As the capital of China, Beijing has a rich history and culture and many attractions, making it a must-visit destination for any trip to China. Many of the attractions are not to be missed when traveling to Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall (Badaling Great Wall, Mutianyu Great Wall), Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven, most of which are historically significant sites. The following is a list of must-see attractions in Beijing that I have compiled based on my knowledge of the city. It can be used as a reference for your trip to Beijing.
1.Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
The Palace Museum, located in the center of Beijing and formerly known as the Forbidden City, is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Constructed over 14 years, it was officially completed in 1420. Afterwards, it served as the imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties resided, standing as the largest political and cultural center in ancient China.Stepping into the Palace Museum, you’ll encounter palaces symbolizing imperial power, along with a wealth of historical relics—including calligraphy, paintings, and various royal treasures.
If you wish to take in the full view of the Forbidden City, head through the Meridian Gate and walk for 10 minutes to reach Jingshan Park. With its wide-open vistas, you can clearly see the entire panorama of the Palace Museum.
2.Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is a popular tourist attraction in Beijing, stretching over 13,000 miles. In China, there’s a saying: “If you haven’t visited the Great Wall, you’re not a true man.” Construction of the Great Wall in ancient China primarily served to protect borders from enemy invasions, dating back 2,000 years.
The Great Wall attracts millions of tourists from around the world each year, with the majority visiting the Badaling and Mutianyu sections, both of which are popular. Of these, Badaling is the most well-known and attracts the most visitors. Mutianyu, with its less-visited and beautiful scenery, is also a good option. Below are detailed introductions to both sections:
Badaling Great Wall
Highly renowned: Badaling Great Wall is highly renowned, but it can get very crowded during peak season. It has hosted over 500 foreign dignitaries, including Nixon and Margaret Thatcher.
Well-equipped facilities: Visitors can choose to take the cable car up and down the mountain, and the site features restaurants and other amenities, making it ideal for families with elderly members or children.
Convenient Transportation: Multiple bus routes and high-speed rail lines provide direct access to the park, making it very convenient.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Picturesque Scenery: The mountain is densely forested, and with fewer visitors, it is ideal for in-depth exploration and photography.
Recommended Itinerary: Hike up the mountain to enjoy the scenery, and descend via a slide (similar to a roller coaster).
Transportation: Taxis or buses are available, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours.
3.Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is China’s largest (equivalent to over 400 football fields) and best-preserved imperial garden. Once the emperor’s summer retreat, it blends Jiangnan garden design with a royal atmosphere. Inside, you can admire Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor, Suzhou Street, and other attractions.
Climb Longevity Hill to visit the Tower of Buddhist Incense and enjoy panoramic views of the garden, offering a prime photo spot. Alternatively, take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to admire the surrounding mountains and scenery.
4.Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held ceremonies to worship heaven. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the landmark building here, constructed entirely of wood without the use of any nails.
Today, it has become integrated into local life. In the early morning, you can see locals practicing tai chi, singing Peking opera, and engaging in other activities here.
If you are interested, you can sign up for a tai chi training class to learn and immerse yourself in the local lifestyle.
5.Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is located in the heart of Beijing and is one of the world’s most famous large urban central squares. It is not only a iconic architectural complex of Beijing but has also become a highly significant symbol of China.
The Tiananmen Gate Tower to the north of the square was originally the main gate of the Forbidden City during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it not only witnesses major celebrations of the People’s Republic of China but also serves as the venue for military parades.
At the center of the square stands the Monument to the People’s Heroes, erected to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for national independence and people’s freedom since 1840. Additionally, the National Museum is located to the east, the Great Hall of the People to the west, and the southern end connects to Qianmen Street and the commercial district.
This area serves as both an important venue for political activities and a must-visit tourist attraction. The daily morning flag-raising ceremony attracts large crowds of onlookers. The surrounding area features a harmonious blend of historical buildings and modern structures, perfectly showcasing Beijing’s unique blend of ancient heritage and continuous development as an ancient city.
