China’s bustling capital has temples, gardens and other precious relics of long-lost dynasties alongside modern architecture and entertainment.
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 center, visit the Summer Palace and the Marco Polo Bridge to see more of the splendor 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.
Where to stay in Beijing
Downtown Beijing
3.5/5Good!(6 area reviews)
Historic sites, museums, and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Tiananmen Square while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Wangfujing Station to get around town.
Noted for its art galleries and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Beijing Central Business District. Top attractions like China World Mall and China World Trade Center are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Jintaixizhao Station or Guomao Station to see more of the city.
Museums, art galleries, and shopping highlight some notable features of Middle Chaoyang. Make a stop by Sanlitun or Chaoyang Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Liangmaqiao Station or Agricultural Exhibition Center Station to get around town.
Museums, art galleries, and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Sanlitun or Beijing National Stadium while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Sihui East Station or Gaobeidian Station to get around town.
Haidian is well-liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Anheqiao North Station or Beigongmen Station to get around.
Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 mi (20 km) of Goldenport Park Circuit ...…Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 mi (20 km) of Goldenport Park Circuit ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (624 reviews)
"This hotel was so nice! It was beautiful and clean and all the staff was so kind and helpful"…""This hotel was so nice! It was beautiful and clean and all the staff was so kind and helpful"WWW…"
Located in Xicheng, this luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Beijing Financial Street and within 3 mi (5 km) of Beihai Park and Great Hall of the People. Beijing ...…Located in Xicheng, this luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Beijing Financial Street and within 3 mi (5 km) of Beihai Park and Great Hall of the People. Beijing ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (162 reviews)
Lovely stay
"The hotel was amazing and the service even better! The guys organized taxi to the wall for us and got us a great deal last minute. Breakfast was a feast, the hotel clean and nice and comfortable. Perfect for a business trip"…""The hotel was amazing and the service even better! The guys organized taxi to the wall for us and got us a great deal last minute. Breakfast was a feast, the hotel clean and nice and comfortable. Perfect for a business trip"WWW…"
7 North Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing
Free CancellationReserve now, pay when you stay
￥12,219
per night
Jan 31 - Feb 1
Located in Chaoyang, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Agricultural Exhibition Center and China Agricultural Museum. Liangmaqiao Station is ...…Located in Chaoyang, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Agricultural Exhibition Center and China Agricultural Museum. Liangmaqiao Station is ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (174 reviews)
"what I didn’t like is that there were no wine glasses in the room."…""what I didn’t like is that there were no wine glasses in the room."WWW…"
You can learn more about the history of Huairou when you make a stop at a top site like Great Wall of China. Make time to visit the theme park and monuments while you're in the area.
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.
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.
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.
You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Sanlitun, a popular shopping spot in Beijing. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
Mini Group Tour: The Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
￥11,207
This is a Hassle-Free, No More Than 6 People mini-sized group tour to the two most beautiful attractions in Beijing! 7:00-8:30 Hotel Pickup Your tour guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby for pickup, the exact pickup time will be confirmed with you about 2 days before your travel date.
Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Day Tour
￥8,107
Visit Beijing's historic destinations and explore its rich history, fascinating architecture, and impressive traditions on this full-day tour. Explore the imperial Forbidden City, historical Summer Palace, harmonious Temple of Heaven and stroll around the Tiananmen Square.
Please kindly note that you need to send your passport details to the local travel agency in Beijing right after booking in order to buy the tickets. You will get the travel agency contact information after booking.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall Bus Tour
￥5,405
Enjoy some of China's most famous landmarks with an expert guide to explain their cultural and historical meaning. Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike up the most famous section of the Great Wall of China.
Bus Tour: Badaling Great Wall and Underground Palace
￥3,783
1. Pick up travelers from hotel on departure time around 7:00am, and then drive to the Underground Palace(Dingling) and visit for 1 hour.Underground Palace (Dingling) is the best-preserved Chinese imperial tombs with 500 years history.
Beijing Airport Transfer To Your Beijing Downtown Hotel
￥2,054
Your friendly mandarin speaking driver will pick you up from PEK International Airport. Meeting Point: After Baggage Claim Pick up sign: Your name . You need approximately 1 hour drive from your Beijing Capital International Airport to Your Beijing central Hotel according to the traffic.
Everyone was friendly and very accommodating. I don't speak much Chinese, but everyone was helpful.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 16, 2020
Traffic is a problem in Beijing now. Better to walk if possible, but wrap up warm if you visit in January like we did
Most overnight lows were minus 10 degrees Celsius
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 13, 2020
I went there expecting nothing since it was winter but wnded up enjoying it a lot more than i should. It really felt like spring over there
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 8, 2020
Bustling, busy, constantly moving city with great cultural attractions. Incredibly varied and inexpensive food everywhere. Avoid driving
and take public transportation if at all possible.
2/5 - Disappointing
K
Jan 8, 2020
Everything is worth 4 star reviews but the shuttle service is way to terrible.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020
We have always enjoyed visiting Beijing. We think it is one of the most interesting cities in Asia.
