested in modern architecture.

10. The Ming Tombs: A Walk Through History

Lastly, the Ming Tombs are a historical attraction that offers a fascinating insight into China’s imperial past. Located about 50 kilometers north of Beijing, this site is the burial ground of 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty. The tombs are set in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.

The most famous tomb is the Dingling Tomb , which has been excavated and opened to the public. Additionally, the Sacred Way , a pathway lined with stone statues of animals and officials, leads to the tombs and is a highlight of any visit. Exploring the Ming Tombs provides a deeper understanding of China’s dynastic history and is a rewarding day trip from Beijing.

Beijing is a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern innovation. From the grandeur of the Forbidden City to the tranquility of the Temple of Heaven, there is no shortage of must-see places in Beijing. Whether you’re exploring the Great Wall or discovering the city’s traditional hutongs, each of these top attractions offers a unique window into the culture and history of China. By including these sites in your itinerary, you’ll experience the best that Beijing has to offer and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As you plan your trip, keep in mind that Beijing is vast and diverse, with something to offer every traveler. By visiting these Top 10 attractions in Beijing , you’ll get a well-rounded view of the city’s highlights, making your first visit to Beijing an unforgettable adventure.

More Beijing Travel Guides

Planning your Beijing tour ? Our “ Beijing Travel Guide “ section offers essential advice to help you navigate the city like a pro. From transportation tips and local customs to insider recommendations for hidden gems, these travel tips will ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience in China’s vibrant capital. Let us guide you through the best practices for exploring Beijing with confidence!

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The Top 12 Must-See Attractions in Beijing

Beijing's attractions are second to none in China , with famous tourist spots of various types: historical, cultural, scenic, and modern. The capital is home to some of the country's best-known tourist attractions, such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven .

Here we introduce the 12 best must-see attractions in Beijing to help you better plan your trip, according to our first-hand experience and customers' ratings .

• Top historical sights: the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, Lama Temple, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, and Jinshan Park
• Top cultural sights: the hutongs, Tian'anmen Square, Gubei Water Town
• Top modern sights: Beijing Olympic Park, 798 Art Zone

1. The Forbidden City

Open: 8:30am–5:00pm Apr.–Oct.; 8:30am–4:30pm Nov.–Mar.; closed on Mondays

Recommended visit: 2 hours

Entry: CN¥60 (US$9)

The Forbidden City was for almost five centuries the palatial heart of China. Constructed in 1420, it is China's best-preserved imperial palace, and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world . It is also a magnificent treasure trove, which holds more than a million rare and valuable works of art . The collection includes ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, timepieces, jade pieces, ancient books, and historical documents.

There, you can witness the grand architecture, learn about China's royal culture inside the city walls, and appreciate the precious treasures of the royal court.

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How to make the most of your time in this huge imperial palace complex? Visiting halls along the central axis from The Meridian Gate to the Gate of Devine Might is the most common route . Some of the most important buildings are located on this axis, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and Palace of Heavenly Purity.

However, you might want to travel with us for a deeper Forbidden City exploration. Rather than simply taking you round to see the buildings, and giving you textbook recitals or routine guide presentations, we attempt to bring the emperors' lives to life for you, through fascinating stories with original iPad pictures and videos. You will be taken to see places that you would never find by yourself or on a standard tour .

For the protection of relics and visitors' safety, there is a restriction on daily visitor numbers. As tickets are limited, they are always sold out quickly, so it is not wise to wait to buy them on the day. It is highly recommended to book entry tickets in advance. You can  send us a quick inquiry to book the tickets.

2. The Great Wall of China

Open: 8:30am–5:00pm

Recommended visit: 2 hours for sightseeing, half a day for hiking

Entry: Prices vary for different Great Wall sections.

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest sights in the world . Over 6,000 km (4,000 miles) long, its winding path over rugged country and steep mountains takes in some great scenery.

The most popular Great Wall sections are in the mountains north of Beijing:

• The Mutianyu Great Wall section (2 hours' driving from the center of Beijing): With less crowding and children-friendly facilities, it is the most popular section among foreign travelers . You can take the cable cars up/down, and the "toboggan" ride down is great fun, suitable for both adults and children.
• The Badaling Great Wall section (1½ hours' driving from the center of Beijing) is a restored Great Wall section that is somewhat disabled-friendly , there are lifts and elevators available to get onto one part of the Wall. It is very popular among Chinese tourist groups, hence it's the most crowded by far .
• Jinshanling Great Wall section (3 hours' driving from the center of Beijing) is regarded as the most photogenic and most beautiful section of the Great Wall , replete with many original features. It is the photographers' favorite. As it is further from Beijing, it has fewer crowds.

Jinshanling is also the most popular Great Wall section for hiking. The walking difficulty on this section is graded as moderate.

• Jiankou Great Wall section (2 hours' driving from the center of Beijing) is an unrepaired Great Wall section built on towering ridges with cliffs on each side! This is also the most challenging section . It is only recommended for experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers.
• Huanghuacheng Great Wall section (2 hours' driving from the center of Beijing) is divided by a lake, and some parts are even immersed in the water. It is the only "Great Wall in Water" . During summer, this Great Wall section is swathed in yellow, as masses of wildflowers come into bloom (hence its name 'Yellow Flower Wall').

There is no cable car available, so this uncrowded Great Wall section is more popular with hikers . It provides a challenge for hikers because the paths are steep and out of repair.

More on The Most Recommended Great Wall sections >>>

Hiking the Great Wall is another popular way to explore the Great Wall . Tread the centuries-old bricks and walk-through watchtower ruins. Take your time and feel history come to life. Our two most popular hiking routes suit different hikers:

• Hiking from Jinshanling to Simatai West — 6 km (4 miles), 4 hours: It is a moderate hiking route that is suitable for most common visitors . This section has breathtaking views and offers stunning photo opportunities that vary with the seasons.
• Trekking from Jiankou to Mutianyu — 10 km (6 miles), 5 hours: This is a route for experienced and sure-footed mountain hikers . It allows you to see the spectacular cliff-top ruined towers at Jiankou and the restored wall at Mutianyu. This is a challenging section of the Great Wall. You'll need to be in good health to negotiate the steep ascents and descents on rocky trails.

We have more Great Wall hiking tours to choose from.

• 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing Tour
• 5-Day Beijing Family Tour  
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3. The Temple of Heaven

Open: 6:00am–5:30pm Apr.–Oct.; 6:30am–5:00pm Nov.–Mar.

Entry: CN¥34 (US$5)

The Temple of Heaven is an imperial worship site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties took part in annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest for the next year. The annual sacrificial ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven were the emperors' most important religious and political activities .

The Circular Mound Altar and The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are the must-see highlights, you can learn about the culture of heaven worship, architectural geomancy, and the medieval China's sacrificial rites.

If you're travel with kids, a visit to the Echo Wall is strongly recommended . Your kid(s) will be surprised by the magic of the echo. If you say something to him/her quietly at one end of the wall, they should hear your message even though standing 100–150 meters away.

Nowadays, the Temple of Heaven stands in a public park that is full of life. In the morning lots of local elderly people meet there to sing, exercise and do tai chi. The park is south of Central Beijing, about 15 minutes south of the Forbidden City by car.

More on The Temple of Heaven >>>

4. The Summer Palace

Open: 6:30am–6:00pm Apr.–Oct.; 8:30am–5:00pm Nov.–Mar.

Recommended visit: 1½ hours

Entry: CN¥30 (US$5)

The Summer Palace is 15 kilometers (9 miles) from downtown Beijing. It was a summer retreat for the royal family of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). It is also the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China , with famous landscaped views and cultural points of interest. The Summer Palace has greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape gardening .

The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace gardens is the most notable sight, with every on beam decorated with colorful paintings — more than 14,000 in total. You can stroll around it and listen to tales described by the paintings.

Tip: If you have plenty of time for a visit and do not mind waiting in line for a while, relaxing on a boat on Kunming Lake is a highly recommended activity.

More on The Summer Palace  >>>

5. The Hutongs

Open: open all-day

Entry: free

With over 700 years of history, the hutongs represent an important stage in the development and evolution of Beijing's history and culture. They showcase the traditional daily life of ordinary people in Beijing and give a glimpse of old Beijing as it was.

Of all the hundreds of hutongs in Beijing, Tobacco Pouch Street  (烟袋斜街) and Nanlougu Hutong (南锣鼓巷) are two of the most famous and interesting hutongs that stand out from the rest. Both streets preserve the character of a commoners' street in Beijing and highlight some of the city's traditional customs.

In the hutongs, you can hop on a rickshaw to ride through the narrow alleys, appreciate the well-preserved courtyard residences and their long histories, sample great street food, experience local handicrafts, do a cooking class ...

See more on Beijing's Hutongs  >>>

Our Hutong tours focus more on local cultural experiences. You can explore a non-commercial hutong and discover what ordinary people's lives are like.

On our 1-Day Beijing Hutong Tour , you will have a chance to walk into a traditional courtyard residence and visit a hutong family . Learn about the architectural features of traditional residential houses in old Beijing and the customs of their residents. Chat with your hosts and get an idea of the hutong lifestyle.

6. Lama Temple

Open: 9:00am–4:30pm Apr.–Oct.; 9:00am–4:00pm Nov.–Mar.

Entry: CN¥25 (US$4)

Yonghegong (' Harmony Temple ') in Chinese, Lama Temple is one of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist lamaseries outside Tibet . Today, it is not only a museum of Tibetan Buddhism but also a functioning temple where people pray .

This temple was formed from a royal palace conversion. Its buildings are a combination of imperial Qing and Tibet style. While visiting, you will not only able to get a rough understanding of Tibetan Buddhism, but also you can appreciate wonderful architecture and a variety of Buddhist statues, especially the 18-meter (59-foot) high Maitreya Buddha in Wanfu Pavilion. It was carved from one precious white sandalwood log from Nepal.

See more on Lama Temple >>>

7. Gubei Water Town

Open: all day

Recommended visit: a full day

Entry: CN¥150 (US$23)

Gubei Water Town is a large resort and town in traditional Chinese style that nestles below the Simatai Great Wall section. Its buildings have been built in the traditional Beijing courtyard style. It boasts a combination of mountain views, quaint waterways, and ancient village ambience.

An overnight stay in the water town is highly recommended, which will offer you an opportunity to enjoy the stunning night views of the tastefully-lit and cable-car-accessed Simatai section of the Great Wall .

There are 5-star hotels/resorts and hundreds of economical inns, which cater to different tastes and interests. Do not miss the natural mineral hot spring experience there. When you check in, most hotels will give you complimentary vouchers for one of the springs in Gubei Water Town.

Contact us for a bespoke visit or see our Cultural Experience in Gubei Water Town and Great Wall Night Tour if you are interested.

8. Tian'anmen Square

Recommended visit: 1 hour

Tian'anmen Square is the largest famous city square . In the center of Beijing, it sits to the south of the Forbidden City. Tian'anmen Square is very symbolic for Chinese people , as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history, such as the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Nowadays, it is still the most significant square in China, where grand ceremonies and National Day anniversary parades are held.

Each morning, the flag-raising ceremony is held at sunrise, which is open to the public most of the time . On the night before Chinese National Day, many Chinese even sit up near the square for a whole night just to watch the flag being raised the next morning. Join us to witness this solemn ceremony in Beijing.

Tian'anmen Square is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the 'Heavenly Peace Gate' (Tian'anmen — entrance to the Forbidden City), top museums, government buildings, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

See more on Tian'anmen Square  >>>

9. The Ming Tombs

Open: 8:00am–5:30pm Apr.–Oct.; 8:30am–4:30pm Nov.–Mar.

Recommended visit: 2½ hours

Entry: CN¥110 (US$17) includes Dingling, Changling, and the Sacred Way

The Ming Tombs is where 13 out of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1367–1644) were buried (along with 23 empresses and several concubines, princes, and princesses). Thus, it is also known as the 'Thirteen Tombs'. It is the best-preserved Chinese imperial tombs complex and has been recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage .

Currently, only three tombs (Changling, Dingling, and Zhaoling) are open to the public. Leading to the tombs, the Sacred Way offers a reverent and interesting stroll between animal and human statues. In Changling, you can see magnificent architecture and learn about Chinese fengshui theory. The highlight of Dingling is the stone underground palace. Zhaoling stands out for its above-ground architecture.

The Ming Tombs are 50 kilometers (30 miles) from Beijing city. As the Badaling Great Wall section is not far away, the tombs are usually visited as part of a Great Wall day trip . Please feel free to contact us for a customized Ming Tombs private tour.

See more on The Ming Tombs  >>>

10. Jingshan Park

Open: 6:00am–9:00pm Apr.–Oct.; 6:30am–8:00pm Nov.–Mar.

Entry: CN¥10 (US$1.5)

Jingshan Park used to be a part of the Forbidden City. Its front gate faces the north gate of the Forbidden City .

The hill in the park is the highest point in Beijing City (apart from the modern tower buildings), made with the earth removed to create the palace moat. It is well worth a climb on a clear day for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing . The path to the top of the hill is a little steep, and may not be suitable for seniors or those who have difficulty with hundreds of steps.

The park is also a place to experience local culture, as many local people go there to play interesting traditional instruments etc. every day.

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour to Visit the Great Wall at Night
• 6-Day Beijing Chinese New Year Tour
• 1-Day Beijing Hutong Tour

11. Beijing Olympic Park

Open: 6:00am–9:00pm

Beijing Olympic Park is a spacious park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games . It contains the main venues used during the 2008 Olympics and Paralympic Games, The Bird's Nest and the Water Cube are the outstanding highlights of this park, which has become a landmark of Beijing.

• The Bird's Nest Stadium: Its outer shell is the world's largest steel structure, forming part of the most complex Olympic stadium ever constructed. The opening and closing ceremonies for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics were held there .
• The Water Cube: It was the venue for the 2008 Olympic swimming and diving competitions, and continues to host events. It got its name due to its huge blue cube structure with a soap bubble design. At night, it turns into a glowing blue cube alongside the fiery red National Stadium. It is to be the curling venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

See more on Olympic Park  >>>

12. 798 Art Zone

Open: 10:00am–6:00pm

Converted from an old factory compound, nowadays this zone has become synonymous with art and originality . There are a range of contemporary art galleries, stylish boutiques, creatively designed architectures, and cafes. No matter whether you are an art enthusiast or not, 798 Art District will show you a different Beijing.

Top art exhibitions and fashion shows are frequently held in 798, where there are more than 500 art studios from all over the world. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art is a must-see highlight in the Zone . An exciting collection of local and international artists exhibit in an atmospheric three-story Bauhaus structure.

See more on 798 Art Zone >>>

Discover Beijing Attractions with Us

Beijing is such a large and complex city that going with a tour guide and driver helps make your visit less stressful and more rewarding. Contact us for a well-designed tour plans cover the highlights of Beijing in the best possible ways.

• 1-Day Beijing Highlights Tour — Visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at a your own pace.
• 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing — This 4-day tour is designed to be flexible, without missing the must-sees.
• The Golden Triangle — This 8-day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai itinerary,or variations of it, has been our most popular first-time China trip over the last 20 years.
• Check all our Beijing Tours for inspirations.
• One Day Beijing Highlights Private Tour
• Beijing Traditional Food Tour

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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16 Best Things To Do in Beijing

Updated Feb. 11, 2021

The close proximity of Beijing's top attractions makes touring this massive city very manageable. First, your impulse will be to head to Tiananmen Square , which hosts the Forbidden City , the National Museum of China  and several other monuments. From

• All Things To Do

The Great Wall of China The Great Wall of China

Just north of Beijing, you'll find one of the most famous monuments in the world: the Great Wall of China. Although it's unlikely you'll see the whole thing, you should aim to experience a portion of it. That begs the question: Which section?

Only an hour's drive northwest of Beijing, the Badaling section is convenient, hosts a large souvenir market, and has a gondola to whisk visitors up and down the wall. Sounds perfect, right? Well, and that's why thousands of tourists decide to venture here. This can create mob-like scenes that can spoil the trip, but it's unpredictable. Plenty of visitors rave about this section of the wall and say a visit is a must. Entrance to the Badaling section of wall (not including the gondola ride) costs 40 yuan (about $6) in the winter and spring and 45 yuan (about $6.60 ) in the summer and fall. You can start hiking the Badaling portion at 6:40 a.m., and you must be down by 6:30 p.m. every day.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

When the bustle of Beijing becomes too much for you, do as the emperors would do and retreat to the Summer Palace. Located in the northwest suburbs, this oasis – literally, an oasis with serene Kunming Lake – is home to several attractions. Nearly every gate, pavilion, hall and tower has a unique history and merits a photo. Despite the palace's historic appeal, most tourists are charmed by what's outside: The Summer Palace possesses the largest imperial garden in China. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge stretches into Kunming Lake, providing excellent views of the east bank and South Lake Island. And at an impressive 2,388 feet in length, the Long Corridor garners lots of attention.

