Are you wondering what to see, buy, and experience in Beijing? Which are the must-see attractions you should never miss, and what are the unique activities known only to locals?
To assist you in planning your Beijing vacation and immersing yourself in the authentic life of this city, we have curated a list of the top 15 Beijing attractions. These sites will provide you with a deeper insight into Beijing’s past and present, as well as a greater understanding of Chinese culture and history. Additionally, we have handpicked six recommended featured activities that will add an extra layer of enjoyment to your Beijing trip.
Beijing Attractions by Catagory
| ①Top 7 Places to Visit in Beijing for First-Timers | ②8 Best Sections of Great Wall near Beijing |
| ③10 Awesome Landmark Sites to Take Photos | ④5 Best Places to Explore Beijing’s Folk Culture |
| ⑤6 Recommended Free Attractions to Visit in Beijing | ⑥Popular Beijing Hutongs |
No.1: Forbidden City
Type:Historic Site, landmarks
Recommended Length of Visit: 2-3 hours
The Forbidden City is undoubtedly the premier must-see destination in Beijing, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and history. With over 9,000 rooms spread across 250 acres, this magnificent complex was exclusively reserved for emperors during the 15th to 18th centuries. Stepping foot inside the palace is like stepping back in time, immersing yourself in the centuries-old legacy of China’s imperial dynasties.☛ Recommended Forbidden City Tours
No.2: Great Wall
Type: Historic Site, Landmarks, Hiking Trails
Recommended Length of Visit: about 3 hours’ hiking
Exploring the Great Wall is an essential experience for those visiting Beijing for the first time. The Wall stretches continuously, offering various renowned sections for visitors to explore near the city. These include the iconic Badaling Great Wall, the less crowded Mutianyu Section, the picturesque Simatai section, the stunning Jinshanling, the challenging Jiankou, the historically significant Gubeikou, the strategic Juyongguan, and the unique Huanghuacheng. Each section offers its own distinct charm and historical significance, making the Great Wall a truly unforgettable destination for travelers.☛ Recommended Great Wall Tours
No.3: Temple of Heaven
Type: Historic Site, Parks, Religious Site
Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
The Temple of Heaven, spanning an impressive 270 acres, stands as the grandest religious structure in China. This sacred site served as a place of reverence for the Ming and Qing emperors, who would gather to pay homage to Heaven and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Today, the Temple of Heaven has transformed into a serene leisure park, offering visitors the opportunity to marvel at its stunning temple buildings and halls adorned with vibrant, intricate decorations.☛ Recommended Temple of Heaven
No.4: Hutong
Type: Historic Walking Area
Recommended Length of Visit: about 2 hours
Beijing is renowned for its centuries-old alleys, known as hutongs, which offer visitors a glimpse into the authentic life of the city through their narrow, winding streets. The Houhai area stands out as the ideal location to immerse oneself in the rich Hutong culture. Nearby, visitors can explore the bustling Nanluoguxiang and the historic Yandaixie Street, both of which are popular destinations for tourists seeking to experience the charm of Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods.☛ Recommended Hutong
No.5: Summer Palace
Type: Hisotric Site, Parks
Recommended Length of Visit: 2-3 hours
The Summer Palace, known as Yiheyuan in Chinese, was once the exclusive summer retreat for emperors, featuring Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Today, it has been transformed into a picturesque park that attracts both locals and tourists alike. Visitors can leisurely wander through the ancient pavilions, temples, bridges, and expansive lakes, all while taking in the breathtaking views of this historic royal garden.☛ Recommended Summer Palace
No.6: Tian’anmen Square
Type: landmarks, Square
Recommended Length of Visit: less than 1 hour
Tiananmen Square is a sprawling open concrete space located in the heart of contemporary Beijing. It is a place where the national flag is ceremoniously raised at dawn and lowered at dusk each day, while locals and tourists alike leisurely stroll about. One of the most iconic landmarks in the square is Tiananmen Gate, where Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.☛ Recommended Tian’anmen Square
No.7: Beijing Olympic Park
Type: Arenas
Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour
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, some of which have become landmarks of Beijing and representative works in architectural history such as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. The best time to visit there is in the afternoon till night, for the splendid colorful lights will add more unforgettable memory to your Beijing trip.☛ Recommended Beijing Olympic Park
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No.8: Jingshan Park
Type: Parks, Historical Sites
Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hours
Jingshan Park, situated along the central axis of Beijing and adjacent to the Forbidden City, stands as the highest point in Beijing’s Old Imperial City. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of both the historic Forbidden City and the modern skyline of Beijing. The park is adorned with ancient towers and vibrant flowers, creating a picturesque setting for sightseeing. Additionally, visitors can often observe local residents playing traditional instruments, adding to the park’s cultural charm.☛ Recommended Jingshan Park
No.9: Universal Studios Beijing
Type: Amusement Parks, Resorts
Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 days
Universal Studios Beijing, the fifth Universal Studios theme park in the world and the second world-class amusement park in inland China after Shanghai Disneyland, has recently become a must-hit destination for Chinese and foreign tourists visiting Beijing. Featuring themes from Hollywood blockbusters, each zone unlocks a new world for adventurers filled with joy, magic, sci-fi, excitement, and awe.☛ Recommended Universal Studios Beijing
No.10: Gubei Water Town
Type: Holiday Resorts
Recommended Length of Visit: Half day
Gubei Water Town, situated at the base of the Simatai Great Wall, serves as the northeastern entrance to Beijing. This themed resort showcases ancient northern architecture set against a picturesque lake backdrop. While not a historically significant water town, Gubei Water Town has evolved into a popular tourist destination offering a wide range of activities including sightseeing, night tours, boating, hiking along the Great Wall, and indulging in hot spring spas. ☛ Recommended Gubei Water Town
No.11 Ming Tombs
Type: Historic site, Monuments
Recommended Length of Visit: 2 hours
The Ming Tombs, known as Chang Ling in Chinese, serve as the final resting place for 13 out of the 16 Ming emperors. Among these tombs, Ding Ling is the only one open to the public, showcasing a wealth of treasures and traditional Chinese Feng Shui principles. A major attraction is the Sacred Road leading to the tomb, lined with hundreds of intricately carved stone animals.
