why visit beijing

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Why Visit Beijing? 10 Reasons to Plan a Beijing Holiday

Beijing, China’s pulsating heart, is a city where history and innovation converge. This guide presents ten compelling reasons why to visit Beijing, making it your next destination.

The city’s unique fusion of ancient charm and contemporary vibrancy offers an unparalleled journey through China’s rich heritage and forward-thinking spirit. Discover why Beijing stands out as an essential visit on any traveler’s itinerary.

1. Historical Landmarks

Beijing, the epicenter of China’s regal history, is adorned with landmarks that narrate tales of imperial grandeur. The Forbidden City , a monumental palace complex, unveils the mysteries of Chinese emperors.

Nearby, the Temple of Heaven , an architectural masterpiece, symbolizes the cosmic order. The Summer Palace , with its elegant gardens, serves as a testament to royal leisure and aesthetics.

Each site in Beijing provides a window into the splendor of China’s imperial era, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and centuries-old traditions. These landmarks are not just tourist spots; they’re portals to a time when emperors ruled and dynasties flourished.

2. The Great Wall

The Great Wall , a symbol of China’s historical resilience, offers a breathtaking experience just outside Beijing. This monumental structure snakes across rugged landscapes, presenting a spectacle of human endurance and architectural ingenuity.

Visitors can explore various sections such as Mutianyu Great Wall and Badaling Great Wall , each offering unique views and histories.

The Great Wall is not just a wall; it’s a journey through China’s past, with each step along its path revealing stories of ancient defenses and enduring strength. Its vastness and the panoramic views it provides are a testament to China’s historical depth and the ingenuity of its people.

3. Rich Cultural Heritage

Beijing’s soul lies in its cultural tapestry, woven through centuries. The city’s hutongs, narrow alleys of old, offer a journey back in time. Walking through these alleys, one encounters courtyard residences echoing ancient lifestyles.

The rhythmic chants of Peking Opera and the rich collections in its museums further illustrate Beijing’s cultural depth. Each corner of the city tells a story, whether it’s through the historic Hutongs, the enchanting opera performances, or the artifacts preserved in its museums. Beijing is a living museum, a vibrant testament to Chinese traditions and history.

4. Culinary Delights

Beijing’s culinary landscape is a feast for the senses. The city’s food scene, ranging from street vendors to upscale restaurants, offers a taste of China’s diverse flavors. Peking Duck, with its crispy skin and succulent meat, is a culinary icon not to be missed.

Beyond this famed dish, explore the savory world of hotpot mutton, a communal dining experience symbolizing warmth and sharing.

Street foods, bursting with flavors, offer a glimpse into Beijing’s everyday life. Delight in the variety of dim sum, each bite a different surprise. Beijing’s cuisine tells stories of regional influences, historical transformations, and the city’s openness to new culinary trends.

A journey through Beijing’s food scene is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s an exploration of cultural identity and culinary innovation.

5. World-Class Museums

Beijing is a treasure trove of history and art, housed in its world-class museums. The Palace Museum, located in the heart of the Forbidden City, offers an unparalleled collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks, spanning centuries of imperial rule.

The National Museum of China stands as a monumental testament to the country’s expansive history, showcasing ancient relics and contemporary pieces.

The Capital Museum, with its modern design and ancient collections, offers a blend of old and new, illustrating the dynamic narrative of Beijing and China at large.

Each museum in Beijing is not just a building with exhibits; it’s a gateway to understanding China’s complex, multifaceted story. They offer a journey through time, where visitors can witness the evolution of Chinese civilization from ancient dynasties to the modern era.

6. Modern Architecture and Innovation

Beijing’s skyline, a canvas of modern architectural marvels, reflects China’s leap into the future. The Bird’s Nest Stadium, an engineering feat and symbol of the 2008 Olympics, showcases innovative design.

The CCTV Tower, with its unique and gravity-defying structure, represents the city’s bold architectural ambitions. In the Central Business District, skyscrapers reach for the clouds, mirroring Beijing’s economic growth.

The 798 Art Zone , a hub for contemporary art, resides in a creatively repurposed industrial area. This juxtaposition of old and new exemplifies Beijing’s dynamic evolution.

The city is not just growing; it’s reimagining itself, constantly pushing the boundaries of design and creativity. Each modern structure in Beijing tells a story of progress, ambition, and the forward-thinking spirit of its people.

7. Natural Beauty and Parks

Amidst its urban landscape, Beijing offers serene natural escapes. The Fragrant Hills paint a picture of scenic beauty, especially during autumn when the leaves turn a fiery red.

Beihai Park , with its tranquil lake and ancient pavilions, provides a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. The Summer Palace, an imperial garden, is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Its harmonious blend of natural landscapes and architectural elegance offers a glimpse into the artistic vision of ancient China.

These natural spaces in Beijing aren’t just green areas; they’re sanctuaries that offer respite from the city’s pace. They embody the traditional Chinese philosophy of harmony between nature and humanity, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with nature while exploring the city’s historical layers.

8. Bustling Markets and Shopping

Shopping in Beijing is an adventure in itself, offering a kaleidoscope of choices. Wangfujing Street, a blend of modern malls and traditional stores, provides a lively shopping experience.

Qianmen Street , steeped in history, offers a mix of old-world charm and contemporary retail. The Panjiayuan Market is a treasure trove for antique lovers, where cultural relics and handicrafts tell stories of China’s artistic heritage.

For those seeking modern fashion and electronics, the Silk Market presents a bustling atmosphere where haggling is part of the fun. These markets and shopping districts are not just places to buy things; they are cultural experiences.

Each market in Beijing has its own character, reflecting the city’s blend of tradition and modernity. From luxurious boutiques to lively street markets, shopping in Beijing is a journey through the city’s diverse and vibrant lifestyle, catering to every taste and budget.

9. Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Beijing transforms into a vibrant playground for night owls. The city’s nightlife is diverse, ranging from traditional teahouses to cutting-edge nightclubs.

Sanlitun, known for its trendy bars and clubs, pulses with energy, attracting a cosmopolitan crowd. Houhai ( Shichahai ) with its lakeside bars and live music venues, offers a more laid-back ambiance.

Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or enjoy a quiet drink while soaking in the local atmosphere, Beijing’s nightlife has something for everyone.

The city’s after-dark scene is a reflection of its dynamic spirit, where ancient traditions blend with modern entertainment. In Beijing, the night is not just a time to rest; it’s an opportunity to explore a different side of the city, one that’s as lively and captivating as its daytime persona.

10. Festivals and Events

Beijing’s calendar is dotted with festivals and events that offer a window into China’s rich traditions. Depending on the timing of your visit, you might witness the colorful spectacle of the Spring Festival, with its dragon dances and fireworks, celebrating the Lunar New Year.

The Mid-Autumn Festival brings mooncakes and lantern displays, illuminating the city in a festive glow. National holidays, like National Day, are marked with grand ceremonies and public festivities.

These events are more than just celebrations; they are vibrant expressions of China’s cultural identity and communal spirit. Each festival in Beijing is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the customs and stories that have shaped Chinese society. They offer a chance to engage with locals, understand their traditions, and experience the cultural heartbeat of the city.

Beijing, a city where ancient history and modern progress converge, offers myriad reasons to visit. From its majestic historical landmarks to its dynamic modern architecture, from the tranquil beauty of its parks to the energy of its vibrant nightlife, Beijing is a city of contrasts and harmony.

Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or a culture seeker, Beijing promises an enriching and unforgettable journey. This guide has explored ten compelling reasons to choose Beijing for your next holiday, each a unique facet of this magnificent city’s character.

Destinations

Travel Guide

Beijing Travel Guide 2024

Beijing is the capital city of the People’s Republic of China and the political, cultural and economic center of China. It has a glorious history which can be dated back three millennia. The most highlighting part is its great role of the ancient capital city since the past eight centuries. The city preserves the most magnificent imperial culture of China, including numerous historical architectures, relics, tradition, etc. Many world famous tourist sites are located in or near Beijing, such as Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, Temple of Heaven, etc.

Why visit Beijing:

City of World Heritage Sites - Beijing preserves seven World Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO (Great Wall, Forbidden City, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Dynasty Tombs and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal), ranking first among all the cities around the world. Visiting these sites helps travelers to touch the best essence of ancient Chinese culture and history.
Great Wall of China - Though the Great Wall sketches though more than a half territory of northern China, the best pieces which are regarded as the masterpiece are located in Beijing, such as Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Jinshanling Great Wall, etc.
Transportation Hub of China - Beijing is the most important transportation hub of both the economy and tourism. It is mostly chosen as an international flight arrival city. Furthermore, the flights and trains radiate to most other regions of China, including the far western Xinjiang, Tibet, etc.

Travel News: Tourists from 53 countries (US, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Australia...) are allowed to stay in Beijing for 144 hours without China visa after checking in customs in Beijing Capital International Airport.

Top Attractions

Beijing is one of the most popular travel destinations in China. The diverse experiences here attract millions of people to visit this ancient capital city each year. The imperial culture is the essence of Beijing. During its playing as the capital of more than 800 years, many brilliant imperial sites were created, and preserved well, such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc. There are many other places for you to explore, the most recommended is the Great Wall. Read more about All Beijing Attractions >>

It is the largest palace complex in the world, and used to be the imperial palace of Ming and Qing Dynasties for more than 600 years ...

The masterpiece of Great Wall of China with fabulous design, sublime surrounding landscape. Conveniently located 50km from Beijing city ...

In Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace was the private garden for the Emperors and his families to retreat during hot summer months ...

Built in Ming Dynasty, the Temple of Heaven is the largest architecture for sacrificial ceremony in the world which is featured in outstanding arrangement...

Beijing Hutong, connecting the quadrangle dwellings, is the pulse of old Beijing. It is the place where stories and memories are hidden...

Mutianyu is a less-crowded and well-preserved segment of Great Wall built in Ming Dynasty, lives up to all of your nice expectation about Great Wall of China ...

Featuring themes from Hollywood blockbusters, Universal Studios Beijing has recently become a must-hit place for Chinese and foreign tourists visiting Beijing...

Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing City and the largest center plaza in the world, known as the site for important national events...

More than 13 powerful emperors of Ming Dynasty were interred here. Experience the solemn architectures, listen to the legendary stories...

Juyongguan Great Wall is considered as the north gateway to Beijing. You can appreciate beautiful views, fine stone carvings, 14 watchtowers while hiking...

Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall is the only section of Great Wall in Beijing that is connected with a lake. It boasts both bold northern-frontier and gentle...

Right next to Gubei Water Town and it was served as a vital military base from the ancient time, and impresses a lot of visitors for its breathtaking scenery, especially at night...

Jiankou Great Wall is one of the most challenging wild sections next to Mutianyu section. It has impressed a lot visitors who had an adventurous hike here...

At the foot of Simatai Great Wall, Gubei Water Town is a theme resort of ancient northern architecture, built by a lake. Its beautiful nightscape attracts many visitors...

With over 1 million precious and rare artifacts, covering Chinese history from 1.7 million years ago till the present, National Museum of China is one of the largest museums...

798 Art District is a new landmark of art and culture in Beijing. Here is full of high-standard galleries, stylish boutiques, creatives sculptures and architectures...

Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Temple or Yonghe Lamasery, is the highest-standard Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. The buildings are a combination of Han and Tibetan styles...

Jingshan Park, located in the central axes of Beijing and adjacent to Forbidden City, is old Beijing's highest point offering a fantastic panoramic view of Forbidden City...

Yandaixie Street, also called Yandaixiejie or Yandai Byway, is a 232m northeast-southwest Hutong in downtown Beijing. This oldest commercial street in Beijing is now lined with...

Nanluoguxiang is the most popular and one of the oldest Hutongs in Beijing with a history of more than 740 years. It looks like a fish bone with a 787m main street (Nanluoguxiang)...

Beijing Olympic Park, also called Olympic Green, is a spacious park built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It contains 10 Olympic venues, 7 non-competitive venues, and a forest park...

Weather & When to Go

Beijing is featured in the temperate and continental monsoon climate. Weather differs in different season. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of -4 °C. Hottest month is July with average temperature of 26 °C.

September and October are the best months to visit Beijing. In autumn days, Beijing greets tourist with pleasant cool weather, better air condition and golden autumn landscape. But actually Beijing is suitable for travel all year around. You can explore different landscape and culture in different season. If you come between December and February, you have chance to witness constant temple fair and the jubilant Spring Festival.

Learn more about Beijing weather >>

Transportation

International Arrival

Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the most important arrival hubs for international flight arrivals. It runs flight schedules to most major cities in the world (except sub-Saharan Africa and sub-USA American).

Domestic Transfer

Beijing has built a developed domestic transportation system of air, train and highway. One can transfer between Beijing and all provincial cities and other major cities in China, such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Guilin, Lhasa, and so on, by flight, regular train or high speed train.

Recent years, taking high speed train traveling is becoming more and more popular. Beijing is fully connected by high speed rails with many other important cities. You can take the fastest bullet trains from Beijing to Shanghai, or experience the world longest High Speed rail from Beijing to Guangzhou. For travelers, the high speed trains from Beijing to Xi’an are very popular. Since the new Fuxing trains of higher speed and more advanced technologies are used for some trains from Beijing to Shanghai (6 trains during 09:00~15:00), from Shanghai to Beijing (6 trains during 07:00~19:00), from Beijing and Guangzhou (G65 at around 10:30), from Guangzhou to Beijing (G80 at around 12:10), and intercity trains from Beijing and Tianjin (19 trains during 06:00~22:40), and from Tianjin to Beijing (19 trains during 07:00~22:50), travelers can experience the truebred Chinese high speed train in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and some midway destinations like Wuhan, Changsha, Zhengzhou, etc. you could contact us for detailed time schedule.

Beijing has highly developed transportation system for inner-city travel. You can go to many major sights by subway, city bus or taxi.

Learn more about Beijing transportation

Accommodation

Beijing offers top-class also flexible choice of accommodation. There are many luxury international hotel brands satisfying who pursuit deluxe stay, such as Shangri-La, Hilton, Marriott, Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, etc. At the same time, many domestic hotels with local features are also recommended as your choices for their more budget price while pleasant service.

Most hotels are conveniently located in or nearby the city central area. You can easily transfer to the surrounding tourist sites easily.

Learn more about Beijing hotels >>

Useful Maps

Top help you learn better about Beijing's location, attractions, etc., we have collected following tourist maps which are latest, downloadable and printable. View more Beijing maps >>

Bejing Attractions Map

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destination among more than 70 tourist destination and regions. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China

Chinese Name: Beijing

Chinese Pinyin: Běi Jīng

English IPA: /'bei'dʒiŋ/

Population: 21.148 million

Language: Mandarin & Beijing Dialect

Tel Code: 010

Zip Code: 100000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Plan Your Beijing Tour

Usually, 2~6 days are needed to explore Beijing and surrounding. The city central area gathers most of highlights of Beijing, including Forbidden City, Temple Heaven, Hutongs and so on, which can be done in two days. Spend a full day out of the city to hike the Great Wall and discover the Tombs of Ming Dynasty.

From Beijing, you can easily extend your trip to close destinations, such as Pingyao, Chengdu, Xian, Datong, Tianjing, and Hohhot within short transfer. Beijing is usually the starting point of an in-depth China tour to other famous destinations, such as Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, Lhasa, etc.

> Beijing Trip Planner

> Top Beijing Tour Packages

> Beijing Great Wall Tours

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Beijing for the past few years. Among them, a special team of over 50 VIPKID teachers from North America traveled with us to see their dear studends in China with amazing experience in Beijing and shared us their special travel story ! Travel with China Discovery to create your great China trip memories!

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Mar 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Beijing, only eclipsed by Shanghai in terms of size, is not only the political center of China - a position it has held for more than 800 years - it also 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 - still sometimes referred to as Peking - is a great place from which to explore this dynamic country due to its dense network of road, rail, 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, numerous important temples, 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.

1. The Palace Museum and the Forbidden City

2. the great wall of china, 3. tiananmen square, 4. beihai park, 5. the temple of heaven, 6. the summer palace, 7. beijing national stadium, 8. the lama temple (yonghe), 9. beijing capital museum & the national centre for the performing arts, 10. beijing ancient observatory, 11. the fayuan temple, 12. coal hill park (jingshan), 13. the beijing temple of confucius, 14. beijing zoo, 15. the old summer palace at yuanmingyuan park, 16. 798 art zone, 17. national museum of china, where to stay in beijing for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in beijing, beijing, china - climate chart.

The Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City

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

Official site: https://en.dpm.org.cn

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.

Tiananmen Square (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 Museum of the Chinese 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 , where 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.

Also try to include the residence of Guo Moruo 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

Official site: www.beihaipark.com.cn//english/index.html

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 - which together symbolize Heaven and Earth.

It was here that, on the day of the winter solstice, the Emperor would ascend the Heavenly Altar in 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, 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 (kids love the dragon-themed vessels) that ferry tourists to one of the palace's temples, as well as a stroll past the traditional riverside shops on Suzhou Market Street.

Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Official site: www.summerpalace-china.com/English/index.htm

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 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.

Afterwards, 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

Official site: www.n-s.cn/enindex.jsp

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 - include the huge stele of Emperor Qian Long, weighing more than 40 tons, standing nearly seven meters in height, and containing 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), along with 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 gardens.

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 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 (non-Muslims aren't permitted to enter) 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.

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 1,000 species - the largest in the country - the zoo includes many rare native species such as South China tigers, snow leopards, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and pandas, along with some not so rare, such as 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, 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."

