Highlights in Beijing

The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most iconic landmarks, stretching thousands of miles across northern China. Near Beijing, popular sections include Mutianyu and Badaling, both offering well-preserved battlements and watchtowers. Visitors can walk along the wall, take cable cars, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The wall dates back over 2,000 years and reflects China's extraordinary engineering history.

The Forbidden City is a vast imperial palace complex in central Beijing, serving as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering 180 acres with 980 buildings, it is one of the world's best-preserved ancient palace complexes. Today it operates as the Palace Museum, housing an extensive collection of imperial artifacts, artwork, and historical treasures.

The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent imperial complex in southern Beijing, built in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. Chinese emperors once performed annual ceremonies here to pray for good harvests. The site features the iconic circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, set within a vast park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Beijing's most visited landmarks.

Tiananmen Square is one of the world's largest public squares, covering 440,000 square meters in central Beijing. It is flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the iconic Tiananmen Gate, which leads to the Forbidden City. The square holds deep historical and political significance for China and attracts millions of visitors annually who come to witness the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise.

The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden and palace complex located northwest of central Beijing. Built in the 18th century, it served as a royal retreat for the Qing dynasty emperors. Dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, the site features traditional pavilions, temples, and covered walkways. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's best-preserved imperial gardens.

Beijing's historic hutong alleyways offer a glimpse into the city's traditional courtyard lifestyle. Neighborhoods around Nanluoguxiang, Shichahai, and Dongcheng are ideal for exploring on foot or by rickshaw. The narrow lanes are lined with old siheyuan courtyard homes, local shops, and small restaurants. This is one of the best ways to experience everyday Beijing life.

Located in a repurposed Bauhaus-style factory complex in northeast Beijing, the 798 Art District is the city's creative hub. It houses contemporary art galleries, studios, design shops, and cafes. The contrast between the industrial architecture and modern Chinese art makes for a compelling visit. Weekend afternoons are particularly lively with exhibitions and cultural events taking place throughout the district.

This beautifully preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple in central Beijing dates back to 1694. It features five main halls filled with intricate statues and elaborate decorations, including an 18-meter-tall sandalwood Buddha. The temple is an active place of worship and incense smoke fills the air throughout the day. It offers a genuine and atmospheric religious experience within the city.

Beijing's most famous commercial street is a lively mix of modern shopping malls, department stores, and street food stalls. The nearby snack street is known for its exotic offerings including scorpions and starfish on skewers. While touristy, it gives a good sense of modern urban Beijing. The area is also home to the Beijing Foreign Language Bookstore and several historic shops.