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.
Beijing
Where to stay in Beijing
Downtown Beijing
Historic sites, museums, and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Forbidden City or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.
Wangfujing Shopping Area
Historic sites, art galleries, and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Forbidden City or Wangfujing Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.
Chaoyang
Discover a bustling district with foreign embassies, Sanlitun bar street, and a thriving business area. Explore attractions like 798 Art Zone, Olympic Green, and Chaoyang Park, while enjoying convenient access to 14 metro lines and Beijing Capital Airport.
Dongcheng
Home to major cultural attractions like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng boasts vibrant nightlife in Nanluoguxiang's hutongs and shopping at Wangfujing. Prestigious hotels and nine metro lines ensure a convenient stay.
Haidian
Get to know Haidian and its many features like its museums and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Beijing Botanical Garden and Summer Palace, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around the city.
Xicheng
Beihai Park and Jingshan Park offer serene green spaces, while the bustling Xidan commercial district and Houhai bar area provide lively entertainment. Explore historic sites like Prince Gong's Residence and enjoy easy access to seven metro lines.
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Reviewed on May 2, 2024
Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2024
Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2024
Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2024
Popular places to visit
Forbidden City
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.
Wangfujing Street
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.
Great Wall of China
You can find out about the history of Huairou when you stop by Great Wall of China. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments.
Tiananmen Square
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.
Great Wall of China
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
Sanlitun Road
During your trip to Beijing, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.
Things to do
11-Day China Tour of Small Group to Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Shanghai
Beijing Roast Duck Banquet & Acrobatic Show Evening Tour
Half Day Lama Temple, Confucius Temple Tour with King’s Joy Vegetarian Lunch
Reviews of Beijing
4/5 - Good
It's an intriguing place. Security is high (to be expected in China), it's really crowded in a bustly way (we're used to Japan that is still really crowded but you don't get jostled around as much), we were jostled and shoved more than we're used to.
5/5 - Excellent
A city with culture and history.
5/5 - Excellent
Visit museums are must. We visited Beijing so many times.
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful clean roads! Great food!! Felt extremely safe!
5/5 - Excellent
Plan to spend more than three days in Beijing! So much to see and experience.
5/5 - Excellent
Very good world class city. Lots of history and very many modern areas.
