Beijing, the capital of China, is a sprawling metropolis where ancient imperial history meets state-of-the-art modernity. Home to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it offers an unparalleled window into 3,000 years of Chinese civilization.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Beijing.
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1
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.
Tip: Book tickets online at least 3 days in advance. Enter from the south (Meridian Gate). Arrive early to beat crowds.
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2
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.
Tip: Take the cable car up and toboggan down. Weekdays are much less crowded. Wear comfortable shoes.
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3
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.
Tip: Take the direct high-speed train from Beijing North Station (S2 line). Go early or late to avoid peak crowds. The north side is steeper but less crowded.
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4
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.
Tip: Enter early to see locals doing tai chi in the park. The Echo Wall and Triple Sound Stones are fascinating acoustic features.
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5
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.
Tip: Take a boat on Kunming Lake. Visit in spring when wisteria blooms along the Long Corridor. The park is beautiful in all seasons.
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6
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.
Tip: Arrive before sunrise to see the flag-raising ceremony. Bring your passport for security checks. The square is heavily monitored.
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7
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.
Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. The area is constantly evolving - check current gallery listings. Many cafes and restaurants make it a great half-day trip.
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8
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.
Tip: Purchase incense sticks at the entrance (included in ticket). Visit Confucius Temple directly next door. The temple is most atmospheric during Tibetan Buddhist festivals.
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9
National Museum of China
The world's largest museum by floor area, the National Museum houses over 1.4 million artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history and culture. The permanent collection 'Ancient China' chronicles Chinese civilization from primitive society to the Qing dynasty. The museum is free but requires advance reservation.
Tip: Reserve tickets online up to 7 days in advance. The museum is enormous - focus on key galleries. The bronze collection is world-class.
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10
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
The iconic latticed steel structure designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron for the 2008 Beijing Olympics is now a landmark attraction. Visitors can walk through the stadium, visit the museum and see the Olympic venues. The adjacent Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) is now a water park.
Tip: Combine with the Water Cube and Olympic Park in a half-day trip. The Olympic Park itself is free to walk around.
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting Around
- Most major attractions are connected by Beijing's extensive subway network. Taxis and DiDi are available for areas not served by subway.
- Best Time
- Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing.
- Booking Tips
- The Forbidden City and National Museum require advance online booking. Most other attractions sell tickets at the gate.
- Accessibility
- Major attractions have accessible facilities. The Forbidden City has dedicated accessible routes. Hutong neighborhoods have uneven cobblestone surfaces.
- Guided Tours
- Licensed guides can be hired at major attractions. Many hotels offer guided tour packages to Great Wall and key sites.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.