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.
Known for Historical Buildings, Monuments, Museums
3.5/5(6 reviews)
Historic sites, museums, and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Tiananmen 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.
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.
Known for Historical Buildings, Museums, Opera Houses
4/5(84 reviews)
Historic sites, museums, and theaters highlight some notable features of Xicheng. Make a stop by Great Hall of the People or Beihai Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lingjing Hutong Station or Xidan Station to get around town.
Top Hotels in Beijing
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
5 out of 5
Terminal 3, 1 Sanjing Road, Beijing, Beijing
￥12,458
per night
Nov 25 - Nov 26
Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within 9 mi (15 km) of New China International Exhibition Center, Goldenport Park Circuit, and Beijing Golf Club. ...…Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is within 9 mi (15 km) of New China International Exhibition Center, Goldenport Park Circuit, and Beijing Golf Club. ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (603 reviews)
"Free shuttle bus to airport. Nice gym facilities n quiet environment"…""Free shuttle bus to airport. Nice gym facilities n quiet environment"WWW…"
Located in Dongdan, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Plaza and Wangfujing Street. National Museum of China and Tiananmen Square are also ...…Located in Dongdan, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Oriental Plaza and Wangfujing Street. National Museum of China and Tiananmen Square are also ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (606 reviews)
"Location is great but rooms are tiny and crampy. Overall a huge property but rooms are not great."…""Location is great but rooms are tiny and crampy. Overall a huge property but rooms are not great."WWW…"
No.2 Wangfujing Main Street, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing, Beijing
￥7,363
per night
Dec 18 - Dec 19
Located in Downtown Beijing, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Art Museum of China, Wangfujing Street, and Forbidden City. Sanlitun and Beihai ...…Located in Downtown Beijing, this luxury hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National Art Museum of China, Wangfujing Street, and Forbidden City. Sanlitun and Beihai ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (1,621 reviews)
"a great location to art museum, historical building-red mansion of Beijing university and capital theater in which "Beijing renyi" group perform. If you are a fan of "Beijing Renyi" and want to see the show, this is the best place-walking distance to that theater. also not far away to the forbidden ..."…""a great location to art museum, historical building-red mansion of Beijing university and capital theater in which "Beijing renyi" group perform. If you are a fan of "Beijing Renyi" and want to see the show, this is the best place-walking distance to that theater. also not far away to the forbidden ..."WWW…"
Learn more about the local history when you visit Great Wall of China, a well-known historical site in Huairou. 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.
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.
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
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.
Mini Group Tour: The Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
￥11,138
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
￥8,158
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.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall Bus Tour
￥5,439
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.
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.
1. Pick you up from your hotel around 07:00am then transfer you to the first destination, Ming Tombs. Visit Changling for about 1 hour. 2. After the tour, you have 45 minutes visit to Jade Carving Factory to know the processes of Chinese jade carving and Chinese jade culture.
Meet your private driver and depart your hotel at the planning time, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Mutianyu Great Wall. Once you are there, hiking by yourself with amazing view and historic stories.
The tours in Beijing cannot be beat. Definitely book a few day tours if you’ll be in Beijing for a few days— a great way to see hidden parts of the city with local tour guides!
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Nov 18, 2019
Beijing is an old city, great for those interested in history and arquitecture, not very welcoming of foreign tourist as
4/5 - Good
Jackie
Nov 17, 2019
Fun time and even caught a clear air day.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 17, 2019
The city was fun and overall fun loved it just one tip for any travelers beware taxi drivers NEVER pay with 100 yuan they will say you gave them a bill with a ripped corner and give you back fake money so if you pay with cash try to pay exact.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 14, 2019
Air is not good.
5/5 - Excellent
LaTesha
Nov 13, 2019
Being Black American does cause much attention, especially if you're a natural. You do get many people trying to take your picture. If you've dodged one camera shot you're in another. However overall a wonderful city.