Looted and destroyed by the British and French during the Second Opium War in 1860 - the palace was home to a vast and important collection of art and antiquities - 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.

Official site: www.yuanmingyuanpark.cn/sy/english/PON/

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. It 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 book stores and galleries to designer fashion boutiques - along with great 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.

Particularly 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

Oofficial site: http://en.chnmuseum.cn

Luxury Hotels:

For those unconcerned about price, you can't do much better than to book a stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Beijing . This elegant five-star luxury hotel offers a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites boasting stylish decor, as well as amenities including multiple restaurants and a deluxe spa.
Another well-regarded luxury option is the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Beijing , popular for its central location, sizable bedrooms, and even larger suites, along with amenities including a fitness center, hot-tub, and indoor swimming pool.
Also worthy of consideration is the all-suite The Peninsula Beijing , a five-star hotel boasting spacious accommodations with separate living and sleeping areas, all decorated with delightful Chinese themes.

Mid-Range Hotels:

The Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel is a popular mid-range high-rise hotel, which features a pleasant contemporary design, rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, along with multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, and a sauna.
Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel is another great option in this price category and features pleasant Chinese-themed public spaces; a variety of room sizes, from cozy singles to spacious family suites; and many amenities, including a café and concierge service (and yes, free shadow puppet shows, too).
If you're looking for a great place to stay near the historic Huguosi Hutong area, the Sofu Hotel is an excellent choice and comes with modern, comfortable rooms and lounges all just a short stroll from great shopping and dining.

Budget Hotels:

The wonderfully named Double Happiness Beijing Courtyard Hotel is a pleasant three-star affair, which boasts outstanding staff and an authentic Chinese feel, along with traditional-styled furniture in its rooms, some of which overlook a leafy courtyard.
Also popular in the budget hotel category, the Nostalgia Hotel Beijing Xidan is just a short walk from the city's metro and, as its name suggests, comes with a fun nostalgic feel and vintage décor.
A great option for younger couples and friends traveling together is the Beijing Downtown Travelotel , which offers clean, comfortable accommodations along with a variety of tour options, all just steps away from the Imperial City.

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Beijing Travel Guide

Courtesy of Steve Peterson Photography | Getty Images

16 Best Things To Do in Beijing

Updated February 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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Traveling to Beijing, China: Your Ultimate Travel Guide [2024]

Beijing is a captivating city that combines the allure of narrow, picturesque alleys, traditional teahouses, vibrant bar streets, bustling commercial districts, contemporary elements, and the authentic charm of old Beijing. This unique blend has contributed to Beijing’s extensive and profound cultural heritage, as well as its orthodox yet elegant lifestyle.

Must-visit attractions in Beijing include iconic landmarks such as Summer Palace, the majestic Forbidden City, and the awe-inspiring Great Wall. Moreover, Beijing offers a diverse range of choices tailored to individual interests, whether it’s a couple seeking romantic experiences or a family in search of cultural wonders. Whether your heart yearns for royal monuments or fashionable neighborhoods, Beijing has the perfect place waiting to be discovered.

You might also be interested in: 🍳 25 BEST PEKING DUCK RESTAURANTS IN BEIJING, CHINA 2023 🍜 15 Best Noodle Dishes in Beijing|Restaurants Included 2023 🍚 62 Best Beijing Chinese Foods & Snacks You Must Try 2023 🏠 91 Best Restaurants in Beijing China in 2023 [Locals’ Guide]

🌟beijing travel planning guide.

🔍Where is Beijing China Located?

🌏Getting to Beijing, China

🚗how to get around beijing, ☀️weather for beijing travel (best time to visit), 🌟34 best things to do in beijing, china, 🏨where to stay in beijing, 🌸final tip on traveling to beijing, china travel planning guide&faq.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can learn more about this in my disclosure policy.

Considering a last-minute trip to Beijing? Check out the finest tours, hotels, and more below! Remember to plan in advance for the top attractions in Beijing! 🇨🇳 Top Activities and Tours in Beijing: 1. Beijing Classic Full-Day Tour : With an informed guide, delve into the enigma of the Forbidden City, a highly popular Chinese landmark, while also appreciating the grand allure of the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. 2. Best Beijing Hutong Food and Beer Tour : Immerse yourself in the rich historical ambiance while discovering the local way of life, and indulging in traditional cuisine at hidden gems and authentic family-run eateries. 3. Best Great Wall Tour: Discover the best-guided group tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall , Badaling Great Wall , and Jinshanling Great Wall , renowned for their ancient splendor, including lunch and an uncrowded experience. 4. Universal Beijing Resort Admission : Experience the grandeur of the largest Universal Studios with seven themed areas, 37 exhilarating rides, iconic landmarks, and exclusive early entry benefits. 🏨 Top Hotels in Beijing: Mandarin Oriental Hotel (luxury) Manxin Courtyard Hotel (affordable luxury) Crystal Orange Hotel (mid-range) Atour Light (budegt-friendly) 🌐Make sure to install ExpressVPN in advance for unrestricted internet access during your stay in China!

🔍 Where is Beijing China Located?

Beijing, the capital city of China, is located in the northeastern part of the country. It is situated at approximately 39.9 degrees north latitude and 116.4 degrees east longitude.

Beijing is surrounded by the province of Hebei to the north, west, and south, while the municipality of Tianjin lies to its southeast. With its strategic position in northern China, Beijing serves as a cultural, political, and economic center.

If you’re a visitor looking for different ways of getting to Vancouver, here’s some practical advice on how to get here.

✈️Getting to Beijing by Plane

Beijing is served by two primary airports: Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport.

Capital International Airport , situated approximately 20 kilometers from the city center, stands as China’s busiest civil airport. It serves as the preferred arrival point for most tourists visiting Beijing. The airport offers comprehensive facilities and transportation options. There are five airport bus lines connecting it to downtown, providing convenient access. Additionally, taking the subway from the airport to the city is also highly convenient. Taxis are readily available at Terminals T2 and T3.

Daxing International Airport , a newly constructed airport completed in 2019, serves as the second-largest international airport in Beijing after Capital International Airport. It is located approximately 47 kilometers from downtown. The airport provides 12 airport bus lines for transportation to the city. Passengers can catch the airport bus at Gate 20 on the east side of the first floor of the terminal. Taxis are available on the first floor of the terminal building, with three designated platforms. For online car bookings, the designated area is the 1M floor of the P1 parking building.

🚆Getting to Beijing by Train

For train and high-speed train travel, Beijing has five main stations . The majority of trains make stops at Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing West Railway Station.

Among these stations, Beijing Railway Station serves routes to cities such as Jinan, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and others. Beijing South Railway Station primarily handles trains heading to Tianjin, Harbin, and other northeastern regions, as well as Hefei, Shanghai, Nanjing, Jinan, Qingdao, and other eastern areas. Beijing West Railway Station is mainly used for journeys to destinations including Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan, Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Taiyuan, Xi’an, and other regions in the northwest and south.

Subway : The subway system in Beijing offers the most convenient and efficient mode of transportation. Currently, there are 16 subway lines and 1 dedicated airport line operational, providing coverage to major commercial areas and tourist attractions within and around the city. The subway operates from around 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, with slight variations in the schedule for each line. The fare for subway journeys starts at CNY 3 and is based on the distance traveled, with a maximum fare of CNY 7.

Bus : Beijing’s public bus system is highly developed, encompassing comprehensive routes. Buses generally operate between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm, with some routes extending until 11:00 pm. Additionally, 15 night buses continue to operate during late hours. On urban bus lines, the fare is typically CNY 1, except for buses whose numbers begin with “6” or above, which are charged based on the distance traveled. It’s important to swipe your transportation card when boarding and alighting the bus. Failure to swipe when getting off will result in the full fare being charged.

Taxi/Online Car-hailing : In the absence of subway and bus options, taking a taxi or utilizing online car-hailing services is a convenient choice in Beijing. The initial cost for a taxi ride within a 3-kilometer distance is CNY 14. The regular price per kilometer is CNY 2.3, and during nighttime, an additional 20% of the regular price per kilometer is charged.

🔥Tip : A helpful tip to note is that traffic congestion in Beijing, particularly during rush hour, can be quite severe. Hence, the subway is recommended for travel during these periods. It is important to avoid unlicensed taxis , as they tend to be exorbitantly priced. Official taxis in Beijing have license plates starting with “京 B.”

Beijing experiences distinct seasons, including hot and rainy summers and cold and dry winters. January is the coldest month, often with temperatures below 0°C, while July is the hottest, occasionally reaching nearly 40°C.

March-May : During the spring months of March to May, Beijing experiences a short and fluctuating season. The temperature alternates between rises and falls, and there are occasional dust storms. Despite these challenges, there are still pleasant and warm days in May to enjoy outdoor activities.

June-August : Beijing has a relatively brief but hot summer, with many days reaching high temperatures, particularly around noon, up to 40°C. However, the suburbs around Beijing offer a refreshing escape from the heat. Additionally, this period coincides with the summer vacation for Chinese students, leading to increased tourist activity.

⭐ September-November : Autumn is the most suitable season for traveling to Beijing . The temperature is pleasant, not too cold, and it is considered the most beautiful time of the year. From late October to early November, Fragrance Hill in Beijing is renowned for its red autumn leaves, attracting climbers and photography enthusiasts to flock to witness this breathtaking spectacle. It is also the best time to climb the Great Wall, showcasing the most beautiful scenery of the year.

December-February : Winter in Beijing is characterized by naked trees and very cold weather. However, it is also the liveliest time of the year , featuring bustling temple fairs from early December to mid-February. These fairs attract large crowds and create a vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect time to enjoy a hot pot of instant-boiled mutton and partake in a festive Chinese New Year celebration, adding to the charm of visiting Beijing during winter.

1. Explore the Forbidden City – One of the Best Places to Visit in Beijing

The Forbidden City, also called the Palace Museum, is a remarkable complex of ancient wooden structures, renowned as the world’s largest and best-preserved. It is also home to millions of invaluable cultural artifacts, constituting one-sixth of China’s total cultural relics.

When visiting Beijing, most first-time visitors prioritize a trip to the Forbidden City. The typical tour follows a specific route, starting at the Meridian Gate and progressing through the three main halls of the Outer Court including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony, then proceeding to the three main halls of the Inner Court consists of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union, and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and finally exploring the Western Six Palaces. The tour concludes by passing through the back of the Imperial Garden, visiting the Palace of Benevolent Peace and the Western Six Palaces, and exiting through the Gate of Divine Prowess.

The tour of the central axis, including the primary three halls, is the busiest but offers the best views along the way. It is recommended to have a guide who can provide detailed historical insights. For those wishing to avoid crowds, an alternative option is to bypass the main three halls and head directly to the east and west six palaces, where visitor numbers are significantly lower.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY60 | Nov to Mar: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 8:30-17:00 | Nov to Mar: 8:30-16:30; it is closed on Mondays, except for the Chinese statutory holidays. 🚇By subway: Take subway line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit B) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), and walk 900 meters to arrive

2. Glimpse the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is situated at the central point of Beijing’s north-south axis, adjacent to the Forbidden City to the south and Beihai Park to the west. It was once the tallest point in the city’s center. The park boasts a wide variety of impressive old trees and picturesque peaks with each hosting a lofty pavilion and a stunning array of peonies that bloom in May every year. The Wanchun Pavilion is recognized as the commanding peak on the central axis of Beijing, offering a commanding view of the Forbidden City and providing a panoramic view of the city.

Jingshan sits at a mere 43 meters above sea level, but it claims the title of the highest viewpoint in the vicinity of the Forbidden City. Tourists flock here every day to marvel at the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. However, not everyone is privy to the most stunning view of the palace. Timing is crucial! The optimal time to glimpse the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park is up until noon when the sun rays bathe the red walls and yellow tiles, resulting in a majestic and beautiful rosy red hue that surpasses the first-hand experience.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY2 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:00 – 21:00 | Nov to Mar: 06:30-20:00 🚍By bus: Take bus 5 or 58 and get off at Xibanqiao Station.

3. Explore the Beihai Park

Beihai Park, located in the heart of Beijing, is considered China’s most ancient, well-preserved, and historically significant classical royal garden. The park is divided into four distinct areas: the Eastern Shore Area, the Botanical Garden of Qiongdao, the Northern Shore Area, and Round City.

The Eastern Shore Area features courtyard-style gardens like Painted Boat Hall and Hao Pu Creek Garden (Haopujian), surrounded by tall pines and cypress trees, creating a charming naturalistic ambiance reminiscent of traditional southern gardens.

In the Northern Shore Area, from east to west, visitors can explore scenic spots such as Minor Western Heaven, Quieting Heart Room (Jingxin Room), Western Heaven Temple, Nine-Dragon Wall, Chanfu Temple, and the Five-Dragon Pavilions. These structures blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings and offer breathtaking views of the lakeside. A notable landmark in Beihai Park is the White Pagoda, which is a Tibetan lama’s Pagoda.

The north gate of Beihai Park can be reached easily by taking subway Line 6, and both the north and south gates can be accessed by various bus routes. On the opposite side, you can find the iconic Forbidden City and Jingshan Park, while Shichahai is located next to the north gate.

Visitors can also observe local Beijing elders singing, dancing, and engaging in physical exercise, imparting an authentic and rich flavor of life to the park. While there are shops and restaurants within the park, they tend to be more expensive than those outside.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY10 | Nov to Mar: CNY5 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:30 – 21:00 | Nov to Mar: 06:30-20:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6 and get off at Beihai Bei Station, and get out from Exit B.

4. Visit the Temple of Heaven – A Sacred Place with Historical Significance

The Temple of Heaven was a sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held the Heaven Worship Ceremony to pray for abundant rainfall and a plentiful harvest . The complex is comprised of an outer and an inner section, separated by two encircling walls.

The Circular Mound Altar(Huanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven(Huangqiongyu), and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests(Qiniandian) are the most impressive buildings in the complex, arranged from south to north. Visitors can also appreciate the ingenious design of the Echo Walls and Three Echo Stones.

To make the most of your visit , the typical tour order begins at the South Gate and proceeds to the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Three Echo Stones, Danbi Bridge, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Palace of Abstinence, the Divine Music Administration, and exits through the North or East Gate.

The Temple of Heaven holds great historical significance and is definitely a must-visit destination. To ensure that you don’t miss out on the core parts of the temple, purchasing a combined ticket is advised . If time permits, it’s recommended to delve deeper into the park to enjoy its relaxing atmosphere and admire the ancient trees. Exiting from the North Gate is suggested, where you can find a Ciqikou bean juice shop across the street, offering authentic Beijing snacks at an affordable price. Taking the subway from the North Gate is also a convenient option.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY15 | Nov to Mar: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-22:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, and leave from Exit A

5. Witness the Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tian’anmen Square

As the largest square in the world , Tian’anmen Square is surrounded by several notable landmarks, including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China on its west and east sides, respectively.

Continuing south of the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall will lead you to ZhengYang Gate (also known as Qianmen). The Monument to the People’s Heroes is located in the center of the square, while Tiananmen Tower can be found on the opposite side of the square, on the north side of Chang’an Street, and nearby the sparkling Jinshui River. Daily, the flag-raising and lowering ceremony is held in a solemn manner at Tian’anmen Square, so it is highly recommended for newcomers to Beijing attend this important event.

The flag-raising ceremony in Tiananmen Square takes place every day at a fixed time, regardless of weather conditions. During early summer, the ceremony takes place at 4 o’clock, while in winter, it is at 7 o’clock. If you miss the flag-raising, you can still witness the lowering ceremony in the afternoon at sunset. The flagbearers team is located inside Tiananmen Square and the training takes place outside the east side of the gate. You can observe the flagbearers practicing their swing posture up close.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Subway Station and walk about 333 meters

6. Visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall - beijing travel

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, situated in Tian’anmen Square south of the Monument to the People’s Heroes, was erected as a tribute to Chairman Mao. Its construction was completed in 1977, and it has a sprawling area of more than 57,000 square meters, out of which the construction area is about 28,000 square meters.

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is the main building consisting of two floors. The roof of the hall is a double-eave roof that is supported by forty-four granite pillars on a large Burgundy granite base. The hall also has six memorial rooms and a movie theater. Every year, thousands of visitors come to pay their respects to Chairman Mao.

The Chairman Mao Memorial Hall remains closed every Monday, but it is accessible to the public from Tuesday to Sunday during the morning hours between 8-12 PM. It is free to visit the hall upon presenting a valid ID, but visitors are required to undergo a security check. Kindly note that bags, cameras, water cups, and other items are not allowed inside and must be stored before entering. There is a long queue that typically forms during peak periods.

🚇By subway: Take subway line 1 to Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West Station, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is to the south.

7. Pay A Visit to the National Museum of China

National Museum of China - beijing travel

The National Museum of China is the largest contemporary museum in the world , covering almost 200,000 square meters and boasting an extensive collection of over one million artifacts. The museum comprises five floors and 48 exhibition halls, making it one of the Chinese museums with the most extensive and diverse collections of cultural relics.

Its collection is comprehensive and spans a vast historical period, featuring a wide array of materials and forms such as tortoise shells, bronze ware, porcelain, jade, gold and silverware, coins, Buddhist sculptures, ancient books, calligraphy, imperial seals, paintings, Ming & Qing furniture, enamelware, glassware, silk goods, handicrafts, ethnic relics, folk relics, and revolutionary relics. The museum offers an exhaustive showcase of the country’s traditional and exquisite cultural heritage.

