Beijing Travel Guide [2026]: Great Wall, Forbidden City, and More

Beijing, the capital of China, is also one of the oldest cities in the world, and it has thousands of years of history.

The city blends modern skyscrapers and broad avenues with ancient temples, palaces, city gates, parks, and hutong neighborhoods.

The best tourist season: spring and autumn are the best; summer is also good, and winter is cold [Check Beijing Weather Forecast]
Points of interest: Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, Safari Zoo, etc.
Food: Peking duck, braised mutton in a copper pot, Beijing noodles with fried sauce, fried rings in bean sauce
Airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
Railway stations: Beijing Railway Station, four stations in the southeast and northwest, Chaoyang Station, Daxing Station, Daxing Airport Station, Qinghe Station, and Fengtai Station. You can use your passport to buy tickets
Accommodation: It is recommended to live near Wangfujing Street, use the Marriott credit card to book (payable in US dollars), or book on booking.com.
Maps: Google Maps cannot be used in China, please download Baidu Maps (iOS, Android)
Payment: use RMB, exchange RMB within $5000 before leaving, or use WeChat Pay, download WeChat ( iOS, Android ), and connect an American credit card to realize WeChat mobile payment
Mobile: use the Internation Pass offered by AT&T, with unlimited calls and data, costing ¥10/day, and a billing cycle can charge up to $100
Custom Entry: The total amount of carried cash cannot exceed $5000, and the electronic version of the “China Entry/Exit Health Declaration Form” must be presented before boarding and entering the country
Documents to bring: A passport. Chinese visas are required for non-Chinese citizens.
Local transportation: subway, taxi, bus, bus, private chartered car

As China’s political and cultural center, Beijing has countless historical relics and cultural attractions, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, etc.

The Beijing Zoo (Daxing) is a must-visit for families with children, a favorite amongst kids.

If I had to choose five must-visit attractions, my rankings would be the Zoo, the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.

Recommended Travel Credit Cards: Marriott Credit Card | Sapphire Credit Card

Table of Contents

What to experience in Beijing?

Beijing is the ancient capital of China. Its history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty, over 3,000 years ago.

The city’s historical status was confirmed in 1267 AD when the Yuan Dynasty established its capital here and was continued by the Ming and Qing dynasties, making Beijing the political center of China.

Historical attractions in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace, are all important carriers of this history. Walking among these attractions is like traveling back to ancient times, where one can deeply feel the weight of history.

In addition to the historical monuments above, you can take your children to the child-friendly Beijing Safari Zoo, Universal Studio Beijing, the China Science and Technology Museum, and the Beijing Aquarium.

北京环球度假区 1 520x520 1 — Universal Studio Beijing

中国科学技术馆 520x520 1 — Universal Studio Beijing

Beijing’s culture is also profoundly diverse and deep. Peking Opera is one of the most notable cultural representations, with its music, performances, and facial makeup all possessing unique artistic styles. You can check for performance information at the Beijing Peking Opera Theatre.

In addition, Beijing hosts numerous art museums and galleries, such as the National Art Museum of China and the 798 Art District. Here, you can appreciate the rich works of traditional and modern Chinese art.

Furthermore, tea culture is an integral part of Beijing. You can taste renowned Chinese teas in teahouses while enjoying traditional performing arts like Peking Opera and Crosstalk.

Beijing cuisine is renowned for its color, aroma, taste, and presentation, earning it the nickname “the City of Peking Duck”.

Peking Duck is a representative dish of Beijing cuisine, famous for its crispy skin and delicious meat.

Other traditional Beijing snacks include Instant-Boiled Mutton, Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles), and Douzhi (mung bean milk) with Jiaoquan (fried dough rings), all of which are gastronomical delights you shouldn’t miss during your visit to Beijing.

Regarding Peking Duck, Quanjude is not as popular as it used to be. The most popular Peking Duck restaurant now should be “Siji Minfu,” which has several branches around the Forbidden City. Every branch is very popular, so you need to arrive early to make a reservation.

As for Instant-Boiled Mutton, Donglaishun is considered pricey. The most popular place for Instant-Boiled Mutton now is “Jubaoyuan” Restaurant.

For Beijing Zhajiangmian, consider options like Haiwanju and Siji Minfu, among others.

FAQ

Q1: What preparations do you need to make for traveling to China?

If you are a U.S. citizen, you need to apply for a Chinese visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate in the U.S. If your child meets the requirements for a Chinese travel document, you need to apply for a Chinese travel document.

