The Forbidden City (Palace Museum). The world's largest surviving imperial palace complex, home to 24 Ming and Qing dynasty emperors across nearly 600 years. A labyrinth of 980 buildings, golden-roofed halls, and imperial courtyards that rewards at least half a day of exploration.
Great Wall at Mutianyu. One of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall, stretching 5,400 meters with 22 watchtowers and dramatic forested ridgelines. Visitors can ascend by cable car or chairlift and descend via a toboggan slide — making it the top choice for first-timers and families alike.
Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan). Beijing's most architecturally striking sacred site, where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest. Early-morning visits reveal Beijing elders practicing tai chi, playing erhu, and dancing in the surrounding park — a living slice of city culture.
Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan). The largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, covering 290 hectares with Kunming Lake at its center, ornate pavilions, and the famous Long Corridor painted with 14,000 intricate scenes. The lakeside setting is especially beautiful in autumn when willows turn gold.
Beijing's Hutongs. Beijing's ancient alleyway neighborhoods — dating to the Yuan Dynasty — offer an intimate counterpoint to imperial grandeur: courtyard homes, dumpling vendors, mahjong games, and hidden teahouses. Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying, and the Shichahai area are the most rewarding to explore on foot or by rickshaw.
798 Art District. A sprawling creative campus converted from 1950s Bauhaus-style factory buildings in Chaoyang, now home to over 100 galleries, design studios, cafes, and outdoor sculpture installations. Entry to the district is free, though individual galleries charge separately.
Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple). Beijing's most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, built in 1694 and home to the world's largest single-piece sandalwood Buddha standing 18 meters tall. The temple's five main halls, incense haze, and resident monks create one of the city's most genuinely atmospheric experiences.
Drum Tower & Bell Tower (Gulou–Zhonglou). Twin Ming-dynasty towers that once regulated the rhythm of imperial Beijing now anchor the city's most atmospheric neighborhood, where hutong bars, live-music venues, and independent cafes fill converted courtyard buildings. In 2024, the area became part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Beijing Central…
Top-rated tours & activities in Beijing
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour — 5.0★ (320 reviews)
Beijing Capital Airport Layover Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour — 5.0★ (221 reviews)
Beijing to Datong See YunGang Cave, Hanging Temple (Bullet Train) — 5.0★ (47 reviews)
Great Wall Day Tour with Yoyo — 5.0★ (26 reviews)
Beijing Peking Opera Show Ticket with Guide and Transfers — 5.0★ (26 reviews)
All-inclusive Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall — 5.0★ (116 reviews)
Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing — 5.0★ (109 reviews)
Mutianyu Great Wall 5-Kilometer Guided Hike with Uphill Cable Car — 5.0★ (57 reviews)
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour — 5.0★ (320 reviews)
Beijing Capital Airport Layover Mutianyu Great Wall Private Tour — 5.0★ (221 reviews)
Beijing to Datong See YunGang Cave, Hanging Temple (Bullet Train) — 5.0★ (47 reviews)
Great Wall Day Tour with Yoyo — 5.0★ (26 reviews)
Beijing Peking Opera Show Ticket with Guide and Transfers — 5.0★ (26 reviews)
All-inclusive Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall — 5.0★ (116 reviews)
Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing — 5.0★ (109 reviews)
Mutianyu Great Wall 5-Kilometer Guided Hike with Uphill Cable Car — 5.0★ (57 reviews)