There are numerous galleries within the museum, but the Ancient China Gallery and the Ancient Chinese Bronze Art Gallery are both unmissable for those with a bit of background knowledge. While the staff are well-groomed and provide good service, it’s unfortunate that no tour brochures are available and the electronic interpreter only covers a portion of the cultural artifacts. However, visitors can take advantage of the professional free and volunteer interpreters present in the museum to gain significant knowledge and learn about a plethora of amazing treasures. Furthermore, to save time amongst the crowds, online appointments can be made before visiting the museum.

🎫Admission ticket: most galleries are free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, and leave from Exit A

8. Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution – Fans of Weapon Must See

Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution - beijing travel

Established in 1959, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution is situated on the extension of Chang’an Street, which is located west of Tiananmen Square. It is the only all-encompassing military history museum in China, boasting an exhibition area of almost 60,000 square meters and a construction area of around 159,000 square meters, showcasing an array of historical weapons, cultural relics, artworks, and gifts exchanged during foreign military alliances .

The grand building features an impressive 7 floors, including two wings of four stories each and a large military emblem at the top. The venue consists of 10 exhibition halls, which include the Ancient Wars Hall, and Weapons Hall, as well as two halls dedicated to the War of Liberation and Anti-Japanese War, among others.

If weaponry intrigues you, the Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution in Beijing is a must-see. This museum provides a miniature portrayal of China’s entire war history, from ancient to modern times, with detailed and well-crafted exhibits. The Anti-Japanese War display showcases a complete collection of weaponry, including a vast array of Chinese, American, and Japanese weapons.

The exhibit halls are arranged chronologically, from the shallow to the deep, making it easy to understand each weapon in a particular historical period. Additionally, there are many unique models and souvenirs available for purchase, making this a perfect destination for model enthusiasts. A single day may not be enough to fully explore everything the museum has to offer.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 or Line 9 and get off at Junshi Bowuguan (Military Museum) Station and get out from Exit A

9. Explore Another Museum at Capital Museum

The Capital Museum is a large and comprehensive museum in Beijing spanning over an area of 24,832 square meters with five floors above ground and two floors underground. The exhibition of the museum consists of three main components: Main Display, Fine Collection Display, and Temporary Exhibition. With 5622 cultural relics on display, visitors can see a range of items such as bronze ware, ceramic ware, Buddha statues, jade, gold and silver, coins, calligraphy, painting, embroidery, and more.

🎫Admission ticket: free ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00; closed on Mondays 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Muxidi Station, and get out from Exit C1.

10. Wander the YuYuanTan Park

This park in downtown Beijing is one of the largest and offers various picturesque spots, making it an ideal place for residents to unwind and take a leisurely walk. One of its most renowned attractions is the Cherry Garden , which boasts thousands of cherry trees imported from Japan. During the months of March and April, visitors can witness the stunning display of cherry blossoms that lasts for over a month.

Yuyuantan Park enjoys a convenient location with easy access through subway and bus transportation, and it generally doesn’t get overly crowded. However, the Yuyuantan Cherry Blossom Festival, held annually in April, tends to attract a large number of visitors, resulting in long ticket queues. During summer, visitors can enjoy boating and swimming in the park, while an ice festival takes place every winter, adding to the park’s diverse attractions.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00-21:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Military Museum Station and enter from the northern side of China Millennium Monument

11. Stroll Qianmen Street

Qianmen Street is Beijing’s well-known shopping and sightseeing street situated on the central axis of the city, extending from the north end of the Archery Tower of Qianmen to the turning point of Tiantan Park in the south, covering roughly 845 meters. It was formerly called Zhengyangmen Street during the Ming and Qing Dynasties till the Republican era, and in 1965, it was officially renamed Qianmen Street.

The street boasts many renowned old-fashioned restaurants , including Quanjude, Donglaishun, Siji Minfu, and Yitiaolong, among others. While maintaining its original traditional and historic shops, new stores such as clothing department stores, food stores, and watch stores have also emerged. The street is worth a visit if one is interested in exploring Beijing’s heritage and culture.

Qianmen Street underwent renovations before the 2008 Olympic Games, and since then it has lost some of its former vibrancy and popularity. However, the street still boasts numerous old buildings adorned with archways, traditional brands, and red lanterns, providing a glimpse into old Beijing’s flavor- perfect for sightseeing and photo opportunities. While strolling along the pedestrian street, visitors can also opt for a small sightseeing trolley called Dang Dang Che, which spans several hundred meters and costs around CNY 20.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 to Qianmen Station and get out from Exit B or C.

12. Walk in Dashilar Street

Dashilar is a popular commercial street located in the central part of Beijing. Its total length is 275 meters from east to west, and it is an essential part of the south-central axis, situated south of Tian’anmen Square and on the west side of Qianmen Street. The street boasts numerous shopping, dining, and entertainment options, along with time-famous brands, making it a go-to place to experience Beijing culture. In the past, it used to serve as Beijing’s center for entertainment, with various notable opera houses, teahouses, book shops, and the earliest cinema in Beijing’s history located there.

Situated in the heart of ancient Beijing lies an array of options for purchasing Beijing’s old objects and tasting the city’s famous delicacies in Liubiju, Rui Fu Xiang, and Quanjude. Dashilar boasts an exquisite display of traditional Chinese architecture, a popular spot for foreigners to capture memorable photographs. However, the current reality of modern times has commercialized the area, resulting in the appearance of modern signage that takes away from the charm of old Beijing.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station. Get out from Exit C and then walk south for about five minutes.

13. Enjoy Peking Duck at Quanjude

Beijing Quanjude is a legendary restaurant that has become an iconic symbol of Chinese cuisine, particularly known for its mouthwatering Peking duck . With a rich history spanning over 150 years, it has earned a reputation as one of Beijing’s must-visit culinary destinations.

Quanjude’s roast duck is a culinary masterpiece, boasting crispy skin and succulent meat, served with delicate pancakes, scallions, and a delectable hoisin sauce. The restaurant’s skilled chefs meticulously prepare the ducks using traditional techniques, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

Over the years, Quanjude has welcomed countless dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, adding to its allure. Beyond the famous roast duck, Quanjude offers a range of delectable dishes that showcase the essence of authentic Chinese cuisine. It is truly a gastronomic delight that captures the essence of Beijing’s culinary heritage.

⏰Opening Hours: 11:00 – 14:00 16:30 – 21:00 📍Address: No.30 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District

14. Appreciate the Charm of Old Beijing at Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang, also known as South Gong and Drum Lane, is a historical and cultural landmark situated in Beijing. This 786-meter-long and 8-meter-wide alley is one of the oldest surviving hutongs in Beijing and is listed among the city’s 25 protected areas. It dates back to the time of the Yuan Dynasty and has the distinction of being the only well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Hutong courtyard structure. This historic residential area is truly remarkable due to its large scale and highest-grade checkerboard traditional layout.

Today, it features various specialty shops with different styles, elegant private houses, and restaurants that provide an exciting combination of old Beijing hutong and modern appeal . It now has become a fashionable hotspot in Beijing, blending modern elements with the historical essence of old Beijing. Anyone who wants to appreciate the quiet charm of old Beijing could visit the traditional courtyard dwellings on both sides of the road. These houses feature former residences of celebrities and historic buildings that can be explored.

Nanluoguxiang remains the most intact alley of conventional courtyard houses in Beijing. The majority of the courtyard residences in the hutong are private dwellings, which are not accessible for visiting. It is noteworthy that making sure to visit the Wenyu Nai Lao store to purchase cheese or yogurt is recommended. Nowadays, Nanluoguxiang is increasingly crowded with tourists, particularly during weekends and holidays; and many of the goods sold here are more expensive than anywhere else.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6/ Line 8 directly to Nanluogu Xiang

15. Taking a Stroll Down the Yandai Xiejie

Yandai Xiejie, which spans 232 meters in length, is renowned as the oldest commercial street in Beijing. During the Qing Dynasty, this street was primarily dedicated to selling cigarette sets, mounted calligraphy and painting, and jade artifacts. Its enigmatic name was inspired by its resemblance to a smoking pipe, with the eastern entrance being likened to a cigarette holder.

A trip down this avenue is a quintessential experience showcasing ancient customs , including Beijing paper-cut, sugar-blowing figures, and characteristic snacks. A range of local and traditional delicacies such as Yaoji fried liver, and roasted lamb prepared by Master Ji can be found in the vicinity, so don’t miss out!

The route to the street can be accessed by taking a leisurely walk from Nanluoguxiang, which is in close proximity to the street. It is quite narrow and is lined with small shops selling varying specialties. You can also come across numerous small souvenirs being sold, however, due to the flocks of people, waiting in line is almost inevitable for purchasing anything.

Taking a stroll down the street for a while can take you to Houhai which is quite bustling, especially during the evening hours. If you get tired walking, you can opt for a tricycle tour that is popular for hutong sightseeing.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai, get out of the station from Exit A2, and then walk west for 1 minute

16. Learn Chinese Cuisine at Black Sesame Kitchen

If you’re all about exploring different food cultures, then Black Sesame Kitchen is the spot for you! It’s been hailed as one of Asia’s finest by Miele Guide, guaranteeing you a truly unique experience. By day, the kitchen transforms into a hotspot for private Chinese cooking classes tailored to international folks. You can roll up your sleeves and learn the art of dumplings and noodles, among other tasty techniques. But here’s the deal: those classes are super popular, so snag your spot ahead of time. When evening rolls around, the restaurant switches gears and serves up a delicious set menu of Chinese dishes . It’s a fantastic chance to mingle with folks from all over the globe and delve deeper into Chinese cuisine and culture. And yes, you can totally make advance bookings for this culinary adventure.

⏰Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 📍Address: 28 Zhong Lao Hutong The Courtyard Institute, Dongcheng District

17. Admire the Serene Bell and Drum Tower

The Bell and Drum Tower is a group of ancient buildings located at the northern end of Beijing’s north-south central axis. It served as the time-telling center of the Han, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and played a crucial role in the city’s history . The pair of towers stand in the front and back and have an imposing and magnificent appearance. And This scale and height of the tower construction are unparalleled in the history of the urban bell and drum towers.

While the Bell and Drum Tower may not offer a multitude of sights, its modest size in comparison to other world cultural heritage sites in this imperial capital ensures a serene and tranquil experience for the few tourists from home and abroad who come to explore its historical significance.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY20 ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 and get off at Guloudajie Station, walk 10 minutes to the tower

18. Enjoy A Night at Houhai Bar Street

Houhai stretches from Menwai Street in the east to Xinjiekou Street in the west and boasts of an ancient historical atmosphere that imbues the place with a mysterious color. The bars here are distinct and not excessively noisy , offering a unique cultural atmosphere and melodious singing that make for a modern urban alternative. To ensure the best clubbing experience here, it is advisable to avoid getting lost among the numerous choices and feeling embarrassed when rejecting a waiter’s warm greetings.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station and leave from Exit A2.

19. Visit Prince Gong Mansion – A Best-Preserved Imperial Mansion

Prince Gong Mansion also referred to as Gong Wang Fu in Chinese, is the most extensively conserved imperial mansion in China that comprises more than 30 buildings showcasing Western architecture and traditional garden designs. Its compact layout and distinct style have made it a remarkable place to visit.

Initially serving as the dwelling of Heshen, a Qing Dynasty official, the mansion witnessed the historical transition from the dynasty’s prosperity to its decline. The divided complex includes two parts – the mansion and the garden area . Within the mansion, there are multiple luxurious courtyard houses as the residential section, while the garden area located at the back of the mansion is called Jincui Yuan. Within the garden precinct, there are three unique features which include the Western-Style Gate, the Grand Theater House, and the ‘fu’ Stele, which are also known as the Three Uniqueness in Prince Gong Mansion.

The mansion from the Qing Dynasty boasts an artistic beauty that is just as impressive as that of the Forbidden City, showcasing some things that even the royal family doesn’t have. Currently, there are museum exhibitions that relate to Qing history. During spring, visitors can bask in the beauty of the garden, which boasts different types of blooming flowers.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 6 to Beihai North and leave from Exit B

20. Go to See the Lama Temple – The Largest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Beijing

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, is situated in the northeast corner of Beijing and is regarded as the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in the area, widely visited by locals for worship . It spans a total area of 6.6 square meters, featuring more than one thousand temples that seamlessly blend various ethnic architectural styles such as Han, Manchu, and Mongolian.

The temple comprises five main buildings, including the Yonghe Gate Hall, the main hall Yonghe Gong, the Yongyou Hall, the Falun Hall, and Wanfu Pavilion, which stand apart in their specific courtyards. The height of the buildings lessens as one proceeds northwards.

Currently, the Lama Temple in Beijing has become the most prosperous religious site for praying for good fortune. Adjacent to the entrance gate, there is a small window that offers the free distribution of Buddha incense. It is strictly prohibited to take photographs of the Buddha statues within the temple premises. Visitors are expected to comply with the rules and regulations of the temple.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY25 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 09:00 – 17:00 | Nov to Mar: 09:00-16:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong (Yonghe Temple) Station, get out of the station from Exit F

21. See the Confucius Temple and The Imperial College

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial College (Guozijian), constructed during the Yuan Dynasty, served as places of worship for emperors to Confucius and as the central government’s most prestigious institution of learning , respectively. Located symmetrically along the central axis, these two architectural complexes make up a magnificent and comprehensive display of ancient Chinese architecture.

Some of the key structures found in the Beijing Confucius Temple are the Xianshi Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongshengci (Worship Hall), with the Dacheng Hall being the holiest temple in the Confucian Temple. The Imperial College’s main building remains well-preserved after more than seven centuries and is currently the sole fully-preserved site of China’s highest ancient university.

The Confucius Temple and the Imperial College may not hold the status of being a world cultural heritage or a 5A scenic spot, but they are still worth a visit, especially for individuals who are interested in Chinese ancient architecture along with the history and culture. Not as crowded as the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace, one can find towering ancient trees and splendid temples inside, and the 14 stone stele pavilions from the Ming and Qing dynasties are highly valuable sources of historical information about ancient China. Visiting this place can provide a great insight into the tradition of honoring Confucius during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and one can also gain knowledge about the ancient education system’s highest university.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY30 ⏰Opening hours: May to Oct: 08:30 – 18:00 | Nov to Apr: 08:30 – 17:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghegong Station, and get out from Exit G

22. Enjoy Coffee at Wudaoying Alley

Wudaoying Hutong is a notable hutong in Beijing with a length of a little over 600 meters. The buildings are in the Chinese style and feature mottled red paint that adds an aged feel to the area. The big red gate, gate pile, and drum-shaped bearing stone are juxtaposed with modern shops, signs, and advertisements, forming a strong contrast between Chinese and Western cultures.

It is now becoming a hub for young people in Beijing, with a plethora of creative shops, cafes, and boutiques to explore. The street is adjacent to an ordinary residential area, blending street life with the latest fashion trend. Though there aren’t many tourists here, it’s an excellent spot to grab a coffee and feel at peace.

Wudaoying Hutong, which is often frequented by young people and foreign tourists, can be included in an itinerary alongside The Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and The Imperial College Museum. Unlike the bustling atmosphere of Nanluoguxiang (South Luogu Lane), this location offers a quieter experience. The area boasts an array of cafes, restaurants, B&Bs, jewelry shops, and clothing stores. It is known that many of the shop owners here are expatriates and returnees.

🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 to Yonghegong Station, get out of the station from Exit F

23. Stroll Around Ditan Park

Ditan Park, alternatively referred to as the Temple of Earth, holds the position of being the second of the five altars present in Beijing. It was a place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties offered sacrifices to the “imperial deities” and still remains the most substantial sacrificial altar in China . The ancient trees within the premises are worth admiring, especially during autumn when the ginkgo trees turn golden, and the place is relatively less crowded. Additionally, every Spring Festival, a bustling temple fair takes place, which showcases a sacrificial performance resembling the Qing Dynasty and displays the grandeur of its ceremonies.

The size of the Temple of Earth may not be huge but it has a relatively high number of vegetation covered with a variety of old trees. During the autumn season, many photographers visit there to capture the beauty of the ginkgo leaves in shades of yellow. People also gather there to perform various activities such as singing, dancing, and playing guitar. Overall, it’s a tranquil location.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY2 ⏰Opening hours: May to Oct: 06:00 – 21:30 | Nov to Apr: 06:00-20:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 2 or Subway Line 5 to Yonghegong Station and get out from Exit A

24. Find Art at 798 Art District

The 798 Art District is situated in the northeast part of Beijing and is referred to as the Dashanzi Art District, situated in the Dashanzi zone. Art enthusiasts will find solace in this old, converted factory that showcases various contemporary and innovative artistic expressions from around the world, including art exhibitions, galleries, photography, clay sculpture, coffee, bars, graffiti, boutiques, design studios, and art performances. Additionally, it hosts significant international art exhibitions, art events, and fashion shows.

🎫Admission ticket: Free; some galleries and exhibition halls sell admission tickets ⏰Opening hours: The art district is open all day long. Most shops and galleries inside are open from 10:00 to 18:00 and some may close on Monday 🚍By bus: Take bus 401, 402, 405, 418, 445, 973, 988, 991 or Fast Transit Line 117 to Wangyefen Station or Dashanzi Lukou Nan Station

25. Purchase Second-hand Goods at Panjiayuan Flea Market

Beijing Panjiayuan Flea Market, established in 1992, is the most extensive and well-known market for second-hand goods and curios in China . It covers 48,500 square meters and is situated in the southeast corner of Beijing’s Third Ring Road, Chaoyang district. Stores are open every day, while street stalls are only available on weekends.

