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Top 10 Popular Attractions in Beijing

1. The Summer Palace (颐和园)
   The Summer Palace is a large royal garden famous for its picturesque landscapes, lakes, and ancient architecture. In autumn, the red maples and golden ginkgo trees create a breathtaking view. As the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China, the Summer Palace is known as the “Royal Garden Museum,” offering stunning scenery and exquisite buildings. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes as the area is vast and the tour can take a long time. Bring your own food to save on expenses, as the prices within the park can be quite high. It’s best to enter through the North Palace Gate and follow the recommended route for a comprehensive tour of the abundant attractions. The site is easily accessible via Subway Line 4.
2. Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
   Tiananmen Square is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can watch the flag-raising ceremony, visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes, or even take a night ride along Chang’an Street, which is also a great choice. Watching the flag-raising ceremony in the early morning is an awe-inspiring experience, and the beauty of Tiananmen during sunrise is truly captivating. During National Day, hotel prices around the square are higher, and the subway may be closed or less convenient. In the summer, long security check lines and the hot weather can cause discomfort. It’s important to book your visit time and security check point in advance. Avoid bringing backpacks, as the security check has a faster, bag-free lane.
3. Shichahai (什刹海)
   Shichahai is a famous historical district in Beijing, featuring expansive, beautiful lakes and numerous former residences of famous figures. It not only offers rich historical culture but also a variety of artistic shops and unique hutongs, exuding the charm of old Beijing. In the evening, the sunset casts a beautiful glow over the lake, creating a stunning scene. The nearby small bars often echo with melodious songs. However, there are some drawbacks, such as the abundance of bars along the route, creating a commercial atmosphere. On holidays, popular cafes require long waits, which can affect the visitor experience. The area is conveniently accessible via Subway Line 8. Shichahai includes Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai, making it the largest and best-preserved historical district within Beijing’s city center.
4. The Forbidden City (故宫)
   As one of the largest palaces in the world, the Forbidden City is best explored in about 4 hours. By following the central axis, you can see most of the palace. If you have extra time, you can visit places like the Hall of Mental Cultivation to dive deeper into its history. The Forbidden City is a treasure of Chinese civilization and is considered one of the top five palaces in the world. There are many exhibition halls, and the Treasure Hall and Clock Hall are must-visit. The opening time is 8:30 AM, and it’s recommended to book tickets in advance. Since the Forbidden City is vast, it’s advisable to travel light and avoid carrying too much luggage. In the morning, there are often many tourists, and the wait times can be long, which might be tiring. Tickets must be reserved in advance. No entry is allowed after 12:00 PM for the morning session, and the earliest check-in for the afternoon session is 11:00 AM. Some exhibition halls have additional fees, and entry to the Treasure Hall and Clock Hall stops at 4:10 PM.
5. The Old Summer Palace (圆明园)
   The Old Summer Palace, a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty, was once a grand and magnificent site. Its autumn scenery is especially captivating, particularly between late October and November. It is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese royal garden art and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The garden is especially suitable for visits with children and the elderly. The site is easily accessible via Subway Line 4, with the South Gate being a convenient entry point. Given the vast area, it’s recommended to allocate ample time for a thorough visit.
6. The Temple of Heaven (天坛)
   The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s famous attractions, historically the site where emperors prayed for good harvests. The architecture is exquisite, combining elements of architecture, astronomy, and acoustics, leaving visitors in awe. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the iconic building of the Temple of Heaven, majestic in its design, and especially spectacular at night when it is illuminated—perfect for taking photos. It is recommended to purchase a combination ticket for a more comprehensive experience. Entering from the East Gate is advisable, as it allows for a quicker route to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, helping you avoid the crowds. Renting an audio guide enhances the experience, allowing you to enjoy both the sights and informative commentary.
7. Jingshan Park (景山公园)
   Located directly across from the northern gate of the Forbidden City, it’s just a 5-minute walk away. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Beijing, especially an excellent perspective of the Forbidden City. The best viewing spot is the Wanchun Pavilion. The ticket price is affordable, making it ideal for evening visits to enjoy the full view of the city. It’s also a good alternative for visitors who were unable to get tickets to the Forbidden City. The area can get crowded on holidays, and the paths may be slippery in snowy weather. No advance reservation is needed, and tickets can be purchased both online and offline. You can take Subway Line 8 to the China Art Museum station and walk a short distance to get there.
8. The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) (雍和宫)
   The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Beijing, known for its unique architectural style. The temple is bustling with incense offerings, making it an ideal place to burn incense, pray, and experience peace and sanctity. As a popular destination for making wishes, the temple attracts many visitors. It is known for the belief that wishes made here are often fulfilled, and it provides a relaxing environment for both the mind and body. The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. It is recommended to book tickets in advance and visit on weekdays to avoid peak crowds.
9. Badaling Great Wall (八达岭长城)
   Badaling Great Wall is the most well-preserved and magnificent section of the Great Wall of China. It is recommended to spend about 3-4 hours exploring the area. With distinct seasons, spring and autumn are the best times to visit. As one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Great Wall, every brick here holds historical significance. The area is easily accessible via high-speed trains, making the journey quick and convenient. On holidays and weekdays, the site can be crowded, leading to longer wait times. Some areas of the Great Wall are steep, making it less suitable for visitors with small children. The southern section is more gentle and is ideal for the elderly and children, while the northern section offers more beautiful views but is steeper, better suited for visitors in good physical condition.
10. Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷)
    As one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing, Nanluoguxiang preserves the traditional courtyard-style hutongs from the Yuan Dynasty, blending the ancient with the modern. It is home to many creative and fun shops, and the surrounding hutongs are also quite interesting, making it an ideal place for couples to stroll and enjoy both the historical atmosphere and romantic vibes. However, the area is highly commercialized, with large crowds of tourists. Some of the snacks may not be particularly flavorful, and prices tend to be high, which can affect the overall experience. The area is easily accessible by subway, with both Line 6 and Line 8 stopping at the Nanluoguxiang station, and there are also many bus routes nearby.

As a city that combines ancient history with modern development, Beijing lets you appreciate both its long-standing cultural heritage and its bustling, contemporary urban life.

Additional Information

* For certain attractions, foreign passport holders can buy tickets directly on-site without the requirement for advance reservations.

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