About Beijing
Beijing is China's political, cultural, and historical heart, serving as the nation's capital for over 700 years. The city blends imperial grandeur with modern architecture, vibrant hutong alleyways with gleaming skyscrapers, and traditional Peking duck restaurants with world-class fine dining. With seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the municipality, Beijing offers an extraordinary depth of cultural experiences.
Quick Overview
Capital: Beijing
Largest City: Beijing
Population: 21.5 million
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Beijing dialect
Currency: Chinese Yuan
Time Zone: UTC+8 (China Standard Time)
Explore Beijing by Topic
Best Places to Visit in Beijing
Discover the top 28 must-see destinations in Beijing, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The world's largest palace complex, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering 72 hectares with 980 surviving buildings, it houses over a million artifacts and artworks. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the largest wooden structure in China.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
The best-preserved and most scenic section of the Great Wall near Beijing. Built during the Northern Qi dynasty and restored during the Ming dynasty, Mutianyu features 22 watchtowers along a 2.25km restored section. A cable car and toboggan ride make it accessible to all ages.
Great Wall at Badaling
The most visited section of the Great Wall and the first to be opened to tourists in 1957. Badaling is the most accessible section from central Beijing and the most well-restored. It was the section seen by many world leaders and visited by US Presidents Nixon and Reagan.
Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)
A masterpiece of Ming architecture, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is Beijing's most iconic building. The complex covers 273 hectares and is surrounded by a large park where locals practice tai chi each morning.
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
The largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, the Summer Palace was the summer retreat of the Qing emperors. Kunming Lake covers three-quarters of the 290-hectare park. The Long Corridor stretches 728 meters along the lake, decorated with 14,000 paintings.
Tiananmen Square
The world's largest public square at 440,000 square meters, Tiananmen Square is the symbolic heart of China. Flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong and the historic Tiananmen Gate, the square hosts the famous flag-raising ceremony at sunrise each day.
798 Art District (Dashanzi)
Beijing's thriving contemporary art scene is centered in this former military electronics factory complex from the 1950s. The Bauhaus-influenced industrial spaces now house over 200 galleries, museums, studios, restaurants and boutiques. It is East Asia's most important contemporary art hub.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Beijing's most important Tibetan Buddhist temple, the Yonghe Temple was converted from an imperial palace to a lamasery in 1744. The centerpiece is an 18-meter tall Maitreya Buddha statue carved from a single white sandalwood tree. The temple remains an active place of worship.
Recommended Itineraries for Beijing
Plan your perfect Beijing trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day Beijing Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Beijing
- Days 1-2: Beijing city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Beijing
- Days 1-3: Beijing comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to Beijing, departure
Where to Stay in Beijing
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, Beijing offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options ($30-50)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range ($100-150)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ($300+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
The Peninsula Beijing
One of Beijing's most prestigious addresses, The Peninsula occupies a prime position on Goldfish Lane steps from Wangfujing and a short walk from the Forbidden City. The hotel blends imperial Chinese aesthetics with modern Peninsula luxury. Features a renowned spa, rooftop bar and Jing restaurant.
Park Hyatt Beijing
Occupying floors 63-85 of the China World Summit Wing tower, the Park Hyatt Beijing offers some of the highest views in the city. The sleek, contemporary design complements panoramic Beijing skyline vistas. The rooftop China Bar on the 65th floor is a signature attraction.
China World Summit Wing
The tallest hotel in Beijing, China World Summit Wing crowns the China World Trade Center complex. Ultra-luxury accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows, a Sky Pool on the 80th floor, and direct access to the China World Mall and office complex. A preferred address for international business travelers.
Rosewood Beijing
A contemporary luxury sanctuary that draws inspiration from Beijing's courtyard house architecture. Each room is a spacious suite with residential-feel interiors. The hotel features Sense spa, an innovative Chinese restaurant YΓ n and a stylish cocktail bar. The dedicated House Car service enhances the guest experience.
Where to Eat in Beijing
Discover the culinary delights of Beijing, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Da Dong Roast Duck (Dongzhimen)
Da Dong is Beijing's most celebrated Peking duck restaurant, known for its 'super lean' roast duck that is lower in fat than traditional preparation. Chef Dong Zhenxiang's duck is roasted in a special oven to achieve crispy skin and tender meat. The contemporary dining room and theatrical service make it a memorable experience.
Quanjude Qianmen
Founded in 1864, Quanjude is the most historic Peking duck restaurant in the world and Beijing's most iconic culinary institution. The Qianmen flagship can seat over 2,000 diners across multiple floors. The original hanging-oven roasting technique has been maintained for 160 years. A pilgrimage for duck lovers.
Jing Yaa Tang
Jing Yaa Tang at The Opposite House is widely considered the most sophisticated Peking duck experience in Beijing. The sleek, design-forward restaurant serves classic Beijing dishes with refined presentations. The duck is served with homemade condiments and the service is impeccable. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
Maison Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud's celebrated Beijing outpost occupies a stunning 1900s heritage mansion adjacent to Tiananmen Square. French haute cuisine is subtly infused with Chinese flavors and local ingredients. The wine list is exceptional. One of the top fine dining addresses in China.
Bianyifang (Qianmen)
Bianyifang is even older than Quanjude, tracing its roots to 1416 during the Ming dynasty. It uses theηη (stuffy oven) roasting technique rather than the open-flame hanging oven, producing duck with uniquely tender meat and a different flavor profile. A must-visit for serious Peking duck connoisseurs.
Haidilao Hot Pot (Wangfujing)
China's most famous hot pot chain is renowned not just for its excellent broth and fresh ingredients but for its extraordinary customer service. While waiting, guests receive free snacks, manicures and shoe shines. The tableside noodle-pulling performance is a highlight. An essential Beijing dining experience.
Getting Around Beijing
Beijing has one of the world's most comprehensive urban transit systems. The subway network covers 807km with 490 stations across 27 lines. Combined with buses, taxis, DiDi ride-hailing and the airport express, getting around is easy and affordable. Most visitors will rely primarily on the subway.
Budget Breakdown for Beijing
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: CNY.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $15-25 | $60-90 | $200+ |
| Food (per day) | $8-12 | $25-40 | $60-100 |
| Transportation | $3-5 | $10-15 | $30-50 |
| Activities | $5-10 | $20-30 | $50-100 |
| Daily Total | $30-50 | $100-150 | $300+ |
Best Time to Visit Beijing
Best Season: April-May, September-October
Peak Season: July-August
Avoid: January-February (very cold), July (hot and rainy)
Essential Travel Tips for Beijing
- Get a Beijing Tong card for subway and bus travel
- Book Forbidden City tickets online in advance
- Learn a few Mandarin phrases
- Download WeChat and Alipay for cashless payments
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Beijing is generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions. Be aware of tourist scams near major attractions.
Use official taxis or DiDi app to avoid overcharging
Be cautious of 'tea house' or 'art student' scams near Tiananmen
Keep copies of passport and visa
Download offline maps as Google Maps may be slow
Use VPN for accessing foreign websites
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Beijing?
The best time to visit Beijing is April-May, September-October. January-February (very cold), July (hot and rainy) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for Beijing?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for Beijing for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in Beijing?
For a comprehensive Beijing experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is Beijing expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect $30-50 per day, mid-range $100-150, and luxury $300+.