In China, the main forms of payment are WeChat Pay, Alipay, and cash, though the use of cash is becoming less and less common. Therefore, if you can set up WeChat Pay, you will have no problem in China. WeChat Pay currently supports U.S. credit cards and debit cards, and before using it, please understand the associated cross-border transaction fees.

Booking tickets to Beijing’s attractions almost can be done via WeChat Mini Programs or WeChat Official Accounts. Combined with WeChat Pay, you can book tickets online for all Beijing attractions.

To book train tickets, use the 12306 APP; to book flights, consider using Eastern Airlines APP, Southern Airlines APP, etc. You can book tickets using your ID card or passport.

For accommodations in China, you can consider using hotel credit cards to pay with “Points” or U.S. dollars, or you can use the Ctrip APP to pay in RMB. Among the many hotel credit cards, the best one is the Chase Marriott Boundless Credit Card, which can be used directly for “Points” in Beijing and Shanghai. We used the points from our Chase Marriott Boundless Credit Card to stay at the Beijing JW Marriott Hotel on Wangfujing Street.

For mobile communication: If you use AT&T, you can activate an International Pass. This allows you to make and receive calls and use data in China and 210 other countries and regions at a rate of $10/day, with a maximum charge of $100 per billing cycle. If you have a second phone, it will be charged at a rate of $5/day, with a maximum charge of $50 per billing cycle. This is very convenient for use in China.

Q2: What is the best time to visit Beijing?

The weather in Beijing is most pleasant in spring and autumn, which are also the best times to appreciate the scenery in Beijing.

In spring, you can admire the blooming cherry blossoms and lilacs in Beijing, while in autumn, you can see beautiful red leaves.

Of course, winter in Beijing also has its unique charm, with winter activities such as ice sculpting and ice skating.

If you plan to visit during the summer, the end of May and the beginning of June is a very good time. This period is a small off-peak season before the summer tourism peak in Beijing, so there are not many tourists. At the same time, the weather in Beijing has not yet become hot, making it very suitable for outdoor activities.

Q3: How is transportation arranged in Beijing?

Beijing’s public transportation system is very well-developed.

The subway is the most convenient and fastest way to get around, covering the main tourist attractions throughout the city.

There are many bus routes, which are a good way to understand city life.

In addition, taxis are also a common mode of transportation. If you plan to take a taxi, you might consider downloading the “Baidu Maps” APP in advance. The “Taxi” function inside it is very handy as it allows you to book rides from multiple ride-hailing platforms at once. Similarly, you can use the “Gaode” APP, which has the same function.

If you plan to visit attractions around Beijing, such as the Great Wall and the Safari Zoo, you might consider using a dedicated bus, like the Mubus, which costs approximately 80 RMB per person for a round trip.

If your group includes 6 people or includes seniors and children, you may want to consider chartering a vehicle, which comes with a dedicated driver to serve you for the day. There are many Volkswagen Buick GL8 business cars in Beijing, which can seat seven people and are very suitable for groups of six.

If you plan to visit attractions around Beijing, like the Great Wall or the Safari Zoo (Daxing), chartering a vehicle is a good choice. The cost for a day’s charter ranges from 800 to 1000 RMB and can include 1-2 attractions. For instance, you can visit the Great Wall in the morning, the Summer Palace in the afternoon, and be dropped off at your hotel in the evening.

Q4: Where to stay when traveling in Beijing?

The best place to stay for tourists in Beijing is likely around Wangfujing Street, where food, transportation, and entertainment are very convenient.

Among them, JW Marriott Hotel Beijing is an excellent choice. It is located right on Wangfujing Street, only a 5-10 minute walk from Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, and about a 15-20 minute walk from Tiananmen Square.
Here are a few online resources for booking hotels in Beijing for your reference:
Apply for the Chase Marriott credit card and become a Marriott member, then book hotels directly in the Marriott APP. At the moment, the Chase Marriott Boundless credit card offers three nights free for opening an account, which can be used directly for accommodations at JW Marriott Hotel Beijing without any extra costs.

Book hotels on Booking.com using U.S. dollars.
Book hotels on Ctrip using RMB.

Q5: What are some restaurants worth trying in Beijing?

Here are some highly recommended restaurants to try in Beijing:

Si Ji Min Fu: This is the best place to taste Beijing Roast Duck, Beijing Zhajiangmian, and Lv Dagun (a traditional Beijing dessert). It is particularly popular because of its affordability. Si Ji Min Fu has many branches near the Forbidden City.

Remember to go early to get a spot because there’s usually a long wait. Besides Si Ji Min Fu, other affordable Beijing Roast Duck restaurants include Dayali and Tianwaitian. More expensive Beijing Roast Duck restaurants include Quanjude, Bianyifang, and Dadong.

