Planning a China tour or dreaming of a trip to Beijing? Discover the top 10 must-visit attractions in this iconic city. Whether you’re visiting China for the first time or already living in China, this guide helps you plan an unforgettable travel experience.
- The Palace Museum
The Forbidden City is the best-preserved ancient building complex in Beijing. It not only has magnificent palaces but also a wide range of exhibits. It is a place worth visiting again and again. If you go to the Forbidden City for the first time, it is recommended to visit the ancient buildings as the main thing and appreciate the cultural relics as a supplement, otherwise it is impossible to visit it all.
Recommended time: one day
- Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in existence in China. Although its collection of cultural relics is not as good as that of the Forbidden City, its picturesque natural scenery makes up for it.
It is not recommended to just check in on the regular route. There are infinite scenery hidden in every corner of the Summer Palace. It is worth spending more time to look for it carefully. The Qingyi Garden Ruins are also a place not to be missed.
Recommended time: Half a day
- Temple of Heaven Park
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Temple of Heaven Park was the place where emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for good harvests. It is the general name for the Circular Mound Altar and the Prayer Hall Altar.
The main building of the Temple of Heaven is well preserved, but the ancillary buildings have been basically destroyed. It is recommended to only visit the central axis.
Recommended time: half a day
- Prince Gong’s Mansion
The Prince Gong Mansion represents half of the history of the Qing Dynasty, which is absolutely true.
Although it is not a world cultural heritage, the palace is well-preserved and the back garden is ingenious and full of mysteries. It is more worth visiting than any other mansion in China.
Recommended time: half a day
- Badaling Great Wall
The head swallows the sea, the tail holds the desert, it stretches across China, and it has survived the flames of war for thousands of years. But there are too many Great Walls in China, so there is really no need to focus on Badaling.
Today, there are too many traces of artificial carving on Badaling, and it is not as majestic as it seems. Mutianyu, Juyongguan, Laolongtou and other places are no less magnificent than it.
- Ming Tombs
Although the ticket price of Ming Tombs is relatively expensive, it is a real world cultural heritage, which is different from those fake historical sites. Although the structure of Ming Tombs is similar to that of Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, it also has its own unique features. You can visit Dingling Mausoleum, Changling Mausoleum and Shenlu if you want.
The Ming Tombs have a greater historical value than an ornamental value, and the Eastern Qing Tombs are more fun to visit. You should have the corresponding knowledge before going there, otherwise you will find it extremely boring.
Recommended time: half a day
- Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square, a landmark building that witnessed the growth of New China, has now become a new landmark in Beijing. The surrounding buildings such as the Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, and the National Museum are all built in a very grand manner.
If you want to watch the flag-raising ceremony, you must get up early to grab a seat, otherwise you won’t be able to see anything if you are late.
Suggested time: Half a day
- Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is just opposite the north gate of the Forbidden City. The park is small and not tiring to visit. It not only contains the site where Chongzhen hanged himself, but also allows you to overlook the Forbidden City and Zhongnanhai from a high place. The experience of seeing it up close and from a distance is completely different.
Suggested time: Half a day
- Beihai Park
Beihai Park is the earliest existing, best-preserved, and most culturally rich classical royal garden. It is also the location of the “Let Us Row the Oars” event, and the White Pagoda has aroused the yearning of countless people.
Beihai Park is just opposite Zhongnanhai and is the closest place to China’s political heart. This alone makes it worth a trip.
Recommended time: half a day
- Olympic Park
The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube are both located in the Olympic Park, places you would regret not visiting but would regret going there.
Personally, I think the modern buildings in the Olympic Park are quite ordinary and cannot be compared with the ancient buildings that have been preserved. If you must go there, I suggest you go to see the night view at night.
Suggested time: Half a day
Whether you’re planning a short visit or an extended stay in China, Beijing is a city that offers something for every traveler. With its deep cultural roots and modern energy, these ten attractions represent the best of both worlds. Add them to your itinerary to make the most of your China tour. If you’re already living in China, consider revisiting these sites with fresh eyes—you may discover something new each time.