Travelers are rarely disappointed by the wonders of the Summer Palace. Many advise visiting early in the day to avoid crowds, but regardless, most call the palace amazing. Reviewers suggested setting aside at least half a day to wander the grounds. Visitors also recommended seeing the site with the help of a guide, who can help you understand its vast history.  

Forbidden City (Imperial Palace) Forbidden City (Imperial Palace)

Operating under the official title of "The Palace Museum," the Forbidden City (also known as the Imperial Palace) has been a place of wonder and mystery for more than 500 years. This massive complex sits on the northern edge of Tiananmen Square at the epicenter of Beijing. Beyond its towering fortifications, you'll find an intricate labyrinth of squares, halls, gates, pavilions, sleeping quarters and temples. In some of the structures, curated art and historic relics have been placed; however, the greatest achievement is the compound itself. Not-to-be-missed highlights include the Meridian Gate, the Turret, the Antiquarium and the Imperial Garden.

Recent visitors, who called the park fascinating, suggest giving yourself plenty of time to tour and buying tickets in advance if you can. Others were disappointed by the sheer volume of tourists and recommend avoiding a weekend visit if possible. You'll also want to wear a hat and sunscreen as there is little shade. Several reviewers also suggested hiring a guide to help you navigate the site and better understand its history, or at the very least, purchasing a map which doubles as a souvenir. Audio guide rentals are another option.

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Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan) Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan)

After the concrete jungles of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City , head to nearby Beihai Park for a breath of fresh air. Whether you're under a tree overlooking the lake or in an ancient pagoda, you'll see why this former imperial garden has been a preserved sanctuary since its creation in A.D. 1166. Over time, the park has acquired more and more monuments. Not-to-be-missed highlights include the Temple of Everlasting Peace, White Dagoba and the Circular City.

Visitors love its peaceful setting, saying even with lots of people around, you can still find a quiet place to reflect. Some reviewers recommend riding a boat on the lake to reach different attractions, while others suggest setting aside several hours to walk its grounds (it is massive, spanning more than 170 acres).

Nanluoguxiang Nanluoguxiang free

North of the Forbidden City , this neighborhood packs so much character into its narrow streets (hutongs). Nanlouguxiang continually surprises you with exciting discoveries in boutique shops and tantalizing flavors from unassuming vendors. When you need a shopping break, visit the Bell and Drum Towers that also reside here. While this bohemian district has witnessed an increase in tourist volume, it has avoided the commercialization and urban renovations that characterize other Beijing areas.

Many visitors appreciate the blend of new and old and enjoy spending time browsing around. Reviewers said this is a great place to browse for souvenirs.

Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square free

Up there with Times Square , Red Square and St. Peter's Square , Tiananmen Square is among the world's most famous public spaces. Almost anyone can recognize the Gate of Heavenly Peace emblazoned with a portrait of Chairman Mao as a symbol of Beijing. The square is the geographic, political and tourist center of the city, which makes it unavoidable. Although Tiananmen Square looks like a field of concrete (which it is), you'll want to see it for the surrounding attractions: The Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China and the Forbidden City sit on the edges.

Recent visitors warned the area is usually crowded, with lots of guards, which some found disconcerting. Nonetheless, most visitors said it's a must-see landmark. Plus, taking a picture here is almost required to prove you've been to Beijing.

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Dashanzi Art District and 798 Space Dashanzi Art District and 798 Space free

Fact: The arts are booming in Beijing. You only need to tour the Dashanzi Art District to witness this creative surge. The epicenter of this artistic explosion is 798 Space (also known as Factory 798), an old electronics manufacturing site and warehouse. Originally designed by East Germans in the 1950s, the stern architecture beautifully juxtaposes the richly colorful contents of artist studios. The 2-million-square-foot venue boasts galleries, eateries and bars, making it a one-stop-shop for hip locals and curious tourists.

Recent visitors said the neighborhood appeals to nearly everyone because of the diverse offerings found here and recommend giving yourself plenty of time to simply wander around. Reviewers said you'll want to take a bevy of pictures thanks to the colorful atmosphere. Many others suggested purchasing souvenirs here as the offerings are quite unique. If you're an art lover, heed the advice of past travelers and plan to make multiple visits.

National Centre for the Performing Arts National Centre for the Performing Arts

Sometimes called the "Giant Egg" due to its unique shape, the National Centre for the Performing Arts is actually home to three different venues: the Opera House, the Concert Hall and the Theatre. Everything from ballets to dramas are staged here. The unusual property also has an artificial lake and lots of green space surrounding, it making it a magnet for locals and visitors alike. The exterior of the building is a unique titanium glass oval shell and all the passages and entrances into it are built underwater, which lends a surreal aspect as you enter.

Recent visitors were wowed by the architecture and highly recommend checking it out. It's free to wander outside, but there is a small fee to enter the building. English language tours are also offered for a fee.

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Lama Temple (Yonghegong) Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

You'll immediately notice the rigid symmetry of the complex, which derives from the imperial architectural style. As the seat of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing, you'll see this temple of prayer is still used by religious followers, so be respectful. Throughout its halls, you'll see Buddha temples, statues, murals and carvings.

The humble grandeur of the Lama Temple and its accompanying buildings impresses many visitors, who find the temple a pleasant surprise in the bustling city. Meanwhile, others delighted in the peaceful, incense-filled air.

National Museum of China National Museum of China free

For a survey of Chinese history, head to the National Museum of China. Positioned on the eastern edge of Tiananmen Square , the exhibits in this museum neatly outline the nation's past for visitors, both native and foreign. After a massive renovation, the facility reopened in the spring of 2011 with updated displays and an interior facelift. Among the many treasures (more than one million), you'll find entire rooms dedicated to jade, porcelain and bronze artifacts.

When looking at the collection, travelers are generally impressed, with many saying you need at least two to three hours to even begin to see all the treasures it holds. Visitors also appreciate it is free to visit. If you plan to visit, keep these tips from reviewers in mind: stop by the museum at the start of your trip to Beijing to better understand the city and Chinese culture overall; the museum is better suited to visitors interested in history and archaeology than art; English translation is lacking in certain areas.

Bell and Drum Towers (Hutong) Bell and Drum Towers (Hutong)

Once used as musical instruments and later as the official government time piece, the Bell and Drum Towers crown the charming Nanluoguxiang district. Amid the maze of alleys, you'll appreciate having these two historical pillars to guide your exploration of the neighborhood. You'll immediately notice the 150-foot Drum Tower from its vibrant red walls, turquoise roof and decorative symbols. The Bell Tower is the more subdued gray sister, standing nearby. These ancient landmarks (the original structures date back to 1272) offer exceptional views of Beijing, but you'll have to take a hike to reach their peaks. Most visitors agree climbing the steep stairs is worth it for the views.

If you wish to climb the stairs, you'll have to fork over 15 yuan (about $2) for the Bell Tower and 20 yuan (about $3) for the Drum Tower or 30 yuan ($4.40) for both. The towers open daily around 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. every day. The closest subway stop is Guloudajie on lines 2 and 8.

Olympic Park Olympic Park free

Deemed China's coming-out party, the 2008 Summer Olympics placed Beijing in the world spotlight. Beijing carved out huge tracts of land to construct this international stage. The excitement has since passed, and the park and some of its facilities have been repurposed for public use. The surviving structures include the National Stadium (or the "Bird's Nest"), the National Aquatics Center (or the "Water Cube") and the Olympic Forest Park. New buildings, like the China National Convention Center, have changed the park's landscape.

The majority of past travelers still enjoyed making the pilgrimage to Olympic Park and recent visitors expressed their amazement at its architecture, especially at night when some of the structures are illuminated. During the day, you'll frequently find locals flying kites. However, some reviewers were underwhelmed with the complex and advise against making a special trip to see it.

Temple of Heaven Park (Tiatan Park) Temple of Heaven Park (Tiatan Park)

To reach the Temple of Heaven, you don't have to have an untimely passing. Just get off the subway at Tiantan Dongmen. As you'd expect, this green space is a peaceful asylum, immune to the urban bustle. In the Confucian spirit, the park offers respite among ancient cypress trees alongside remarkable structures. You shouldn't miss the Zhaoheng Gate, the Animal Killing Pavilion (no longer functioning as such) and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Travelers are regularly floored by the beauty (and people-watching) in the park and say it's a highlight of any visit. Others were relieved to find the site wasn't as crowded as the Forbidden City . As with many of the other top sights in Beijing, travelers recommend you hire a guide to get the most out of your visit. Though there is an audio guide available for rent, some visitors were disappointed with its breadth.  

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16 Must-Visit Attractions in Beijing

Travel Expert

China’s bustling capital of 21.5 million people is constantly contradicting itself. Ancient and modern, busy and serene, grey and green. You may get lost and you may get tired during a sightseeing trip to Beijing, but you will certainly not get bored.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Beijing, China’s enigmatic capital city, is packed to bursting with world-class attractions, be they historic palaces , beautiful royal gardens, solemn temples, bustling markets or modern art enclaves. Here, we recommend the top 15 things to do and see in Beijing, from traditional tourist favourites to quirky alternative sights.

The Great Wall

Architectural Landmark

One of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in the world, the Great Wall is believed to have been built as early as the seventh century BC, although the majority of the existing wall was constructed during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The most famous part was built by Qin Shi Huang (the first emperor of the Qin dynasty) from 220 to 206 BC. The whole wall is 21,196 kilometres (13,171 miles) long and covers the ancient northern borders of China. It was built to protect the country against invasions from the northern nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. The most popular sections to visit include Badaling, Jiayu Pass and Shanhai Pass, but if you want more excitement, the rugged and breathtaking Simatai section of the wall is definitely the one to head for.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

798 art district.

Art Gallery, Building, Museum, Store

Saturated with local and international galleries, arts centres and countless cool restaurants, shops and bars, 798 Art Zone is arguably China’s most famous contemporary art district. It began life as a sprawling factory complex that made military equipment and components for the Communist cause. Most of the original buildings remain, giving this modern cultural zone – one of Beijing’s trendiest areas – a distinctly dystopian edge.

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Yiheyuan (Summer Palace)

Historical Landmark

The Hutongs

An afternoon wandering around the hutongs (narrow alleys that snake between historic courtyard housing complexes) is the best way to appreciate the beauty of old Beijing. Hutongs once dominated Beijing, but owing to aggressive urban development initiatives most have been removed. A good handful still remain around Houhai Lake and Gulou Dajie (Drum Tower Street). An afternoon would be well spent walking or cycling through the unique collection of cafes, restaurants and shops, especially around the kooky Nanluoguxiang shopping street. Be sure to stop and appreciate the ancient drum and bell towers, Gulou and Zhonglou.

The Forbidden City and Palace Museum

Without doubt Beijing’s most famous attraction, the Forbidden City – which presides over the notorious Tiananmen Square – is a sprawling palace complex that was home to the emperors of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties until imperialism was abolished in 1912. The great palace, dating back to 1406, exemplifies traditional Chinese architectural styles. Some of the palatial buildings now serve as the Palace Museum, which is worth ducking into to browse more than 1 million valuable Chinese art pieces, such as paintings, ceramics, jewellery and jade. Be sure to bring your passport when you visit as foreigners won’t get in without one.

Wangfujing Snack Street

Market, Chinese

Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven)

Park, Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Constructed between 1406 and 1420, Tian Tan , otherwise known as the Temple of Heaven, is a complex of impressive palatial temples where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once prayed for a good harvest. The grand and solemn buildings that make up the complex – namely the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar – can all be toured, giving visitors an insight into the ancient religious ceremonies of Daoism. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, commissioned by the same emperor responsible for Beijing’s Forbidden City, is bursting with colourful and symbolic imagery. Go check it out. Your camera will thank you.

Red Gate Gallery

Art Gallery

Dine in Quan Ju De

Restaurant, Chinese

Established in 1864, Quan Ju De has a reputation for serving the best peking roast duck in China. It monitors the breeding method of the ducks very closely and adheres to traditional cooking processes to guarantee quality and taste – only using ducks which are fewer than 100 days old and weigh more than five kilograms (11 pounds). The ducks are roasted as they have been for decades in a big doorless oven fuelled by the wood of fruit trees, turning out impeccably caramelised and crisp – those with superior palates may be able to taste a subtle fruity flavour in the meat.

Yonghe (Lama) Temple

Buddhist Temple, Monastery

Houhai Lake

Natural Feature

Part of a complex of the three northernmost ornamental lakes in Beijing known as Schichahai, Houhai was built for the pleasures of the royal Yuan family (1271-1368). Today, it is buzzing with activity from early morning to midnight, with street-side haircuts, cheap pencil portraits, al-fresco jam sessions and electric boat rides offered during the day, evolving into loud karaoke bars, fragrant street snacks and neon headgear at night. The streets around the adjoining Qianhai Lake get particularly packed on evenings and weekends, so approach with caution if you’re not a fan of crowds. Explore the majestic Gulou (drum tower) and Zhonglou (bell tower), just a few steps east, while you’re in the neighbourhood.

Jingshan Park

Situated at the geographical centre of Beijing, Jingshan Park served as a royal garden and hunting ground during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, complete with fruit trees, pretty pavilions and ornate palaces. It was opened to the public in 1928, providing 57 acres (23 hectares) of landscaped gardens and traditional Chinese architecture, but its unrivalled views are the real reason to visit. Take the short climb up Jingshan Hill and find yourself at the highest point in otherwise flat Beijing, a unique vantage point which looks out over the north gate of the Forbidden City.

Parkview Green

Shopping Mall

Parkview Green is a Chinese mall like no other. The winner of multiple green architecture awards, this forward-thinking lifestyle complex sits beside historic Ritan Park and Beijing’s tree-lined diplomatic zone, and it’s packed with shopping, dining and contemporary art. Peruse boutiques and look for touchable sculptures in between exploring the art gallery, art museum and in-mall interactive offerings. Those who really can’t get enough should consider staying at the super-chic on-site boutique art hotel.

Hongqiao (Pearl Market)

Tiananmen square.

Park, Building

Tiananmen Square is located right beside the Forbidden City, known for its incredible political significance. This huge space is home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, but the highlight is undoubtedly the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which houses the former leader’s embalmed body in its crystal coffin. Admission is free (though bear in mind no bags or cameras are permitted inside), but long queues form very quickly each day, so aim to get there early. Recommended by Taylor J. Castelo Brancochang

This article is an updated version of a story created by Katherine Lee.

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The Palace Museum in Beijing, China, is a former imperial palace also known as the Forbidden City.

Discover the Best of Beijing

Experience China's massive capital city with these top 10 tips.

Beijing’s rich culture and powerful atmosphere offer travelers a sensory feast.

Archaeological Site

A must-see for history buffs, the Ming Tombs scenic area contains the mausoleums of 13 of the 16 emperors who ruled China during the Ming Dynasty from 1368 to 1644. Three of the 13 mausoleums are open for visitors and offer an intriguing glimpse into Chinese history, grand Chinese architecture, and the cultural importance of ancestor worship. The Ming Tombs are located close to some entry points to the Great Wall, which makes it easy to combine the two sites during the same day trip.

UNESCO Site

The Forbidden City, today also known as the Palace Museum , was the home of Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors for 500 years until 1911. Located in the very heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is a remarkable portrayal of Chinese history, culture, civilization, and architecture. The Palace Museum is the world’s largest palace complex and is said to have almost 1,000 buildings and 9,999 rooms.

Cultural Experience

To get a glimpse of a Beijing before its magnificent glass buildings and skyscrapers, head to Gulou Street to explore one of the city’s remaining traditional neighborhoods, the hutong s . Hutongs are areas with narrow lanes and single story courtyard houses, but the city’s rapid modernization has left only a few of these historic neighborhoods standing. Go back in time and explore the hutongs around the Drum and Bell Towers, two landmark buildings that were used for telling time since the 13th century.

Best Day Trip

Even though the Summer Palace is located just 15 kilometers outside of central Beijing, a visit there is like entering another world. Consisting of palaces, lakes, and gardens, the Summer Palace was an imperial garden built by the Qing Dynasty for royal families to rest and entertain. It is the largest and best preserved imperial garden still in existence in China.

Most Iconic Place

The Great Wall of China is certainly not to be missed during your visit to Beijing. More than 27,000 people visit on an average day, which is an excellent reason for considering the less famous entry points, such as Jinshanling and Simatai . Some sections offer unique hiking opportunities with breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding mountains with the deserted wall snaking mysteriously into the horizon. For an experience you’ll never forget, consider camping out for a night at one of the watchtowers.

For an endless choice of restaurants and bars, visit Sanlitun in Beijing’s modern Chaoyang District. Beijing’s first bar community, Sanlitun Bar Street , is located in Sanlitun, which over the years led the area to become the city’s center for shopping, food, and nightlife. Sanlitun is particularly enjoyable in the warmer months with its numerous rooftop restaurants.

Historic Site

The Temple of Heaven is a collection of stunning ancient sacrificial buildings where emperors came to worship heaven and pray for good harvest. It is considered the most holy of Beijing’s imperial temples, but today welcomes visitors to enjoy the vast green grounds covering an area larger than the Forbidden City. The best time to visit is early morning as the park fills with locals socializing and doing morning exercises.