Jubaoyuan: This is the best place to taste Beijing Copper Pot Hotpot with mutton. The restaurant’s mutton skewers, baked sesame-seed cake, and sauced beef are also highly recommended. Donglaishun is another old and reputable hotpot restaurant that’s been around for a hundred years.
Xiao Diao Li Tang: Here you can taste various Beijing special dishes. The restaurant’s namesake soup, Xiao Diao Li Tang, tastes like a light version of pear and white fungus soup and is very delicious. Dishes such as the pear ball with nut shrimp, signature beef stew rice, and dried cheese fish are all worth a try.

Points of Interest in Beijing

Beijing boasts a multitude of tourist attractions. Here, we recommend several must-see sights in Beijing, arranged in a six-day itinerary for your convenience.

If you are traveling with children, the Great Wall, Beijing Zoo, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace should be your top five choices.

Location of Points of Interest in Beijing City Zone

1. Great Wall

The Great Wall is a World Heritage Site and a great miracle of human history. This gigantic project, which spans thousands of miles and has stood for thousands of years, is a testament to the wisdom and courage of the ancient Chinese people and is one of China’s most iconic symbols.

Several sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, including the Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall, Simatai Great Wall, Juyongguan Great Wall, and Jinshanling Great Wall.

The Juyongguan Great Wall is near the Badaling Great Wall, while the Simatai Great Wall and Jinshanling Great Wall are near Gubei Water Town.

If it’s your first visit to the Great Wall, you might consider going to the Badaling or Mutianyu sections, which offer paid cable car services. If you’ve been to the Great Wall before, you might want to consider the other sections for a different view.

Badaling Great Wall

The most famous section of the Great Wall is the Badaling Great Wall, which is magnificent and attracts many visitors. The Badaling Great Wall, located in the northern part of Beijing, is very well-preserved. It offers convenient transportation and well-developed facilities. A cable car is also available for those unable or unwilling to climb.

From the highest point of the Badaling Great Wall, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views and the winding Great Wall.

However, the Badaling Great Wall can be crowded due to its popularity and convenient transportation.

Booking for Badaling Great Wall: Tickets can be booked through the WeChat public account “Badaling Great Wall.” The Badaling Great Wall can be reserved up to 10 days in advance.

八达岭长城公众号 — Use the WeChat account “Badaling Great Wall” to book tickets

八达岭长城订票 — Use the WeChat account “Badaling Great Wall” to book tickets

There are four ways to get to the Badaling Great Wall: high-speed rail, bus, coach, or chartered car.

The high-speed train is the most economical, but the departure stations are only Qinghe Station and Beijing North Station (Xizhimen), far from the city center. So, before taking the high-speed train, you must take the subway or a taxi to these stations.

Bus: Take bus no. 877 from Deshengmen, which goes directly to the Badaling Great Wall. The potential issue is that it takes very long to get there.

For example, Mutianyu Bus departs from the square at Beitucheng Metro Station Exit F in the morning and returns in the afternoon. It makes one additional stop (at the Olympic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube) before returning to the departure point.

Private Car: A professional driver will take you to Badaling and wait there. You can return at any time. On the way back, you can arrange to visit another attraction, such as the Summer Palace.

Below is a video guide to the Badaling Great Wall by “Beijing Walking Tours.”

Mutianyu Great Wall

The Mutianyu Great Wall is located northeast of Beijing, about 70 kilometers from the city center. This section of the Great Wall preserves the original appearance of the Ming Dynasty and is grand and magnificent.

A unique feature of the Mutianyu section is the “First Water Pass of the Great Wall,” where the Great Wall crosses a river.

The restoration work on the Mutianyu Great Wall is well done, and there is also a cable car. The number of tourists is much less than that at Badaling, and many foreigners also choose the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Booking tickets for Mutianyu Great Wall: Use the WeChat public account “Mutianyu Great Wall” to book tickets. Tickets for the Mutianyu Great Wall can be booked 14 days in advance.

慕田峪长城公众号 — Use the WeChat account “Mutianyu Great Wall” to book tickets

慕田峪长城订票 — Use the WeChat account “Mutianyu Great Wall” to book tickets

The following YouTube video made by “Rob & Jenny” will take you through a detailed tour of the Mutianyu Great Wall:

Simatai Great Wall

The Simatai Great Wall, located in the outer suburbs of Beijing, close to Gubei Water Town, is the best-preserved and most dangerous section of the Great Wall.

The terrain of the Simatai Great Wall is relatively undulating, and some parts have very steep slopes, so this section is more suitable for travelers who like to hike and challenge themselves.

