BeijingBeijing

Beijing is China's magnificent capital — a city where ancient imperial grandeur meets cutting-edge modernity. With over 3,000 years of history, Beijing served as the imperial seat for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it's a sprawling metropolis of 22 million people, home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the political and cultural heart of China.

Recommended Stay 3-5 days$$ - Mid-rangeFirst-time China visitors, history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and food lovers.

Explore Beijing

Sights

6 must-see attractions

Trips

2 ready-made plans

Food

What to Eat & Where to Find It

Transit

Metro, Taxi & Payments

Scams

Scams & Mistakes

Top Attractions

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Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is China’s most important historical site. Strolling through its magnificent courtyards and halls, you can directly experience the majesty of imperial power and the grandeur of Chinese civilization.

3–5 hours (half a day)Book AheadTickets Required

Great Wall

Standing on the Great Wall and gazing into the distance, the wall winds along the ridgeline stretching far into the distance—one of the most spectacular achievements in the history of human engineering.

3–5 hours (including round-trip travel time, takes about a full day)Tickets Required

Temple of Heaven

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Get up early to visit the Temple of Heaven Park and experience Beijing’s morning exercise culture—Tai Chi, sword dancing, and calligraphy written with water.

2–3 hoursTickets Required

Summer Palace

Unlike the solemnity of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace showcases another side of imperial life—scenic lakes and mountains, pavilions and towers, and a poetic, picturesque atmosphere. Boating on Kunming Lake is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an afternoon in Beijing.

3–4 hours (half a day)Tickets Required

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the political heart of China and a symbol of the nation. The early morning flag-raising ceremony (at sunrise) is the most awe-inspiring experience.

1–2 hoursBook Ahead

Hutongs

The Forbidden City and the Great Wall are Beijing’s “A-side”; the hutongs are its “B-side”—down-to-earth, authentic, and full of warmth.

2–4 hours

Recommended Itineraries

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3-Day Trip

3-Day Beijing Classic Route

First-time visitors who want the essential Beijing experience in a long weekend.

Forbidden CityGreat Wall (Mutianyu)Temple of HeavenSummer Palace+2

5-Day Trip

5-Day Beijing In-Depth Journey

Travelers who want to truly understand Beijing, not just check off landmarks.

Forbidden CityGreat Wall (Mutianyu)Temple of HeavenSummer Palace+3

From Airport to Departure, I Have Everything Covered

Hotel, transport, tickets, dining, scams — all sorted for your Beijing trip. Just bring your passport and curiosity.