• Nat Geo Expeditions

Local Quirk

Take an early morning stroll in one of Beijing’s many public parks, and you’ll get a glimpse of the healthy morning routines of China’s senior citizens. Witness everything from people practicing tai chi, playing badminton, walking backwards, and flying kites to dancing, singing, clapping, and exercising on gym equipment fixed to the park grounds. Many locals also have pet birds that they bring along in cages to socialize. The best park to get inspiration for healthy morning habits is the Temple of Heaven.

Neighborhood to Explore

Shichahai is a famous scenic area just north of the Forbidden City consisting of three lakes and loads of entertainment. It used to be the imperial back garden as well as the center of Beijing’s most important commercial activities, but is today a charming area surrounded with historic sites, hutongs (traditional Beijing alleys and residences), temples, restaurants, and bars.

Know Before You Go

The biggest challenge international travelers face in Beijing is the language barrier. English isn’t widely spoken, so it might be helpful to write down a few basic words and phrases to carry with you in your pocketbook or smartphone. When taking a taxi, make sure to have the names and addresses of your hotel and destinations written in Mandarin to show the driver. Beijing is generally a very safe city, but as you would anywhere, be mindful of valuables and pick-pockets in crowded areas. And do note that many international websites including social media sites are not accessible in China.

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Must-see attractions in Beijing

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26 AWESOME Things to Do in Beijing, China (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

From exploring the Forbidden City to walking along the famous Great Wall of China, here is our list of the absolute best things to do in Beijing. 

Welcome to one of the most awe-inspiring, mind-blowing and just plain crazy cities on the face of the earth.

Beijing has everything: history, culture, stunning scenery, food and a healthy dose of culture shock.

I first visited Beijing back in 2008 just before the Beijing Olympics and I loved it so much that I returned in 2011 and lived there for over 7 years.

It became my home in a way I never imagined and to this day it is still my favourite city in the world.

There are so many awesome things to do, that you will be spoilt for choice. 

Beijing is a city that has changed constantly throughout its history.

Walls, palaces and temples have been knocked down and replaced as the city grew from a small settlement to one of the largest cities on earth.

Beijing’s history is intertwined with the story of China.

The city was a great power until the industrial revolution when the colonial powers came knocking on China’s door demanding it open for trade.

At this point, Beijing was the seat of power, and the Forbidden City was the centre of the known universe and the heart of one of the largest empires on earth.

Over the course of the 1800’s China and Beijing’s fortunes reversed.

READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive China travel guide if you’re planning a visit!

Wars, unequal treaties and poor governance lead to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and Imperial China.

What followed was the Civil War, the Japanese invasion and more Civil War.

Beijing was at the centre of this change and strife. So it was fitting that in 1949 Chairman Mao’s People Liberation Army marched into Beijing and Mao himself stood atop the gate of heavenly peace saying the Chinese people had stood up.

The Peoples Republic of China was formed and power was back in Beijing.

As China continues it’s rapid ascension to the upper echelons of the geopolitical tower this only enhances the importance, power and prestige of Beijing. 

Table of Contents

1) See The Flag-Lowering Ceremony At Tiananmen Square 

2) visit chairman mao’s mausoleum, 3) check out the forbidden city , 4) take a relaxing wander around jingshan park, 5) get lost wandering around the national museum of china, 6) visit the lamma temple , 7) escape the crowds at the confucius temple and imperial college, 8) take a wander around xiangshan, 9) be amazed by the summer palace, 10) wander around the ruins of the old summer palace , 11) visit tianyi’s mausoleum, 12) be amazed by the stunning frescos at fahai si, 13) see where many historians say world war 2 started , 14) take a wander through the city’s hutongs , 15) check out some awesome art in 798, 16) explore the temple of heaven, 17) get stuck into some square dancing, 18) eat real peking duck (北京烤鸭), 19) find all manner of awesome stuff at the panjiayuan antiques market, 20) get a foot massage, 21) take a wander down the foreign legation quarter , 22) get stuck into bargaining around xidan, 23) throw down some baijiu, 24) explore one of beijing’s many hidden temples, 25) take a trip to stunning cuandixia, 26) visit the great wall of china, best hostel in beijing – peking international youth hostel, best accommodation for couples in beijing – ming courtyard hotel, best mid-range accommodation in beijing – the emperor, best luxury accommodation in beijing – the orchid, beijing classics , hot pot (火锅), crawfish (小龙虾), beijing bbq (北京烤肉), roast lamb leg (烤羊腿), chuan’er (串), the best things to do in beijing.

There is no other city in the world like Beijing.

From some of the most impressive structures ever built in the ancient world to the hutongs (胡同 narrow alleyways) that are the city’s heart and soul, this is a city of contradictions, chaos and a healthy dollop of China. 

Beijing is most famous for the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Hutongs.

However, there are plenty of other cool things to do here, so enjoy our list of awesome things to do in Beijing. 

Not sure what to do in Beijing? Then start with a visit to Tiananmen square.

For many, this is what first springs to mind when anyone thinks of China’s capital.

This gargantuan public square (the seventh-largest in the world) is flanked by the National Museum of China on one side and the Great Hall of the People (the building that hosts various meetings and events of the Communist Party) on the other. 

Every day the Chinese flag is risen at sunrise and lowered at sunset.

Either of these times is atmospheric. However, the sunset is particularly beautiful.

As the sky darkens the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are lit up.

This is definitely one of the best things to do in Beijing. 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East on Line 1 
• Opening Hours: Flag raising to flag lowering. Therefore if you watch the flag-lowering ceremony, you will watch it from the roads next to the square itself. 

Located in the centre of Tiananmen Square is Chairman Mao ’s Mausoleum.

To get onto Tiananmen Square itself you will need to bring your passport and go through a bag check.

The lines to get in and pay your respects can be very long, especially during national holidays. During this time it can seem like this is the most popular Beijing attraction.

Going earlier in the day can usually avoid this.

You cannot take camera’s in, and they are very strict about it. However, this rule may change.

Again, to get in you will need to show your passport and have your bag checked. Shorts, flip flops and vests are not permitted. 

You can purchase flowers to show your respects if you would like.

As you pass through be silent and do not stop walking. When you exit the mausoleum you will be at the south end of Tiananmen Square, so you a stone’s throw from exploring the Qianmen area.

Be prepared to be offered all kinds of Mao memorabilia.

• Nearest Subway: Qianmen or Tiananmen East
• Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm from Tuesday to Sunday

READ MORE: If you’re visiting China, make sure you check out Mount Huashan , the world’s most dangerous hike!

If you’re wondering what to do in Beijing, then you can’t miss this…

Welcome to one of Beijing’s, and indeed China’s, most stunning historical destinations.

From 1368 – 1911 this was the home of 24 emperors and the centre of the Chinese world.

Make no mistake the Forbidden City is huge. Inside is a mixture of palaces, courtyards, temples, gardens and museums.

The sheer size and majesty are overwhelming and it’s hard to believe this it’s over 600 years old. This is definitely a must-do in Beijing.

You can only book tickets online so as the number of visitors can be controlled.

You will need to bring your passport with you as this is the ID you use when booking your tickets. 

Do be aware that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays and can be particularly busy during national holidays.

Even with the crowds, this is definitely a Beijing must-see . 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm from April to October, and 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from November to March. Closed on Mondays.
• Cost: 60 Yuan

At the northern end of the Forbidden City (the exit), you will find Jingshan Park.

If you’re looking for some excellent views of the Forbidden City then this is the place to come.

Sunset is particularly nice and is certainly one of the top things to do in Beijing.

However, for convenience, you could just visit this park straight after visiting the Forbidden City. It would certainly be a nice change of pace from the crowds and chaos nestled within the walls of the Forbidden City.

• Nearest Subway: It’s probably Beihaibei on line 6, but it’s a fair trek away. You will be better off getting a bus if you are coming here directly and not coming from the Forbidden City. For anything bus-related, you will need to download Baidu Ditu , the Google Maps of China.
• Opening Hours: April to October: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm, ticket sale ends at 8:30 pm. November to March: 6:30 am – 8:00 pm, ticket sale ends at 7:30 pm
• Cost: 2 Yuan

Located on the eastern edge of Tiananmen Square is the phenomenal Museum of China.

Bring your passport and expect long queues to get in.

There is a lot to see here and the English captions are generally very good throughout. 

• Nearest Subway: Tiananmen East on line 1 or Qianmen on line 2
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Tickets are issued until 3:30 pm and the last entry is 4:00 pm. 

This spectacular Tibetan Buddhist Temple is a central pillar of the Buddhist world in Beijing.

It certainly one of the most spectacular Tibetan temples outside of China’s far-flung Himalayan province.

There are a couple of interesting museums inside that are well worth checking out. 

If you’re here during a major holiday there is a good chance that the temple will be chock full of worshippers coming and lighting incense.

With 3 stunning archways, 5 main halls that grow in size and a giant prayer wheel it’s easy to see why this is such a focal point for Buddhism in Beijing.

• Nearest Subway: Yonghegong (Lamma Temple) on line 2 and 5. 
• Opening Hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm from April to October and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from November to March.
• Cost: 25 Yuan

Nestled in the hutongs to the west of the Lamma Temple you will find the Confucius Temple.

Head down Guozijian from the Lamma Temple and you will soon see it on your right-hand side. 

This is the site of the second-largest Confucian Temple in China. (The largest temple is in the great philosopher’s hometown of Qufu in Shandong.)

It has an almost ethereal atmosphere as if time has stood still.

Upon stepping over the threshold the sights, sounds and smells of a city of 20 million or so people disappear.

As well as being a homage to Confucius himself, this was also the site of the Imperial Examinations.

Passing these guaranteed wealth, status and life in the government during the time of Imperial China.

These tests focused on the candidates’ knowledge of the classics and literary style, not technical expertise, which as you can imagine lead to more than few issues before the Imperial Examination system was abolished in 1905.

Students would be tested in 1.5-metre cells over the course of 3 days.

Within the temple grounds, you will find the 13  Confucian classics written on 190 stelae, all 630,000 characters worth. 

•   Nearest Subway: Yonghegong (Lamma Temple) line 2 and line 5.
• Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (sales end at 5:30 pm) from May to October. From November to April its 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (sales end at 4:30 pm).
• Cost: 30 Yuan.

READ MORE: Don’t miss out on our guide on how to spend 3 days in Chengdu !

Literally translated as ‘fragrant hills’ in English, this spectacular park out in Beijing’s north-west is home to some lovely views, great walking trails and a memorial hall dedicated to Sun Yat-Sen, the man who founded the Republic of China after the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. 

With its own stop on the Beijing subway system, Xiangshan is easier to visit than ever.

Head up to the parks highest point, Xianglu Peak for some lovely views out over western hills.

From here you can hike further into the hills to escape the crowds if you wish.

This spot is very popular in autumn as Beijingers flock to view the hills become splashed with red and orange. 

Between the entrance and Xianglu Peak, there are a variety of trails, pathways pavilions and temples that snake their way up to the parks highest point.

Make sure you check out Zhao Miao (Zhao temple) as well.

Close to the north gate of Xiangshan is the Azure Clouds Temple (Biyun Temple) which costs 10 Yuan and is open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Here you can visit the memorial hall of Dr Sun Yat Sen, one of the most important and revered figures in Chinese history. 

• Nearest subway station: Xiangshan on the western suburban line. From here it’s just under 1km to the park entrance. 
• Opening hours: 6:00 am – 6:30 pm – April to June and September to mid-November. 6:00 am – 7:00 pm July to August. 6:00 am – 6:00 pm mid-November to March.
• Cost: Park and Biyun Temple – 15 Yuan from April to mid-November and 14 Yuan outside of that. 

Way out in Western Beijing, close(ish) to Xiangshan, is the stunning Summer Palace.

This was built by the Qianlong Emperor in the 18th century with the help of 100,000 labourers.

After the Summer Palace was badly damaged by British and French forces, the Empress Dowager Cixi began a major refit in 1888.

However, the money that she used for this refit was originally destined for the Chinese navy.

After China’s crushing defeat in the First Sino-Japanese War 1894-95, this act of corruption certainly came to the fore. 

After the collapse of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace fell into a state of disrepair and an overhaul began upon the formation of the PRC in 1949. 

Longevity Hill offers some stunning views over Kunming Lake and then snakes down through a number of Pagodas and pavilions giving you a true insight into the opulence of Imperial China.

After exploring the Longevity Hill area head out towards Kunming lake.

Be under no illusions, Kunming Lake is pretty large so it’s certainly not a short walk.

However there a number of gorgeous bridges that are well worth checking out. The pick of these being the 17-Arch Bridge . 

On a clear day, this really is one of the best things to do in Beijing, with views from the top of Longevity Hill stretching right the back into Central Beijing. 

• Nearest subway: Xiyuan on line 4 
• Opening hours: April to October – 6:30 am to 6:00 pm and November to March – 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. 
• Cost: April to October – 60 Yuan and November to March 50 Yuan.

The Old Summer Palace is actually the former site of the Imperial Gardens.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the site was burnt and looted by British and French forces.

Numerous artworks were stolen and can now be found in 47 museums around the world.

At over 800 acres in size, it took 4,000 men 3 days to burn it to the ground. 

The Great Fountain Ruins are some of the best-preserved and offer the opportunity to reimagine the gardens at the grandest and most spectacular.

The gardens are home to numerous pavilions, temples and lakes.

There are also some excellent exhibits focusing on the history of the Old Summer Palace. 

• Nearest subway station:  Yuanmingyuan on line 4. 
• Opening hours: May to August – 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. April, September and October – 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. January, February, March, November and December – 7:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Cost: 10 Yuan, with additional costs for other exhibitions and sites. 

Way out in Beijing’s Babaoshan district is the home of two of cities most off the beaten track destinations. 

Tianyi was a eunuch that was castrated at the age of 9 and went on to serve in the imperial court for 63 years.

Upon his death, the emperor demanded 3 days of mourning and ordered the creation of the mausoleum.

As well as being a monument to the life of Tianyi, there are also some excellent exhibits discussing the importance of eunuchs in Imperial China. A rather gruesome, yet fascinating area of Chinese history.

This is definitely one of the most interesting places to see in Beijing and one that is very much off the beaten track.

• Nearest subway station: Take line 1 all the way to Pingguoyuan, and then take bus 116, 396, 336 or 972 to Shougangxiaoqu ( 首钢小区 ). 
• Opening times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• Cost: 8 Yuan. 

A short walk from Tianyi’s Mausoleum is the stunning Fahai Si (Fahai Temple).

It what’s inside the temple that is most notable; its stunning Buddhist frescos.

Due to the sensitivity of the paintings, the doors are kept closed and you need to go with a tour that can be arranged when you have arrived.

Safe to say they are stunning, although the tour is in Mandarin. You can just enter to look around the temple grounds itself as well.  

• Nearest subway station: Same as for Tanya’s mausoleum. 
• Opening times: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed on Mondays. 
• Cost: 20 Yuan to enter the temple grounds, 100 Yuan to combine this with a tour of the frescos.

Another trip out to Beijing’s far western suburbs will take you to the Marco Polo Bridge and the small fortified town of Wanping .

It was here in 1937 that the Imperial Japanese Army demanded to enter Wanping to search for a missing soldier.

When this was refused they opened fire. Crucially, things did not calm down after this incident as had been the case in previous skirmishes across Manchuria.

It leads to a full-blown invasion of China by the Imperial Japanese Army.

Hence why it is this point that is considered the beginning of the second Sino-Japanese War and thus, by extension, World War Two.

The Chinese forces held Wanping and the Japanese forces surrounded them and crossed the famous Marco Polo Bridge.

This name comes from the fact it was included in Marco Polos famous travel diaries in which he believed the bridge to be one of the most beautiful in the world.

The bridge and Wanping are both riddled with bullet points, a stark reminder of one of the darkest periods in Chinese history. 

• Nearest subway station: Head to Beijing West Station and then take bus 309 to Lugou Xinqiao.
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm April to October, 7:00 am – 6:00 pm November to March. 
• Cost: 20 Yuan

For many, this is where the heart of Beijing lies.

The winding alleyways of homes and businesses are what Beijing used to be made up of.

However, Beijing’s rampant growth over the last few decades has seen the number of hutongs decline dramatically.

In truth, these wonderful examples of old Beijing are not modern homes.

Insulation and sanitation are poor in many cases. Some of the really old hutong homes don’t have bathrooms and there will be a shared bathroom used by the neighbourhood. 

Taking a wander through the hutong’s is one of the best things to do in Beijing.

This is especially true early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the life and soul of the community are out and about. 

My favourite hutongs are the areas around the Drum Tower (head to Gulou Dajie and then head south-east), the area between Qianmen and Qiaowan subway stations and the area south-west of Caishikou subway station.

The joys of the hutong’s come from getting lost in the maze of alleyways and getting a taste of the old Beijing life.