In addition, there is a reservoir at the foot of the Great Wall near Simatai, which makes the scenery here even more unique. Due to its distance from the city, there are relatively few tourists.

Juyongguan Great Wall

Juyongguan Great Wall: Juyongguan is a section of the Great Wall located in Changping District, Beijing, and it is also an essential military pass in history.

It gets its name from its geographical location. “Ju” and “Yong” respectively represent “middle” and “dangerous” in ancient Chinese. Therefore, “Juyongguan” means “a pass in the middle of danger.”

The Great Wall of Juyongguan combines magnificent scenery of mountains and rivers with rich history and culture, and is known as “a must of the Great Wall”.

Compared with other sections of the Great Wall, Juyongguan Great Wall has relatively few people and is a relatively quiet place to visit.

Jinshanling Great Wall

Jinshanling Great Wall is located in Chengde City, Hebei Province, and is one of the Great Wall’s essences.

It is famous for its majestic Great Wall and beautiful natural scenery. The Jinshanling Great Wall winds among the mountains, and the elements of the Great Wall, such as the city wall, enemy towers, horse faces, and beacon towers, are well preserved.

Jinshanling Great Wall is a popular place for Great Wall photography and a paradise for hikers.

Please take a look at the YouTube video made by “Amazing Places on Our Planet” below.

Then which Great Wall to go to?

My suggestions are as follows:

If you are visiting the Great Wall for the first time,please choose between Badaling and Mutianyu.
There are many tourists during peak season, such as summer vacation. You can consider the Mutianyu Great Wall because most tour groups will choose the Badaling Great Wall. If you plan to take the cable car, you generally need to wait for 1 to 2 hours.
If you choose to go to the Great Wall by bus or high-speed rail, then Badaling will be more suitable for you, because Badaling Great Wall is the most complete restoration, and there are many entertainment projects and restaurants under the Great Wall, you can find many restaurants without driving after playing.
If you are using a chartered car, the Mutianyu Great Wall may suit you and your family better. Since fewer people are here, it is much easier to arrange your itinerary. At the same time, after coming down from the Great Wall, you can quickly drive to the nearby farmhouse restaurants. The taste of these restaurants is delicious, and the price is very reasonable.
If you plan to visit Gubei Water Town and are a hiking enthusiast, you can choose the Simatai Great Wall or the Jinshanling Great Wall.

2. Beijing Safari Park (Daxing)

Beijing Wildlife Park is the largest wildlife theme park in China. It is located in Daxing District, Beijing, and covers an area of more than 1,000 hectares.

The park has hundreds of species of animals, including many rare and endangered species, such as golden monkeys, red pandas, and white tigers.

The Beijing Wildlife Park should be your top must-see attraction if you take your children to Beijing. If you think you can spend the whole day there, your children will have good memories.

Ticket booking for Beijing Wildlife Park: Find the mini-program “Beijing Wildlife Park” on WeChat and book tickets. The fare is 150 RMB/person, free for children under 1 meter in height, and 90RMB/person for other children.

Here are a few essential tips:

Don’t go on weekends or holidays.Too many people visit, so there is no way to play, and everyone is in line. Tour buses, small trains, and red panda pavilions in the beast area are all hard-hit areas with queues. If too many people are in the queue, you can consider purchasing a “Quick Ppass” to enter without queuing.
Try to arrive as early as possible. There are too many things to do, and the whole day is not enough time to do everything.Moreover, people will be better in the morning, and there will be more people after that.
Buy a public battery ticket: After entering the gate, immediately buy a public battery car that can be used unlimited times during the day. Because the park is too large, walking takes a lot of energy, and the public battery car can take you to your destination faster. The price is 30RMB/person.
Take the beast area tour bus as early as possible: This tour bus must not be missed. Sitting on the public tour bus, you can watch brown bears, black bears, tigers, lions, spotted hyenas, and other beasts at close range. You can also buy raw meat provided by the park to feed the wild animals. A serving is about 50 RMB, and buying 2 to 3 boxes is best. These animals are very fun to feed. The trip takes about 30 minutes, but you may have to wait an hour.
Take the sightseeing train as early as possible. Take the small train, and you can see all the animals in the park (except for the beasts) and have a good rest.The tour takes about 1 hour, and the waiting time is about 30 minutes.
Watch Red Pandas: There are no giant pandas in the park, but the cute red pandas are not to be missed. When you arrive at the red panda area, you will find that all the red pandas are not in cages. You can interact with the red pandas at close range.
Mengbao Kindergarten is not to be missed. The park has a juvenile animal area, where several cute chimpanzees and tigers are charming, and children especially like it.
There will be animal interactions and performances in the park, such as circusand bird-flight performances. You can check the event schedule and plan a time to watch.

