Travel Guide of Beijing in China by Influencers and Travelers

Beijing, alternatively romanized as Peking, is the capital of the People's Republic of China. It is the world's most populous capital city, with over 21 million residents within an administrative area of 16,410.5 km².

The Best Things to Do and Visit in Beijing

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a palace complex in central Beijing, China. It houses the Palace Museum, and was the former Chinese imperial palace and state residence of the Emperor of China from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty, between 1420 and 1924.

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2 - The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum is a national museum housed in the Forbidden City at the core of Beijing, China. It was established in 1925 after the last Emperor of China was evicted from his palace, and opened its doors to the public.

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3 - Sightseeing Cruises in Beijing

Enhance your experience of two of Beijing’s most spectacular attractions with a private day trip to the Ming Tombs and the Longqing Gorge. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, gain fascinating insight into the Dingling at the Ming Tombs  and then head to the verdant natural splendor of Longqing Gorge, a series of dramatic gorges and flowing lakes. A perfect day to combine the history and nature, soaking up the personal attention from your private guide.

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4 - Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is an imperial complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest.

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5 - Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square or Tian'anmen Square is a city square in the centre of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City.

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6 - Mountain Bike Tours in Beijing

There’s no better way to discover traditional Beijing life in authentic “hutong” neighborhoods than with a private guide. This door-to-door private bike tour combines the well-known attractions with less-visited lanes where locals still go about their daily lives. Besides Nanluoguxiang, Back Lakes, and Yandai Xie Street, see a drum show at the Drum Tower, enjoy a dumpling lunch, and visit some newly renovated “hutong” beside the Grand Canal. Pedal the “hutong” neighborhoods of downtown Beijing with a private guide Relax with round-trip door-to-door private car transfers from your hotel Savor a traditional dumpling lunch at a typical “hutong” eatery Catch the drum show at the Drum Tower and shop for souvenirs

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7 - Temple of the Sun

The Ritan Park is a public park located in Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. It is within the Jianguomen area. The nearest Beijing Subway station is Yong'anli on the Beijing subway Line 1.

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8 - Wangfujing

Wangfujing is a shopping street in Beijing, China, located in Dongcheng District. The majority of the main area is pedestrianised. Since the middle of the Ming Dynasty there have been commercial activities in the area.

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9 - Skiing Classes in Beijing

Combine the Great Wall at Mutianyu Section and Skiing at Huaibei Skiing Resort is a Great Choice if you visit Beijing in Winter. No matter you are a keen skier or non-skier, Beijing Huaibei International Resort is your ideal destination to show your ski skill by immersing yourself in the amazing views of the Great Wall. While a visit to the less crowded and the best-preserved section—Mutianyu will accomplish your China Dream. Your private guide provides a personalized experience as you visit Mutianyu, learn the history behind the 6th-century section and marvel at the spectacular natural scenery that surrounds it and enjoy cable car ride, experience take the toboggan down from the Wall to the ground. Then head to the Huaibei Skiing Resort to have a 2 hours fun skiing with the Great Wall surrounding.

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10 - Beijing Zoo

   6 km away

The Beijing Zoo is a zoological park in Beijing, the capital of the China. Founded in 1906 during the late Qing dynasty, it is the oldest zoo in China and oldest public park in northern China.

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11 - Beijing National Aquatics Center

   10 km away

The Beijing National Aquatics Center, also officially known as the National Aquatics Center, and colloquially known as the Water Cube, is an aquatics center at the Olympic Green in Beijing, China.

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12 - Culinary Tour in Beijing

This is not another walking tour. Your small group tour travels by private tuktuk and offers unlimited beer and soda while you and your English-speaking guide are whisked around the alleys of Beijing's hutongs to get off the beaten path. You will eat where the locals eat at small, family-run businesses and try the best local food at places you can’t find on your own. After 3-4 hours, you will finish at a popular local brewery to have a pint of the best craft brew in town.