Ride a rickshaw through Beijings Hutongs on this great tour on Get Your Guide !

Up in the city’s northeast, you will find a sprawling area home to an incredible array of galleries and art exhibitions.

This area is home to some of Beijing’s hippest and funkiest hangouts.

Take a day to explore the wide variety of art on offer when you visit Beijing.

• Nearest subway station: Wangjing South on line 14
• Opening times: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Cost: Free to enter most galleries, however, some will charge fees

One of China’s most important religious sites, the Temple of Heaven is a Unesco World Heritage Site and a true demonstration of the power and majesty of Imperial China. 

The site is huge. However, the highlight is the temple itself.

If you want to see a true slice of Beijing, get here very early in the morning, around 6 am then you will be treated to huge groups doing tai chi.

Later on in the day, you may be able to catch one of the marriage markets where parents try to fix their single children up with desirable suiters. 

The latter of these is certainly one of the more unique Beijing sights.

Our tip – Book your ticket online and skip the line!

• Nearest subway station: Tian Tan on line 5
• Opening times: April to October – 6:00 am – 10:00 pm and November to March – 6:30 am – 10:00 pm. 
• Cost: 35/30 Yuan.

This rather modern Chinese activity happens in a number of public spaces in the evenings.

Activities range from outdoor karaoke to inline skating. However the most common and accessible is dancing.

Huge groups of Beijingers get together as the sun goes down to dance the night away.

You may have to pay to join some of these classes. However, they are great fun. 

The best place to find these is in some of the cities residential areas. Check with your accommodation where the best place is to get involved.

Incidentally, the area around the Birds Nest Stadium , at the Olympic Park, is a particularly awesome place to see this in action.

Plus you get the sight of the Birds Nest Stadium lit up at night! 

For many, this is THE quintessential Beijing dish.

Head over to Sijiminfu (四季民富) close to Dongsishitiao subway station.

They do not take reservations so you will need to turn up, get a ticket and wait.

Fortunately, you can head off and explore the surrounding area while you wait and leave your phone number with the restaurant.

They will call you when your table is ready. However, if you can’t be back in time you will lose your spot.

Getting stuck into some Peking Duck and some of the other mouth-watering dishes here is definitely one of the top things to do in Beijing. 

Eat Peking Duck while taking in a kung fu show with this tour !

This fantastic market, located in the cities south-east, is home to all manner of antiques, artwork, books, knick-knacks and just about everything in between.

If you are looking to pick up some classic Mao-era posters and some walnuts (to roll around in your hands, not eat) then this is a great place to start.

Shopping here is absolutely one of the most fun things to do in Beijing, however, get ready to bargain hard. 

• Nearest subway: Panjiayuan on line 10
• Opening hours: Roughly 9:00 am till 6:00 pm but they may go on a little later. 

You will find these places all over Beijing, you just need to look for these characters – 足疗.

But be prepared for these to hurt. It’s not soft and relaxing, however, you will feel much better afterwards. 

Although there certainly will be a language barrier, most places will understand the inevitable ‘ow.’ More often than not your pain will get plenty of laughs from the masseurs.

This definitely becomes one of the top Beijing activities, as it will set your feet right as rain after a day hiking on the Great Wall. 

Close to Tiananmen Square, you will find Dongjiaomin alley.

This street was home to the foreign legations during the Qing Dynasty at a time where China was at the mercy of the Western Powers.

It is definitely a historical point of interest in Beijing.

• Nearest subway: Chongwenmen line 2 and line 5 and take exit E and it’s immediately on your left. 

If you’re looking for a place to find some bargains and get lost amongst the market stalls then Xidan is a great place to start.

Many tourists end up at the Silk Market (also known as Silk Street) near Yonganli.

However, you will likely get ripped off here and will end up sharing the entire place with tourists as the locals do not shop here.

Xidan is full of bargains, hardly any tourists and an opportunity to really test your bargaining skills. 

• Nearest subway station: Xidan on line 1 and 4 

Chinese liquor consists predominantly of rice wine. The fieriest of which is called Baijiu.

More often than not this is 50% or higher and tastes like what I imagine rocket fuel tastes like.

However, do not be surprised if drinking it will attract the interests of some local Beijingers.

Beijing is home to a number of incredible temples that receive hardly any visitors wandering around them is very enjoyable.

Amongst them, some highlights would be the Fayuan Temple , close to Caishikou subway station, the Tianning Temple , close to Daguanying subway station and the White Cloud Temple just north of it. 

If you’re looking for quiet relaxing places to go in Beijing then this is a great start.

Usually, they are open from 8 am to 4 pm and cost between 10 and 20 Yuan to enter.

The chances are you that you will share your visit with barely even a handful of people.

Enjoy the opportunity to get a bit of zen in this city of 20 million.

This gorgeous town way out in West Beijing is nestled in a valley offering spectacular views and some decent hiking trails.

Although it’s a reasonable trek from the city centre it is one of the best things to do in Beijing giving you the chance to experience something more in line with many peoples perceptions of China.

The narrow alleyways that make it a fascinating place to explore and the trails into hills offer some stunning views.

The long trek out here is absolutely worth it. 

• Getting there: Take the subway Pingguoyuan on line 1 and then take a bus or a minibus from there. Drivers will find you, one way should be between 30 and 50 Yuan. 

The Great Wall of China is possibly the ultimate Beijing sightseeing spot.

There are numerous sections of the Great Wall stretching as far as Gansu in Western China.

However, it’s important to know that these sections are not all interconnected. 

It is possible to get out to the Great Wall with public transport with most of the buses going from Dongzhimen or Deshengmen bus stations.

It is possible to camp on portions of the Great Wall if you are interested in that unique experience.

Be warned, any walk on the Great Wall is no easy endeavour, so be prepared for a serious workout.

If you want to get onto the quieter and more wild sections of the wall, then check out some organized hikes that are available.

It’s certainly more expensive than taking public transport, but the routes are amazing and they will get you to some spectacular sections of the wall.

This is certainly one of the most fun things to do in Beijing.

Of all the sections around Beijing, Badaling is the one to avoid. It’s poorly restored, overcrowded and chock full of tourist tat.

Particularly great sections are Gubeikou, Mutianyu , Simatai and Jinshanling . 

Beijing Travel Guide

Now that you know all the great Beijing activities to check out on your next visit, I want to help you plan the rest of your trip.

In this Beijing travel guide, I’ll share with you tips on how to get around, where to stay, and most importantly, where to eat!

Getting Around Beijing

English is not widely spoken in Beijing, which means that you will definitely need to make the most of translation apps and a hearty dose of sign language occasionally. 

Beijing’s subway system is excellent and cheap.

The maximum you can pay for a journey is 9 Yuan, approximately USD$1.25.

The exception is if you take the airport express line with is 25 Yuan return.

You can pick up a subway card that you can pre-charge. You will need to pay a 20 Yuan deposit which is returned when you return the card.

Curiously they are not available at every station. But generally, the larger stations will have them.

To buy one simply show them this 我要买地铁卡 and then hold up your fingers to indicate how many.

The chances of finding an English speaking subway worker is slim to none. These cards also work on the buses.

Do be aware that subways end at 11:00 pm at the latest.

Beijing’s bus network is absolutely outstanding. The announcements are in English and Mandarin Chinese. However, the timetables at bus stops are usually only in Mandarin.

Download Baidu maps (the Chinese version of google maps) and you can use this to work out which buses you need to take.

Taxi is a potentially good option. However, scams do operate and with various ride-sharing services hailing a cab can be a frustrating affair.

Also, Beijing’s rush hour traffic is a truly awful thing to be caught in so be aware. 

Where to Stay in Beijing 

The best place to stay is probably the Dongcheng district, which is really the heart of Beijing.

Although there would be plenty of other people that would argue differently.

Whatever you decide, the nearer you are to a subway station, the better.

The Peking International Youth Hostel is located in the heart of the Gulou area, which is home to some of the cities most pulsating hutongs.

Incidentally, there are a number of great places to eat in the area, as well as hutongs galore to explore.

This place consistently gets excellent reviews from travellers.

Being in one of the cities most central locations public transport links are excellent, but hailing a taxi in this area can be difficult.

This great little courtyard option is in the heart of Dongcheng making it a short walk to some of the cities best bits.

Also if you want a quintessential Chinese experience then staying in a courtyard hotel like this a must.

In addition, the area surrounding the hotel is great to explore. Like the Peking International Youth Hostel, the public transport links are excellent but hailing a taxi can be a pain.

In the mornings there are plenty of food carts nourishing Beijingers with jianbing (煎饼), a pancake with egg, lettuce, meat and some other bits, a great way to start the day.

This excellent value hotel is about 10 minutes walk from Tiananmen square and finds itself on the edge of the funky hutong area Dashilian’r, again with an almost never-ending ‘r.’

There are a number of awesome hutongs to explore in this area, a perfect evening activity.

Head south-west down towards Caishikou through Dashilian’r. This area is full of shops and restaurants.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative head south-east towards Qiaowan subway station.

This absolute gem of a hotel is hidden on Baochao hutong in the heart of the Gulou district, one of Bejing’s funkiest spots.

Check out nearby Nanluoguxiang and Beiluoguxiang, these alleyways are chock full of people and action.

If you’re looking for some real luxury it is possible to hire entire hutong homes giving you your own piece of privacy in the heart of Beijing’s hutongs.

Offering a variety of excellent spaces, top-notch food, a courtyard feel and wonderful rooftop views, this is a gem in every sense of the word. 

Eating in Beijing 

Chinese cuisine sometimes seems like an unending adventure of flavours, spices and styles and Beijing is the best place to sample it.

Nowhere else in China can you find such a wide range of phenomenal Chinese cuisine.

Simply put Beijing is the best place in China to sample the stunning variety of Chinese cuisine has to offer. 

These restaurants are some of my favourites. But as a word of warning, do not expect much English to be spoken.

Also, food hygiene standards are not the same in China as they are in the West. However, the Chinese have a saying 苍蝇馆子 which literally translates as the best restaurants are the ones with flies .

Zha Jiang Mian (炸酱面) – This dry salty noodle dish is classic Beijing fare and you can find it all over the city.

There are a number of excellent hole in the wall noodle restaurants around the Gulou/Jiaodaokou areas of the city that serve an excellent version of this dish. 

This classic Sichuan/Chongqing delicacy can also be found all over Beijing.

Check out Hiadilao (海底捞), one of the biggest restaurant chains in China or Huangmen (黄门). They can be found all over the city. 

A tray of steaming crawfish that have been cooked in some seriously spicy sauce is certainly not the tidiest thing to eat but it is simply outstanding.

Head to Tian Yi Ge (天一阁) very close to Dongzhimen subway station on the edge of ghost street.

If this isn’t your cup of tea then there is a huge menu serving other Chinese classics. 

Head to the phenomenal Long Men Xia (龙门峡) on Jiao Dao Kou East Street (交道口东大街) to sample so excellent Beijing BBQ.

Do not expect English to be spoken and the menu is written in Chinese.

However, the staff will be willing to help you to translate!

Located on Andingmennei Dajie (安定门内大街) you will find the excellent Zhang Ji (张记烤羊腿).

As well as serving whole roast legs of lamb, they also have amazing chuan’r (串 skewered meat cooked over a barbecue). 

Pronounced chwar , with what seems like an endless ‘r’ at times, you can find this all over this city.

In the summer these small restaurants spill out onto the street.

Enjoy skewered meat and vegetables washed down with a couple of beers.

Check out Stone Age (石器时代) for some excellent options. 

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Top 19 Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing’s history dates back nearly one thousand years. Despite embracing modernity, the capital is densely packed with enough culture, art, and architecture to keep you busy for weeks! Many of Beijing’s 21.5 million residents buzz through daily life on streets that have soaked up centuries’ worth of stories.

Most of the top things to do in Beijing can be enjoyed independently without a guide, but you’ll need to have patience as you squeeze in to enjoy the often-crowded attractions. Fortunately, Beijing is blessed with ancient parks and urban green spaces that are perfect for preventing burnout while sightseeing — mix up your itinerary !

Explore the Forbidden City

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Unsurprisingly, the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) is the most visited of the big attractions in Beijing. The labyrinthine structure was finished in 1420 and served as the seat of the Ming dynasty. The grounds sprawl across 178 acres (720,000 square meters). Be ready: You’ll have done a lot of hiking on stone and concrete by time you finish exploring the Forbidden City , Tiananmen Square, and adjacent parks!

The Forbidden City sits at the northern end of Tiananmen Square. Look for the iconic “Gate of Heavenly Peace” with the large portrait of Chairman Mao hanging above.

Wander Around Tiananmen Square

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A full day could be spent wandering around Tiananmen Square and visiting the nearby monuments, museums, and sights. Plus, the people watching is unmatched. If you’re short on time in Beijing, proceed directly to Tiananmen Square — you won’t be disappointed!

Tiananmen is claimed to be the largest public square in the world and can reportedly hold over 600,000 people. If you visit during a major holiday such as National Day (October 1) or Labor Day (May 1), you’ll get an opportunity to experience the famous square at what feels like full capacity.

Along with abundant opportunities for interacting with local residents, Tiananmen Square is home to the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the National Museum of China. Many other monuments, museums, and sights are in the area.

Stand on the Great Wall

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China’s Great Wall is actually a collection of sections and segments rather than one contiguous structure. And which of those sections you choose will determine your enjoyment while visiting the longest man-made structure on earth.

• Badaling: Around a two-hour drive from Beijing, Badaling is the most crowded section of the Great Wall . Many tours combine a trip to Badaling with visits to the nearby Ming Tombs.
• Mutianyu: Most foreign tourists opt for the Mutianyu section (90 minutes from Beijing). Mutianyu also stays busy, however, it’s the longest restored section of the wall. The extra watchtowers allow a little more room for photos.
• Simatai: The Simatai section is illuminated at night, creating a very unique ambiance.
• Jiankou: If you have the time and fitness level, the Jiankou section (3 hours from Beijing) is only partially restored with plenty of steep scrambles and wild settings.

Visiting the Great Wall independently is possible but can be complicated . You’ll have a smoother experience opting for either a group excursion or private tour to eliminate language-barrier challenges.

Contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall of China isn’t visible from space without help from technology!

Stroll Wangfujing Street

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Perhaps the biggest allure of walking along Wangfujing is that it is pedestrian friendly. The famous shopping-and-eating district is one of the few streets in Beijing where you can wander freely without watching for errant drivers.

From modern shopping malls to “folk” sections where you can buy anything and everything peddled by street vendors, Wangfujing will cover your snacking and shopping aspirations in Beijing . You’ll certainly want to sample dumplings and nibble along the way as you stroll — trying the insects sold as snacks is optional.

Get to Wangfujing by walking 20 minutes east from the Forbidden City or take the subway (Line 1) one stop to Wangfujing station.

Get a Glimpse of Taoist Hell at Dongyue Temple

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The Temple of the Eastern Peak is a Taoist temple completed in 1322 and restored many times since. Tourists often miss this unusual place, either due to temple burnout or because there are many “bigger” things to see and do in Beijing.

Inside Dongyue Temple, you’ll explore 376 rooms filled with relics and bizarre, gruesome scenes depicting the horrors of Taoist hell in the afterlife. Note: Many of the scenes depicted inside the Dongyue Temple could be considered disturbing. There may be better things to do in Beijing with young children .

Enjoy Scenery at the Summer Palace

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Located on the northwestern outskirts of Beijing, the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is a popular attraction in Beijing. The sprawling grounds around the palace are scenic and loaded with history. Paddle boats are available on Kunming Lake, a man-made water reservoir that spans 540 acres.

You’ll want comfortable shoes for climbing the many stairs up to scenic overlooks with views of the lake and mountains. Many of the buildings are closed to tourists; the scenery is considered the primary attraction. Plan on around 45 minutes by taxi from Tiananmen Square to the Summer Palace.

The lake at the Summer Palace freezes in winter, prompting people to rent skates and sled-bike hybrids to ride on the ice.

Visit the Old Summer Palace

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One summer palace deserves another! The Old Summer Palace and accompanying Yuanmingyuan Park are located just to the east of the busier Summer Palace. Although largely in ruins now, the “Old” Summer Palace was constructed in 1709 making it considerably newer than the better-restored Summer Palace.

A sizable park wraps around what’s left of the Old Summer Palace. Although most of the area is unrestored, it lacks the crowds of other top attractions in Beijing. You’ll have way more room for exploration.

Like the other Summer Palace, you’ll probably want to take a taxi or Uber there (approximately 40 minutes).

Escape to Ba Da Chu Park

KongFu Wang / Wikimedia Commons /  CC BY-SA 2.0

Even farther west than the summer palaces, Ba Da Chu Park is a collection of temples, monasteries, and nunneries dotted along scenic hills. The area is a green, family-friendly escape from the urban pace of Beijing; a cable car is available if you don’t prefer to hike up.

The easiest way to reach Ba Da Chu Park is by taxi or Uber (1 hour). If you want to try Beijing's busy bus network, numerous public buses (972, 958, 347, and others) stop at the park.

