🏯 What are the most famous places to visit in Beijing?
Beijing is full of iconic landmarks that span centuries of history
Must-See Attractions
- The Forbidden City: Once home to emperors, now a sprawling museum of imperial power.
- Tiananmen Square: The political heart of China and site of major national events.
- The Great Wall: Visit Badaling, Mutianyu, or hike the wilder sections like Jinshanling and Jiankou.
- Temple of Heaven: Emperors prayed for good harvests, very beautiful architecture.
- Summer Palace: Beautiful examples of Ming-Qing architecture and landscaping.
- 798 Art District: A modern creative zone in former industrial buildings.
- Other Notables: National Museum of China, Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, Bird’s Nest Stadium, CCTV Tower, Sanlitun, Xidan, and Wangfujing.
Beijing Must-See Attractions Pin Map
Recommended Visit Time
Please note the suggested visit time below refers to the time spent at each attraction itself and does not include travel time before or after. Please plan ahead accordingly.
| Attraction | Recommended Time |
|---|---|
| Forbidden City | 2–3 hours for main highlights; 1.5 hours minimum, half-day possible for in-depth exploration |
| Tiananmen Square | 30 minutes to 1 hour for walking, photos, and pairing with Forbidden City visit |
| Great Wall (Mutianyu/Badaling) | 2–3 hours at the Wall; 4–5 hours total including round-trip transport and entrance procedures |
| Great Wall (Jiankou/Jinshanling) | 4–5 hours for hiking routes like Jiankou–Mutianyu or Jinshanling–Simatai |
| Temple of Heaven | 1.5–2 hours to visit main temple complex and enjoy the surrounding park atmosphere |
| Summer Palace | 2–3 hours minimum; 3–4 hours preferred for a relaxed visit including lakeside walk or boat ride |
| 798 Art District | 2–3 hours to explore galleries, public art, cafés, and shops; longer for art enthusiasts |
| National Museum of China | 2–3 hours to see permanent and rotating exhibitions; longer for history buffs |
| Beihai Park | 1–2 hours for a full circuit walk and time at the White Dagoba and lakeside area |
| Jingshan Park | 1 hour sufficient for hike to top and enjoying panoramic views; 2 hours for a slow visit |
| Bird’s Nest Stadium | 30–60 minutes for exterior viewing and Olympic Park stroll; up to 2 hours if visiting museum |
| CCTV Tower | 30–60 minutes is enough for photos and quick walk around the modern architecture |
| Sanlitun | 1–2 hours to explore shops, bars, and restaurants; best visited in the evening |
| Xidan | 1–2 hours for shopping, people-watching, and casual dining in a local urban setting |
| Wangfujing | 1–2 hours to enjoy street snacks, shop for souvenirs, and explore the night market atmosphere |
Beijing Local Culture Experience – Hutong
Walk the narrow alleyways to experience authentic local life.
🗓️ How Many Days Should I Spend in Beijing?
If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, 3–5 days is ideal to experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed 📅.
Recommended Length:
- 3–5 days are enough to cover major attractions—Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, hutongs, and maybe a modern district like 798 or Sanlitun .
- 6 days or more allows for deeper exploration: off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, local markets, day trips Mutianyu great wall or even Ming Tombs .
🗺️ Sample 5-Day Beijing Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Imperial Beijing
- Morning:
- 🏛️ Tiananmen Square
- 🏯 Forbidden City
- Afternoon:
- 🌳 Jingshan Park (panoramic city views)
- 🚶♂️ Explore nearby Beihai Park or enjoy tea in a nearby hutong courtyard
- Evening:
- Dinner in Wangfujing or Dashilan for street snacks and old-Beijing charm
🕒 Focus: Beijing’s political and imperial core
🗓️ Day 2: Great Wall & Ming Legacy
- Morning–Afternoon:
- 🧱 Great Wall at Mutianyu(or Badaling, depending on your interest)
- Optional: Cable car / Toboggan
- 🏞️ Ming Tombs (if you have the energy and a private driver)
- 🧱 Great Wall at Mutianyu(or Badaling, depending on your interest)
- Evening:
- Return to the city and rest or have a casual dinner at your hotel area
🕒 Focus: Day trip to the Great Wall — a must-see, best with a full morning/early afternoon
🗓️ Day 3: Harmony, Art & Gardens
- Morning:
- ⛩️ Temple of Heaven (catch morning tai chi if early)
- Afternoon:
- 🌿 Summer Palace (spend 2–3 hours exploring lakes and gardens)
- Evening:
- Dinner near Sanlitun or in Chaoyang District
- Optional: Rooftop bar or massage/spa
🕒 Focus: Classical Beijing beauty + nature + light modern evening
🗓️ Day 4: Religion, Culture & Hutongs
- Morning:
- 🛕 Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)
- 📚 Confucius Temple (next door, short walk)
- Afternoon:
- 🚶♂️ Hutong walking tour – explore Wudaoying, Nanluoguxiang, or nearby hidden alleys
- 🛶 Stroll around Houhai Lake
- Evening:
- Try traditional Beijing roast duck at a famous restaurant (e.g., Dadong or Quanjude)
🕒 Focus: Spiritual Beijing + neighborhood charm
🗓️ Day 5: Museums or Alternative Interests
- Choose based on your interests:
- 🖼️ 798 Art District – for art, design, and indie cafés
- 🏛️ National Museum of China – history and culture in depth
- 🛍️ Panjiayuan Antique Market – vintage finds and local color (weekends best)
- 🐼 Beijing Zoo + Panda House (good for families)
- 🏙️ Modern architecture like CCTV Tower or Bird’s Nest Stadium & Water Cube
🕒 Focus: A flexible day for deeper dives or relaxing exploration
🚇 How do I get around in Beijing?
