Beijing, China
Top places to visit in Beijing
6 places worth your time in Beijing, with what each is actually like and when to go.
Last updated 2026-08-08
1. The Forbidden City
Photo: User:kallgan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Nine hundred buildings inside a moat, the imperial seat for almost five centuries. The full axis walk takes half a day.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Enter at Meridian Gate at opening; exit north to Jingshan
- Tip: Passport-linked online booking is compulsory and slots sell out days ahead. There is no ticket window for foreigners on the day.
2. Great Wall at Mutianyu
Photo: Arian Zwegers · CC BY 2.0 · source
Restored, steep and far less crowded than Badaling, with a cable car up and a toboggan down.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Weekday mornings; autumn for clearest air
Watch outUnofficial 'Great Wall tours' sold in central Beijing frequently include long, compulsory jade or tea-factory stops.
3. Temple of Heaven
Photo: Maros M r a z ( Maros ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
A Ming ritual complex where the emperor prayed for harvest, set in a park full of morning exercise, cards and choirs.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Best time: Early morning for the park life, which is the real attraction
4. Summer Palace
Photo: Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
An imperial lake-and-hill retreat with a 700-metre painted corridor and a marble boat that never floated.
5. Hutongs around Nanluoguxiang
Photo: TonyNojmanSK · Pexels License · source
The grey-walled lane courtyards of old Beijing, best explored by bicycle on the quieter side streets.
- Map: Open in Maps
- Tip: The main lane is commercialised; turn off it within a block for the real thing.
6. 798 Art District
Photo: Leeluv · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
A Bauhaus-planned East German factory complex converted into galleries and studios.
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