Visit Beijing: Best of Beijing, China Travel 2019

Beijing awaits: its history, museums, castle, and more!

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

Museums, Historical Buildings and Culture

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Pictures of Beijing

Image for Forbidden City featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Where to stay in Beijing

Downtown Beijing

Historical Buildings, Monuments, Museums

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.

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical Buildings, Temples, Culture

Historic sites, art galleries, and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Sanlitun while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Dongcheng

Historical Buildings, Museums, Shopping

Explore the eclectic commercial street and its enormous mall amid the fascinating sights in the heart of Beijing’s historic center.

Chaoyang

Museums, Culture, Theme Parks

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

Universities, Monuments, Natural Parks

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.

Beijing Central Business District

Culture, Museums, Shopping

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.

Top Hotels in Beijing

Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport

Terminal 3, 1 Sanjing Road, Beijing, Beijing

￥12,191/night

Sep 28 - Sep 29

4.4/5Excellent! (572 reviews)

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. ...…

4.4/5Excellent! (572 reviews)

"this airport hilton is the best airport hotel in the world. i have stayed their three times in two years. Very quiet, great beds, super executive lounges, olympic size pool superior food and buffet, Like staying in the countryside."…"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2019

Hilton Beijing Capital Airport

Novotel Beijing Peace

No 3 Jinyu Hutong, Beijing, Beijing

￥9,418/night

Oct 7 - Oct 8

4/5Very Good! (1,667 reviews)

This family-friendly Beijing hotel is located in the historical district, within 1 mi (2 km) of Wangfujing Street, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen. Tiananmen Square ...…

4/5Very Good! (1,667 reviews)

"Friendly & very helpful staff! Very close to all Amenities!"…"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2019

Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao

1 Chong Wen Men Xi Da Jie, Beijing, Beijing

￥6,581/night

Oct 7 - Oct 8

3.9/5Very Good! (1,817 reviews)

Located in Downtown Beijing, this spa hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Wangfujing Street, National Museum of China, and Qianmen Street. Tiananmen Square and Beijing ...…

3.9/5Very Good! (1,817 reviews)

"Good hotel with friendly and helpful staff. Excellent location to be based at with easy access to the subway system making it easy to get around the city. Cleanliness was up to a good standard and our rooms were comfortable. Our rooms, however, lacked storage space as the furniture was basic, had ..."…"

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2019

Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao

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