6.Old Beijing Hutongs
Old Beijing hutongs are the core area for experiencing the ancient urban culture. Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying Hutong, and Baitasi Hutong each have their own unique characteristics, catering to the needs of different visitors, and are popular choices for in-depth tours of Beijing.
Nanluoguxiang: One of Beijing’s most famous hutongs, spanning 787 meters in length, it retains the grid-like layout from the Yuan Dynasty. The street is lined with creative shops, specialty snacks, and time-honored brands, making it ideal for first-time visitors to hutongs to experience the bustling urban atmosphere. The side alleys adjacent to the main street still preserve the original appearance of traditional Beijing courtyard houses.
Wudaoying Hutong: A relatively quiet hutong, it is primarily home to artsy shops and cafes, with many traditional residential buildings preserved. It is ideal for visitors who enjoy leisurely exploration, offering the chance to experience boutique guesthouses within the hutong and relax in a hutong bar in the evening, savoring the blend of old and new.
Baitasi Hutong: Named after the White Pagoda of Miaoying Temple nearby, this hutong exudes the authentic atmosphere of old Beijing, with numerous artisanal workshops and traditional pastry shops. Visitors can explore the hutong after visiting the White Pagoda, discover historical sites within the hutong, and experience a more authentic hutong lifestyle.
7.Yonghe Temple
Yonghe Temple is located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, and is one of the most famous and important Tibetan Buddhist temples in Beijing. Originally a royal residence, it was later converted into a temple and is now the best-preserved royal temple in Beijing.
Visitors can experience the exquisite style of ancient Chinese architecture and learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture from monks and practitioners. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is a great place to relax and unwind.
8.Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is adjacent to the north gate of the Forbidden City and was a royal garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It offers a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and is an excellent spot for taking photos.
The viewing platform at Wancheun Pavilion in the park offers a 360-degree view of the old city of Beijing. It was once a place where ancient emperors enjoyed flowers, and today, Jingshan Park is a popular spot for citizens to exercise in the morning and tourists to visit.
9.The Ming Thirteen Tombs
The Ming Thirteen Tombs are located at the foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping District, Beijing. They are a group of tombs for 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty and are the largest and best-preserved imperial tomb complex in China.
The tomb complex is arranged in a circular pattern along the mountain, with the Changling Tomb (the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di of the Ming Dynasty) at its center, while the remaining tombs are arranged on either side according to the natural contours of the mountain, embodying the planning philosophy of “unity between heaven and humanity.” The Ling’en Hall of the Changling Tomb is the largest existing wooden structure from the Ming Dynasty, supported by 60 columns made of golden thread cypress wood, exuding a grand and majestic aura.
Dingling is the only tomb with an open underground palace, where artifacts such as gold crowns and phoenix crowns were unearthed, showcasing the pinnacle of Ming Dynasty court craftsmanship. The stone animal sculptures along the spirit way within the tomb complex feature a simple and ancient design, bearing witness to the maturity of the Ming and Qing dynasty tomb systems. As a model of Ming and Qing imperial tombs, this site is not only a historical relic but also an important physical evidence for studying Ming Dynasty funeral culture and architectural art.
10.Universal Studios Beijing
Beijing Universal Studios is located in Tongzhou District, Beijing, and is the third Universal theme park in Asia. Since its official opening in 2021, it has become a popular cultural and tourism landmark.
The park covers seven themed areas. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter recreates scenes from the movies, and Hogwarts Castle and the Forbidden Journey ride are very popular among fans. The Transformers Base’s “War for the Allspark” roller coaster offers a thrilling experience. Jurassic World Adventure immerses visitors in a prehistoric world of giant creatures.
Additionally, the Minions Park is ideal for family interaction, while Kung Fu Panda’s Land of Awesomeness incorporates Chinese cultural elements. The City Walk outside the park features specialty restaurants and creative shops, offering a unique atmosphere day and night. Seasonal celebrations and limited-time events are regularly updated to cater to repeat visits, making it a comprehensive resort that blends entertainment, immersive experiences, and leisure shopping.