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13 - Prince Gong Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion, also known as the Prince Kung Mansion, is a museum and tourist attraction located in Xicheng District, Beijing, just north of the Shichahai Lake. It consists of large siheyuan-style mansions and gardens.

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14 - CCTV Headquarters

The CCTV Headquarters serves as the headquarters for China Central Television that was formerly at the old China Central Television Building located at 11 Fuxin Road some 15 km to the west.

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15 - Olympic Park

   11 km away
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16 - 798 Art Zone

   12 km away

798 Art Zone, or Dashanzi Art District, is a complex of 50-year-old decommissioned military factory buildings boasting a unique architectural style that houses a thriving artistic community in Dashanzi, Chaoyang District of Beijing.

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17 - Wangjing SOHO

   12 km away

Wangjing SOHO is a complex of three curvilinear asymmetric skyscrapers in Wangjing in Beijing, China, between central Beijing and Beijing Capital International Airport.

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18 - Beijing Language and Culture University

   12 km away

Beijing Language and Culture University, colloquially known in Chinese as Yuyan Xueyuan, has the main aim of teaching the Chinese language and culture to foreign students.

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19 - Peking University

   13 km away

Peking University, is a major research university in Beijing, China, and a member of the elite C9 League of Chinese universities. It is perennially ranked as one of the top academic institutions in China, Asia, and worldwide.

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20 - Summer Palace

   14 km away

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces in Beijing. It was an imperial garden in the Qing dynasty. Mainly dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, it covers an expanse of 2.9 square kilometres, three-quarters of which is water.

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21 - Marble Boat

   15 km away

The Marble Boat, also known as the Boat of Purity and Ease, is a lakeside pavilion on the grounds of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. It was first erected in 1755 during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor.

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22 - Seventeen Arch Bridge

   15 km away
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23 - 佛香阁

   16 km away
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24 - Marco Polo Bridge

   17 km away

The Marco Polo Bridge or Lugou Bridge is a stone bridge located 15 km southwest of Beijing city center in the Fengtai District. It bridges the Yongding River, a major tributary of Hai River.

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Disover the best Instagram Spots around Beijing here

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Pictures and Stories of Beijing from Influencers

20 pictures of Beijing from zhang kaiyv, ZQ Lee, Nico Villanueva and other travelers

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Why should you visit Beijing ?

Travel to Beijing if you like:

  🗼 Landmark     🌲 Old-growth forest     ⛰️ Mountain range     🌆 Skyline     🏘️ Town     🐾 Wildlife  

How to visit Beijing ?

To get to Beijing, you can fly into the Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or the recently opened Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). There are direct flights from many major cities worldwide. Once in Beijing, you can use the efficient subway system, buses, taxis, or rent a bike to get around the city.

It's essential to book some attractions in advance, especially during peak travel seasons. Purchase your tickets online for the Forbidden City, which has a daily limit on visitors, and consider guided tours for the Great Wall of China. Additionally, apply for your Chinese tourist visa well in advance, as the processing time may take several weeks.

Costs in Beijing can vary depending on your travel style. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $50 per day, while mid-range and luxury travelers may spend $100 - $200 per day or more. Entrance fees to major attractions, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, range from $10 to $30.

Some of the best things to do in Beijing include visiting the Forbidden City, exploring the Great Wall of China, strolling through the Summer Palace, wandering around the hutongs (traditional narrow alleys), and experiencing the Temple of Heaven. Don't forget to catch a Peking Opera performance or try your hand at traditional Chinese crafts.

For delicious local cuisine, try Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurant for their famous Peking duck, or head to Jindingxuan for an authentic dim sum experience. For vegetarian options, visit Baihe Vegetarian Restaurant, which offers a variety of tasty dishes.

In terms of accommodations, consider staying at the budget-friendly Peking Station Hostel, which is conveniently located near the Beijing Railway Station. For mid-range options, try the Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel or the Orchid Hotel, both of which are located in the heart of Beijing's traditional hutong neighborhoods. For a luxury experience, stay at the Waldorf Astoria Beijing or The Peninsula Beijing.