The following is a very detailed video guide on Xiaohongshu. After watching it, you should know how to plan your itinerary.

3. The Palace Museum

The Forbidden City is the world’s best-preserved and largest ancient wooden structure complex. It is the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties in China.

The Forbidden City was first built in the fourth year of Yongle (1406) by Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty.

After the capital was moved to Nanjing in the third year of Hongwu (1370) of the Ming Dynasty, to express the legitimacy of his imperial power, Zhu Di (Emperor Yongle) rebuilt the city of Beijing where Zhu Yuanzhang made his capital in Beijing and established the imperial palace here.

It has a history of more than 600 years. In 1987, the Forbidden City was listed as a world cultural heritage.

The Forbidden City covers an area of 720,000 square meters, with a construction area of about 150,000 square meters. There are more than 70 palace halls and more than 9,000 houses.

From south to north, there are main buildings such as the Gate of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Supreme Harmony (the “Golden Luan Hall”), the Hall of Zhonghe and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the Imperial Garden.

The palaces are arranged symmetrically along the north-south axis, showing a strict hierarchy. The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the main building of the Forbidden City and the largest wooden structure building in China.

The Ming and Qing Dynasties emperors held large-scale celebrations and ceremonies here.

The Forbidden City is also a vast art museum with an extensive collection of works of art. These include paintings, calligraphy, pottery, jade, gold and silver vessels, court treasures, etc., totaling a million pieces.

To visit the Forbidden City, you can start from the Meridian Gate, go north along the central axis, pass through the major palaces, and finally reach the Royal Garden.

In addition, there are many exhibitions in the two wings, such as gem exhibitions, ceramic exhibitions, clock exhibitions, etc., and you can choose to visit according to personal interests.

The Forbidden City’s huge scale and rich collection are enough for people to spend a whole day visiting.

If you would like to visit The Forbidden City, you must book tickets online in advance and even might need to buy them as soon as they are released. The Forbidden City generally releases tickets seven days in advance, and 8:00 pm (Beijing time) on the day of ticket release is the best time to grab tickets.

You must use the WeChat Mini Program “Forbidden City Museum” to grab tickets.

After entering the Forbidden City, there is a place to buy electronic guides. There are two models with Chinese (Mandarin, Cantonese) and English guides. The Chinese guide is 20 RMB, while the English guide will cost 20 yuan each.

The map of the Forbidden City is as follows, with the red arrow as our suggested walking route.

The Gate of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Supreme Harmony, Cloud Dragon Stone Carvings, Nine Dragon Screen, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, Palace Museum, Hall of Clocks and Watches, Palace of Prolonging Happiness, Palace of Gathered Elegance, Palace of Accumulated Purity, Palace of Eternal Spring, Gate of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Earthly Tranquility, and the Imperial Garden are all attractions not to be missed.

Please look at the following YouTube video made by “Walk East.”

4. Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, located in the western suburbs of Beijing, was originally a royal garden in the Qing Dynasty and is the most wholly preserved royal palace in China.

It was built based on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, modeled after Hangzhou West Lake, and based on the design techniques of Jiangnan Gardens. It is known as the “Royal Garden Museum” and an essential part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.

The Summer Palace covers an area of about 290 hectares and consists of lakes, mountains, and buildings. The garden has many scenic spots, including the Summer Palace promenade, Longevity Hill, Foxiang Pavilion, Suzhou Street, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, etc.

You can go to the Summer Palace to buy tickets or search the official account in WeChat: “Summer Palace Official Online Ticket Purchase” to buy online. Tickets for the Summer Palace are not tight.

Our suggested tour itinerary for the Summer Palace is as follows:

The route and activities to visit the Summer Palace can be as follows. Please refer to the map above for the location numbers:

Enter the park from the East Palace Gate, first visit the Hall of Renshou, Yulan Hall, and Yiyun Hall near the palace gate [location 1].
Then, go north to see the Deheyuan Theater Building and Leshou Hall [Location 2].
Then, go west to the famous Summer Palace promenade [position 3]. The promenade is 728 meters long and has many murals. It is an indispensable part of visiting the Summer Palace.
Stop at the Paiyun Gate, buy a ticket to enter the Paiyun Hall, climb up to visit the Foxiang Pavilion, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Summer Palace [position 4].
Return to Paiyun Gate and continue westward, passing the second section of the Summer Palace promenade [position 5].
Finally, we walked to Yunqiao and Wusheng Temple [position 6].
Afterward, there are two options: take a ferry boat to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kunming Lake and reach the island in the middle of the lake [position 7], or continue to walk northeast to Suzhou Street [position 7 – blue mark], which imitates the Jiangnan water town and is very beautiful.
Visit the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Kuoru Pavilion [position 8].
Go north to Wenchang Pavilion, Zhichun Pavilion, Yelu Chucai Temple, Summer Palace Museum [Location 9]
Then go out from the East Palace Gate [Location 10]

If you are tired after walking to [Location 6], consider going out directly from the North Ruyi Gate in the north.