Check Out the 798 Art District

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The hip heart of Beijing’s blossoming art scene is undeniably the 798 Art District (also referred to as Dashanzi Art District or Factory 798, the name of one of the venues). Abandoned military factories have been repurposed into sprawling art spaces where sometimes-controversial artists and their works lurk. Many of the lofts and venues have an industrial, bohemian vibe but the industrial neighborhood predictably suffers from gentrification.

Before visiting, check for events such as local-designer fashion shows hosted in the 798 Art District. You’ll also find numerous places to grab fusion food, coffee, and craft beer.

The 798 Art District is located in the northeast corner of urban Beijing. You’ll want to take a taxi or Uber (25 minutes).

Watch Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven

 Waitforlight / Getty Images

The Temple of Heaven was constructed at the start of the 15th century by the same emperor who oversaw construction of the Forbidden City. As expected, it is impressive enough architecturally to merit a visit. But perhaps the real draw is for the opportunity to watch — and optionally join — groups of local residents who practice tai chi, dance, and aerobics in the park. Many groups warmly welcome beginners.

Although the temple complex spans 660 acres, the exercise areas can get crowded later in the day. Arrive earlier in the morning for the best opportunities to practice tai chi and kung fu.

The Temple of Heaven park is located south of Tiananmen Square (around a 20-minute drive / 45-minute walk).

Get Lost in the Hutongs

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You haven’t really experienced Beijing until you’ve wandered one or many of the ancient hutongs that defiantly remain against modernization. Hutongs are often, but not always, narrow streets and alleys where daily life unfolds amidst historical backdrops.

No two hutongs are alike! Tobacco Pouch Street is perhaps one of the most famous and popular hutongs to walk, however, with a little research, you’ll find quieter hutongs less touched by tourism. Some hutongs such as Wudaoying have numerous cafes and eateries catering to laowai visitors . The oldest remaining hutong is Sanmiaojie.

Although hutong tours are ubiquitous, invading the narrow streets en masse isn’t as memorable as wandering independently or hiring your own rickshaw driver (they’re everywhere).

Experience a Beijing Opera

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When you need an indoor activity in Beijing, seek out a culture-filled Peking Opera performance. Although you may not completely understand the themes, shows pleasantly contain colorful costumes, visual theatrics, traditional instruments, dance, and even impressive acrobatics.

You’ll probably see plenty of wushu (martial arts) integrated into the show, but if that’s your favorite part, consider looking for a pure wushu performance or Shaolin monk demonstration. The Red Theatre Beijing Kung Fu Show is one such option.

Tip: If you really want to experience kung fu in China, consider going farther afield to the famous Shaolin Temple where all martial arts originated.

Meet People in Beihai Botanical Park

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Located north of the Forbidden City is Beihai Botanical Park, believed to be the oldest and largest imperial garden in China. The landscaped park, lake, and island occupy around 175 acres in the heart of Beijing.

Aside from the ornate buildings and pavilions, one of the real draws of Beihai Botanical Park is the opportunity to interact with curious locals . You’ll most likely be approached for friendly attempts at conversation and maybe even some group photos.

Beihai Park is easy to reach: Take the subway (line 6) and alight at Beihai Bei Station.

Try Peking Duck

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What better place to try the famous dish than where it originated? Duck has been roasted in China since the 4th century, but it became what we call Peking duck sometime during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The famous dish was designated as “imperial cuisine” during the rule of Kublai Khan.

Quanjude is a famous chain specializing in Peking duck. Duck de Chine is another popular option; however, you’ll see the maroon-tinted ducks displayed in eatery windows throughout Beijing so there's no shortage of options. Locals inevitably have their favorite hole-in-the-wall spot for enjoying the classic dish — don't be afraid to ask around!

Enjoy Imperial Cuisine

Don’t just stop with Peking duck — the “imperial cuisine” once available only to the ruling families of China can now be experienced by anyone with the time and budget.

Enjoying an imperial cuisine experience usually requires paying a set fee for the course and perhaps some light entertainment in a classical setting. Fangshan, opened in 1925, is located in Beihai Park and one of the most affordable options on the tourist radar, although authenticity is sometimes debated. Be ready to splurge on the meal; some of the most unforgettable imperial cuisine experiences can cost as much as $120 per seat!

Take in Good Views at Jingshan Park

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Jingshan Park backs up to the northern edge of the Forbidden City and is due east (across the street) from Beihai Botanical Park. You’ll appreciate the trees after so many hours of pounding concrete while exploring the Forbidden City. But the best part of Jingshan Park is the hill and view from the top.

The man-made hill in Jingshan Park, constructed with the dirt excavated while building the Forbidden City’s moat, provides some of the best views and photo opportunities of ancient Beijing. You’ll need to climb many stairs to earn the panorama.

Go Shopping and Bar Hopping in Sanlitun

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Sanlitun is an entertainment district not far from downtown Beijing, around a 20-minute taxi ride from Tiananmen Square. The busy strip is home to numerous shops for luxurious Western brands , but at night the expat-oriented nightlife scene comes to life. Bar Street is reportedly home to over half of Beijing’s bars. Many of the slummiest dive bars and go-go bars were demolished in 2017 as part of a government effort to clean up the strip, but quite a few survived and remain.

With many international embassies in the neighborhood, expect restaurant prices to be a little higher in the Sanlitun area — but you’ll have no problem finding a busy, thriving strip for pub hopping.

A cluster of gay-friendly bars and restaurants is located close to Sanlitun.

Eat and Shop Along Dashilan

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If pricey Sanlitun isn’t for you, Dashilan (Da Zha Lan) will come to the rescue. Like other popular shopping streets, Dashilan and the adjacent hutongs get crowded . The inexpensive shops appeal to travelers who don’t demand authenticity; plus, the eateries are far less expensive than those in Sanlitun. The ancient street actually dates back many centuries and was a hub of commercial activity during the Ming dynasty.

Dashilan is only a 15-minute walk south of Tiananmen Square. Keep an eye out for the many con-men who target Western tourists in the area.

Visit the Lama Temple

Pierre Ogeron / Getty Images

Perhaps one of the most popular things to do in Beijing is to visit the "Lama Temple" (Yonghe Temple). Construction of Yonghe Temple began in 1694. The temple once served as an imperial palace for a prince, mausoleum for an emperor, and monastery for Tibetan monks.

Along with other impressive artwork, the Lama Temple contains a 59-foot-tall sandalwood Buddha statue recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as being the tallest in the world.

The Lama Temple is a working center for Tibetan Buddhism. As one would expect, no mention is made of the 1950 Chinese invasion and ongoing occupation of Tibet .

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Beijing, the heart of China, is always the first choice of travelers who are willing to know a time-honored and developed city of China. It has been the political, economic and cultural center of China for over 800 years from the Yuan Dynasty. The numerous royal buildings with long history endow Beijing with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best' but also the 'World's Best'. On the other hand, as the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, this oriental ancient city presented her best fashion fascination to the world.  

Top Attractions

Recommended Tours

Imperial gardens & mausoleums.

• Summer Palace
• Beihai Park
• Eastern Qing Tombs
• Old Summer Palace
• Western Qing Tombs
• Zhongnanhai

• Temple of Confucius
• Temple of Heaven
• Yonghe Temple
• Badachu Park
• Baoguo Temple
• Big Bell Temple
• Dajue Temple
• Dongyue Temple
• Fayuan Temple
• Five Pagoda Temple
• Guangji Temple
• Hongluo Temple
• Jietai Temple
• Longquan Monastery
• Miaoying Temple
• Niujie Mosque
• Tanzhe Temple
• Temple of Ancient Monarchs
• Temple of Azure Clouds
• Temple of Earth
• Temple of the Moon
• Temple of the Sun
• White Cloud Temple
• Wofo Temple
• Yunju Temple

Historical Sites

• Hutongs & Siheyuan
• Prince Gong's Mansion
• Ancient Architecture Museum
• Ancient Observatory
• Bell and Drum Tower
• Cuandixia Village
• Guyaju Caves
• Huguosi Hutong Snack Street
• Imperial Waterway Cruise
• Lao She Teahouse
• Lingshui Village
• Liulichang Cultural Street
• Lotus Market
• Marco Polo Bridge
• Ming City Wall Relics Park
• Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian
• Peking University
• Yandaixie Street
• Tsinghua University
• Yuan Capital City Wall Site Park
• Nanluoguxiang (South Gong and Drum Lane)
• Soong Ching Ling Former Residence

Modern Scenic Spots

• National Stadium
• National Aquatics Center
• 798 Art District
• Aviation Museum
• Badaling Ski Resort
• Beijing Planetarium
• Beijing Zoo
• Capital Museum
• Chang'an Avenue
• China National Film Museum
• China Numismatic Museum
• China Railway Museum
• China Red Sandalwood Museum
• Chinese Ethnic Culture Park
• Culture Palace of Nationalities
• Dashilar Street
• Garden of World's Flowers
• Geological Museum
• Grand View Garden
• Guanganmen Food Street
• Guijie Street
• Happy Valley
• Huaibei Ski Resort
• Madame Tussauds
• Military Museum
• Millennium Monument
• Museum of Natural History
• Nanshan Ski Resort
• National Art Museum
• National Centre for Performing Arts
• National Post & Postage Museum
• Olympic Forest Park
• Olympic Park
• Pacific Underwater World
• Paleozoological Museum of China
• Planning Exhibition Hall
• Qianmen Street
• Qianmen Food Streets
• Sanlitun Bar Street
• Science & Technology Museum
• Shengshi Nangong Film & TV City
• Shijingshan Amusement Park
• Taikoo Li Sanlitun
• Silk Market
• Ski Resorts
• Snow World Ski Resort
• Universal Studios Beijing
• Wangfujing Snack Street
• Wangfujing Street
• Wanglong Ski Resort
• Wildlife Park
• Workers' Stadium
• Working People's Cultural Palace
• Xiaotangshan Agri Science Park
• Top 5 Places to See Acrobatic Shows

Natural Beauties

• Fragrant Hills Park
• Jingshan Park
• Jingdong Grand Canyon
• Badaling National Forest Park
• Badaling Wildlife World
• Baihua Mountain
• Baiwangshan Forest Park
• Black Dragon Pool
• Botanical Garden
• Chaoyang Park
• Fenghuangling Nature Park
• Gubei Water Town
• Kangxi Grassland
• Lianhuachi Park
• Lingshan Mountain
• Longqing Gorge
• Longtan Park
• Mount Miaofeng
• Purple Bamboo Garden
• Qinglong Gorge
• Stone Flower Cave
• Shidu Nature Park
• Taoranting Park
• Tianmo Desert
• Tongzhou Canal Park
• Western Hills Forest Park
• Xiaotangshan Hot Spring
• Yunmeng Mountain
• Yuyuantan Park
• Zhongshan Park

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10 Top Tourist Attractions in Beijing

By Carl Austin · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Beijing is a bustling city teeming with people and sounds. The Chinese capital is a fascinating city that is quickly modernizing but keeping some aspects of its glorious past. It is a good city to explore on foot, tucking into hutongs, enjoying delicacies at a night food market or visiting some of the top tourist attractions in Beijing .

10. Gulou and Zhonglou [SEE MAP]

Gulou and Zhonglou, known as the Drum and Bell Towers in English, used to be Beijing’s official timekeepers during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. Today, they are tourist attractions that provide insight into traditional Chinese architecture. Gulou, the Drum Tower, standing at the intersection of Gulou and Di’anmen streets, was constructed in 1272 by Kublai Khan. Visitors who are able to climb the steep stairs will be rewarded with great views of Beijing. Zhonglou, the Bell Tower, is located a short walk behind the Drum Tower. Both are located in one of Beijing’s few remaining hutong areas.

9. 798 Art District [SEE MAP]

Even people who don’t like art will come away with an appreciation for the topic after a visit to the 798 Art District, Beijing’s avant garde art district. Located in what once was an old electrical power plant, the 798 Art District is a beehive of artistic activity. Visitors can see artists at work in their studios, purchase art and art-related souvenirs, relax their tired feet at a sidewalk café, and admire the hundreds of statues that can be found outdoors on any street. To fully appreciate the 798 Art District, visitors might want to spend at least a whole day here as there is too much to see in just a few hours.

8. Nanluoguxiang [SEE MAP]

Nanluoguxiang is Beijing’s yuppie street. The nightlife in its trendy restaurants and bars draw young people like a magnet; sometimes the activity spills into the narrow street. It’s quieter during the day as shoppers seek out the latest fashions in its boutiques. Located just off Guloudongdajie (East Gulou Street), Nanluoguxiang is a short walk from the Drum Tower, making it a perfect place to explore the hutongs, as the narrow lanes lined with traditional housing are known. The Gulou area is one of the few areas left in Beijing that still has hutongs, though many of these quadrangle homes with red door are being modernized, too.

7. Lama Temple [SEE MAP]

The Yonghe Lama Temple (Palace of Peace and Harmony), located in the northeastern part of Beijing, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The temple was built by Chinese emperors who harbored a deep fascination for the Tibetan version of Buddhism. Over the years, many Tibetan and Mongolian monks lived and taught here, and there are still monks in residence today. The temple contains a 26 meter (85 foot) tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.

6. Beihai Park [SEE MAP]

Beihai Park, in central Beijing, is a delight to visit any time of the year. As Beijing’s most popular park, people ice skate on the lake in winter and stroll around it in the spring when the trees are in blossom. Its Tibetan-style White Dagoba Temple on Qionghua Island is a landmark in Beijing. Because it’s so close to the Forbidden City, the park was once a royal playground. Weekend mornings are a good time to visit, as the Chinese turn out to dance, sing karaoke or Peking opera, play badminton or perform in string quartets. It is a veritable smorgasbord of entertainment.

5. Tiananmen Square [SEE MAP]

Surrounded by Soviet-style monuments and government buildings, Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world. It remains an astounding place and a spot to linger and see visitors from all over China, many visiting their capital for the first time. There is a flag raising and lowering ceremony at dawn and dusk at the north end of the square. There are 4 marble lions in front of the Tiananmen gate, the northwest one has a bullet hole on its stomach from the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre.

4. Summer Palace [SEE MAP]

The Summer Palace is located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from central Beijing and is mainly dominated by the Longevity Hill and the Kunming Lake. As its name implies, the Summer Palace was used as a summer residence by China’s imperial rulers – as a retreat from the Forbidden City. The gardens were substantially extended in 1750, reproducing the styles of various palaces and gardens from around China. Kunming Lake was extended to imitate the West Lake in HangZhou.

3. Temple of Heaven [SEE MAP]

The Temple of Heaven is regarded as a Taoist Temple although Chinese Heaven worship pre-dates Taoism. The temple was constructed from 1406 to 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who was also responsible for the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Not only a beautiful sight, the temple is also surrounded by a vast public park popular with local residents practicing tai chi in the mornings and on weekends.

2. Badaling [SEE MAP]

Badaling is the easiest site to access the Great Wall from Beijing, making it one of the most crowded. (Hint: To avoid crowds, go on a midweek afternoon or turn left at the main gate.) Reachable by public bus from Deshengmen on Beijing’s Second Ring Road, Badaling is the place where the Chinese government takes its official visitors. The views of the Great Wall – the world’s longest outdoor museum – snaking through the mountains are awesome. Badaling, which has wheelchair access to some sections, also is home to the fabulous Great Wall Museum, with its dioramas of building and defending the wall.

1. Forbidden City [SEE MAP]

Attracting 8 million visitors annually, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex. Situated in the heart of Beijing near the Tiananmen Square, this enormous palace was constructed in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty and served until 1911 as the imperial residence of emperors and their families as well as the center of Chinese political and ceremonial functions. In total, 24 emperors reigned over the country for almost 5 centuries from the Forbidden City until the abdication of Puyi, the last Emperor of China.

Known today as the Palace Museum, the palace was formerly named the Forbidden City because entrance to it was strictly prohibited unless approved by the emperor due to its religious significance as the Heavenly Emperor’s earthly residence.

Surrounded by a 26-foot (8 meter) high wall with several gates, a wide moat and royal gardens, the complex covers a huge rectangle and consists of 90 palaces and halls with courtyards, nearly 1,000 other buildings and 8,700 rooms.

The complex is a magnificent treasure trove housing centuries worth of valuable Chinese artifacts and art works including paintings, ceramics, porcelains, musical instruments, textiles, martial weapons and items used by the imperial family on a daily basis. Visitors will also find a few restaurants and souvenirs shops scattered throughout the complex.

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Reader interactions.

May 13, 2015 at 7:59 am

Ahhh great list, but Badaling? It’s such a shame that people go there. So overly restored and touristy.

You guys should check out some of the unrestored wall where you can camp overnight.

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• What to See

The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Silk Market... Make the most of your trip to the Chinese capital by visiting the 10 must-see places in Beijing.

Beijing's top 10 tourist attractions

The forbidden city, the summer palace, the temple of heaven, the great wall of china, tian'anmen square, jingshan park, wangfujing street market, drum and bell towers, beijing olympic village.