Located just 30 km northwest of Beijing city, the Ming Tombs are often included in tours to the Great Wall, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s rich history and cultural heritage. ☛ Recommended Ming Tombs
No.12: Lama Temple
Type: Religious & Historic sites, Museums
Recommended Length of Visit: 1-2 hour
The Lama Temple, known as Yonghegong in Chinese, stands as the most prestigious Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Its architecture is a harmonious blend of Han and Tibetan styles, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. Within its walls, one can delve into the teachings of Tibetan Buddhism while marveling at the intricate designs and magnificent Buddha statues. Among these statues is a remarkable fifty-four-foot high Buddha, meticulously carved from a single piece of Tibetan sandalwood. This awe-inspiring masterpiece is just one of the many treasures awaiting discovery at the Lama Temple. ☛ Recommended Lama Temple
No.13: Confucius Temple
Type: Cultural site, Museum
Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour
For fans of Confucius, a visit to the Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum is a must. Unlike other tourist sites, these locations offer a serene and peaceful atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in the teachings of Confucius. Whether you are familiar with Confucius or not, a visit to the East and West Halls will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of his life, philosophies, impact, and legacy. The information is presented in perfect English, making it accessible to all visitors.☛ Recommended Confucius Temple
No.14: National Museum of China
Type: Museums
Recommended Length of Visit: 2-3 hours
The National Museum of China boasts a collection of over 1 million precious and rare artifacts, spanning Chinese history from 1.7 million years ago to the present day. As the third largest and second most visited museum in the world, it holds a prominent place in the heart of Beijing, situated on the east side of Tiananmen Square and the south side of East Changan Street.☛ Recommended National Museum of China
No.15: 798 Art District
Type: Art Galleries, Photography
Recommended Length of Visit: 2 hours
The once-abandoned factories that now make up the 798 Art District have become synonymous with art and originality. Located in Beijing, this avant-garde destination offers a unique experience for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Whether you are a lover of art or simply looking to explore something new, 798 Art District will provide you with a fresh perspective on Beijing. Visitors can enjoy upscale exhibitions, marvel at creatively designed architecture, browse stylish boutiques, and dine at trendy cafes and restaurants within the district.☛ Recommended 798 Art District
How to Plan Your Travel in Beijing
To fully experience the best of Beijing, including iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (with Mutianyu as the top recommendation), the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, and the Beijing Hutongs, it is recommended to allocate approximately 4 days for your visit, factoring in arrival and departure times.
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package
☛ 3 Days Beijing Essential Highlights Tour
If you have additional time, you may want to explore the picturesque Jinshanling Great Wall, marvel at the breathtaking night views of the Simatai Great Wall, or visit other sections such as Huanghuacheng, Gubeikou, and Juyongguan.
☛ 4 Days Beijing Essence Tour with Simatai Great Wall Night Sightseeing
☛ 4 Days Classic Beijing Tour with Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking
Families with children should not overlook the opportunity to experience the magic of Universal Beijing Resort. For those who appreciate art and history, a visit to the National Museum of China is a must. This museum is home to some of the nation’s most valuable treasures, making it a destination not to be missed for museum enthusiasts.
☛ 5 Days Beijing Family-friendly Tour with Universal Studios Fun
☛ 5 Days In-depth Beijing Tour with History and Culture Discovery
As a prominent transportation hub, Beijing provides convenient access to various top destinations in China via flights or trains, including Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Chengdu, and Tibet. China Discovery offers a wide range of tour packages departing from Beijing, or we can tailor an itinerary to meet your specific preferences.
Recommended Beijing Tours with Other Top Cities in China:
☛ 2 Days Classic Beijing Xian High-speed Train Tour
☛ 3 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing – Xian – Shanghai)
☛ 7 Days Classic China Tour from Beijing (Beijing – Xian – Guilin – Shanghai)
For the past few years, we have had the privilege of assisting numerous global travelers in creating unforgettable experiences during their trips to Beijing. One particular group that stands out is a team of over 50 VIPKID teachers from North America who embarked on a journey with us to visit their beloved students in China. Their time in Beijing was nothing short of amazing, and they graciously shared their unique travel story with us.
Join us at China Discovery and let us help you craft your own extraordinary memories during your trip to China!
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Recommended Beijing Tours
Discover the top three Beijing tours preferred by our most satisfied customers for an unforgettable exploration of the city. Explore Beijing in the most comprehensive and enjoyable way possible. Review the detailed itineraries provided or customize your own unique trip with us today.
4 Days Classic Beijing Tour Package (Leisure Paced)
3 Days Beijing Essential Highlights Tour
5 Days Fantastic Universal Studios Beijing Tour – Best for Family
Beijing's Top Picks