If you happen to be a collector or enthusiast of Chinese antiques, crafts, or collectibles, then you might want to consider visiting this marketplace. The best time to drop by is on Saturdays and Sundays as there is a wider selection of items on offer. You can find cultural relics, paintings and calligraphy, the four treasures of the study, pearl, and agate, Beijing Opera facial masks, porcelain wood, furniture crafts, and other collections here. However, be cautious when making any purchases as there are many counterfeit goods being sold. Make sure to carefully examine the items, compare prices, and choose your sellers wisely to avoid being taken advantage of.

⏰Opening hours: Mon to Fri: 8:00-17:30 | Sat to Sun: 04:30-17:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 10 to Panjiayuan Station and leave from Exit B

26. Visit Beijing Olympic Park

The Olympic Park in Beijing is situated at the north end of the central axis of Beijing, spreading over an area of 11.59 square kilometers. The most iconic landmarks of the park include the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube , which are located in the southern part and are representative of the Beijing Olympics; The Beijing National Indoor Stadium is one of the three main venues for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, its shape resembles an unfolded folding fan, and adjacent to the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”.

The Olympic Forest Park , the most extensive urban park in Beijing, is situated north of the Olympic Park and is now a natural scenic getaway for the city’s residents. The Sunken Garden , composed of seven courtyards with elements of Chinese culture, effectively showcases China’s cultural heritage in a modern context.

The southern section of the Olympic Park features a diverse range of natural beauty, such as lakes, woodlands, hills, and wetlands, across the entire park, conveniently located near the subway station. The lakeside is a popular spot for people to relax, read books, and watch movies, while many joggers can be seen on the jogging paths. Visitors can rent bikes or electric scooters to explore the lake’s surrounding scenery. Despite being busier on weekends, the park’s vast size ensures it never feels overcrowded.

🚇By subway: Take Line 8 or 15 to Beijing Olympic Park and leave from Exit B

27. Stop by Silk Street

Silk Street, also known as Xiushui Street, is a popular shopping market situated in the Chaoyang District of the city, which is close to the international CBD business district. It is considered the most influential worldwide tourist shopping mall in China and is on par with the renowned Great Wall and Forbidden City tourist attractions.

In 2005, the “Silk Street” was replaced with a new “Silk Street” department store, spanning over an area of 28,000 square meters and containing 1,500 stalls. The store sells a diverse range of ethnic products including silk, fine clothes, pearls, tea, handicrafts, and Chinese food such as Quanjude roast duck. Silk Street attracts a diverse clientele, ranging from dignitaries and their wives to international sports stars, which emphasizes its unique position as a leading international market in China.

In fact, the New Silk Road retains the form of the old market’s shopping street while featuring a wider range of specialty products and longer shopping hours. The vendors communicate in English, utilize calculators, and haggle with foreign traders. And multitudes of merchants remain active and diligent.

⏰Opening hours: 9:30-21:00 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Yonganli

28. Go Shopping in Taikoo Li Sanlitun

Taikoo Li Sanlitun, which covers an area of about 61,014 square meters and consists of 30 independent buildings, is now known as an ultimate destination for fashion trends in Beijing . The site offers a wide range of facilities including shopping, dining, hotels, and entertainment, which are divided into three areas: South, North, and West Districts.

Taikoo Li South hosts the largest Adidas brand center in the world as well as the first Apple Store in China, both of which attract a large number of young people who are interested in limited-edition releases. Meanwhile, Taikoo Lee North is the home of many international luxury brands, creative and cutting-edge designer stores, and art galleries.

Sanlitun is a unique area in Beijing where ordinary and extravagant lifestyles come together to create a melting pot of culture and indulgence. It is a popular spot among young people on weekends as it offers a diverse range of experiences, from high-end fashion brands and luxury goods to local street food and upscale Western-style Chinese cuisine. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a cup of coffee at a quiet cafe or unwind at a smoky bar. All in all, Sanlitun is a confluence of diverse elements that must not be missed.

🚇By subway: Take subway line 10, get off at Tuanjiehu Station, and exit from A

29. Enjoy Your Nightlife at Sanlitun Bar Street

Sanlitun is the answer to the question of where to find Beijing’s liveliest nightlife, especially for those who are fashionable and enjoy the high-end atmosphere. Being close to the embassy district, it’s common for foreigners to frequent the area. Sanlitun bar street offers a variety of bars and nightclubs catering to different tastes like wine bars, gay bars, and music bars. However, visitors should be aware that prices in Sanlitun can be quite costly.

30. Do Half-day Trip to the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, which is situated in the western parts of Beijing, China, holds the distinction of being the largest and best-preserved royal park in the country , spanning an area of approximately 290 hectares. This heritage site was added to the World Heritage List in 1998.

The palace has three main areas, namely, a political center focused around the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the emperor’s living quarters consisting of the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity, and the scenic tourist area of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. The Long Corridor in the Summer Palace has a small purple “waterfall” with thin vines adorned with purple blooms, creating a romantic and charming view.

To fully explore the vast Summer Palace, set aside approximately five hours on foot. Begin at the East Palace Gate, prioritizing visits to the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, as well as the Garden of Virtue and Harmony—spaces where the emperor worked and entertained. Nearby, well-proportioned attics housed the emperor and concubines. Continue along the Long Corridor, leading to the Tower of Buddhist Incense Pavilion. If fatigue sets in, consider taking a boat to Suzhou Street, exiting through the North Palace Gate. Alternatively, keep walking the Long Corridor to the West Causeway, modeled after the Su Causeway. Follow the lake path, eventually reaching the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. Finally, exit through the new palace gate or continue north toward the East Palace Gate.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY30 | Nov to Mar: CNY20 ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 06:30 – 18:00 | Nov to Mar: 07:00 – 17:00 🚇By subway: Take line 4 to Beigongmen, and exit from D

31. Explore the Ruins of Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace, which consists of Yuanmingyuan(the Old Summer Palace), Wanchunyuan(the Garden of Blossoming Spring), and Changchunyuan(the Garden of Eternal Spring), was a significant imperial palace of the Qing Dynasty for over 150 years. Unfortunately, the main constructions were burned down by the Anglo-French Allied Force in 1860, and today only the wreckage remains as a reminder of its past imperial glory.

Wanchunyuan is the smallest garden with many small attractions and pavilions scattered throughout. Nowadays, it is mainly used as the venue for the annual Lotus Festival in Yuanmingyuan. Changchunyuan boasts large-scale waterscapes and the Great Fountain Ruins (Dashuifa) is the most comprehensively conserved ruins in the area.

The Old Summer Palace appears to be less attractive in reality than it is described in the book. There are ruins and broken walls as far as the eye can see, and despite repairs, weeds and stones still occupy the area. The destruction of Yuanmingyuan was heavily influenced by the materials used for construction at that time, with the wooden houses consumed by the fire.

The ruins park may not be visually stunning, but it can create a significant psychological impact on people due to the ruins . What once was the magnificent Garden of Gardens, now lies in ruins and holds little beauty in its current state.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY10 ⏰Opening hours: May to Aug: 07:00-19:00 | Apr, Sep, and Oct: 07:00-18:00 | Nov to Mar: 07:00-17:30 🚇By subway: Take Subway Line 4 and get off at Yuanmingyuan Station, and get out from Exit B

32. Admire the Charm of the Fragrant Hills Park

Xiangshan Park, also known as Fragrant Hills Park, is located in the western suburbs of Haidian District, Beijing. It is a famous forest park and an imperial garden with a long history. In ancient times, emperors would come here to hunt and keep cool during the summer. It is a famous maple leaves landscape area in Beijing. Every autumn, the maple leaves all over the mountains are as red as flames.

The best viewing season is from mid-October to early November, which lasts about a month. Famous scenic spots are Bright Temple (Zhao Miao), a large and attractive building with Tibetan temple style, and quaint courtyard with Jiangnan characteristics –Study of Reading Heart (Jianxin Zhai), Chairman Mao Zedong and the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China stationed earliest living and office place – Shuangqing Villa.

The annual Red Leaves Festival , which runs from mid-October to mid-November, attracts tourists from all over the country. But catching up with the peak of weekend tourism can be really a sea of people. If you want to come here, you need to arrange both the time and the route. There are two options for going up the mountain: cable car and walking, you can walk up to the top can enjoy the scenery first, and then go down with the cable car is not too bad for the knees.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Nov 15: CNY10 | Nov 16 to Mar: CNY5 ⏰Opening hours: 06:00 – 19:30 🚍By bus: Take bus 563, 318, 360, or 698 and get off at Xiangshan Station

33. Hiking the Great Wall

The Great Wall of China is a remarkable architectural feat that spans approximately 13,000 miles. It was constructed over several centuries to defend China against invasions. The wall varies in age, with some sections dating back over 2,000 years. It is made of various materials, such as stone, brick, tamped earth, and wood. The wall’s purpose extended beyond defense, serving as a transportation route, a symbol of national unity, and an engineering masterpiece. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, offering breathtaking views and insights into China’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Hiking the Badaling Great Wall Section

Badaling is a renowned section of the Great Wall of China, located in the Yanqing District of Beijing. It is widely recognized as one of the most well-preserved and popular segments of the Great Wall . Known for its beautiful scenery and steep terrain, Badaling offers a captivating experience for visitors.

Constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Badaling served as a crucial military fortification, protecting the northern borders of China. Stretching approximately 7.6 kilometers, it features a series of watchtowers, beacon towers, and defensive walls that wind their way along rugged mountain ridges.

Since its opening to the public, Badaling has attracted countless tourists from around the world. In 1988, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, acknowledging its historical and cultural significance. Over the years, extensive restoration work has been carried out to preserve its original grandeur.

Visitors to Badaling can embark on an awe-inspiring journey by walking along the ancient walls, exploring the watchtowers, and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. For those who prefer a more convenient option, there is a cable car that transports visitors to the highest point of the Wall, providing stunning panoramic vistas without the need for strenuous hiking.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY40 | Nov to Mar: CNY35 ⏰Opening hours: 06:30 – 14:30

How to Get to Badaling Great Wall

Take Bus 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station, located near Jishuitan Subway Station on Line 2. The bus operates from early morning until late evening, with a travel time of about 2 hours. The fare is approximately CNY 12.
Take the Tourist Bus Line 1, which departs from the southwest of Qianmen Arrow Tower. This bus will take you to the Badaling Guntiangou Parking Lot. The payment fee is CNY20 in cash per person. The estimated duration for a one-way journey is around 100 minutes.

Hiking Juyong Pass Great Wall Section

Juyongguan, also known as Juyong Pass, is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the Changping District of Beijing. It is one of the three most famous mountain passes of the Great Wall , along with Jiayuguan in the west and Shanhaiguan in the east.

One of the notable features of Juyongguan is its steep terrain, which makes it a natural defensive position. The pass is surrounded by mountains on three sides, and its narrow valley is flanked by steep cliffs. To enhance its defensive capabilities, various fortifications were built along the pass, including watchtowers, gates, and beacon towers. These structures provided both defensive functions and served as signaling stations for communication along the Great Wall.

The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall is also renowned for its architectural beauty. It features several well-preserved structures, such as the Cloud Platform (Yun Tai), which is a marble terrace built during the Ming Dynasty. This platform served as a base for ceremonies and provided a vantage point to observe the surrounding landscapes.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY40 | Nov to Mar: CNY35 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚍By bus: Take bus line 883 or 919 from Deshengmen West or Deshengmen to Nankou Lukou South or Nankou Lukou North. Then, change to bus line Chang 20 to Juyongguan Great Wall.

Hiking Mutianyu Great Wall Section

Located in Huairou County, approximately 70 km northeast of central Beijing, the Mutianyu Great Wall is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and remarkable preservation. This section of the Great Wall stands out as one of the most picturesque and sought-after destinations for both local and international tourists , offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance.

Stretching across a length of about 2.5 kilometers, the Mutianyu Great Wall claims the title of the longest segment of the Great Wall in China. It boasts an impressive array of features, including 22 watchtowers and three primary defensive barriers, among them a moat designed to deter potential intruders from approaching the wall.

Upon reaching the Mutianyu Great Wall, visitors have various options to explore this magnificent structure. They can choose to hike along the wall, opt for a cable car ride , or even embark on an exhilarating toboggan descent. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring along water and snacks, as the dining options on the wall itself are limited.

🎫Admission ticket: CNY40 ⏰Opening hours: 08:30-17:00 🚍By bus: Take the bus from Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station and get off at Mutianyu’s Parking Lot P1. The bus operates from 8:30 am, with a travel duration of about 1.5 to 2 hours. The fare is roughly CNY 30.

Hiking Jiankou Great Wall Section

Jiankou Great Wall is renowned for its challenging nature and is considered one of the most difficult sections of the Great Wall to hike . Its steep and treacherous segments add to its reputation. The name “Jiankou” derives from its resemblance to an arrow, with the collapsed ridge forming the arrow nock. This segment is also home to noteworthy landmarks, including the “Eagle Flies Facing Upward” watchtower and the “Beijing Knot.” Although Jiankou Great Wall is not as well-preserved as other parts, it remains a favored destination for adventurous hikers and history enthusiasts. However, it’s important to note that due to its rugged terrain and limited safety measures, hiking Jiankou Great Wall is recommended only for experienced hikers equipped with proper gear and precautions .

🚍By bus: Take bus line 916 Express at Dongzhimen Transit Hub. After approximately 1-1.5 hours, alight at Yangjiayuan. From there, head north on foot until you reach a crossing, then make a right turn and board the H25 bus to reach the Xizhazi Village West stop.

Hiking Jinshanling Great Wall Section

Explorers of the Jinshanling Great Wall can embark on a hike along the wall while relishing breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside. This section of the Great Wall extends approximately 10.5 kilometers and boasts an impressive collection of 67 watchtowers. It is revered as one of the most well-preserved segments, attracting hikers and tourists alike.

During the autumn, Jinshanling Great Wall showcases its awe-inspiring beauty as the foliage of the surrounding trees transitions into vibrant hues of red, yellow, and orange, creating a picturesque landscape. This time of year is particularly favored for visiting. Additionally, the wall offers an enchanting setting for photography enthusiasts, especially during sunrise and sunset when the wall radiates a golden glow.

Jinshanling Great Wall is renowned for its challenging hiking trails, featuring steep inclines and rugged terrain . Due to these challenging features, it is not advisable for families with young children or elderly individuals. However, for those who are up for the adventure, it promises an unforgettable experience.

🎫Admission ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY65 | Nov to Mar: CNY55 ⏰Opening hours: 6:00 – 17:30 🚍By tourist bus: Between mid-March and mid-November, a tourist bus departs at 7:40 am from Beijing’s Dongzhimen Wai Bus Station, returning from Jinshanling at 16:00 pm. Tickets cost around CNY 120.

34. Come to Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs encompass the burial sites of thirteen Ming Dynasty emperors and rank among China’s most expansive and significant imperial mausoleum complexes. Presently, only the Changling Tomb, Dingling Tomb, Zhaoling Tomb, and Sacred Way are accessible to the public. The entire scenic area is a harmonious whole, with each mausoleum functioning as an independent unit and strategically situated in front of a mountain. Among the thirteen tombs, the Changling Tomb holds significant prominence as it was the first constructed and serves as the tomb of the third Ming Dynasty Emperor. It boasts the distinction of being the largest, most original, and well-preserved tomb among the 13 Ming Tombs. The Changling Museum exhibits a wide range of unearthed relics, including the phoenix crown, the civilian official’s top hat, jade belt, and hairpins, offering a captivating display. In addition to exploring the historical aspects, it is recommended to visit the Zhaoling Tomb and take a leisurely stroll along the Sacred Way. The Sacred Way features captivating stone statues, while the Zhaoling area provides a serene and less crowded environment, ideal for peaceful walks.

🎫Combo Ticket: Apr to Oct: CNY130 | Nov to Mar: CNY100 (four open tombs) ⏰Opening hours: Apr to Oct: 08:30 – 17:00 | Nov to Mar: 08:30 – 16:30 🚇By subway: Take the Changping Line subway to Changping Dongguan Station. From there, transfer to bus 314, which will take you directly to Changling or Dingling.

MOST LUXURY : Mandarin Oriental Hotel (⭐️ 9.6) This upscale hotel offers tranquility amidst the bustling city and provides stunning sunset views of the Forbidden City from its Mandarin room. It excels in all aspects, including considerate service, outstanding facilities, superb dining options, and a relaxing spa, making it highly recommended.

BEST CULTURAL ARCHITECTURE : Manxin Courtyard Hotel (⭐️ 9.8) This hotel is perfectly situated and resembles Beijing’s Hutongs, featuring narrow passages leading to open courtyards and guest houses. Amidst the busy ambiance, it offers a tranquil traditional luxury. The service is exceptional. You can enjoy tea and capture moments in the courtyard.

MID-RANGE PICK: Crystal Orange Hotel(⭐️ 9.6) This highly affordable hotel boasts an excellent location near Wangfujing shopping street and within walking distance of the Forbidden City. It’s conveniently situated right across the subway entrance. The rooms, though not spacious, are well-kept and clean. Additionally, the hotel provides free luggage delivery.

TOP BUDGET PICK : Atour Light Hotel(⭐️ 9.4) Atour Light, China’s leading humanistic hotel, charms with its serene color scheme, artful decor, and wooden floors. Guests enjoy custom mattresses, smart room controls, and cityscape views. United Park is a multifunctional public space that combines a coffee bar and reading area.