Top 10 Beijing Tourist Attractions | Best Places to Visit in Beijing

Beijing , the capital city of China , is one of the oldest cities in the world with a history dating back 3,000 years. It is also one of the most popular tourist destinations worldwide. Occupied by 22 million people across 10,000 sq km, the city is home to numerous attractions that cater to a wide variety of interests.

Beijing of China offers a plethora of attractions to see and explore. Whether you're interested in Chinese history, traditional Chinese architecture, modern architecture, the magnificence of Chinese culture, the nostalgia of old Beijing with its Hutongs, luxurious imperial palaces, the natural beauty of Beijing's parks, historic temples, or the delicious Beijing duck, the city boasts a perfect blend of ancient and contemporary wonders to discover. So, what are the best places to visit in Beijing ? Check out our Top 10 Beijing tourist attractions  to get inspired!

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What are the Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Beijing?

While there are hundreds of popular places worth visiting in Beijing , it's not feasible to tour all of them in one go. What are the top attractions to visit in Beijing ? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 10 tourist attractions in Beijing . This includes four world heritage sites in Beijing that are listed in many travelers' bucket list, namely the Great Wall , Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), and Temple of Heaven (Tiantan). To get the maximum experience of ancient Beijing , it is essential to pay a visit to Lama Temple (Yonghegong), Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum (Guozijian), and Hutongs (narrow alleys). To discover more about modern Beijing , you won't want to miss a visit to Tian'anmen Square (The Largest Square in The World), Jingshan Park (Meet Modern Beijingers in the Former Royal Garden), and Beijing Olympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube).

If you're planning a trip to Beijing and want to experience the city's authentic culture and way of life, we've compiled a list of the top 10 Beijing tourist attractions for you. These attractions offer a glimpse into Beijing's past and present, and provide opportunities to learn more about Chinese history and culture.

No.1: The Great Wall of China (World Heritage)

No visit to Beijing would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall of China . The Great Wall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Beijing , offering an unforgettable experience that showcases the ancient and enduring spirit of China. This UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 has been considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Medieval World and has been featured in countless works of literature, film, and art. Not only is it an iconic symbol of Chinese history and culture, but it is also one of the most famous and recognizable landmarks in the world.

The Great Wall of China is one of the largest and longest structures ever built by humans. It was built over 2,000 years ago during the Warring States period to protect China's northern borders from invasion by nomadic tribes. The most well-known section of the wall is the Ming Dynasty wall (1368 to 1644), which stretches over 8,850 kilometers.

There is a famous saying, “ One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero (不到长城非好汉)”. The Great Wall is a major tourist attraction in Beijing , drawing millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The most popular sections of the Great Wall are located in the mountains north of Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai, and Jinshanling . You can hike along the wall, take scenic cable car rides, and marvel at the remarkable engineering expertise of ancient China and the breathtaking natural landscapes surrounding the wall, including mountains, forests, and rivers.

1)Badaling Great Wall

Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城) was the first section of the Great Wall to be restored and opened to tourists in 1957. It is also the most representative and magnificent section of the Ming Great Wall, which was built in 1504. Located only about 60 km (1.5 hours' drive) northwest of central Beijing, Badaling Great Wall is easily accessible and has easy walking conditions. It is one of the best-preserved and most popular sections of the Great Wall, having been visited by many Chinese tourist groups and over 500 state leaders and VIPs, including Queen Elizabeth II of the UK, UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and US Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Carter, Ronald Reagan, and Richard Nixon, as well as South Africa’s former president Nelson Mandela and former leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. One of the highlights of Badaling is the stone engraved with " He Who Has Never Been to the Great Wall Is Not a True Man 不到长城非好汉", a famous line from one of Mao Zedong's poems. You can take a half day to explore the Badaling Section of the Great Wall (about 7.6 kilometers long).

Notes about Badaling Great Wall Tour :

2)Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall (慕田峪长城) is renowned as the " No. 1 Great Wall in China " and " the most beautiful Great Wall " both domestically and internationally. With over 96% of the surrounding area covered in green pine and cypress trees, the scenery is beautiful year-round. Due to its less crowded conditions and child-friendly facilities, Mutianyu Great Wall is the most popular Great Wall section among foreigners looking to escape the intense crowds at Badaling. Former U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump, as well as former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Melania Trump, former British Prime Minister John Major, and other international dignitaries, have all designated a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall when visiting China.

Built during the mid-6th century in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-557), Mutianyu Great Wall is over 1,400 years old, making it older than the Badaling Great Wall. It has the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of the Great Wall, with a total length of 5,400 meters. Of this, 2,250 meters of repaired parts (including 22 dense watchtowers) are open to tourists, making it the longest fully-restored Great Wall section open to tourists. You can see a rare triangular formation of three interlinked watchtowers at Mutianyu .

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 73 kilometers (a 2-hour drive) northeast of central Beijing and is connected to the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Jinshanling Great Wall/Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. You can take cable cars up and down, and the "toboggan" ride down is great fun and suitable for both adults and children. A tour of Mutianyu would not be complete without hiking on the wall. While hiking, you can have a chance to see the local surrounding villages, as well as walk through hilly orchards and mountainsides. It offers a spectacular landscape like a traditional Chinese painting scroll.

3)Simatai Great Wall

The Simatai Great Wall (司马台长城), famous for its "wildness," is the perfect section to experience a night tour of the Great Wall. It is the only Great Wall section in China that has preserved the complete ancient style of the Ming Dynasty. Luo Zhewen, a Chinese expert on the Great Wall of China , once said, " The Great Wall is the best heritage of China, and the Simatai Great Wall is the best of the best! " The Simatai Great Wall consists of 35 watchtowers and was once known for its steep and dangerous climbs, although the most dangerous parts are no longer open to visitors. Simatai is still a great choice for those who prefer more adventure. Due to its special geographical conditions, the intensiveness and variety of towers, and the fantastic scenery, the Simatai Great Wall is a remarkable place for sightseeing, hiking, and exploration.

The Simatai Great Wall is located in Gubei Water Town , which is 120 km northeast of Beijing (a 2-hour drive). It was first built in 1368, during the reign of Emperor Hongwu of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). It is 5.4 kilometers long and is separated into eastern and western parts by the Mandarin Duck Lake (Yuan Yang Lake), which is fed by two springs, one warm and the other cold. The western part, which is connected to Jinshanling Great Wall, is gently sloped and has 20 well-preserved watchtowers. The eastern part is much steeper and demands a higher level of fitness to climb. Currently, only the section between Tower 2 and Tower 7 of the eastern part is officially open to visitors.

Simatai also offers a unique night tour experience, as the wall is beautifully lit up at night and the section between Towers 5 and 6 is open for tourists in the evening. It is advisable to arrive before sunset to enjoy views of the sunset before taking a short walk on the illuminated Great Wall at night. The whole night walking tour can be done comfortably in 1.5-2 hours. Witness the transformation of this ancient edifice under the night sky, bathed in the subtle glow of twilight. Immerse yourself in the moon's ethereal glow and uncover the secrets and legends embedded within this majestic structure. After the night tour, take a cable car down the wall and check into your hotel in Gubei Water Town.

4)Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall (金山岭长城) is most popular for hiking and photography. Located around 160km northeast of Beijing (a 2.5-hour drive), it happens to mark the boundary between Beijing and Hebei Province. It is less crowded than closer sections like Badaling and Mutianyu, and the winding Great Wall on steep mountain ridges attracts many photographers, especially during sunset and sunrise. With well-preserved watchtowers standing sentinel over undulating landscapes, each view is a postcard-worthy snapshot. Weather permitting, capturing the silhouettes of the watchtowers from multiple angles is one of the great joys of Jinshanling. It's no wonder that many iconic Great Wall images are captured here. Additionally, the Jinshanling section is popular with hikers due to its combination with other sections such as the Simatai Great Wall in the east and Gubeikou Great Wall in the west.

The Great Wall at Jinshanling was built 650 years ago during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and rebuilt under the direction of General Qi Jiguang (1528–1588) in the 1570s. The statue of General Qi Jiguang can be found in front of the entrance to Jinshanling. This section is around 10.5 km long, including 5 passes, 67 towers, and three beacon towers. Part of the wall has been restored, but some of it remains unrestored, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate both the original appearance and the wild side of the Great Wall. The open part is about 5-6km long, and the full-length Jinshanling Great Wall hike is also very popular among hikers. Unlike Simatai and Jiankou, hiking at Jinshanling is of medium difficulty and is appropriate for anyone who is physically fit, including families with older children. The whole hike takes 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace. For regular visitors, a cable car can effectively cut the hiking time, taking only 20 minutes to ascend.

2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai 2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West 3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu & Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai 4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour 5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum

No.2: Forbidden City (World Heritage)

The Forbidden City (紫禁城/故宫), also named the Palace Museum , located in the heart of Beijing to the north of the Tiananmen Square, was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties (over 600 years old). It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage Building in 1987. Considered a divine place, it was forbidden to ordinary people, and that's why it is called the Forbidden City. With 9,999 rooms, the Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world, three times larger than the Louvre Palace in France. As the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world, it took 14 years to build and was constructed by over 1,000,000 workers, including more than 100,000 craftsmen.

Completed in 1420, the Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors of China , their families, and servants - 14 from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) and 10 from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). You can take a walk through the impressive central axis of the Forbidden City, marveling at the palace complex, traditional Chinese architecture, and royal gardens while listening to legendary stories about the emperors and their imperial concubines in different dynasties. The Forbidden City was damaged by three fires, and so most of the present palaces were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty. Puyi, the last emperor (1906–1967), lived in the Forbidden City until he was expelled in 1925, when the precinct was transformed into the Palace Museum. Today, the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City is one of the world's largest cultural museums, attracting 14 million visitors each year. Enter through the Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won't miss any highlighted palaces.

1 Day Beijing Essential Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall

No.3: Summer Palace (World Heritage)

The Summer Palace (颐和园), located 15km northwest of the Forbidden City, is a grand collection of stunningly beautiful gardens and pavilions. As a UNESCO World Heritage site , it is considered "the world's finest example of a Chinese imperial garden" and "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design". It combines political and administrative, residential, spiritual, and recreational functions within a landscape of lakes and mountains, in accordance with Chinese philosophy's ethos of balancing the works of man with nature. For centuries, emperors and empresses spent their leisure time there, adding to its great aesthetic value today. The Summer Palace has also greatly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape gardening.

Emperor Qianlong first built the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in 1750 (completed in 1764) to celebrate his mother's sixtieth birthday. It was four times the size of the Forbidden City, roughly the same size as Central Park in New York or twice the size of Hyde Park in London. At that time, it was called Qingyiyuan (Clear Ripples Garden). Though largely destroyed in the Second Opium War of the 1850s, it was reconstructed by Emperor Guangxu for use by Empress Dowager Cixi, who renamed it the Summer Palace. Dowager Empress Cixi took up permanent residence there to live a peaceful life in her old age. Although damaged again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, it was restored and has been a public park since 1924. You are highly recommended to spend at least half a day there, enjoying activities such as boating on Kunming Lake, walking the Long Corridor, and watching traditional Chinese performances in the ancient theater.

3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum

No.4: Temple of Heaven (World Heritage)

The Temple of Heaven (天坛) is an imperial sacrificial altar located in Beijing . It is the most complete existing imperial sacrificial building complex in China and the world's largest existing building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven. The Temple of Heaven is larger than the Forbidden City but smaller than the Summer Palace, roughly the same size as Central Park in New York or twice the size of Hyde Park. From 1420 to 1900, 22 Chinese Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests there twice a year. To earn the respect of the people, Chinese emperors called themselves the " sons of Heaven ". The annual sacrificial ceremonies at the Temple of Heaven were the emperors' most important religious and political activities.

Completed together with the Forbidden City in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. Within the complex, there are a total of 92 ancient buildings with 600 rooms. The design of the main buildings is a combination of circles and squares, symbolizing the belief that Heaven is round and Earth is square. The symbolic layout and design of the Temple of Heaven had a profound influence on architecture and planning in the Far East for many centuries.

The Circular Mound Altar and The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are the must-see highlights. You can learn about the culture of heaven worship, architectural geomancy, and medieval China's sacrificial rites. Don't forget to visit the Echo Wall to experience its magic. If you say something at one end of the wall, the message can be heard even if standing 100–150 meters away. Today, the Temple of Heaven is a morning exercise haven for locals. You can see Beijingers dancing, practicing Tai chi, and taking leisurely walks in the Temple of Heaven park. It is a perfect place to observe the retired life of Chinese people, and you are welcome to join them.

5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour

No.5: Tian'anmen Square (The Largest Square in The World)

Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) is the world's largest public square and a symbol of modern China . It has witnessed many significant events in China over the past decades, such as the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, grand ceremonies, National Day anniversary parades, and many domestic and foreign affairs. A vast expanse of pavement, Tiananmen Square covers more than 400,000 square meters and can hold about 1 million people for public celebrations or gatherings.

Located in the center of Beijing to the south of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is very symbolic for Chinese people, and taking good pictures of Tiananmen Gate, which is shown on CCTV News every day, is a popular activity. Each morning, the flag-raising ceremony is held at sunrise and is open to the public most of the time, serving as a popular and patriotic event for many Chinese people.

Tiananmen Square lies at the center of Beijing's historical north-south axis that runs through the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. The square is in front of the Forbidden City and has several notable sights, including the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China , and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Thousands of people visit the Square every day. The square's historical, cultural, and political significance makes it a must-visit attraction in Beijing .

1 Day Beijing Essential Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 5 Days Beijing Hutong Tour - From Ancient Beijing to Modern Beijing

No.6: Jingshan Park (Best View Point for The Forbidden City)

Jingshan Park , located in the center of Beijing, is a beautiful royal landscape garden that is over 600 years old and the highest point of Beijing's Old Imperial City . It is one of the must-visit parks in Beijing and offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Forbidden City as well as modern Beijing. Jingshan Park was a part of the Forbidden City until the early 1900s, and now its front gate faces the north gate of the Forbidden City.

During the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, Jingshan Park served as an imperial garden and was properly laid out under the Ming Dynasty. Many trees were planted on the hills, and the pavilions were used as holy places to offer sacrifices to imperial ancestors. As a result, the royal families always enjoyed amusements here, such as hunting in the hills.

Now, Jingshan Park is a peaceful public park where locals enjoy their leisure time every day. The park features superbly landscaped hills that can be ascended by steps, clear lakes, and dignified ancient buildings. On a clear day, the Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park offers the best bird's eye view of the Central Axis of Beijing. This 7.8km north-south axis links the Forbidden City, the Drum Tower, the Bell Tower, and other historical landmarks!

2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum

No.7: Hutongs (Wudaoyin, Yandaixiejie, Nanluoguxiang)

With over 700 years of history, the Hutongs are traditional narrow alleyways lined with courtyard houses that offer a glimpse into old Beijing . You can take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs to appreciate the well-preserved courtyard residences and their long histories. With a Hutong family visit , you can experience the traditional daily life of ordinary people in Beijing, which provides a stark contrast to the imperial culture of palaces like the Forbidden City. The Hutongs are also known for their traditional street food, with many vendors selling local favorites like Beijing-style noodles and grilled meat skewers. Of all the hundreds of hutongs in Beijing, Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同), Yandai Xiejie (烟袋斜街), and Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷) are three of the most popular hutongs.

1)Wudaoyin Hutong

Wudaoying Hutong (五道营胡同), located just across from Yonghegong Temple, offers a great opportunity to explore ordinary local life in Beijing and experience a unique blend of East and West. It is one of the coolest non-touristy alleyways in all of Beijing. You can stroll through its narrow alleys and browse the many featured shops that line both sides, from coffee shops to fast food joints. You can try Old Beijing yogurt and dumpling for lunch here before the exciting Hutong Family Visit. During your visit, you can communicate with Beijingers who grew up in the Hutongs and listen to their stories about life in the Hutongs and the typical lifestyle of the Hutong residents. It is a great way to gain insight into the local culture.

2)Yandaixiejie Street

The Yandaixiejie Steet (烟袋斜街) is the oldest commercial street (about 800 years) and one of the oldest and top 10 popular hutongs in Beijing . Yandaixie Street, which means Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street in Chinese, is a 232-meter-long Hutong. During the Qing Dynasty, people were fond of smoking and carried tobacco pouches (Yandai) with them wherever they went. As a result, many tobacco shops (selling smoking sets) opened on this skewed (xie) street, giving rise to its name. Now you can still purchase tobacco pouches of various sizes and shapes there, including porcelain ones, jade ones, wooden ones, and bronze ones. Located close to the Shichahai Park and Nanluoguxiang Hutong, Yandaixiejie is also a cultural street, where many quadrangle dwellings (Si He Yuan) are dotted, attracting millions of visitors each year. Don't forget to try the Hutong food and take a Rickshaw Tour around the Hutongs and the Shichahai Area.