Beijing City Transportation
- Subway: Fast, cheap, and covers most of the city. All stations have English signs. Use AMap for navigation.
- Buses: Cheap but may be confusing without Mandarin. Use AMap for navigation.
- Didi App: China’s Uber equivalent—works well for non-Chinese speakers.
- Shared Bikes: Great for exploring hutongs or short distances. Simply use AMap cycling option for navigation.
Beijing Airports
- Beijing Capital International (PEK): Older but busier.
- Daxing International (PKX): Sleek and modern with high-speed rail links.
Beijing Train Stations
- Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
- Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站)
- Beijing Railway Station (北京站)
- Beijing North Railway Station (北京北站)
- Beijing Qinghe Railway Station (北京清河站)
- Beijing Fengtai Railway Station (北京丰台站)
- Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station (北京朝阳站)
Beijing Transportation Pin Map Train Station & Airport
🍜 What should I eat in Beijing?
Beijing is a food lover’s heaven, especially if you enjoy bold, northern flavors:
Street Food & Desert
驴打滚 (lǘ dǎ gǔn) – Glutinous Rice Rolls with Red Bean Paste Coated in Soybean Flour
Restaurant Food
🏨 What are the best areas to stay in Beijing?
- Dongcheng: Walkable to historic attractions like the Forbidden City.
- Chaoyang: Full of modern business centers and nightlife.
- Sanlitun: Trendy, cosmopolitan, ideal for nightlife and young travelers.
From hutong courtyard hotels to luxury skyscrapers, Beijing has options for every budget.
📅 When is the best time to visit Beijing?
- Spring (April–June) and Autumn (September–October) are ideal: mild weather, clearer skies, fewer crowds.
- Summer is hot and humid, but manageable.
- Winter is cold and dry—great for fewer crowds and snowy photo ops.
🧭 What’s the cultural and historical background of Beijing?
Beijing has served as China’s capital for over 800 years under the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The city reflects a rich fusion of tradition and change—from ancient temples and imperial palaces to modern government buildings and tech hubs.
It’s also the center of Chinese cultural traditions such as:
- Peking Opera
- Calligraphy
- Temple fairs and folk customs
- Confucian values and architecture
🎉 Are there any festivals I should know about?
Yes! Beijing is fantastic during traditional festivals:
- Chinese New Year: Dragon dances, fireworks, and temple fairs.
- Mid-Autumn Festival: Mooncakes and lanterns.
- Lantern Festival: Colorful night displays and riddles.
- National Day (October 1st): Patriotic events in Tiananmen Square.
🧾 How do I pay for things in Beijing?
- Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate, used almost everywhere. Both now support foreign cards.
- Credit Cards: Accepted in most hotels and large stores, but not everywhere.
- Cash: Still useful for small shops or older establishments.
- Pro Tip: Download apps before arrival and get a Chinese SIM for smoother access.
📱 What apps should I download before visiting?
- AMap Global: English version, better for navigation than Google Maps inside China.
- Apple Maps: Surprisingly accurate in Chinese cities if you’re using an iPhone.
- WeChat: Essential for communication, payment, and bookings.
- Alipay: For payments and buying tickets.
- VPN App: Access Western websites like Google, Instagram, or Gmail if needed.
🌫️ Any tips about air quality and health?
- Check the AQI (Air Quality Index) daily using apps or websites.
- Bring a PM2.5 mask if visiting in winter or on smoggy days.
- Most hotels and museums are well-ventilated or use air purifiers.
🎯 What are some must-do experiences unique to Beijing?
- Climb the Great Wall at sunrise or sunset.
- Get lost in a hutong and sip tea at a courtyard café.
- Watch a Peking Opera or acrobatics show.
- Rent a bike and ride around the old city walls.
- Try DIY dumpling-making at a cooking class.
- Visit a traditional Chinese medicine market.
🎒 Final Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Language: Download translation apps and always carry hotel info in Chinese.
- Connectivity: Use a local SIM or eSIM for data. Pocket Wi-Fi is also an option.
- Safety: Beijing is very safe. Just watch out for tourist scams near major attractions.
- Plan Ahead: Buy tickets for attractions online (especially the Forbidden City).
- Etiquette: Respect local customs, don’t be loud in temples, and avoid political conversations in public.
