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Beijing, China
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Must-include attractions sorted by popularity
Latest trip plans for Beijing, China
Browse itineraries created by other travelers
Most popular attractions in Beijing, China
1. Forbidden City
Centre of imperial China for five centuries, where grand palaces and carved halls show Ming and Qing power. Wander vast courtyards, ornate roofs, and ceremonial stairways.
2. Tiananmen Square
Beijing's political heart, packed with monumental history. Walk the vast plaza, see Mao's portrait and the daily flag ceremony.
3. Temple of Heaven
Imperial-era park that shows how emperors pleaded for good harvests. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, circular altars, and locals doing morning tai chi.
Book a FREE walking tour in Beijing, China
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
4. Summer Palace
Imperial gardens and lakes offer palace architecture, long corridors, and sweeping views. Walk Longevity Hill, cruise Kunming Lake, and photograph ornate pavilions and bridges.
5. Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu's well-restored ramparts and sweeping mountain panoramas reward the short trip from Beijing. Walk restored paths past watchtowers, with cable car or toboggan options for easier access.
6. Beihai Park
Imperial gardens and a lakeside white stupa provide peaceful contrast to central Beijing. Wander willow-lined paths, take a boat to Qionghua Island and climb for skyline views.
7. Lama Temple
Ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple with ornate halls and a towering Maitreya Buddha. Walk incense-filled courtyards, watch devotees and admire vivid murals and giant statues.
8. Beijing National Stadium
Iconic 'Bird's Nest' stadium, a landmark of modern Beijing. Walk the exterior, shoot dramatic photos and soak up Olympic history.
9. Jing Shan Park
Panoramic views over the Forbidden City reward the climb to Jing Shan Park's central hill. Sunrise light, temple pavilions and locals practicing tai chi make each visit vivid.
10. Red Brick Art Museum
Bold contemporary art in striking red-brick architecture, a refreshing alternative to crowded museums. Explore rotating shows, spacious galleries, and photogenic courtyards.
Things to Do in Beijing, China
Popular activities and local experiences recommended by travelers
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Tanghulu
Skewered hawthorn fruits coated in a hard sugar glaze, Tanghulu is a bright, crunchy street snack especially popular in winter and often sold outside temples and markets in Beijing.
Aiwowo
A traditional Manchu-origin glutinous rice ball filled with sweet bean paste, peanuts or sesame, Aiwowo became associated with Beijing palace snacks and remains a festive local treat.
Dragon's Beard Candy
Made by repeatedly pulling sugar into thousands of fine strands and wrapping them around chopped peanuts and coconut, Dragon's Beard Candy is a delicate, showy sweet often seen in Beijing snack markets.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Peking Duck
Crisp, lacquered roast duck carved tableside and served with thin pancakes, scallions and sweet bean sauce, Peking Duck is the quintessential symbol of Beijing cuisine and imperial banquets.
Zhajiangmian
Wheat noodles tossed with a rich fermented soybean paste and minced pork, Zhajiangmian is a hearty, comforting dish rooted in northern China and beloved across Beijing.
Luzhu Huoshao
A robust old Beijing stew of pork offal braised in a savory soy broth, Luzhu Huoshao is traditionally eaten with huoshao, a crisp baked wheat cake, and represents classic working-class flavors.
Traditional Beverages
Douzhi
A thick, slightly sour fermented mung bean drink, Douzhi is a traditional Beijing breakfast beverage often paired with fried dough sticks and pickles, and it is considered an acquired taste.
Suanmeitang
Sour plum drink made from smoked plums and sugar, Suanmeitang is a cooling sweet-sour beverage popular in Beijing summers and sold by street vendors and teahouses.
Jiuniang
Sweet fermented rice with soft grains and low alcohol, Jiuniang is served warm as a dessert beverage during festivals and family meals in northern China, including Beijing.
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Day trips
Mutianyu Great Wall
Scenic restored section with fewer crowds, cable car and toboggan.
Google MapsBadaling Great Wall
Easily accessible, iconic restored section, visitor center and museums.
Google MapsTianjin
Port city with European architecture, food markets and riverside promenades.
Google MapsLongqing Gorge
Dramatic canyon lake, cable car, seasonal ice lantern festival in winter.
Google MapsComments (9)
Climbed the Great Wall at Mutianyu early morning, barely any tour buses, magical sunrise moment despite the chill.
Very crowded and smoggy on weekends, expect jostling at sights. Still the history is mind-blowing, give 4 to 5 days to see the highlights.
Spring or autumn are unbeatable, not too hot or cold, and fewer crowds. Winter is cheap but freezing and some parks close.
Grab a Beijing transport smart card at the first metro stop, it speeds transfers and is cheaper than single fares if you ride a lot.
Thought it would feel more modern, lots of construction and tourist traps, overpriced restaurants near big squares left a sour taste.
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
High-speed lines to Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Wuhan, frequent departures.
Long-distance services to Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, southwest China.
Use the Airport Express or Daxing metro to reach central Beijing fast; book high-speed train tickets in advance.
Click to get eSim for Beijing, China
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.