Off the beaten path: For an unusual travel experience, visit the 798 Art District, an area in northeastern Beijing that was once an industrial complex but has now transformed into a thriving hub for contemporary Chinese art. Here, you can explore numerous galleries, studios, and art installations while soaking in the unique atmosphere of this creative enclave. Another lesser-known gem is the ancient village of Chuandixia, located about 55 miles west of Beijing. This well-preserved Ming Dynasty village offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese rural life and is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.

Learn More about Beijing

Beijing is an enchanting city and an essential stop on a trip to the Middle Kingdom, China. The administrative centre of the regime since the 15th century, Beijing is home to sumptuous imperial palaces, including the renowned Forbidden City, as well as temples, reminders of China's theological wealth. To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Beijing, you should lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties. For art fans, the Espace 798, a hybrid between a gallery and a workshop, will thrill its audience. Beijing is full of priceless historical treasures that are a must-see: the Great Wall of China, the temples and of course the imperial tombs.

This is the most famous strategic military defense construction in the world. Visiting the Great Wall, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history of this construction that is considered a symbol of China. The Great Wall has a total length of about 6,700km (the length of the Great Wall in Beijing is about 629km).

Located in the center of Beijing city, this place has a large space, visitors coming here will enjoy a wonderful scenery. This place is the palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with the largest scale and most intact preserved in the world. Stepping inside the Forbidden City, you will admire the unique architecture of the Chinese royal court.

Visiting Tiananmen Square during the Beijing tour, you will be overwhelmed by this massive construction, around the square are planted with many beautifully styled ornamental plants, you should visit the square in the early morning. Walking while breathing in the fresh air, it will give visitors a feeling of relaxation and peace separate from the noisy and bustling city outside.

Beijing not only has the most luxurious and magnificent tourist attractions or the most modern buildings, but also hidden in it the small alleys and ancient streets, which have existed side by side with the capital for thousands of years. Beijing tourists leisurely renting bicycles here will encounter the old town of Hutong.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Beijing

What are the best local restaurants in Beijing ?

There are some must-try restaurants here

• Black Sesame Kitchen https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294212-d1581964-Reviews-Black_Sesame_Kitchen-Beijing.html
• Siji Minfu restaurant Peking roast duck https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294212-d4754416-Reviews-Siji_Minfu_Restaurant_Peking_Roast_Duck_Dengshikou-Beijing.html
• Haidilao Hot Pot https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g294212-d2264025-Reviews-BeiJing_Haidilao_Hot_Pot_Wangfujing-Beijing.html

What are the best hotels in Beijing ?

1. The Orchid Hotel - Old Town & Drum Tower https://www.booking.com/hotel/cn/the-orchid.html
2. Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing https://www.booking.com/hotel/cn/park-plaza-beijing-wangfujing.html
3. Jingshan Garden Hotel https://www.booking.com/hotel/cn/red-wall-jingshan-garden.html

   Where to Stay in Beijing

   More Travel spots to explore around Beijing

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Discover more travel spots to explore around Beijing

  🗼 Landmark spots     🏰 Historic site spots     🏰 Temple spots     🌆 Skyline spots     🏘️ Town spots     🏰 Pagoda spots     🏰 Palace spots     🐾 Wildlife spots     ⛰️ Hill spots     🏰 Place of worship spots     Truss bridge spots     🏞️ Watercourse spots     🏞️ Waterway spots     Paragliding spots     🚴 Cycling spots     🛣️ Road trip spots     🏰 Ruins spots     🚣‍♂️‍ Kayak spots     ⛰️ Hill station spots     🌲 Forest spots     🌲 Nature reserve spots     🌲 Old-growth forest spots     ⛰️ Mountain range spots     Kite sports spots  

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