To maximize your Beijing experience, plan your itinerary strategically, prioritizing popular attractions on weekdays to avoid crowds. Prepare for variable weather by packing comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and an umbrella. Engage with locals for authentic experiences and explore lesser-known neighborhoods for hidden gems. Respect local customs, indulge in Beijing’s diverse cuisine, and savor every moment of your journey. With these tips, your Beijing adventure will be truly remarkable.

🎫Do I need a visa for China?

Yes. Most visitors to China will need a visa to enter the country. The type of visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your trip, as well as your nationality. If you are a resident of the US, you must apply for a Chinese visa at the Consular Office in the country. On the other hand, inhabitants of countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK can request a visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center .

🤔 Why is it necessary to install a VPN in China?

In China, the government has strict regulations on internet access, leading to the blocking of popular websites and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, and YouTube. To access these sites, a VPN is suggested as a means of bypassing the restrictions. It is important to choose a reputable VPN provider and use caution while doing so. ExpressVPN has been historically deemed the most reliable VPN for this purpose, despite being heavily targeted by China’s censors. Nevertheless, it is still a widely preferred option owing to its ease of installation and user-friendliness.

📲 Is it necessary to have a Chinese SIM card while in China?

Yes. It is crucial to acknowledge that accessing the internet in China may pose limitations due to certain websites being prohibited or filtered. To ensure uninterrupted connectivity while staying in China, purchasing a local SIM card is advisable. For optimum results, acquiring SIM cards from either China Unicom or China Mobile is recommended. While China Mobile has the most comprehensive coverage in China and is a market leader, China Unicom is more compatible with foreign phones, enabling 3G and 4G services. Or you can purchase a SIM card online .

🔮 Should I buy China travel insurance?

Yes. Although China is generally a safe country for travel, it is still possible to encounter accidents or other unexpected occurrences. Therefore, obtaining travel insurance can provide a sense of security and financial protection. In my research, I have found that World Nomads is a reputable travel insurance provider that covers a wide range of activities and is recommended for the average traveler. Nevertheless, I advise you to compare insurance quotes from various providers before making a decision.

🚙 Can you rent a car in China?

Unfeasible . Obtaining a Chinese driver’s license to rent a car and self-drive may seem like an option, but it is not a practical choice for most foreigners. Therefore, many prefer to opt for a driver or public transportation when navigating China, as it proves to be more convenient.

✈️ What’s the best site to purchase flight tickets for China?

I suggest using Trip for affordable flights to China. As a China-based company, they often offer lower prices compared to foreign companies. Additionally, they offer English-speaking phone support in case of any issues.

🏡 What is the best way to book hotels in China?

Not only does Trip offer a wider range of flight options, but it also provides a greater selection of hotels to choose from. Moreover, Agoda is a reliable resource for hotels throughout Asia.

🎒What do I pack for China?

Travel adapter and converter: China uses a different electrical system than many other countries, so it’s important to bring a travel adapter and converter if you plan to use electronic devices such as phones, cameras, and laptops. Sunscreen: The UV index in China can be high, particularly during the summer months, and prolonged exposure to the sun without protection can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. Deodorant: It should be noted that finding deodorant in China may not be a simple task.

📚 Can a guidebook for traveling to China be useful?

Yes . If you’re planning to travel to China for the first time, a travel guidebook can be a valuable resource, and Lonely Planet is one of the most reputable guides available globally. Its comprehensive itineraries and recommendations take into account your personal preferences and can save you both time and money. The insider tips are also extremely helpful in navigating China’s unique cultural landscape like a local.

Enjoy these related articles

A Perfect Beijing Itinerary For First Timers 2023

Beijing is a fantastic city – full of traditional culture and history, loaded with modern lifestyles and technology. Whether you’re making the most of your visa-free transit period or you’re looking to spend a considerable amount of time here, this jam-packed Beijing itinerary will introduce you to China’s crazy capital!

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Necessary Spacing

Here’s our top 5-day itinerary that covers the best things in the city. Pick and choose the activities if you haven’t got that much time!

Day 1: Visit Qian’man Street for shopping, then explore Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City with an official guide
Day 2: Wander around the Summer Palace and take a hutong tour (or you can choose a food/beer tour instead too! )
Day 3: Hike the Great Wall – so many options but the best all-round section is Mutianyu
Day 4: Visit the famous Olympic Park and the edgy 798 Art District
Day 5: Pick up some beautiful antiques at Panjiayuan Market then go bar hopping in Sanlitun

Travelling to Beijing

Travelling to China is not something many people even consider unless they have a layover there. Even then, a lot of people decide to stay in their airport hotel and escape as quickly as they can.

There are plenty of great layover tours specifically designed for a quick visit but if you do have more time, then this is the post you need to fully explore the city!

It’s not surprising that not everyone wants to visit – exploring a huge country like China can be daunting as it’s not as tourist-friendly as many other cities in Asia! The language barrier, the local food and the complex culture can seem like great reasons to avoid China, but honestly, it’s such a fun place to travel.

Beijing is especially interesting because of its history dating back literally thousands of years. Plus, there’s the Great Wall! No, you can’t see it from space but why would you need to when you can climb it yourself?

We spent four years living in Beijing (we were teaching English !) but we still didn’t see everything that the city has to offer. We did, however, create and follow this exact Beijing travel itinerary as if we were newbies so that it would be easy for readers like you to use.

Of course, Beijing isn’t the only place to see in China , but it’s a great place to start if you only have a limited time in the country!

One day in the city definitely isn’t enough, so we have put together a 3 day Beijing itinerary to see all of the best sights and activities. We’ve also added in more things to do in Beijing if you’re staying for more than three days!

Hopefully, you’ll get to see all the beautiful places with this Beijing itinerary – check out this complete guide before you go to make sure you’re prepared and download these apps to make your Chinese trip easier!

I’ve added options for people who like to explore without a guide, and for those who would prefer to book a tour too! There are benefits to both so keep an eye out for the activities that you might not normally think of doing, with or without a guide!

1 – 3 Day Beijing Itinerary

Historical landmarks tours + walking streets.

Fresh off the aeroplane, you’ll want to stretch your legs and take a leisurely walking tour through Qian’men. Start at the subway station, walk south through the central Beijing hutongs and through the famous Dashilan Commercial Street.

You can book tickets for a walking tour here , so you can learn about the history of this part of the city.

Many people walking down a market street

Here you can purchase anything China-related, so this is the time to pick up gifts for those back home. The prices here are mostly non-negotiable, however, they are also some of the most reasonable in the whole city. The cost of living in Beijing is low, so if you’re here as a tourist then you can find some great bargains!

At the end of the road, you will find yourself at Qian’men Street, the central road leading back towards Tian’anmen Square. Walk north towards the Qian’mem gatehouse and pass directly underneath.

Across the road will be Mao’s Mausoleum. Here you can go inside and see the preserved body of the revered leader. Regardless of what he did in life, this is definitely a unique experience.

A government style building with pillars surrounding it

On the other side of the mausoleum is the infamous Tian’anmen Square. It truly is a massive open area. On the right is the museum of China and in the middle is the memorial to all the fallen soldiers in World War 2. At the far end of the square is the imposing entrance to the Forbidden City. This is the first time you will understand the sheer scale of the palace.

A typical example of chinese architecture but very large

Upon entry just follow the crowds to the ticket offices inside the Meridian gate. You really can get lost inside this palace so have a good look around. If you are happy to explore by yourself, buy your tickets here . You can also use a self-guided audio tour like this .

You could easily spend 3 to 4 hours wandering around, peeking in random doors or gardens you might stumble across. There’s a lot of fascinating history and culture to learn about so don’t rush yourself. Keep going north through the whole palace and you’ll eventually get to the North Exit, which is also called the Gate of Divine Prowess.

You can also join a small group tour – you won’t be hassled to buy tickets or pushed into tea scams if you’re with a guide so it’s not a bad idea! Click here to book your space.

In front of you is a very out a place hill inside of Jingshan park.

A temple on top of a hill at the back of the forbidden city

It’s very cheap to get inside, and after walking to the top of the hill you get a spectacular view over the top of the Forbidden City you have just walked through. Hopefully, you get a low pollution day and get some nice photos, unlike we did!

A view of the forbidden city from a hill covered in pollution

It is very difficult to put a time on this first day. Some people might walk straight through all of the areas and it takes 3 or so hours.

If you decide to go into every attraction, do some shopping, see the museum and really get a feel for the places it could easily take 7-8 hours! Take this day at your own pace and enjoy soaking it all in!

Dumplings on a bamboo basket being steamed

A fantastic way to end your first day in Beijing is to eat at a Peking duck restaurant. The most famous is Quanjude and you’ll find branches all over the city. Eating Peking duck is quite a theatrical affair – the chef will wheel the food out on a trolley and carve it before you.

There will be lots of different dishes brought to your table for you to try too, as well as the traditional accompaniments for your main meal.

Summer Palace

To get to the famous Summer Palace, you can jump onto a boat and take an Imperial Waterway Cruise from the Beijing Exhibition Centre and take in the views from the water. The ride takes you past the zoo but I wouldn’t recommend visiting as the animals are treated terribly.

The Summer Palace is absolutely beautiful all year round and is very big. I would advise taking some food for a picnic if the weather permits.

Explore with a guide if you are interested in finding out all about this World UNESCO site or just buy your tickets to the park in advance here and visit by yourself.

A boat amongst lillies in the summer palace

Hutong Tour

The hutongs in Beijing are full of hidden gems and interesting people. Hutongs are residential areas that consist of narrow lanes, with the houses being built in a courtyard fashion.

However, there are also shops and restaurants scattered throughout Beijing’s hutongs, and they are really fun to explore. Some have become more famous than others, such as Nanluoguxiang, Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie) and Wudaoying.

Pre-book a hutong tour and you’ll be taken to the most popular places. If you’re on a strict time schedule, then that might be the best idea as you’ll be driven around and there won’t be any time wasted wandering down some weird alley and into someone’s kitchen.

However, if you have more time, then you could definitely spend a day wandering up and down yourself, getting lost and finding cool spots that aren’t overcrowded yet.

We recommend starting in Nanlouguxiang, walking up to Houhai Lakes and passing through Yandai Xiejie. Then, get on a subway up to Andingmen station and see Wudaoyaing. You can then take a look at the Lama Temple if you fancy.

Many people down a hutong looking at shops

You’ll find countless rooftop bars, posh restaurants, local street vendors and much more to entertain yourself for the whole day. You certainly won’t go hungry and with plenty of cocktail happy hours to be found, you’re also likely to get fairly drunk!

Hike the Great Wall of China

You absolutely cannot appreciate a Beijing itinerary without visiting the Great Wall! It’s an astounding piece of defensive architecture, and the photos don’t do its vastness justice.

You’ve got a couple of options of where to go on the Wall as it is actually over 13,000 miles long! Clearly, you won’t be hiking the whole thing but you’ll need to choose the best section for your preferred type of day trip.

The great wall in Beijing winding through the hills

The four most popular hiking routes are listed below. Each section of the Great Wall is different, whether that’s because of the facilities, difficulty or scenery. Take a look at the comparison table below to work out which is the best part for you to visit.

When you visit the Great Wall, make sure that you take plenty of water with you. The vendors will charge you around 5 times more than the price should be because they know that you’ll need to stay hydrated!

Visiting Badaling Great Wall

If you’re looking for a relatively easy hike to a popular section of the wall, then go to the very well known and one of the most well-restored sections, Badaling. You’re almost guaranteed to be surrounded by tourists (mostly local as this section is popular with Chinese people).

You might feel safer around other people so Badaling is a great place to go if you want to mingle with others on your hike.

Book a tour here for a full-day tour including lunch.

If you’re planning to visit the Wall alone, make your way to subway line 2 and travel to Jishuitan Station and take the short walk to Deshengmen bus station. I would advise using a map app on your phone so you can find the Deshengmen bus station from the subway as it is a 10-minute walk.

Man with red backpack standing looking out over the Great Wall of China

Then find bus 877, which will be obvious because of the queues of people. I have read that there are many fake 877 busses en route to the bus station. If there is someone trying to convince you to get on the bus then it is almost certainly a fake – just follow the signs and people, or ask someone wearing an official uniform!

Bus Timetable:

The bus costs around 12RMB (£1.35/$1.80).

Alternatively, you can take the train from Huangtudian Railway Station straight to Badaling Railway Station. It takes roughly the same amount of time as the bus and will cost you 7 RMB. To get to the station take subway line 8 or 13 and get off at Huoying. The train station is roughly 100m away if you leave from Exit G4.

At Badaling, there is a cable car that you can ride up to the top to take in the scenic views, as well as a pulley ride that you can experience for an added fee.

There are plenty of restaurants and shops but these are unsurprisingly overpriced.

For those of you who prefer to learn about the history of this section from a local guide, then join a tour like this.

Visiting Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is essentially the best all-round section of the Great Wall. It is beautifully restored, there are fewer people and there are a few restaurants around the entrance if you forget to bring your own food. There’s even a toboggan which I think is the best way to descend the Great Wall!

This excellent tour to Mutianyu has almost 1000 5-star reviews, so it’s a great one to choose if you don’t want to make your way to the Wall alone!

It’s a little bit more difficult to get the Mutianyu independently because there isn’t a direct public bus, but it’s definitely doable. You can also buy return coach transfer tickets here in advance – you just need to turn up at the meeting point and get on the bus.

You’ll need to get to Dongzhimen subway station first (via line 2, 13 or the Airport Express). The subway and the bus station are in the same huge building, so find the Bus Transfer Hall and you’ll need to get on bus 916 Express.

It will cost you 12 RMB and should take just over an hour. You can pay cash or use your transportation card.

Winding Great Wall through the forest in Beijing

You need to get off the bus at Huai Rou Bei Da Jie (it’s the 15th stop). The bus will announce the destination in English but most people will get off here anyway.

You can then get a local bus (H23) from Mutianyu Roundabout and then walk to the ticket centre, or choose to take a taxi. Be careful of the scammers – only take a metered cab. It should cost around 40 RMB for a taxi and 3RMB for the bus. For super detailed instructions on taking this second local bus, take a look at this website .

There are also cable cars here at Mutianyu, and it’s the most wheelchair-friendly section.

If you’re travelling to Beijing with kids then we recommend choosing Mutianyu to hike, as it’s not too difficult and it’s the safest due to the high-quality restoration. The toboggan, or luge, is also really fun and isn’t too fast or scary.

If you’d prefer to take a guided tour to this part of the Wall, then click here to find out more and book your spot.

Visiting Simatai Great Wall

You should visit Simatai if you want to explore the Great Wall at night time. There are official tours and it’s well lit, meaning that it’s much safer than scaling a random part of the wall alone!

This part of the wall is also not very restored so it is very much unchanged since the time of being built. It’s pretty wild and steep in places though so you can actually take a cable car up if you’d prefer.

You can also only climb this part of the wall if you buy a reserved ticket here . Book at least 10 days in advance so that you’re guaranteed a space. You can also wander around Gubei Water Town as this part of the Wall is right next to it.

Girl with red backpack wearing shorts doing peace sign on Beijing Great Wall

There are a few food vendors on the wall but I wouldn’t recommend relying on them for a full cheap meal. Bring your own or, if you’re going into the town then you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving food there.

To get to Simatai, make your way to Dongzhimen Subway station, which can be accessed via lines 2 and 13. You can then take the tourist bus or a local bus. It takes around 2 hours and the tourist bus times are as follows:

The local bus is 980 but you’ll have to transfer onto bus 51 at some point, and the bus station can be difficult to find. For in-depth instructions, if you really want to take this bus, use this website .

Visiting Jiankou Great Wall

If you are looking for a more authentic and wild Great Wall hiking experience, then visit Jiankou. There are no food vendors and definitely no cable cars here!

This tour is a great option if you want to see the wilder parts of the Great Wall without it being dangerous!

Camping on this part of the Wall would be an adventure, but be prepared for some tough climbing ahead! You’ll also have to pay between 5 – 10 RMB to the local villagers to start this hike.

There are small villages surrounding Jiankou where you can find food but most definitely take your own just in case. I wouldn’t recommend hiking this part in hot weather as you’d need to carry so much water and you don’t want to be running out!

You can also hike from Jiankou to Mutianyu , or vice versa, and that will roughly take around 4 – 5 hours as you’ll be covering a distance of 6 miles (10km).

Unsurprisingly, there are no direct buses to Jiankou. You can take a bus from Dongzhimen Station, and then take a local bus to one of the small villages.

Or, you could hire a driver to take you to the village. That way, you are guaranteed a quick and easy return journey to Beijing. Not only that but someone local also knows where you are so if you get into any trouble they could send for help!

Here are the bus times from Dongzhimen:

Once you’re in Yujiayuan, you have two choices. You can pick which village you want to start your hike from. Getting from Xizhazi Village to the actual Wall only takes around half an hour, so many people pick that option.

However, getting a taxi from Yujiayuan station to the village will cost approximately 120RMB. If you would rather have a cheaper taxi ride, go to Wofo Mountain Villa. There are more restaurants and accommodation options here, and it will cost you around 65RMB to get there from the station.

All of the prices of public buses will be 50% cheaper if you use a Beijing Transportation Card, which we do recommend. They’re easy to get form any subway station with a booth. You have to add a 20RMB refundable deposit and then you’re good to go. It makes getting around the city super easy as you can use it for the subway too (although the price won’t change on the trains).