3)Nanluoguxiang Hutong

Nanluoguxiang Hutong (南锣鼓巷), also known as Southern Gong and Drum Lane , is one of the oldest streets in Beijing, with a history dating back about 800 years. It used to be home to famous and wealthy Manchu families who ruled the Qing Empire (1644-1911). In the early 20th century, it was a residential area for nationalist political leaders, artists, and literary figures. Despite the passing of many dynasties, this alley remains more complete than other historical heritage sites in Beijing.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong is 768 meters long and 8 meters wide, with eight parallel hutongs on each side of the old alley. Situated in the downtown area, it is easily accessible. Today, this street has become a favorite shopping, bar, and restaurant destination for both domestic and international tourists. The street is particularly popular among young people for its relaxed shopping and dining experience. Nanluoguxiang offers a feast for the eyes, stomach, and mind all at once.

4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum 5 Days Beijing Hutong Tour - From Ancient Beijing to Modern Beijing

No.8: Beijing Olympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)

Beijing Olympic Park , located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing, was where the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and the 2022 Winter Olympics took place. Today, it has become a comprehensive public activity center. Most visitors to the park usually make their way to its Central Section, which includes the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube . These magnificent structures offer a great way to witness the modern Beijing skyline and have become a landmark of Beijing .

1)Bird's Nest in Olympic Park

The Bird's Nest , also known as the Beijing National Stadium , is the largest stadium in Beijing and an important Olympic venue that hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics. It is the only stadium in the world to host both summer and winter Olympic Games ceremonies . Its outer shell is the world's largest steel structure and forms part of the most complex Olympic stadium ever constructed. The Bird's Nest is not only a striking piece of architecture but also a masterpiece of Chinese design philosophy. Today, the Bird's Nest is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see for visitors to Beijing . It offers a unique glimpse into modern Chinese engineering and architecture. The stadium also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from concerts to sporting events, making it a vibrant hub of activity in Beijing.

2)Water Cube in Olympic Park

The Water Cube , or the Beijing National Aquatics Center , was built as the main natatorium (swimming pool venue) for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and became known as one of the Games' iconic structures. Then it was turned into Ice Cube for the curling venue in the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. It got its name due to its huge blue cube structure with a soap bubble design. This seemingly simple "cube" was designed according to traditional Chinese culture as well as modern science and technology. Ancient Chinese believed that heaven was like a dome covering the square earth. At night, it turns into a glowing blue cube alongside the fiery red National Stadium. It is now a multi-functional center for sports, recreation, and fitness.

2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall

No.9: Lama Temple (Yonghe Palace)

The Lama Temple , also known as the Yonghe Temple or the Palace of Peace and Harmony , was originally a royal palace that was later converted into a temple. It was the birthplace of both the Yongzheng Emperor (1678-1735) and the Qianlong Emperor (1736-1796) of the Qing Dynasty. As the biggest temple of Tibetan Buddhism located in the heart of Beijing , it offers three treasures for visitors to explore: the largest sandalwood Buddha in the world, the bronze Buddhas of past, present, and future, and the 500-Arhat-Hill.

Today, the Lama Temple is not only a museum of Tibetan Buddhism but also a functioning temple where people come to pray. Visitors can learn about Tibetan Buddhism and engage with many monks and practitioners who are available to answer questions and offer insights into the religion. The temple provides a quiet and peaceful retreat from the noise and bustle of the city, making it a great place to relax and reflect.

5 Days Beijing Culture Tour with Great Wall, Imperial Palaces & Museum 5 Days Beijing Hutong Tour - From Ancient Beijing to Modern Beijing 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall

No.10: Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum (Guozijian)

The Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum (Guozijian), is consisting of two parts: Confucius Temple (Kongmiao) and Imperial College Museum (Guozijian). Kongmiao is the place where people paid homage to Confucius during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Confucius is the greatest thinker and educationalist in ancient China.

Guozijian (Imperial academy) is a kind of university/college in ancient China that can be traced back to the Sui Dynasty (581–618). Guozijian is also the place where the Emperor personally lectures. The college was constructed right next to the temple in accordance with Chinese tradition where a temple is always to the left of a school. This museum is a good place for you to learn more about ancient China's education system and ancient buildings.

How to Plan Your Beijing Tours with Top Attractions?

Beijing is a large city full of top attractions that you won't want to miss. Therefore, it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time. The number of days you need for Beijing tours depends on your travel style and the attractions you want to visit. Generally, to visit the top attractions in Beijing, you will need at least 2 to 5 days. When planning your Beijing tours with top attractions, consider the following:

1 to 3 days: If you only have a few days in Beijing, focus on the must-see sights like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.

1 Day Beijing Essential Tour with Forbidden City & Great Wall 2 Days Beijing World Heritage Tour with Forbidden City & Mutianyu Great Wall 3 Days Beijing Highlights Tour

4 to 5 days: With this amount of time, you can explore the top attractions in Beijing more thoroughly, and also have some time to experience the local culture and cuisine.

Travel to Beijing With Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Experience the best of Beijing with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) . As local experts, we've been crafting unforgettable journeys through the city for years. From the Forbidden City's grandeur to the hutongs' vibrant energy, we'll create a personalized itinerary that captures your interests.

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10 Best Tourist Places to Explore in Beijing

The article titled "10 Best Tourist Places to Explore in Beijing" lists the most popular tourist places to visit in Beijing. It serves as a guide for travelers

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities of China. Its historical and cultural richness, modern architecture, and delicious food attract tourists. There are many tourist attractions to visit and see in Beijing, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park, Lama Temple, the National Museum of China, the Beijing Opera House, the Beijing Zoo, Sanlitun, and Wangfujing Street. These places are ideal for tourists who want to explore Beijing's historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, shopping, tasting local cuisine, and experiencing the nightlife in Beijing can be a pleasant experience for tourists.

The Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities in China. Its historical and cultural richness, modern architecture, and delicious cuisine attract tourists. The top 10 tourist attractions to visit in Beijing are listed below.

1. Forbidden City: One of China's best-preserved historical structures, the Forbidden City was used as an imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 980 rooms and gardens, it mesmerizes visitors.

2. Great Wall of China: Located north of Beijing, the Great Wall of China is one of the world's largest structures. Its thousands of years of history impress visitors.

3. Tiananmen Square: China's largest square, Tiananmen Square has hosted historical events. It includes important structures such as Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and the National Museum.

4. Beihai Park: Built during the Ming dynasty, Beihai Park mesmerizes visitors with its lakes, gardens, and temples.

5. Lama Temple: Built in 1694, the Lama Temple is one of the most important temples of Tibetan Buddhism. It is easily accessible and attracts visitors.

6. Summer Palace: Built during the Qing dynasty, the Summer Palace mesmerizes visitors with its gardens, lakes, and palaces. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

7. Ming Tombs: Built during the Ming dynasty, the Ming Tombs contain the tombs of 13 emperors. Its gardens and monuments impress visitors.

8. National Museum of China: One of China's largest museums, the National Museum of China showcases Chinese history and culture. It contains over 1 million artifacts.

9. Sanlitun: Beijing's most popular shopping and entertainment district, Sanlitun attracts visitors with its restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

10. Hutongs: Beijing's traditional streets, Hutongs attract visitors with their historical homes, gardens, and cultural events. They can be explored through bike tours and walking tours.

Beijing is a city that attracts tourists with its historical and cultural richness. The Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park, Lama Temple, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, National Museum of China, Sanlitun, and Hutongs are the top 10 tourist attractions to visit in Beijing. These places offer visitors the opportunity to discover Chinese history, culture, and modern lifestyle.

10 Tourist Attractions That Must Be Seen in Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities in China. It attracts tourists with its historical and cultural richness, modern structures, and natural beauty. The 10 must-see tourist attractions in Beijing are:

1. Forbidden City: One of China's most important historical structures, the Forbidden City is where emperors lived during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of the world's largest palaces with over 980 rooms and more than 8,000 statues.

2. Great Wall of China: Located north of Beijing, the Great Wall of China is one of the world's most famous structures. This 13,000-mile-long wall is part of China's historical defense system.

3. Tiananmen Square: Located in the center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest squares. It is home to many monuments and structures that reflect China's historical and political importance.

4. Beihai Park: One of Beijing's most beautiful parks, Beihai Park was built during the Ming dynasty. Its lakes, gardens, and temples attract visitors.

5. Lama Temple: One of the most important temples of Tibetan Buddhism, the Lama Temple is one of Beijing's most famous tourist attractions. It was built in 1694 and covers an area of 18,000 square meters.

6. Ming Tombs: Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Ming Tombs were built during the Ming dynasty. Thirteen emperors' tombs are located here.

7. Summer Palace: Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace was built during the Qing dynasty. Its gardens, lakes, and palaces attract visitors.

8. Hutongs: Beijing's traditional neighborhoods, the Hutongs, attract visitors with their narrow streets and traditional houses. You can taste Chinese cuisine in traditional restaurants here.

9. National Stadium: Built for the 2008 Olympics, the National Stadium is one of Beijing's modern structures. It is also known as the "Bird's Nest."

10. Temple of Heaven: Located in the south of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven was built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of China's most important temples and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Beijing is a city that attracts tourists with its historical and cultural richness, modern structures, and natural beauty. The 10 tourist attractions mentioned above are the most important and interesting places in Beijing. By visiting these places, you can discover China's historical and cultural heritage.

10 Touristic Places to Discover Historical and Cultural Heritage in Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities of China. Known for its historical and cultural heritage, Beijing welcomes millions of tourists every year. In this article, we will examine 10 tourist attractions that can be explored in Beijing.

1. Forbidden City: One of Beijing's most famous tourist attractions, the Forbidden City is where the Chinese emperors lived during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City, which covers an area of 720,000 square meters, consists of more than 980 rooms.

2. Great Wall of China: Located north of Beijing, the Great Wall of China is one of the world's most famous structures. The 21,000-kilometer-long Great Wall of China is listed as a world heritage site.

3. Tiananmen Square: Located in the center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest squares. The square, which has an important place in China's modern history, is a tourist attraction.

4. Beihai Park: One of Beijing's largest parks, Beihai Park was built during the Ming dynasty. The park has lakes, gardens, and temples.

5. Lama Temple: One of Beijing's most famous temples, the Lama Temple is one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple has 18,000 different Buddha statues.

6. Summer Palace: Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Summer Palace was built during the Qing dynasty. The palace is famous for its gardens and lakes.

7. Ming Tombs: Located in the northwest of Beijing, the Ming Tombs were built during the Ming dynasty. The tombs are one of China's largest tomb complexes.

8. National Museum of China: Located in the center of Beijing, the National Museum of China is one of China's largest museums. The museum has many artifacts related to China's historical and cultural heritage.

9. Siheyuan: Siheyuan are Beijing's traditional houses, which are generally known for their courtyard and wooden structures. Siheyuan reflect the historical texture of Beijing.

10. Hutong: Hutong are Beijing's traditional streets where Siheyuan are located. Hutong have been protected to preserve Beijing's historical texture.

In conclusion, Beijing is a city that attracts tourists with its historical and cultural heritage. The 10 tourist attractions mentioned above are Beijing's most famous and important places. By visiting these places, you can explore China's historical and cultural heritage.

10 Tourist Attractions to Have Fun and Enjoyable Time in Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities of China. It attracts tourists with its historical and cultural richness, modern structures, and delicious food. There are many tourist attractions in Beijing to have a fun and enjoyable time. Here are the top 10 tourist attractions that must be seen in Beijing:

1. The Great Wall of China: One of the world's largest structures, the Great Wall of China is one of Beijing's most famous tourist attractions. It fascinates visitors with its historical and natural beauties.

2. Forbidden City: One of China's best-preserved historical structures, the Forbidden City was used during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This structure, used as an imperial palace, attracts visitors' attention.

3. Tiananmen Square: Tiananmen Square, Beijing's largest square, has an important place in China's modern history. Mao Zedong's famous speeches were made here.

4. Beihai Park: One of Beijing's most beautiful parks, Beihai Park fascinates visitors with its natural beauties and historical structures. The park has a lake, temples, and gardens.

5. Lama Temple: One of the most important Buddhist temples, the Lama Temple is one of Beijing's most famous tourist attractions. The temple has many historical and artistic works.

6. Summer Palace: One of Beijing's most beautiful gardens, the Summer Palace was built during the Qing dynasty. The garden has a lake, bridges, and temples.

7. Ming Tombs: Built during the Ming dynasty, the Ming Tombs are one of Beijing's most important historical structures. Inside the tombs, there are emperors' tombs and historical artifacts.

8. Beijing Opera Theater: One of China's most famous opera theaters, the Beijing Opera Theater attracts visitors' attention. Traditional Chinese opera shows are performed here.

9. Siheyuan: Siheyuan, Beijing's traditional houses, fascinate visitors with their historical and cultural richness. The houses have gardens and temples inside.

10. Sanlitun: One of Beijing's most popular shopping and entertainment centers, Sanlitun attracts visitors' attention with its modern structures and luxury stores. There are many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs here.

Beijing is a city that attracts tourists with its historical and cultural richness. The tourist attractions mentioned above are the most important and beautiful places in Beijing. By visiting these places, you can get to know Beijing's history and culture more closely.

The Top 10 Touristic Places to Take Photos in Beijing

Beijing is the capital and one of the largest cities in China. Its historical and cultural richness, modern architecture, and natural beauty attract tourists. The top 10 tourist spots for taking photos in Beijing are:

1. Forbidden City: One of China's most famous tourist spots, the Forbidden City was where emperors lived during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its architecture and historical texture attract photographers.

2. Great Wall of China: One of the world's largest structures, the Great Wall of China is one of Beijing's most famous tourist spots. Its historical texture and natural beauty attract photographers.

3. Beihai Park: One of Beijing's largest parks, Beihai Park attracts photographers with its natural beauty and historical texture. The lake, temples, and gardens in the park are great shooting locations for photographers.

4. Lama Temple: One of the most important Buddhist temples, the Lama Temple attracts photographers with its historical texture and architecture. The statues and decorations in the temple are great shooting locations for photographers.

5. Tiananmen Square: One of China's largest squares, Tiananmen Square attracts photographers with its historical texture and architecture. The monuments and buildings in the square are great shooting locations for photographers.

6. Ming Tombs: The tombs built during the Ming dynasty attract photographers with their historical texture and architecture. The area where the tombs are located is a great shooting location for photographers with its natural beauty.

7. Beijing National Stadium: Built for the 2008 Olympics, the Beijing National Stadium attracts photographers with its modern architecture. The exterior of the stadium is a great shooting location for photographers.

8. Zhongshan Park: One of Beijing's oldest parks, Zhongshan Park attracts photographers with its natural beauty and historical texture. The lake, gardens, and temples in the park are great shooting locations for photographers.

9. Summer Palace: Built during the Qing dynasty, the Summer Palace attracts photographers with its natural beauty and historical texture. The palace's gardens, ponds, and structures are great shooting locations for photographers.

10. Temple of Heaven: Built during the Ming dynasty, the Temple of Heaven attracts photographers with its historical texture and architecture. The statues and decorations in the temple are great shooting locations for photographers.

Beijing is a great shooting location for photographers with its historical and cultural richness, modern architecture, and natural beauty. The tourist spots listed above are among the best options for those who want to take photos in Beijing. These places attract photographers with their historical texture, natural beauty, and architecture. Visitors to Beijing should definitely visit these places and immortalize their unforgettable memories with photos.

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These dreamy NSW spots have ranked among the top 10 hidden gems in Australia

The magical Lord Howe Island and the laid-back surf town of Yamba made the list of Australia's best-kept secrets

New South Wales is home to world-famous attractions, with everything from the world’s most Instagrammed restaurant to the most famous beach in Australia all calling NSW home. But if you ask a local, they’d tell you the real magic of our stunning state lies off the beaten track. If you’re looking for inspo for your next Aussie adventure, you don’t have to dig any further. A new study has revealed the ten most searched hidden gem destinations and attractions in Australia, and two of the country’s best are right here in NSW. Using trusty travel sources like Time Out Australia (hell yeah!), the luggage storage legends at Bounce put together a list of 70 hidden treasures across the country. They then looked at search trends to rank each spot by popularity and also tapped into Tripadvisor data to uncover the highest-rated secret attractions. Australia is the biggest island on Earth, but we’ve got a speckling of smaller islands surrounding our biggest one – 8,222 of them, to be exact. Of the three Aussie islands that ranked among the country’s top hidden gems, the highest ranking is right here in NSW. Lord Howe Island ranked as the country’s second-most searched hidden gem, with 735,100 searches. The ridiculously beautiful World Heritage-listed island is home to the world’s most southerly coral reef, and with a rule that means only 400 visitors can stay there at any one time, it’s one of the most unspoiled pockets of the state. The other islands to make the list of Australia’s top hidden gems were SA’s remote yet remarkable Kangaroo Island in third (723,500 searches), and QLD’s easy-to-reach Moreton Island in fourth (642,500). The gloriously unpretentious beach town of Yamba also made its way onto the list of Australia’s best-kept secrets, and for good reason. With a glittering coastline formed of sheltered coves and world-class surf breaks, and a town centre that takes you back in time – with farm-to-table restaurants, high-end stays , adorable boutiques and a cute-as-hell old-fashioned cinema – it’s a magical town that captures the heart of anyone lucky enough to visit. 