Of course, if you have enough time, you can also rent a pedal boat to enjoy the lake and mountains on Kunming Lake or drink tea in the teahouse in the garden.

Whether it is to appreciate ancient buildings or enjoy the beauty of nature, the Summer Palace is an excellent choice. In general, it takes about half a day to visit the Summer Palace, and it may take a full day if you plan to take a boat tour of the lake or rest in the garden.

Below is a tour video on Douyin for your reference.

5. Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen, the full name of Tiananmen Gate Tower, is located in the center of Beijing. It is the main gate of the imperial city of Beijing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The Tiananmen Building is 34.5 meters high, 66.5 meters wide, and 37.94 meters deep, surrounded by city walls, forming a closed tower space. It is solemn and majestic, deeply respected and loved by people.

The square in front of Tiananmen is the largest city square in the world, known as Tiananmen Square.

There are essential landmarks in the square, such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China.

毛主席纪念堂 520x520 1 — People’s Heroes Monument

Generally speaking, it takes half a day to visit Tiananmen and Tiananmen Square.

To visit Tiananmen Square, you must make an appointment at least one day in advance. Without an appointment, you cannot enter.

To make an appointment, search for the mini-program “Tiananmen Square Appointment Visit” on WeChat. You can make an appointment up to 10 days in advance.

There are three main periods when making an appointment:

Flag raising: 2:50～4:50AM
Morning: 4:50AM～12:00PM
Afternoon: 12:00～5:34PM
Flag drop: 5:34-9:34 PM

There are mainly the following links to visit Tiananmen Square:

Watch the flag-raising ceremony: Tiananmen Square holds a solemn flag-raising ceremony every day at sunrise, and visitors can arrive early to watch the ceremony. It is worth noting that the specific time of flag raising will change with the sunrise time. Be prepared to watch the flag raising when the sun is rising.
Visiting the Tiananmen Gate Tower: You can buy tickets to visit the Tiananmen Gate Tower. Standing on the gate tower, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Tiananmen Square. At the same time, there are exhibitions about the history and architecture of Tiananmen Square in the tower.
Visit Tiananmen Square: In Tiananmen Square, you can visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and you can also enter the National Museum of China to learn about Chinese history and culture.
Take pictures: Whether in front of Tiananmen Square or on the square, it is an excellent place to take pictures. Various celebrations will be held here, especially on special days such as National Day, which is a wonderful time to take pictures.

6. Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, located in the south of Beijing, is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven, prayed for grain and rain, and prayed for a new year.

It is the largest ancient sacrificial complex in the world and the most essential and complete royal sacrificial complex in China. In 1988, the Temple of Heaven was included in the “World Heritage List” by UNESCO.

The Temple of Heaven covers an area of about 273 hectares, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Emperor’s Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar.

The map of the Temple of Heaven and its important and delicate locations are marked as follows:

The suggested tour itinerary is as follows:

Enter from the east gate and pass the Seven Star Stone and the Seventy-two Corridor to reach the most core scenic spot, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
From the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, pass the Danbi Bridge to the south to reach the Huangqiongyu, the Sanyin Stone, and the Echoing Wall, and then go south to the Circular Mound Altar.
Finally, you can visit the Longevity Pavilion, Hundred Gardens, and Zhai Palace in the west.

7. Beihai Park

Beihai Park is located in the center of Beijing, adjacent to the Forbidden City on the north side. It is one of the earliest and best-preserved royal gardens in China.

The park covers an area of about 71 hectares, including about 46 hectares of lakes, known as the “Kidney of the Imperial City.”

Beihai Park has a long history. It was built during the Liao Dynasty and expanded during the Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties.

The park contains many historical and cultural relics and places of interest, including the White Pagoda, Yong’an Temple, Qinghui Garden, Tuancheng, etc.

Beihai Park integrates history and culture, natural landscape, leisure, and entertainment and is very suitable for family outings. Generally speaking, visiting Beihai Park takes half a day to one day.