5 Day Beijing Itinerary

If you’ve got more time in the city or you want to skip a few of our suggestions because you’ve already done them, we’ve added in two extra days of activities for you. As you can now get 6 days visa-free in Beijing, this is a perfect amount of time to give you a day of recovering from the flight!

A 5 day Beijing itinerary allows more time to explore local attractions and either find new restaurants or return to those that you’ve already enjoyed! You could even take a couple of day trips from Beijing.

Temple of Heaven

Travel down to Tiantan East Gate station on subway Line 5 to reach the Temple of Heaven. This is another famous and very large temple complex that is beautiful to have a walk around.

You can buy your admission ticket in advance here if you’re travelling in the high season.

798 Art District

If you’re into art, this is the place to be. In fact, even if you’re not into art, this area is a really interesting part of the city and we would highly recommend taking a visit. You’ll find galleries, museums, quirky shops, tattoo studios, art exhibitions and more here.

Walking around with a guide is great fun because they’ll be able to find the most unique places!

It’s best to get the subway (Wangjing South on Line 14) and then hail a taxi to the actual district, as there’s no direct public transport there.

Large bull tatue with stone man hanging on the end in 798 Art District Beijing

You could spend at least a few hours wandering around the exhibitions and studios. There are bars and restaurants too but most will close around 6ish to be prepared to eat before then or wait until you get back into the city centre.

Olympic Park

The famous Olympic park, built for the 2008 games, has some great architectural structures to marvel at. You’ll find the Bird’s Nest, the Water Cube (particularly impressive at night time), as well as the Forest Park.

You can spend a few hours here, as there is 2.6 square miles of land and water to explore! There are two gardens – the Northern and the Southern – that you can enjoy. Hire a bike, take a small boat cruise or even get some tennis lessons with a training partner!

Get here by jumping on Line 8 on the subway, and get off at the Olympic Sports Centre, or South Gate of Forest Park. Or, take a walking tour like this one.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Plenty of people visit markets in Beijing and find cheap fake goods or tacky souvenirs. If you want something a little more special, then go to Panjiayuan Market. This is where you’ll find the locals, and you can buy some incredible artwork and locally made crafts.

If you don’t speak Chinese, or this is your first time in China, you might find it a little overwhelming in the market! You can take a shopping tour with a guide to help you navigate the language barrier and stop people trying to rip you off just because you’re a tourist!

There are artists painting simple pieces that you can buy there and then, and there are also beautifully hand-woven embroidery pieces too.

Of course, not everything is unique, and there will some items that are extremely highly-priced but there is room for a little haggling, especially if you’re buying more than one item from a vendor.

However, only haggle if you don’t think the item is worth what you are paying. So many times I have seen people haggle for pennies and it can be insulting. Of course, do it if you feel you are being ripped off but don’t be rude!

Brightly coloured trinkets from an antique market - jewellery and purses in the background with man wearing blue shirt in forgeound

There are a couple of food stalls in and around the market where you can buy cheap and tasty rice meals. Panjiayuan Antique Market is open every day from 8.30am – 6pm during the week,and from 4am – 6pm on weekends.

However, only the permanent shops are open on weekdays, and the market stalls are only open on the weekends.

To get to the market, get to Panjiayuan Subway Station on line 10 and leave via Exit B.

If you’re here to party and shop for western brands, then Sanlitun is where you need to go. This area has heaps of bars, restaurants and shops that wouldn’t look out of place in London.

You’ll usually pay higher prices around here, but if you’re looking for something particular then you can’t complain.

You’ll easily find H&M, Nike, Adidas , Mac and the Apple Store. There’s also an abundance of foreign food – pizza places, Mexican restaurants, cocktail bars and more.

Sanlitun is not the place to go if you want to experience local and traditional Chinese culture, but it’s definitely worth a visit.

The closest subway station is Tuanjiehu on line 10 – use Exit A and turn right at the crossroads. The swarms of foreigners will guide you to where the action is happening!

Alternatively, take Exit D and follow the same road in the same direction – you’ll find more hidden restaurants and bars to hang out in.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Beijing?

Planning your Beijing itinerary involves a few careful considerations because the timing of your visit could really make or break your whole experience!

The first thing that I advise you to do is to AVOID CHINESE NEW YEAR! Before you do any kind of research, find out when the Chinese New Year falls and scratch it out on your calendar.

Not only are flights hideously more expensive around this time, Beijing pretty much shuts down because the locals go to their hometowns to visit their families. China travel is near impossible during the new year.

Yes, there will be fewer crowds, but that’s mainly because they wouldn’t be able to eat at any restaurants! There are also a lot of extremely loud firecrackers being let off across the city for over a week, so that could get annoying!

Another time to definitely avoid Beijing is National Week. Unlike Chinese New Year, it falls at the same time every year so you have no excuse to get it wrong!

National Day is the 1st October and is a public holiday across China. People celebrate the founding of The People’s Republic Of China on that day, and the 6 days following it.

This time though, Beijing gets an influx of domestic tourists because it’s the capital and there are so many links to the country’s history there. Lines for attractions will be extra-long and it’s almost impossible to get a train ticket during this time.

Basically, try to avoid any public holiday in China because you’ll have an experience that is not a true reflection of the country.

Visiting Beijing in winter is also not ideal. During the winter, temperatures regularly fall below -5° Celsius (23°F). The coldest day we saw was during January and it was -17° Celsius but luckily we were travelling south to Thailand that day!

It rarely snows during the colder months as the air is so dry, but you might see some flurries.

The worst thing about Beijing in winter is the pollution and the air quality. There will be days that you are advised not to go out and the air will be a gross yellowy-brown. Other times, you’ll see perfect blue skies and the air will be crisp.

However, airfare and hotel prices will be cheaper so that’s something to think about when planning your Beijing itinerary.

The summer in Beijing is hot and sticky. There are some outdoor pools to cool off in, and some gorgeous parks to picnic in, however, so summer is still an okay time to visit Beijing. Be prepared for intense thunderstorms though!

Spring and autumn are the perfect times to visit Beijing because the temperatures are not too warm and not too cold. The air is clear and you’ll experience fewer thunderstorms.

What To Pack For A 3 day Beijing Itinerary

You should be able to buy any clothes and toiletries that you need whilst you’re in Beijing, so don’t overpack. However, as you’ve already read, the seasons can vary drastically so your packing list will differ depending on the time of year that you choose to come.

Our Top Pick

Travel Camera

Panasonic LUMIX ZS70K

*See the full guide to this beauty right here!*

If you don’t have a camera then I HIGHLY recommend the Panasonic Lumix ZS70K . It is an affordable point-and-shoot camera that can be picked up and used by anyone of any ability. The camera captures gorgeous images and surprisingly excellent video whilst fitting in your pocket. The main difference between this and your phone’s camera is that it also has an incredible optical zoom so you won’t miss any of the shots you need to take. Check it out here.

Hand Luggage

Wrangler 20″

People can go WAY overboard when buying hand luggage when you really don’t need to spend a lot of money. We recommend going for something sturdy and affordable like the Wrangler 20″ . It’s exactly what you would expect from hand luggage but also comes with a neat charging trick. If you have a power bank, you can connect the power bank from inside the case and charge your phone from a port on the outside! Check it out on amazon here.

Osprey Arcane

For city exploring and shorter hikes, you’ll need a decent day pack. We recommend one like Osprey’s Arcane , as not only can it hold a 15″ laptop, water bottle and everything else you would need day to day but it is also incredibly stylish (we think). We have used Osprey for loads of different bags over the years and they have all been perfect. Check out the Osprey Arcane on Amazon here.

Multi Adapter

EPIKA Worldwide

If you’re worried about powering your devices on your trip then the simple solution is to take this EPIKA worldwide travel adapter. We have used it all over the world and it has worked flawlessly. Being able to charge up to 5 devices by USB (4 USB-A’s + 1 USB-C) plus a full power outlet socket is incredibly useful and works as an all-in-one solution. Check it out on Amazon here.

Menstrual Cup

We all know that tampons and pads are bad for the environment (not to mention uncomfortable and expensive!) so get yourself familiar with a reliable menstrual cup, like this one from Sirona . These can be reused for up to 15 years – think of the money and plastic waste you’ll save! Made from medical-grade silicone, Sirona’s cup is designed for comfort, sustainability and protection. Click here to choose the right size for you.

Anker 10,000mAh

If you’re worried about your devices losing power throughout the day then we recommend the Anker 10,000mAh power bank . Anker actually makes quite a few power banks but this one comes with a USB-C and USB-A port which means that you’ll be able to charge any of your devices regardless of connection. The 10,000mAh capacity is enough to completely charge an iPhone 12 twice so you should be good for a number of days with this beast. Have a look at the price here.

For a comprehensive breakdown of this list go to our budget savvy packing list guide .

If you are exploring this Beijing itinerary during the winter, you’ll need a few extras too. It also might mean that you pack a few more layers so you might need a bigger bag.

Looking at the average temperatures in Beijing in winter, then a warm coat is definitely something you’ll need! If you’re travelling from southeast Asia then this is going to be a difficult item to keep with you. However, I really don’t recommend going to northern China without one, so perhaps you could use vacuum pack bags like these to save space in your luggage.

If you are buying a new winter coat, choose one that is water and windproof, like this warm ski jacket.

Onto the dreaded pollution masks! They look ridiculous, they mess up your make-up (or so I’m told!) and they aren’t the most comfortable item you’ll ever buy. However, if you wear a pollution mask for a day, when you take it off you’ll see the brown dust inside the filter and realise how important they are!

You shouldn’t have to wear one every day, but on those hazy days, you should make an effort to if you’re outside.

When buying a mask, don’t be that person who thinks a tiny bit of fabric over your mouth is going to protect you. You need to choose a mask that specifically filters out PM 2.5 , because those are the tiny air particles that can sneak past fabrics and flimsy paper masks into your lungs.

It’s so dry in Beijing in winter that you will notice your lips becoming chapped quite quickly. You can pick up Vaseline or any type of lip balm in a healthy and beauty shop like Watsons, but remember that they won’t be cruelty-free because of China’s animal testing laws. If you want to bring a lip balm that hasn’t been tested on animals, try this vegan one from Hurraw.

Your head and ear will thank you for wearing a warm hat like this thick knitted number during your Beijing travels! Don’t be fooled by those clear blue skies and leave the hotel without it – the reason the sky is clear is that the wind has blown the pollution away so a hat is a must!

A really useful feature of warm gloves is being touchscreen compatible. The technology wasn’t that great when it first came out but toasty gloves like these unisex thermals really are handy when you’re using apps on your phone to help you whilst you’re in China!

Where To Stay During Your Beijing Itinerary

Beijing has lots of different accommodation options, from luxury apartments to local hutong rooms.

The neighbourhoods do vary in Beijing, but realistically the subway system is so good that you’ll be able to visit all of the cool attractions and things to do wherever you stay. Here’s a brief overview of the best places to stay in Beijing though, so that you can pick what suits you best.

Qian’men

We recommend staying in Qian’men if you’re a first time visitor to Beijing as lots of the main tourist attractions are accessible from here. Not only that, but accommodation tends to be cheaper around here.

It’s full of history as the ancient Forbidden City sits 2km north from the subway station, with the journey surrounded by other important features such as Tian’anmen Square, Mao’s mausoleum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Lots of scarves hanging up outside the shop

There are plenty of shopping opportunities too – you can pick up cheap but decent souvenirs in the local shops.

Recommended hotel in Qian’men:

New World Beijing Hotel

With its sleek and clean rooms, complimentary toiletries and free WiFi, the New World Beijing Hotel near Qian’men Street is the perfect place to rest after long days of sightseeing.

There’s a lovely indoor swimming pool, a spa centre and a sauna. Rooms have bathtubs, iPod docking stations and a gorgeous rootfop bar!

Book your room here or look at the reviews below first!

Check Out The Reviews Of New World Beijing Hotel Here

When researching things to do in Beijing, you’ve probably stumbled across the infamous Wangfujing Street. You’re probably imagining yourself snacking on scorpions, starfish and seahorses o sticks, just like the locals do, right?

Well, unfortunately, it was a bit of a tourist trap and you’re more likely to find the locals eating at KFC! Of course, there will be some nutters eating these weird snacks, but if you really want to try authentic Beijing food you should be on the lookout for dumplings, BBQ lamb skewers and sweet + sour pork!

The market is actually under construction anyway but you’re better off not visiting!

When we first arrived in Beijing, we ventured down this street in search of local food and ended up with a sub-par spring roll, which we spent £6 on!! Looking back, we were ridiculously naive so don’t make the same mistakes as we did! That being said, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is still a great place to explore.

There are plenty of good restaurants, shops, bookstores and souvenir places you can wander around. There’s a subway station directly outside the commercial street so you will be able to access the rest of Beijing easily.

If you are interested in checking out the local food scene without being ripped off, then take a tour like this with a friendly guide and learn all about Chinese cuisine!

Recommended hotel in Wangfujing:

Park Plaza Beijing

Relax after a busy day at the hotel spa with a massage, enjoy a cocktail or two a the bar or wind down in the gym. Enjoy the privacy of your own room and bathroom, and take in the gorgeous city views.

You’re only a short walk away from the subway, but also close to a lot of the action too!

Click here to check prices and availability.

Check Out The Reviews Of Park Plaza Beijing Here

Dongzhimen/Sanlitun

The heart of the bar scene in Beijing, Sanlitun is a great place to stay if you’re here to party! There are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops in this area, and many of those are western names you’ll recognise. Go shopping at H&M, grab a burger at McDonald’s and sip on a Guinness at Paddy’s Irish Bar.

Or, if you have actually come to Beijing for a true Chinese experience then you can still indulge in an authentic Chinese meal, brave some baijiu (China’s version of hell a white spirit) and dip into the local branded shops.

There’s also the famous Worker’s Stadium where you can catch a game of football. Support Beijing Guo’an (the ones in green) if you want to make any friends!

Recommended hotel in Dongzhimen:

Holiday Inn Express

Stay here if you don’t want to be kept awake all night by party-goers, but you don’t have to travel for an age to get back once you’ve had your fill of happy hour cocktails!

Breakfast is included in the room rate, there’s free WiFi and a fitness centre for guests to enjoy. It’s a recognisable and reliable brand – you can’t go wrong!

Book a room here or check out the reviews first below!

Check Out The Reviews Of Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen Here

This area is famous for the large Hòuhai lake, along with another two smaller lakes that are surrounded by hutongs (narrow historic alleyways with courtyard homes), bars, restaurants and shops.

The area has a much more traditional Chinese feel to it compared to Sanlitun, so come here if you want to try to see how the locals live. There is also plenty of street food for you to try along the way too!

Boats on Houhai Lakes to Enjoy On A Beijing Itinerary

Recommended hotel in Shichachai

Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel

Only 5 minutes away from the lakes, this boutique hotel offers everything from shadow puppet performances, to complimentary breakfast and dumpling-making classes.

Not only that, but the accommodation is beautifully decorated, and the staff are on hand 24/7 to help you with anything you need.

Check Out The Reviews Of Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel Here

How To Get Around Beijing

Somewhat surprisingly, Beijing is an incredibly easy city to navigate. As a short stay traveller, you have a couple of options that I’ve listed below.

Paying by card is less common in China – usually locals and foreign expats use WeChat to pay for everything. Unless you have WeChat and have linked it to a Chinese bank account, you should be prepared to pay for everything in cash just in case!

If you’re in Beijing for a short while and want to explore the city without going underground or adding to the pollution problem, then a bike-sharing app is the way forward.

Mobike is the most foreign traveller friendly as you can download it in your home country and attach your own bank account to it. You won’t be able to miss these bikes as they’re bright orange and dumped pretty much everywhere around the city. The bikes are usually piled high outside subway stations too.

Once you’ve downloaded the app and added your bank account, simply find a bike, scan the QR code on the app and off you go. Once you’ve finished your journey, put the bike somewhere thoughtful (i.e. not in the middle of the path like everybody else seems to do!) and lock it. You’ll hear 3 beeps which mean that your journey is complete and Mobike is calculating your costs.

Most apps don’t require a deposit anymore, and your journeys will cost you 1.5RMB per ride.

Read More: Download These Helpful Apps Before You Visit Beijing

It is extremely easy to get around Beijing using the subway system. As it’s relatively new (it opened almost 100 years after the London Underground with a huge expansion in the early 2000s), the trains are tall and wide enough to enjoy a comfortable ride. Also, they’re air-conditioned as standard which makes a big difference in the sweaty summer!

The stations also are all very clearly marked with overground signs for all exits, which have English and colour coordinated labels too. When you are on the platform, there are Chinese and English signs for you to read, so you can’t really go wrong.

When you first enter a Chinese subway station, go to the counter and ask for a Transportation Card. They will need a 20RMB deposit, but once you’ve got it you can top it up when you like and avoid queuing every time you need a ticket.

A journey on the subway will cost from between 3 RMB to 9RMB, and you can check out how much it will be either on this awesome website (which also has a handy free app) or by checking one of the ticket machines.

The subway will almost always be quicker than a taxi as it avoids the traffic, but it can be awkward getting to certain places if a transit line is closed.

These little cabs are perfect for getting from A to B if you can’t be bothered to walk, but it’s too close to justify a taxi! Flag one down and be prepared to be ripped off, and then to haggle! A five-minute journey should cost no more than 10RMB if you’re in a busy part of the city.

Make sure you agree on the price beforehand and you can usually pay in either cash or by scanning the WeChat QR code if you have the app.

If you’re concerned about safety, then no, these aren’t ideal but generally, they stick to the side of the road, are clearly seen by drivers and aren’t travelling fast enough to cause any damage if you did bump into something.

