Embrace the sensory overload that is China’s historical, political and cultural capital. With more than 20 million people, Beijing is the most populous city in China after Shanghai.
Located in the northeast of China, Beijing is culturally and geographically a world away from Western capital cities, but easy to reach by plane. Once in the city, rent a bike or make use of the excellent public transport system to get around. English signage will lead you to most attractions. Driving around Beijing is more complicated, especially if you don’t speak Mandarin.
For one of the best views in Beijing, climb the hill in Jingshan Park and look out over the Forbidden City. Then, descend to Tiananmen Square and gaze up at the Front Gate (Qianmen Gate) before you visit the huge palace complex beyond it.
Back on the square, explore one of the largest museums in the world: the National Museum of China, opposite the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. To dance, play or exercise with the locals, visit the nearby imperial gardens at Beihai Park.
Away from the busy city centre, visit the Summer Palace and the Marco Polo Bridge to see more of the splendour that surrounded China’s mighty emperors. Find some peace and quiet in the Buddhist Lama Temple.
Beijing is not all about imperial history, religion and communism: Contemporary architecture, fine restaurants and fashion-filled malls represent the new China. The 2008 Summer Olympics resulted in Beijing’s redevelopment. See the stadiums in Olympic Park or browse galleries in restored warehouses, such as 798 Space. For souvenirs, take the subway to Wangfujing Street, a popular shopping strip.
You can’t leave Beijing without trying Peking duck, the city’s signature food, served with delicious Chinese noodle and rice dishes. After dark, visit karaoke bars or nightclubs for evening entertainment.
Beijing is an unforgettable experience. Get a taste of traditional and communist China and at the same time see the futuristic designs of the entrepreneurial East.
Beijing Travel Guide
Visit Beijing
Where to stay in Beijing
Downtown Beijing
Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or Intime Lotte Department Store while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.
Wangfujing Shopping Area
Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.
Dongcheng
Enjoy the popular shops in Dongcheng. Beijing Duan Qirui Residential is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.
Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Temple of the Sun while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Hujialou Station to get around town.
Haidian
Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Spacious Pavilion and Summer Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.
Middle Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and shopping highlight some notable features of Middle Chaoyang. Make a stop by Chaoyang Park or Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Beijing Chaoyang Station or Dongfeng Beiqiao Station to get around town.
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2025
Reviewed on 24 Dec 2024
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2025
Reviewed on 7 Jan 2025
Reviewed on 2 Jan 2025
Reviewed on 28 Aug 2024
Popular places to visit
Wangfujing Street
Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.
Great Wall of China
After visiting Great Wall of China, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Huairou. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.
Tiananmen Square
One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.
Forbidden City
This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.
Sanlitun Road
During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Great Wall of China
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
Things to do
Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch
Forbidden City & Tian'anmen Square W Optional Sights Group Tour
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, TAM Square
4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets
Private trip to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace by English Driver
Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service)
Reviews of Beijing
5/5 - Excellent
Loved my experience, I'd advise booking a tour with Klook
4/5 - Good
Air quality was very poor during our stay. I don't normally suffer with lung problems, but this did leave me with a tight chest and dry cough which cleared quickly once I left the city.
5/5 - Excellent
Great place for a city break. Loads to see amazing food and nice people
4/5 - Good
The district is the showpiece of China so it's tightly controlled (hence safe) and clean. The queues for security look daunting but throughput is rapid, and both square and palace easily absorb the crowds.
5/5 - Excellent
We loved Beijing as a whole and wish we could have had more time there. It’s a beautiful place full of such vibrant history. Would definitely recommend as a once in a lifetime kind of trip!
5/5 - Excellent
The subway was very convenient though the distances between stations are large. We liked the Great Wall.
Other places like Beijing
- Wangfujing Street
- Great Wall of China
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Sanlitun Road
- Great Wall of China
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Peking University
- Tiananmen
- Beijing Qianmen Street
- National Museum of China
- Yonghe Temple
- China National Convention Center
- Silk Street Market
- Houhai Lake
- The Great Wall Museum of China
- China World Trade Center
- Xueshijie Ski Resort