The following are suggested routes and activities for visiting Beihai Park:

From the south gate of Beihai Park, you can first visit Yong’an Temple, a Buddhist temple with a long history.
Going north from Yong’an Temple, you can reach the park’s landmark building—the White Pagoda. This Tibetan-style Buddhist pagoda, 40.6 meters high, was built in the Yuan Dynasty and is one of Beijing’s main landmarks. You can board the White Tower and overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire city of Beijing.
Next, you can stroll along the lake, enjoy the lotus flowers and cruise ships, or rent a cruise ship to row on the lake.
In the northwest corner of Beihai Park is an area called “West Heaven Brahma,” where many Buddhist buildings and sculptures are located, and visitors can learn about some of the Buddhist culture.
Beihai Park has many ancient trees. You can also taste traditional Beijing snacks in the park, such as noodles with fried sauce and soybean juice.

8. Olympic Park

The Olympic Park is the main venue of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, known as “China’s Olympic Green Heart,” which includes the famous “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium and the “Water Cube” National Aquatics Center.

The park’s total area is about 760 hectares, including the Olympic Forest Park in the south and the core area of the Olympic Park in the north.

To visit Beijing Olympic Park, you can refer to the following routes:

You can enter from the park’s south gate and visit the park’s landmark building, ” Bird’s Nest ” ( National Stadium ). You can admire its unique structure from the outside or buy a ticket to enter the interior.
Heading north from the “Bird’s Nest”, you can visit the “Water Cube” (National Aquatics Center), which was the swimming and diving venue for the 2008 Olympic Games. The “Water Cube” has a unique appearance, and there will be a beautiful light show at night.
Between the “Bird’s Nest” and “Water Cube”, there is a main road called “Olympic Boulevard”. Along this road, you can see many other Olympic facilities and sculptures.
Continuing north, you can enter Olympic Forest Park, a large park with many trees and lakes. You can walk, run, bike ride, or boat on the lake here.

9. Nanluoguxiang

Nanluoguxiang is a historical and cultural block in the center of Beijing. It is located in Dongcheng District, starting from Gulou East Street in the north and ending at Di’anmen East Street in the south.

It has a total length of about 786 meters. It is one of Beijing’s most historical streets and alleys, and its history can be traced back to the Yuan Dynasty.

Today, Nanluoguxiang has become a place where Beijing’s traditional and modern culture is concentrated and where cultural celebrities gather.

Nanluoguxiang integrates history, culture, food, and entertainment, suitable for experiencing and understanding Beijing’s culture. Generally speaking, it takes half a day to one day to visit Nanluoguxiang.

When visiting Nanluoguxiang, you can refer to the following:

Hutongs and courtyard houses: Nanluoguxiang has many well-preserved ancient courtyard houses and hutongs, where you can stroll and feel the atmosphere of old Beijing.
Food: There are many restaurants, cafes, and snack bars in Nanluoguxiang, where you can taste some Beijing-style snacks, such as noodles with fried sauce, pancakes, old Beijing fried liver, etc.
Characteristic culture: There are also many galleries, bookstores, and handicraft shops in Nanluoguxiang, where you can watch artworks, buy some unique handicrafts, and even participate in some art activities, such as painting, paper-cutting, etc.
Nightlife: Nanluoguxiang’s nightlife is also very rich. Many bars and cafes have live music performances, and you can enjoy a pleasant night here.
Surrounding attractions: There are many other tourist attractions around Nanluoguxiang, such as Drum Tower, Bell Tower, Prince Gong’s Mansion, etc. You can combine these attractions to visit together.

10. Qianmen Street

Qianmen Street is an essential commercial street in the center of Beijing. It starts from Tiananmen Square in the north and reaches Tianqiao in the south, totaling about 840 meters.

Qianmen Street has a long history and is one of Beijing’s traditional business districts and an important cultural tourism district.

The following are time-honored brands worth visiting, you can try:

1️⃣ Yue Sheng Zhai: Braised beef, mutton, roast mutton
2️⃣️ Chen Ji’s Braised Intestines: Braised bun with pig’s intestines
3️⃣️ Tian Xing Ju: Stir-fried liver, buns
️4️⃣ No. 69 Fang Brick Factory: Fried sauce noodles
5️⃣️ Quanjude Qianmen Main Store: Authentic old Beijing hanging oven fruitwood roast duck
️6️⃣ Jin Fang Snacks: Old Beijing snack
7️⃣️ Dao Xiang Cun (Sanhe): Old Beijing pastries
8️⃣️ Wu Yutai Tea Shop: Flower tea, matcha ice cream
️9️⃣ Liu Bi Ju: Various pickles
🔟 Dong Lai Shun: Copper pot hotpot meat

Please watch the YouTube video made by “Walk For You” to have a general view of Qianmen Street.

11. Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Beijing. It is located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, and has a total length of about 1.5 kilometers.

There are many shopping malls, department stores, and restaurants here. Wangfujing Street is also a famous historical and cultural street with more than 100 years of history.

The following are suggested routes and activities for visiting Wangfujing Street:

Shopping: Wangfujing Avenue has many large shopping malls and department stores, such as the Beijing Department Store, Heping Guoju, Wangfujing Shopping Center, APM Mall, Wangfu Central, etc. You can buy all kinds of goods here, from high-end international to mid-end local brands.
Food: Food Street (Wangfujing Snack Street) on Wangfujing Street represents Beijing cuisine. Here, you can taste traditional Beijing snacks, such as noodles with fried sauce, Peking duck, sugar ears, etc.
Characteristic culture: Wangfujing Street has cultural and entertainment venues, such as Wangfujing Bookstore and Oriental Plaza, where you can buy books, appreciate art, or watch movies.
Historic buildings: On Wangfujing Street, you can also see some historic buildings, such as Dongtang and Beijing Renyi Theater.

Please watch the following YouTube video for a quick sense of Beijing Wangfujing Street.

12. China Science and Technology Museum

The China Science and Technology Museum is located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, north of the Bird’s Nest and south of the Olympic Forest Park. It is China’s largest comprehensive science and technology museum and a substantial base for national science and education activities.

The China Science and Technology Museum’s exhibition content is rich and diverse, including basic science, scientific and technological achievements, popular science education, children’s science, and other aspects. The museum’s exhibitions are mainly based on interactive experiences, and many exhibits can be operated by tourists, which are entertaining and educational.

The museum has three main parts: the main exhibition hall, children’s science park, and theater area. These exhibition areas are designed to help the audience understand the basic principles of science, the development of technology, and the impact of technology on society and life.

In addition, the China Science and Technology Museum also has advanced film and television facilities, such as giant screen movies, dome screens, dynamic, 4D movies, etc., as well as various laboratories and classrooms, providing various popular science education activities and services for the audience.

The following is a travel guide from YouTube made by “Robbie Backpacking”.

More places to visit in Beijing

Apart from the scenic spots mentioned above, Beijing still has many good places to go. According to the previous map, the marks are as follows:

13. Prince Gong’s Mansion: Prince Gong’s Mansion is Beijing’s most complete Qing Dynasty royal residence. It used to be the residence of Yonglin, the fourth son of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty.

14. National Center for the Performing Arts: The National Center for the Performing Arts is a top art performance venue integrating drama, music, and dance performances. It was designed by French architect Paul Andrew and opened in 2007. Its unique semi-ellipsoidal appearance and surrounding artificial lake make it a beautiful cultural landscape in Beijing.

15. Beijing Happy Valley: Beijing Happy Valley is a large-scale theme park with many exciting and creative rides, such as roller coasters, carousels, and pirate ships. It also offers large-scale performances, immersive experiences, and rich-themed activities.

16. Beijing Universal Studios: Beijing Universal Studios is a large-scale theme park with beautiful rides and performances based on many famous movie themes, including the wizarding world of Harry Potter, the Transformers battle zone, and the Fast and Furious stunt show.

17. National Museum of China: Located in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the National Museum of China is an important place to display China’s long history and rich culture. The world-renowned historical and art exhibitions will allow you to understand Chinese civilization’s essence deeply.

18. Houhai: Beijing Houhai is a famous historical and cultural protection area in Beijing, full of traditional hutongs, courtyard houses, and ancient lakes. It bears the historical changes of Beijing for hundreds of years and is an ideal place to experience Beijing’s traditional culture and life.

19. Old Summer Palace: Old Summer Palace is the imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty, known as the “Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens”. It was burned down by the British and French allied forces in the Second Opium War in 1860. The current site park still retains some original relics and lakes, silently and solemnly witnessing the traces of history.

20. Xiangshan Park: Xiangshan Park, located in the western suburbs of Beijing, is one of the ancient Chinese royal gardens. It has more than 600 years of history and is famous for its autumn red leaves.

21. Gubei Water Town: Gubei Water Town, located in Miyun District, Beijing, is an ancient town that reflects the historical features of northern water towns during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. With its ancient streets, canals, ancient Ming and Qing buildings, and the magnificent Simatai Great Wall, people can experience the history and culture of ancient Chinese water towns.