The least tourist-friendly but also the cheapest mode of transport, buses in Beijing run frequently and and offer 50% off the ticket price if you use a transportation card. However, they will also have a box for your change if you want to pay cash.

Unless you know of a specific bus stop that you need to get to, it can be difficult to take a bus because there is no English on the bus stop sign.

There is an English announcement, however, so if you can listen out for your destination and remember where you have to get off on your return journey then buses in Beijing can be a good way to get around to places further away from subway stops.

It will cost you 2RMB for the first 6 miles and then 1RMB for every 3 miles after that. The prices are also capped at 12RMB however long you are on the bus for. Remember to beep your transportation card at the front of the bus and scan it again when you get off so that your journey can be registered.

Taxis (hailing and app Didi – China’s Uber)

Unlike most city taxis, Beijing’s cabs are also really affordable. The main problem with them is that they tend to take a long time to get anyway because of the traffic in the city.

However, if you don’t want to be lugging bags back to your hotel and you want to be dropped off directly outside, then just hail a cab. Make sure you find an official one – you’ll recognise them by their two-tone pattern and hopefully a light on behind the windscreen indicating that they’re free.

Check that the cab has a meter before you get in, and that it is starting on 13RMB. Have your destination written down in Chinese just in case your driver can’t understand you (it’s highly likely that they won’t speak English).

Do not get into a taxi that isn’t the standard two-tone colour. It’s a “black taxi” and they’re illegal. They’ll charge hideous rates and could even be dangerous.

In a taxi, you’ll be charged 13RMB for the first 2 miles, and then 2RMB per 1.4 miles after that during the day. After 11pm there’s a 20% increase in this fee, but either way your taxi ride will be cheap. If the driver is going at a slow-speed (in rush hour for example) then more will be added, or if you go further than 9 miles there will be extra charges. However, the extra costs shouldn’t make too much of a difference. For example, an hour’s journey from the airport to the centre of Beijing shouldn’t cost you any more than around 100 – 120 RMB.

Another way to grab a taxi in Beijing is to use their online ordering service similar to Uber, which is Didi. The only downside to this is that you have to be able to pay on the app, which means that you need a Chinese bank account.

As a tourist, you won’t have one of these but if you’re visiting Beijing from another part of China as an expat then it’s a great way of getting a cab, especially for those early morning/late night airport pickups.

A lot of taxis in Beijing have their seat belts cut out. I can’t explain it – no one really seems to know or care why they do it, so just watch out. These drivers are also not known for their slow and careful manoeuvring , so if you’re a nervous passenger, perhaps the subway would be a better choice for you!

Beijing is such a cool city and there is so much more to see and do that this itinerary. However, if you’re short on time then these are definitely the best things to do in the city!

Depending on your accommodation choices, Beijing is also the perfect place to explore on a budget as everything can be done cheaply or even for free, and you can take advantage of easy transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tours in beijing.

Taking a tour in Beijing is a good idea if you are short on time as it leaves nothing for you to organise. You might also prefer a tour if you aren’t comfortable with taking local buses further out of the city. Here are a few of my favourites:

What are some must-dos in Beijing?

If you are only spending 3 days in Beijing, then I recommend visiting the Great Wall as a priority. The Forbidden City is also a must-see, as well as Tian’anmen Square.

Which airport will I fly into?

Beijing has two airports – Beijing Capital International (PEK) and the newly built Beijing Daxing International airport (PKX).

Is it easy to travel around Beijing?

Yes! Pick up a subway card at a station booth and top up the card as and when you need it. The subway in Beijing is quick, cheap and reliable, plus the signs are in English!

How long should I spend in Beijing?

As foreigners can now get 6 days in Beijing visa-free, I would recommend spending at least 3 here. If you have the time and money though, it would be ideal for you to take advantage of the full 6 days by following our itinerary! Spending just under a week here is perfect because you can take a day to rest or enjoy the city at a slower pace.

Have you used this Beijing itinerary? Is there anything decent that I’ve left out? Let us know if you have any other Beijing travel tips in the comments below!

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Beijing is a fantastic city - full of traditional culture and history, loaded with modern lifestyles and technology. This jam-packed Beijing itinerary will introduce you into China's crazy capital and show you the best bits! Beijing Itinerary | Things To Do In Beijing | Visit China | Asia | Great Wall of China | #beijing #china #beijingitinerary #greatwall #visitchina #asia #chinatravel #beijinghistory #beijingfood

China is a very peaceful and nice place. Peoples are very friendly there. All the places in Beijing were very attractive and I’m very excited to visit these places. Recently I had to China with my family for 8days.

It is a great place to be!

Must-see attractions in Beijing

Forbidden City

Forbidden City & Dongcheng Central

Enclosed by 3.5km of citadel walls at the very heart of Beijing, the Unesco-listed Forbidden City is China’s largest and best-preserved collection of…

Temple of Heaven Park

Temple of Heaven Park & Dongcheng South

An oasis of methodical Confucian design, the 267-hectare Temple of Heaven Park is unique. It originally served as a vast stage for solemn rites performed…

Summer Palace

A marvel of Chinese garden design and one of Beijing's must-see attractions, the Summer Palace was the royal retreat for emperors fleeing the suffocating…

Tian'anmen Square

Flanked by triumphalist Soviet-style buildings, Tian'anmen Sq is an immense void of paved stone (440,000 sq metres, to be precise) at the symbolic centre…

Beihai Park

Beihai Park, inside the old Imperial City, looks much as it would have done in the 18th century when it served as Emperor Qianlong's private gardens. The…

Southeast Corner Watchtower

This immense fortress, part of the Ming City Wall Ruins Park, guarded the southeast corner of Beijing's city walls. Originally built in 1439 but repaired…

Gate of Heavenly Peace

Instantly recognisable by its giant framed portrait of Mao, and guarded by two pairs of Ming dynasty stone lions, the double-eaved Gate of Heavenly Peace …

798 Art District

Contemporary art meets communist history at this thrilling enclave of international galleries installed within China's model factory complex of the 1950s…

Lama Temple

Converted from a princely residence to a lamasery in the 18th century, the Lama Temple extends through a crescendo of ever more divine halls in a whirl of…

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

One of Beijing's more surreal spectacles is the sight of Mao Zedong's embalmed corpse on public display within his mausoleum. The Soviet-inspired memorial…

Beijing's ancient Drum Tower, built during the Ming Dynasty (1380AD).

Venerable bastions of time-keeping, the Drum Tower and its counterpart the Bell Tower were for centuries the tallest buildings in Beijing, lording it over…

Zhihua Temple

Lost in a tumbledown hutong neighbourhood, this Buddhist temple is one of Beijing's best-preserved Ming dynasty structures. It was built in 1444 to honour…

Man doing water calligraphy on Jingshan (Sun Yet-Sen) Park pathway.

Jingshan Park

Beijing's finest park is also one of the only hills in the inner city, a mound that was created from the loess (sediment) excavated to make the Forbidden…

Azure Clouds Temple

Though it dates back to the Yuan dynasty, this enchanting Buddhist temple complex was enlarged to its current splendor by Emperor Qianlong in 1748, adding…

Wuta Temple

If any Beijing sight can vanquish the dreaded 'temple fatigue', it's Wuta Si. This little-known gem is eminently worthy of a pilgrimage, not just for its…

Workers' Cultural Palace

One of Beijing's best-kept secrets – despite being next to the Gate of Heavenly Peace – the Workers' Cultural Palace was gifted to the masses by Mao in…

White Dagoba Temple

Originally built in 1271 under the reign of Kublai Khan, the serene Miaoying Temple slumbers beneath its astonishing high dagoba, the tallest in China. A…

A highlight of a visit to the Ming Tombs is to walk the Shen Dao, or Spirit Way, a funerary avenue that plots a sombre course to Cháng Líng, the earliest…

Remodelled in 2019, UCCA remains the finest contemporary-art gallery in 798, and a contender for the best in the country. Many global art superstars have…

Saturday night rush hour on Houhai Lake, Dongcheng.

Houhai Lake Scenic Area

A grand sweep of willow-lined waterways enclosed by invitingly maze-like hutong lanes, this trio of lakes is one of Beijing's best-loved outdoor spots,…

Ancient Observatory

Astronomers have been studying the mysteries of the cosmos here since 1442. Crowning the 18m-high brick tower – an earlier version of which would have…

Dingling Tomb is one of the three tombs located at The Ming Tombs which are open to the public. The tomb is famous for its underground palace and the burial of Emperor Wanli and his two empresses. Of all Ming Dynasty emperors, Emperor Wanli reigned for 48 years and is considered one of the longest reigning emperors in Chinese history. Historical documents have stated that the cost of constructing Dingling Tomb cost a staggering 8 Million taels of Silver.

Established according to feng shui in the cradle of Tianshou Mountain (天寿山, Tiānshòu Shān), this auspicious swath of nature was walled off by the Ming to…

Fragrant Hills Park

A great swath of Beijing's Western Hills (Xīshān) was once an imperial pleasure resort, acres of undulating pine-cypress forest peppered with temples,…

Treasure Gallery

In the northeastern corner of the complex is the Treasure Gallery (or Complete Palace of Peace and Longevity, 宁寿全宫, Níng Shǒu Quán Gōng), a…

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

The crowning glory of the Temple of Heaven is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, its triple-eaved roof canopy of glazed blue tiles reflecting its…

Round Altar

The present build dating to around 1540, this is the business end of the Temple of Heaven. Here on this open-air, raised platform (a circle within a…

Poly Art Museum

A thrilling discovery, this exquisite collection of treasures is hidden halfway up an office building! China's state-owned Poly Group has funnelled a…

Confucius Temple & Imperial College

An incense stick’s toss away from the Lama Temple, China’s second-largest Confucian temple is a haven of scholarly calm and contemplation. Come to wander…

Long Corridor

Stretching for 728m along the north shore of Kunming Lake, the open-air Long Corridor is one of the premier sights of the Summer Palace. One can imagine…

Hall of Central Harmony

Behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony is the Hall of Central Harmony, which was used as the emperor’s transit lounge. Here he would make last-minute…

Imperial Vault of Heaven

Inside the Echo Wall, this ornate building was merely a storeroom, used to keep the spirit tablets of the gods and other materials used for the ceremonies…

It's no coincidence that the most magnificent of the Ming tombs bears more than a passing resemblance to the Forbidden City. It was commissioned by the…

Hall of Supreme Harmony

One of the Three Great Halls, this is the most important and largest structure in the Forbidden City. Built in the 15th century and restored in the 17th…

Gallery of Clocks

The Gallery of Clocks is one of the unmissable highlights of the Forbidden City. Relocated from the Hall for Ancestral Worship in 2018 (in order that the…

Sacrificial Hall

The main attraction within the Workers' Cultural Palace is the monumental Sacrificial Hall, as exquisite as any temple you'll find in Beijing. Built in…

Divine Merit Stele Pavilion

Along the Spirit Way before you reach the pairs of stone guardians, this glorious pavilion contains a stele thought to be the largest in China, mounted on…

17-Arch Bridge

Connecting the eastern shore of Kunming Lake to South Lake Island, this is the largest bridge in the Summer Palace at 150m long. It was built during the…

White Dagoba

Topping Jade Islet (琼岛; Qióngdǎo), the 36m-high Tibetan-style White Dagoba was built in 1651 by the first Qing emperor to honour a visit by the Dalai Lama…

Faurschou Foundation

Although this privately owned Danish gallery is a relative newcomer, it has racked up an enviable showreel of exhibitions and retrospectives since 2011,…

Nine Dragon Screen

To the west of Western Elysium, set back from the lakeshore, is this 5m-high, 27m-long spirit wall emblazoned with writing and coiled dragons, picked out…

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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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Top Reasons to Visit Beijing

Beijing, aged over 1000, capital of China for hundreds of years, is an ancient and modern city, with marvelous historic and cultural heritages, and fashionable and impressive high-rise buildings. This super metropolis in the world boast itself as the host city of 2008 Olympic Summer Games and 2022 Olympic Winter Games. As a insider, I am telling that this metropolis with many faces are worthy of your Beijing discovery and China tours. Its greatness and preciousness are almost beyond our words, but in here several top reasons and Beijing highlights are listed. Reading Guideline:

Great Wall
The Forbidden City
Beijing Hutong & Beijing Courtyard
Beijing Heritage & Beijing Culture
Peking Duck & Beijing Food
Convenient Transport & 144-hour Visa Free Transit
Interesting Things to Do in Beijing
Best Attractions in Beijing
Beijing Modern Architecture

Great Wall Travel Tips: Great Wall Tour is an outdoor activity, with stairs helping your climbing and cable car to save energy and time. Great Wall is suitable for youth, adults and senior citizens in good physical conditions. To the elders not suitable to climbing but still desire to see the beauty of Great Wall, I recommend Badaling Great Wall and cable car. To hikers, I recommended all sections of Great Wall, especially, Jingshanling Great Wall, and Simatai Great Wall. Recommended Great Wall Tours:

3 Days Hike the Great Wall around Beijing 2 Days Great Wall Trekking from Jinshanling to Simatai One Day Mutianyu Great Wall & Forbidden City Tour

The Forbidden City

Together with Great Wall, the Forbidden City has been a national card of China, and the two are highlights of China, and the foremost recommendation to foreign tourists and friends. The Forbidden City Tour could a day tour, half-day tour, and a two-hour tour. To tourists interested in architecture, history and Chinese culture, a day tour is recommended for this huge Forbidden City. To tourists in shortage of tour time, half-two tour and two-hour tour is recommended, but a second-time tour to the Forbidden City is a big possibility.

Beijing Hutong & Beijing Courtyard

Courtyards are integrated into hutongs, and the two tell Beijing culture chapter by chapter. In Huntongs, tourists can see Beijing courtyards, Beijing snacks and Beijing traditional handicrafts, which are local Beijing things without changes. Tourists could have a relaxing day or half day in hutongs: riding a bicycle, strolling or taking a rickshaw are suitable for Hutong Tours. Things to do in hutongs: visit courtyards, see special stores with specific themes, and taste Beijing food and snacks.

Beijing Heritage & Beijing Culture

The construction of those sites are money and time-consuming, imprinted with Chinese signs and symbols, and turned out to be stately and imposing. Chinese building theory, Chinese symbols representing then monarch’s power and reflecting Chinese people’s like are all applied to those construction. Beijing Culture includes the above heritages representing culture in the upper level , also the culture from the ordinary. Beijing hutong and courtyard culture, Beijing food and snacks, and traditional handcrafts are authentic Beijing culture of ordinary people. Traditional Beijing handcrafts: Cloisonne, jade ware, snuff bottle, Chinese knot, hairy monkey, rabit statue(Tu Ye’r), paper cuttings, and clay figure.

Peking Duck & Beijing Food

Convenient Transport & 144-hour Visa Free Transit

Beijing has two airports for civil aviation, and international flights to Beijing land in Beijing Capital International Airport. Beijing Capital International Airport has international flights to cities of most countries, like New York, Seoul, Kyoto, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Vancouver, Bangkok, Frankfurt, and Sydney.

Beijing two airports have domestic flights to most cities in China. And every day there are many flights available from Beijing to big cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou,and Hong Kong. Still Beijing West Train Station has high speed train to Hong Kong West Kowloon, with about 9 hours duration. Getting around Beijing: metro is my recommendation. Beijing metro is so developed that it can bring you to almost everywhere you would like to go in Beijing. Metro and public bus are cheap to users and taxi is comparably expensive. Beijing has implemented 144-hour visa free transit policy to 53 countries and regions, which means that tourists having flights transit in Beijing Capital International Airport could stay 6 days in Beijing. It is a great opportunity to have Beijing tours.

Recommended Tours: 3 Days Beijing Visa Free Tours

Interesting Things to Do in Beijing

What to do in Beijing, is a problem to first-time visitors to Beijing. In order to have a Beijing Discovery Tour, and Beijing Best tour, tourists could take the following advice.

► Great Wall helicopter tour.

Best Attractions in Beijing

Beihai Park, Shichahai, Houhai

Recommended Tours: 4 Days Best Beijing Tour 5 Days Beijing Family Tour 5 Days Beijing Budget Tour

Beijing Modern Architecture

Recommended China Tours

2 Days Great Wall Trekking from Jinshanling to Simatai

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10 Reasons to Visit Beijing

1.Beijing is a city soaked in history.

Beijing had already been famous during the Warring States period (475 BC - 221 BC), when Beijing was a capital city of a kingdom named Yan Kingdom. After the Yan Kingdom, five more dynasties built their capitals in today’s Beijing, including the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Therefore, Beijing is a city full of culture and tradition. Now historical sites such as Nanluoguxiang, the Forbidden City, Ming Tombs, the Great Wall, Beihai Park and the Summer Palace from the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties are evidence that tell the stories of the past.

2.Old Beijing culture is worth exploring.

The most protruding representatives of Old Beijing culture are Beijing’s hutongs and courtyard houses, which are mainly located around the Forbidden City. Shichahai and Qianmen are places where tourists usually visit to explore Old Beijing culture by touring hutongs and courtyard houses. Shichahai hutongs were once resided by rich and royal families and are now an idea land for a stroll in the morning or the afternoon.

3.Religion serves as an important feature of Beijing travel.