Here are the 10 most searched hidden gems in Australia:

• Toowoomba , QLD
• Lord Howe Island, NSW
• Kangaroo Island , SA
• Moreton Island , QLD
• Yamba , NSW
• Broome , WA
• Wilsons Promontory National Park , VIC
• Glasshouse Mountains , QLD
• Pink Lakes , VIC
• Ningaloo Reef , WA

The team at Bounce also identified the very best little-known attractions in the country based on Tripadvisor ratings, and the results show that we Aussies like our wine. Out of the top ten best hidden gem attractions in Australia, Ernest Hill Wines in NSW’s Hunter Region ranked at number three, with Ivanhoe Wines in Newcastle also making the top ten. You can check out the full rankings below.

Here are the 10 best hidden gem attractions in Australia:

• Panorama Garden Estate, VIC
• The Kangaroo Sanctuary, NT
• Ernest Hill Wines, NSW
• Hill Inlet, QLD
• Kies Family Wines, SA
• Ivanhoe Wines, NSW
• The Great Aussie Beer Shed and Heritage Farm Museum, VIC
• Opal Museum, QLD
• Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
• Maria Island National Park, TAS

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This nsw town has ranked as the best tiny tourism town in australia ., these neighbouring south coast towns all ranked among the best towns to visit in the country ., and this famous beach town has ranked as australia's second-most beautiful town ..

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Wat te doen in Beijing (Peking)? Bezienswaardigheden en tips

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september 17, 2024

Beijing, ook wel bekend onder de naam Peking, is de hoofdstad van China en voor veel reizigers het start- of eindpunt van een rondreis door China. Beijing heeft meer dan 21 miljoen inwoners en is een grote stad waar veel bezienswaardigheden zijn. Er zijn ook genoeg leuke dingen om te doen in Beijing. Dwaal bijvoorbeeld door de 'hutongs' en ervaar het lokale leven, probeer de enige echte Pekingeend en wandel door de Verboden Stad. Daarnaast is Beijing de perfecte uitvalbasis om de Chinese Muur te bezoeken. Kortom: er is genoeg te doen in Beijing om je een aantal dagen te vermaken. In deze blog delen we alle bezienswaardigheden en tips voor Beijing in China!

Beijing of Peking?

Veel mensen vragen zich af waarom er twee namen zijn voor deze stad. Is het nou Beijing of Peking? Goed nieuws: beide namen zijn goed! Beijing is de Engelse naam en Peking is de officiële Nederlandse naam voor de stad. Toch wordt er in Nederland ook vaak gesproken over Beijing. Wij houden daarom Beijing aan in deze blog!

✈  Internet in China:  Helaas is je Nederlandse internetabonnement niet beschikbaar in China en zonder VPN kan je geen gebruik maken van o.a. Google, Facebook en Whatsapp vanwege de 'Great Firewall'. Het is daarom aan te raden om een  eSIM  te gebruiken waarbij een ingebouwde VPN zit zodat je altijd online kan zijn en alle apps van thuis kunt gebruiken. Via de website van  Airalo  kun je een eSIM aanschaffen die je in heel China kan gebruiken.

Hoe kom je in Beijing?

Beijing ligt op ongeveer 11 uur vliegen vanaf Amsterdam. Er zijn meerdere maatschappijen die rechtstreeks vliegen naar Beijing, waaronder  KLM . Het beste is om alle vliegtuigmaatschappijen te vergelijken op  Skyscanner  en Tix . Bij  Skyscanner  kun je eenvoudig op de kalender bekijken welke dag het goedkoopst is om te vliegen. Als je eenmaal een datum hebt gevonden, kun je ook nog de prijzen vergelijken op de website van  Tix . De prijzen en voorwaarden kunnen namelijk wel eens verschillen dus vergelijken kan altijd.

Reizen met het openbaar vervoer in Beijing

In Beijing is het openbaar vervoer netwerk erg goed geregeld. Er gaan verschillende metrolijnen en bussen. Ritjes kun je betalen bij een loket op het metrostation met WeChat, Alipay of contant geld. Je kunt ook een meerdaagse kaart aanschaffen waarmee je onbeperkt kan reizen. Dit doe je ook bij één van de informatiebalies bij het metrostation. Je kunt de app Maps.me gebruiken om te zien welke route je moet afleggen en bij welk station je moet uitstappen.

✈ Beste reistijd Beijing:  april, mei, september en oktober. De temperatuur is dan aangenaam en er valt amper regen. Vermijd de wintermaanden, want dan kan het tegen het vriespunt zijn en zelfs sneeuwen in Beijing.

Onze favoriete hotels in Beijing

Beijing bestaat uit 16 verschillende wijken. Het is dus verstandig om van tevoren te bepalen in welke wijk je wilt verblijven. Wij raden aan om te verblijven in de wijken rondom de Verboden Stad. De meeste bezienswaardigheden liggen dan op loopafstand of op een kort ritje met de metro. Zelf sliepen wij bij Downtown Travelotel en we kunnen je dit hotel zeker aanraden. Het hotel ligt in een supergezellig straatje waar je meteen terecht kan voor street food, souvenirs en boetiekwinkels.

✈ Tip: Zorg dat je je hotel in Beijing op voorhand boekt (zeker in de lokale vakanties en weekenden), want de meeste hotels zijn klein en zitten snel vol.

Wat te doen in Beijing (Peking)?

In Beijing is genoeg te doen om je een aantal dagen te vermaken. Om onderstaande bezienswaardigheden te bezoeken, heb je ongeveer 4 dagen nodig voor Beijing.

Plein van de Hemelse Vrede in Beijing

Het Plein van de Hemelse Vrede is één van de bekendste bezienswaardigheden van Beijing. Het plein is vernoemd naar de Tiananmen, dit is de Poort van de Hemelse Vrede en ligt direct aan het plein.  Het Plein van de Hemelse Vrede is 765 meter lang en 282 meter breed en daarmee het grootste plein ter wereld. Er zijn verschillende bezienswaardigheden die je hier kunt bekijken waaronder het parlementsgebouw en het Museum voor Chinese Geschiedenis. In het midden van het plein staat het mausoleum waarin Mao Zedong ligt opgebaard. Dit is de bekende communistische leider van China die in 1976 is overleden.

Het Plein van de Hemelse Vrede werd vaak gebruikt voor militaire marsen en protesten, waaronder het Tiananmenprotest in 1989. Duizenden studenten gingen de straat op om te protesteren tegen de Communistische Partij van China waar veel gewonden en doden vielen. Sindsdien is het plein streng beveiligd en zal je merken dat je niet zomaar het plein opkomt. Houd er daarom rekening mee dat je altijd je paspoort mee hebt en genoeg tijd inplant, want het kan zomaar zijn dat je 4 paspoortcontroles doorheen moet. Zeker in het weekend en in lokale vakanties kan het hier heel druk zijn.

Dwaal door de Verboden Stad in Beijing

Misschien wel de bekendste bezienswaardigheid van Beijing is de Verboden Stad. Dit is voor veel reizigers dé reden om naar Beijing te reizen. De Verboden Stad was het paleis van waaruit de Chinese keizers hun rijk bestuurden. Het was streng verboden voor de normale bevolking om hier te komen, vandaar de naam 'Verboden Stad'. Sinds 1925 is het paleis open voor bezoekers en mag ook de normale burger het paleis bewonderen.

De Verboden Stad bestaat uit 980 gebouwen met 8704 kamers en is in totaal  740.000 m2 groot. Om het hele paleis te verkennen, heb je dus wel een paar uur nodig. We raden aan om dit te doen met een gids zodat je meer kunt leren over het paleis. Zelf hebben wij dit niet gedaan en we hebben daar toch spijt van gehad.

Iedere dag zijn er maximaal 40.000 bezoekers welkom in de Verboden Stad. Ondanks dat dit heel veel is, is het iedere dag uitverkocht. Houd er daarom rekening mee dat je op tijd je tickets reserveert! Tickets voor de Verboden Stad komen precies 7 dagen van tevoren online om 20:00 uur (Beijing tijd) via de officiële website . Binnen 5 minuten zijn alle tickets uitverkocht dus je moet er echt klaar voor zitten om een ticket te bemachtigen. Is het niet gelukt om een ticket te kopen voor jouw gewenste dag? Kijk dan of er nog tickets beschikbaar zijn via Get Your Guide  of Viator .

✈ Tip:  Ga zo vroeg mogelijk naar de Verboden Stad! Wij waren er om 10:00 uur en stonden uren in de rij om binnen te komen. Maak niet dezelfde fout en zorg dat je voor openingstijd al in de rij gaat staan. Om 8:30 uur gaat de Verboden Stad open.

Uitzicht vanaf Jingshan Park in Beijing

Bij de uitgang van de Verboden Stad ligt op een korte afstand het Jingshan Park. Vanaf de top van de heuvel in dit park heb je een prachtig uitzicht op Beijing en kan je de Verboden Stad van bovenaf bekijken!

Wandelen over de Chinese Muur vanuit Beijing

Eén van de tofste dingen om te doen in Beijing is natuurlijk het bezoeken van de Chinese Muur. De Chinese Muur is één van de zeven wereldwonderen en moet je gezien hebben tijdens een rondreis door China. De Chinese Muur is meer dan 6000 km lang en was ter bescherming van China tegen het Mongoolse Rijk. Doordat het meer dan 6000 km lang is, kan je de Chinese Muur op verschillende plekken bezoeken. Iedere plek heeft zijn eigen voor- en nadelen. De bekendste plekken zijn  Badaling , Mutianyu  en Jinshanling . Zelf hebben wij gekozen voor Jinshanling, omdat dit de rustigste plek is. Helaas is dit wel de duurste plek doordat het 130 km van Beijing vandaan ligt. Benieuwd naar welke plek van de Chinese Muur bij jou past? Lees dan mijn uitgebreide blog over de Chinese Muur .

Doe een fietstour in Beijing

Eén van de leukste dingen om te doen in een stad is wat mij betreft een  fietstour . Tijdens een fietstour ga je een paar uur met een gids op pad en bezoek je de leukste en bekendste plekken van Beijing. Je kunt al je vragen stellen aan de gids en komt zo meer te weten over Beijing en de Chinese cultuur. Dit is ook ideaal wanneer je wat minder tijd hebt voor Beijing!

Street food eten in Beijing

Nanluoguxiang is één van de leukste plekken in Beijing om street food te eten. Dit toeristische straatje is de plek om lekkere hapjes en andere dingen te proberen. Ons hotel  Downtown Travelotel  lag direct aan deze straat en iedere dag probeerden wat anders. Weet je niet wat je kan vertrouwen of vind je het leuk om met een local op pad te gaan? Dan raden we het aan om een street food tour te doen! Tijdens deze tour ontdek je de Chinese keuken en probeer je 15 verschillende hapjes.

Pekingeend eten in Beijing

Ben je nog niet uitgegeten en wil je dé specialiteit van Beijing eten? Probeer dan zeker eens de Pekingeend! Op iedere straathoek kan je Pekingeend eten, maar het is aan te raden om dit te doen bij een goed restaurant, want daar is de kwaliteit een stuk beter en is alles vers. De Pekingeend komen ze live bereiden aan je tafel en is een unieke beleving!

✈ Tip :  Wij aten zelf bij een supergoed restaurant, maar helaas weet ik niet de exacte locatie en de Engelse naam. Laat daarom onderstaande foto zien aan een local, die kan je vast vertellen waar het is.

Dwaal door de hutongs in Beijing

Naast dat Beijing een grote stad is met veel wolkenkrabbers, zijn er ook nog heel veel traditionele volkswijken aanwezig in de stad. Deze volkswijken worden 'hutongs' genoemd. In een hutong wonen levendige gemeenschappen dicht bij elkaar. De meeste hutongs zijn omringd met hoge muren en in het midden vind je vaak een binnenplein, ook wel siheyuan genoemd. Om de hutongs te bezoeken, kan je er voor kiezen om zelf er doorheen te wandelen of met een riksjatour . Een riksja is een fietstaxi met een kar achter zijn fiets. Vanuit de kar kan je de hutongs goed bekijken en krijg je meer informatie van je gids.

Bezoek de Lama tempel in Beijing

De Lama Tempel, ook wel bekend onder de naam Yonghe Tempel, is een Tibetaanse tempel die je zeker bezocht moet hebben wanneer je in Beijing bent. De Lama Tempel is gebouwd in 1694 en is vandaag de dag nog steeds één van de belangrijkste tempels. Het is een prachtige tempel met een mooie binnenplaats en verschillende gebouwen. Veeel Chinezen komen hier het gebed doen en wierrook aansteken waar je onderdeel van kan zijn. Bij deze tempel kan je dus het spirituele China ervaren.

Shoppen in Beijing

Beijing is één van de beste plekken in China om te shoppen. Er zijn namelijk heel veel grote winkelcentra waar je tot laat in de nacht kunt shoppen. Daarnaast zijn er ook veel boetiekwinkeltjes te vinden in de hutongs.

Ga naar de Tempel van de Hemel in Beijing

Eén van de bekendste bezienswaardigheden van Beijing is de Tempel van de Hemel. Deze tempel werd vroeger gebuikt door de keizers om offers te brengen. Het tempelcomplex bestaat uit meerdere gebouwen, maar het belangrijkste gebouw was de ronde tempel in het midden van het complex. Hier kwam de keizer de goden aanbidden in de hoop op een goede oogst. De bevolking geloofde dat de keizers zonen van de goden waren en daarom hadden de keizers een belangrijke rol.

Maak een uitstapje naar het Zomerpaleis in Beijing

Buiten het centrum van Beijing vind je het Zomerpaleis en dit is een leuk uitstapje als je een extra dag hebt in Beijing. Helaas zijn wij hier zelf niet geweest, omdat het niet in de tijd pasten. Het Zomerpaleis was het mooiste paleis van de keizer en werd gebruikt als buitenpaleis om te ontsnappen aan de hete zomers in de Verboden Stad in Beijing. Het complex bestaat uit meerdere gebouwen, kamers en tempels en is leuk om te bezoeken met een e-gids .

Souvenirs kopen bij Panjiayuan Lu in Beijing

Ben je op zoek naar een uniek souvenir van China? Ga dan zeker naar Panjiayuan Lu in Beijing. Dit is een leuke markt waar je terecht kunt voor unieke souvenirs, antiek, handgemaakte producten en kunst.

Deze items adviseren we om mee te nemen tijdens je reis naar Beijing:

• Iets wat bij ons iedere reis onmisbaar is, is een waterfilter zodat je altijd uit de kraan of rivier kunt drinken zonder extra smaakjes. Je hoeft geen plastic flessen water meer te kopen en zo help jij mee aan een wereld met minder plastic. Wij gebruiken zelf de  Mini Sawyer  en daar zijn we erg tevreden mee!
• Nektasje RFID   zodat je altijd veilig je geld, paspoort of bankpassen onzichtbaar onder je kleding kunt dragen
• Een   telefoonkoord  zodat je je mobiel onder je kleding kunt dragen
• Packing Cubes  om je backpack georganiseerd te houden. Door de extra compressierits kun je nu nog georganiseerder reizen.
• Packing Cube Clean & Dirty   om je vieze onderbroeken en sokken te scheiden tijdens het reizen
• Deze   reis toilettas   is ideaal voor tijdens het rondreizen. Het heeft een 360 graden draaibare haak en heeft het perfecte formaat! Combineer met de bijpassende packing cubes en je reist helemaal in stijl.
• Siliconen Reisflesjes   voor het meenemen van vloeistoffen. Tijdens het backpacken of rondreizen is het fijn om niet te veel gewicht mee te nemen
• Een   shampoo bar ,   conditioner bar   en   body bar  met een  handige organizer . Dit zijn geen vloeistoffen en kun je gewoon meenemen in je handbagage. Je doet er lang mee, je verbruikt geen plastic, je kunt overal de organizer ophangen en het is ontzettend duurzaam!
• Hervulbare parfumverstuiver   zodat je toch een klein flesje parfum kunt meenemen!
• Herbruikbare wattenschijfjes  zodat je nooit meer een heel pak met watjes hoeft mee te nemen en het is ook nog eens beter voor het milieu! Combineer dit met de   Face Bar   voor optimaal resultaat.

Ook op reis naar Beijing? Alle tips voor je op een rijtje!

Leuke reisgidsen voor China:

Benieuwd naar hoe onze rondreis naar Hongkong, Macau en China eruit zag?  Bekijk dan de hoogtepunten op  Instagram  en vergeet ons niet te volgen voor meer inspiratie!

Misschien vind je dit ook leuk om te lezen: Macau, China: tips voor het Las Vegas van het Oosten Wat te doen in Hong Kong? 22 x tips en bezienswaardigheden! Sfeervol Fenghuang: ervaar het authentieke China! Yangshuo: 10 tips voor deze magische plek in China Zhangjiajie: tips voor hét Avatar park van China

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