Beijing, China

Beijing, China

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

Houhai Lake and Hutongs

Houhai Lake and Hutongs

Bell and Drum Towers

Bell and Drum Towers

Capital Museum

Capital Museum

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Top Places to Visit in Beijing, China

Beijing has been China's capital for over 800 years. This immense metropolis is a captivating blend of ancient imperial history and modern dynamism, offering everything from the Great Wall to cutting-edge technology.

Great Wall of China
#1

Great Wall of China

4-8 hours (including travel)
CNY45 adult

Trek along the magnificent Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an engineering marvel. Visit sections like Badaling or Mutianyu for stunning views and a sense of history.

Updated June 23, 2025
Forbidden City
#2

Forbidden City

3-4 hours
CNY60 adult (Apr-Oct); CNY40 adult (Nov-Mar)

Explore the sprawling Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Marvel at its grand architecture, vast courtyards, and rich history.

Updated June 23, 2025
Tiananmen Square
#3

Tiananmen Square

1-2 hours
Free

Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. See iconic landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

Updated June 23, 2025
Temple of Heaven
#4

Temple of Heaven

2-3 hours
CNY15 adult (entrance); CNY34 adult (through ticket)

Discover the harmonious architecture of the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors once performed rituals for good harvests. Explore its serene halls and surrounding park.

Updated June 23, 2025
Summer Palace
#5

Summer Palace

3-4 hours
CNY30 adult (peak season); CNY20 adult (off-peak)

Explore the vast and beautiful Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This imperial garden features stunning lakes, hills, pavilions, and bridges, once a retreat for emperors.

Updated June 23, 2025
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
#6

Lama Temple (Yonghegong)

1.5-2 hours
CNY25 adult

Visit the vibrant Lama Temple, one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. Admire its intricate architecture, large statues, and spiritual atmosphere.

Updated June 23, 2025
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
#7

Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest)

1-1.5 hours
CNY50 adult

Admire the unique architectural design of the Beijing National Stadium, famously known as the 'Bird's Nest,' built for the 2008 Olympic Games. Explore its exterior or take a tour inside.

Updated June 23, 2025
Wangfujing Street
#8

Wangfujing Street

2-3 hours
Free

Experience the bustling shopping and food scene of Wangfujing Street. Explore modern department stores, traditional shops, and try unique street food, including exotic snacks.

Updated June 23, 2025
798 Art District
#9

798 Art District

2-4 hours
Free to wander (some galleries/exhibitions may have a fee)

Immerse yourself in contemporary Chinese art at the 798 Art District, a former factory complex transformed into galleries, studios, cafes, and shops. Discover cutting-edge artworks and vibrant street art.

Updated June 23, 2025
Houhai Lake and Hutongs
#10

Houhai Lake and Hutongs

2-3 hours
Free

Explore the charming Houhai Lake area and its surrounding hutongs (traditional alleyways). Rent a boat, cycle along the lake, or wander through the narrow lanes to experience old Beijing life.

Updated June 23, 2025
Beijing Zoo
#11

Beijing Zoo

2-3 hours
CNY30 adult

Visit the Beijing Zoo, famous for its giant pandas. In addition to pandas, the zoo houses a wide variety of animals from around the world.

Updated June 23, 2025
Great Hall of the People
#12

Great Hall of the People

1 hour
Information not readily available online.

Admire the impressive Great Hall of the People, located on the western side of Tiananmen Square. It serves as the meeting place for the National People's Congress and other state ceremonies.

Updated June 23, 2025
National Museum of China
#13

National Museum of China

2-4 hours
Free

Delve into China's vast history and cultural heritage at the National Museum of China, located on Tiananmen Square. Its extensive collections cover everything from ancient artifacts to modern history.

Updated June 23, 2025
Olympic Park
#14

Olympic Park

2-3 hours
Free

Explore the Beijing Olympic Park, home to the Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) from the 2008 Summer Olympics. Enjoy a leisurely walk and admire the modern architecture.

Updated June 23, 2025
Bell and Drum Towers
#15

Bell and Drum Towers

1-1.5 hours
CNY30 adult (Bell Tower); CNY20 adult (Drum Tower)

Visit the ancient Bell and Drum Towers, which once marked the passing of time in Beijing. Climb to the top for views of the surrounding hutongs and traditional performances at the Drum Tower.

Updated June 23, 2025
Beihai Park
#16

Beihai Park

2-3 hours
CNY10 adult (peak season); CNY5 adult (off-peak)

Relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Beihai Park, one of Beijing's oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens. Rent a boat, visit the White Dagoba, and explore its various temples and pavilions.

Updated June 23, 2025
Dashilar Street
#17

Dashilar Street

1-2 hours
Free

Discover the historic Dashilar Street, a traditional commercial street near Tiananmen Square. It features old shops, traditional opera houses, and a glimpse into Beijing's past.

Updated June 23, 2025
Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum
#18

Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum

1.5-2 hours
CNY30 adult

Visit the Confucius Temple, the second largest Confucian temple in China, and the Imperial College (Guozijian), which served as the highest educational institution in imperial China.

Updated June 23, 2025
Sanlitun
#19

Sanlitun

2-4 hours
Free

Experience the modern and fashionable side of Beijing in Sanlitun, a bustling area known for its upscale shopping malls, international restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and trendy bars.

Updated June 23, 2025
Capital Museum
#20

Capital Museum

2-3 hours
Free

Explore the Capital Museum, which showcases Beijing's long history and cultural heritage. Its collection includes ancient artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical exhibits.

Updated June 23, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Beijing, China

Get answers to common questions about visiting Beijing, China