Since it is the capital of China, Beijing has attracted all kinds of domestic and foreign religions to settle here, including Taoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Catholicism and Muslim. The White Cloud Temple is a Taoist temple, Tanzhe Temple and Yonghegong Lama Temple (Tibetan Buddhism) are Buddhist temples, Chongwenmen Church is the largest Methodist church in Beijing, and Beijing Niujie Muslim Mosque is the representative of Muslim in Beijing. So, you don’t have to worry about worshiping your gods in your trip here.

4.The Great Wall exploration must be much more interesting.

Since Beijing was once the city bordering the northern tribes which often invaded the China in the history, many sections of the Great Wall had been built to prevent the invaders from the north. Now you can take the bus or drive car setting off from downtown Beijing to these sections, explore the wonderfulness of the remains of the Great Wall. Sections such as Badaling, Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Huanghuashui, Jiankou and Simatai are places where tourists usually travel to, in whatever season that settles in Beijing. Jiankou is a wild section and is loved by hikers and photographers.

5.Delicious cuisines you cannot miss.

Beijing is a melting pot for Chinese food although it still preserves its own flavor. In Beijing, one of the most famous foods is Peking Duck, which is mainly cooked by Quanjude, Bianyifang and Dadong. Some travelers visiting Beijing hope to have a taste of Beijing’s hot pot, because it warms their heart and soul during the cold winter. As far as I know, you have two choices. One is Hai Di Lao, a modern restaurant featuring hot pot with very good service and a buffet-like hot pot condiments selection process. The other is Nan Men Shuan Rou, which uses traditional Beijing hot pot ware (copper ware) to boil mutton and vegetables. Eating hot pot really warms your heart during this season.

6.You will never think Beijing is a place full of modern art.

Beijing allows artists to create their own artworks in certain areas of the city. The most famous art district is the 798 Art District, where hundreds of art studios stand to welcome tourists. Moreover, you can encounter many artwork including sculptures and graffiti while wandering the roads of it. In addition, Cao Chang Di and Dagaocun are other two art districts welcoming visitors.

7.Olympic spirit still shines in Beijing.

The park is located on Subway Line 8. Getting off at Olympic Park Station, you will come to the park, where you will see the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. It is a large area where hundreds upon hundreds of tourists visit each day. In addition, you can also walk to the Olympic Forest Park in the north. It is a place suitable for jogging.

8.Biking is also possible in the city.

The most recommended biking tour is one around the Shichahai hutong area, but many people ride their bikes to many sites such as the Great Wall and Chaobai River on the outskirts of Beijing.

9.You will feel the heartbeat of nature in Beijing’s beautiful hills and botanical garden.

The most famous hills Beijing features for autumn travel are the Fragrant Hills located to the northwest of the Summer Palace. But you can still visit it in winter. This park is famous for the beautiful scenery of maple leaves and lush forests. The one that follows its footstep is the Beijing Botanical Garden, where you will not only see gorgeous flowers, but you will totally step into the heart of nature. All kinds of plants can be something worth exploring.

10.Hanging out at night appears very alluring too.

The nightlife paradise in Beijing is probably found in Sanlitun. Both locals and foreigners visit that area each and every night. Drinking foreign alcoholic beverages is possible here. Other nightlife lands include Laoshe Teahouse, Red Theatre and Huguang Guild Hall, where traditional Chinese art forms can be fully experienced. Many people visiting Beijing love Chinese tea, and Laoshe Teahouse is the most recommended one.

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Springtime of the Great Wall One-day Tour

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Come to Shougang park to feel the atmosphere of the Winter Olympics, shoot style pictures, enjoy literary romance, taste special food, and experience the relaxing micro-vacation...

Beijing's spring brings rapid temperature shifts, dry, windy weather, and limited rainfall. Subsolar point movement and mid-latitude circulation changes create unstable conditions, with increased cyclonic activity and more windy days. Spring sees 10% of annual rainfall, but high evaporation rates lead to dry conditions, known as "spring drought."

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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.

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
More Beijing tours

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.

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.

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.

4-Day Beijing Private Tour
7-Day Beijing Winter Olympics Travel Package

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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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling To Beijing

Destinations
News and Tips
Travel With Confidence

Visiting China can be an adjustment for visitors that are unfamiliar with the culture, and it is always good to be prepared before traveling. Visiting its capital, Beijing, is no exception.

Yes, Beijing has a lot of wonderful sights to see and foods to try , but it can be quite the culture shock. Here are some of my tips on anything from smog to carrying cash, toilet trouble, and table manners.

Close up of a Chinese Visa for travel in China background.

1. Visa Applications Can Be Challenging

Unless you hold a passport from Singapore, Brunei, or Japan, you will need a visa if you wish to stay for longer than 72 hours in China. It can be time consuming and at times very difficult to get hold of a visa. So as soon as you know that you want to go to China, start applying for a visa.

If your country of residence is the same as your nationality, i.e., the country that issued your passport, then you should be able to get a 30-day tourist visa without too many delays. American travelers can find exact visa requirements on the U.S. Department of State website .

If, however, you are an expatriate, it is very difficult to get hold of a visa because you need to apply in the same country your passport is from. I had this problem in France, holding a German passport. The embassy expected me to go back to Germany to apply for the visa.

2. Download a VPN Before You Leave Home

Once you have your visa, download a VPN (virtual private network) on your phone if you are planning to use the internet or go on social media. Make sure you do it in your country before you leave, because once you are in China, it’s too late. The VPN hides your device’s IP address, allowing you to search on your phone, use apps, or post a selfie on Facebook. That said, even if you manage to get onto Facebook, please be careful what you post. Any criticism of the politics of China, or anything even slightly negative, can get you into trouble.

Note that many VPNs are banned in China. Before going abroad, do your research on quality VPNs that are approved in China.

Close-up view of man using Apple Pay paying for public transport.

3. Cash Is King

The Chinese currency is the renminbi, which means “people’s money,” but the renminbi is better known as the yuan. One yuan or renminbi is divided into 100 fen, or 10 jiao. Confused yet?

The most important thing to remember is to carry cash, and preferably small notes, as things within China are inexpensive, be they rickshaw rides, items from the corner shop or the food stalls — basically anything except for admittance fees because these are inflated for the tourists. Credit cards and things like Apple Pay are more and more accepted, especially in larger stores and restaurants and on the metro, but as soon as you head into more traditional areas, you are better off with cash. But you don’t have to tip in restaurants: Not only is it not expected, at times it is even frowned upon. However, in Western-style hotels and restaurants catering to tourists, you may tip, as the staff will have gotten used to it.

4. Toilet Trouble

Public toilets provide quite the culture shock for first-time visitors to Beijing. In my experience, most were a simple hole in the ground, often without handles to steady yourself. Toilet paper, soap, and hand towels were also a rare commodity. I learned to carry hand sanitizer — a doddle in these days of the COVID pandemic — and tissues wherever I went. And after a couple of awkward moments, I was sure to lock the door when I went in.

5. Always Carry ID

Make sure you always carry ID because police may stop you at any time — in the street, at tourist sights, or in your hotel — and ask for identification. It is law in China for citizens and visitors alike to be able to produce ID when asked by police. Often you also get asked to show ID at the entry to sights when buying tickets.

I’m reluctant to carry my passport around when traveling in case I lose it. I carry a copy, either paper or a photo on my phone. I also tend to carry an old driver’s license, or other photo ID which clearly shows my picture and name, and leave my passport in the hotel safe.

the Forbidden City in Beijing China, on a foggy day.

6. Be Prepared For Smog

Beijing is a huge city, full of cars and buses which do not necessarily meet Western emission standards. Throughout 2019, Beijing had just two months when the air quality was classified as “moderate.” The worst months for smog are the winter months, but that said, I first visited in winter and had the best weather I could have imagined, with clear, fresh air. To be safe, though, travel with a mask. But make sure the smog mask is rated N95 or higher, meaning it removes 95 percent of particular matter 0.3 microns in size or bigger.

7. Mind The Scams

Like in all large cities where tourists are aplenty, there are people who would like to scam them out of some money. The most common scam, with signs warning you at sites such as the Forbidden City, is the so-called Tea Scam. A young local will approach you, asking if you would mind practicing English with them. They will take you to a tea shop where, when it comes to paying the bill, the amount is in the hundreds of dollars, and if you complain, you find yourself surrounded by their not-quite-so-friendly friends.

The rickshaw scam runs along the same lines as most foreign non-metered taxi scams — you end up not paying the price you agreed to because suddenly your driver cannot understand a thing anymore. Instead, ask your tour guide or concierge in the hotel to help you or take a metered taxi.

8. Slurping And Spitting

In China, slurping and smacking your lips when eating is not only socially acceptable but in fact polite, showing the hostess or chef that the food is truly enjoyable. You might want to try and join in when eating noodles!

As for spitting in the street, while that sort of behavior is not necessarily deemed polite, it is widely accepted and pretty much the norm. So instead of getting upset or angry, just make sure to watch where you step. I swear my feet were aimed at deliberately by some guy spitting in Beijing, someone who clearly did not like foreign tourists.

9. Things Get Lost In Translation

Language is a huge barrier in China, with English not widely spoken. That said, with Beijing being a multinational and cosmopolitan city, you will find some English speakers in most larger restaurants and hotels, and tour guides are conversant in numerous languages. But step away from any Westernized or touristy area and you are on your own. It can even be difficult to get back to your hotel, so I have started to always carry the business card or a note from my accommodation with the name, address, and directions in the local language to show to taxi drivers when I get lost. At least you’ll get home.

As for eating out, some would argue it’s better not to know what you have in front of you anyway, but many restaurants in touristy areas have menus with images, which are often better than the translations — which, together with public signs dotted around the country, can provide some hilarious but not necessarily useful translations.

Beijing Subway. People are walking. Located in Beijing Subway, Beijing, China.

10. Braving The Subway

It took a while before I was brave enough to head down into the subway station to see if I could get around by public transport, and I wish I had tried it sooner. I had expected to get completely lost because I could not read the signs; instead I found that the subway had English translations, making things so much easier. Even the machines to get your 3-yuan, plastic entry card for a single inner-city trip, seemed much less scary than anticipated.

11. The History Can Be Overwhelming

I knew that China would be full of history, and I knew the Great Wall of China was once rumored to be the only man-made object visible from space. Even if that is not actually true, the sheer magnitude of the historic sights here took me aback somewhat. Standing on the Great Wall, seeing only a tiny fraction of the 13,000-mile-long wall, built more than 2,000 years ago, nearly overwhelmed me.

Packing too much into a day can not only be physically but also mentally exhausting, so spread the important monuments out a little, if you have time, and add a bit of lighter fun in between. A market, a walk through the Hutongs, or a bit of shopping gives the brain a chance to digest each morsel, one at a time.

12. Taste The Duck

At first, I balked at the thought of eating a fried duck. But this is the specialty in Beijing, and when in Rome, as they say… and you know what? The crispy skin dipped in sugar (yes, really) is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted. As travelers, it is good at times to jump over your own shadow and try different things. You might just really love them.

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

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11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Beijing Over Tokyo

Both Tokyo and Beijing have history, commerce, culture and modernity to offer. Both are fast-paced hubs buzzing with modernity. But if you had to pick one for 2017, which should you visit? We weighed up what each has to offer and decided that Beijing is the winner – not least because of the stunning Great Wall . Head there in early summer or autumn for mild weather and to see the changing colours of the seasons.

Beijing is cheaper.

Tokyo is more expensive a city, as you would expect, and the price has gotta be right. A useful indicator of the purchasing power of the local currency is the Big Mac index , which puts the classic Big Mac burger at US$2.83 in Beijing and US$3.26 in Tokyo.

Beijing has way more history

Much of what Japan has to offer in cultural heritage is heavily influenced by Chinese architecture and history. Kublai Khan made Beijing his capital in 1279, and some of the city wall from that era still exists. The old city standing today was mostly built during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), but even that dynasty began almost 600 years ago. Before 1869, Tokyo was a fishing village. Beijing’s temples, palaces, and gardens are bigger, better and older than Tokyo’s.

Tokyo has two UNESCO heritage sites out of the 20 listed in Japan . One of these is natural and one cultural: Ogasawara Islands and National Museum of Western Art. To contrast, Beijing has seven out of the 50 sites in China .

Beijing is way more scenic

There is not much of pre-World War II Tokyo that still exists, given the earthquakes and the bombing destruction. While Tokyo today is mostly a concrete jungle, plenty of narrow traditional alleyways or hutongs still exist in the old city of Beijing, pleasant places for wandering and experiencing local life. There are also splendid lakes that flow through the heart of the city from the ancient Drum and Bell Tower towards the Forbidden City.

Beijing has amazing culture

Beijing has festivals galore; from the Chinese New Year temple fairs to the Dragon Boat Festival that sees dragon boats racing in the scenic lakes of Houhai, there are loads of cultural festivities to take part in. Outside of the urban centre in mountainous Beijing, annual folk religious events like the Miaofengshan Festival is a fountain of colour and hundred-year-old performances celebrating life and bustling traditions.

Tokyo is really crowded

It’s the most populous city in the world, with 13.62 million people. Can you chill out in a city knowing that any moment you might walk into one of them?

And its public transport is pushy – literally

Getting pushed and shoved on the tube at peak hours in London is the norm, but what of a city that employs professionals to do it with more force? The Tokyo subway is so packed that even taking into account impeccable Japanese manners, hired help called a Oshiya or ‘pusher’ is needed to cram the last few remaining customers onto the carriages. These enforcers are easily distinguishable as they wear dark uniforms and wear white gloves; the passengers are distinguishable by their squished faces .

Beijing doesn’t have earthquakes

Tokyo has earthquakes all the time, and there is a big one coming according to predictions. Earthquakes in Tokyo average at one every two or three days but most are slow motion quakes that don’t cause any damage, but given the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 killed more than 100,000 people, it’s just good to keep in mind that there is likely one on its way at some point. We suggest if you’re into experiencing a quake, however, to pop into the China Fire Museum in Beijing for an earthquake simulation.

Beijing’s ‘Forbidden’ City is no longer forbidden

The imperial palace in Beijing is not only much bigger and more impressive than the Tokyo royal palace, but it is also open to visitors all year round, contrary to what its name suggests. While you can tour the grounds of the imperial palace in Tokyo with a pre-booked guide, you can’t go into the buildings. Only its gardens are truly open access.

Northwestern corner of the Forbidden City

Beijing is better for food

Sushi is one reason why people get excited about visiting Japan, but Beijing has many more reasons given that there are 23 provinces and 55 ethnic minorities in China. Many of these regions have official consulates in the capital with restaurants attached that specialise in the local cuisine. Of particular note are the many Xinjiang restaurants that cook up cumin infused lamb kebabs and hand pulled noodles.

Beijing has blossoms too

And you can catch them against the backdrop of the glorious Summer Palace or even the Great Wall. If you’re not convinced, just see the photos below.

In autumn, entire stretches of the hills around the capital and parts of those at the Great Wall turn a golden bronze as the leaves turn varying shades of red.

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Beijing Travel Guide
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11 Best Things To Do In Beijing, China

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visit Beijing on October November 2023 after long years we have been here
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It's Worth Visiting Beijing: 12 Reasons Tell You Why
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Here we describe for you the top 20 things to do in Beijing, a wide variety of experiences to cherish forever, including something for everyone. 1. Admire the Majestic Great Wall. Recommended stay: 1-3 days. Different Sections of the Great Wall. The Great Wall of China extends 4,000 miles.
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Chinese Name: 北京 (běi jīng) Government: Municipality; Capital of China. Location: Northern China (39°54′N, 116°23′E) Area Code: 010; Zip Code: 100000. Airports: Railway Stations: Suburban Districts: Events: Beijing, Jing for short, is a metropolis in northern China and the capital of China.
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Sushi is one reason why people get excited about visiting Japan, but Beijing has many more reasons given that there are 23 provinces and 55 ethnic minorities in China. Many of these regions have official consulates in the capital with restaurants attached that specialise in the local cuisine. Of particular note are the many Xinjiang restaurants ...

Why Visit Beijing? 10 Reasons to Plan a Beijing Holiday

1. Historical Landmarks

2. The Great Wall

3. Rich Cultural Heritage

4. Culinary Delights

5. World-Class Museums

6. Modern Architecture and Innovation

7. Natural Beauty and Parks

8. Bustling Markets and Shopping

9. Vibrant Nightlife

10. Festivals and Events

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Beijing Travel Guide 2024

Why visit Beijing:

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Other Popular Destinations in China

Plan Your Beijing Tour

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17 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing

1. The Palace Museum and the Forbidden City

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Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)

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

Popular Tours

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

Nanluoguxiang Nanluoguxiang free

Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square free

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

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

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

National Museum of China National Museum of China free

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

Olympic Park Olympic Park free

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

Ritan Park Ritan Park free

Panjiayuan Antique Market Panjiayuan Antique Market free

Ming Tombs Ming Tombs

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Table of Contents

🌏Getting to Beijing, China

🔍 Where is Beijing China Located?

✈️Getting to Beijing by Plane

🚆Getting to Beijing by Train

1. Explore the Forbidden City – One of the Best Places to Visit in Beijing

2. Glimpse the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

3. Explore the Beihai Park

4. Visit the Temple of Heaven – A Sacred Place with Historical Significance

5. Witness the Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tian’anmen Square

6. Visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall

7. Pay A Visit to the National Museum of China

8. Military Museum of the Chinese People’s Revolution – Fans of Weapon Must See

9. Explore Another Museum at Capital Museum

10. Wander the YuYuanTan Park

11. Stroll Qianmen Street

12. Walk in Dashilar Street

13. Enjoy Peking Duck at Quanjude