Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Beijing

Beijing, a city steeped in history and culture, is home to some of China's most iconic landmarks. No matter if you're craving architectural marvels, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, or Prince Gong's Mansion, or if you prefer more natural landscapes, like Summer Palace, Beihai Park, or Jingshan Park, the city offers a rich tapestry of attractions that captivate every type of traveler. Today, we'll take you through the top 10 must-see attractions in Beijing, giving you a glimpse into its fascinating past and vibrant present.

1. The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the most iconic landmarks in China. Located in the heart of Beijing, it was the imperial palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Spanning over 180 acres, it is the largest ancient palace complex in the world, with nearly 1,000 buildings and over 8,000 rooms.

The complex is divided into two main sections: the outer court and the inner court. The outer court was used for ceremonial and state functions. Emperors would conduct major events such as coronations and state banquets in some halls of the Outer Court. The Inner Court was the living palace for the emperors and their families.

To immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere, start your journey from the Meridian Gate and visit the palaces one by one along the central axis of the Forbidden City. On the way, you will see the three most significant halls: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, and Hall of Preserving Harmony. Then you will walk to the inner court to visit the residences of the Emperor and Empress, the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Palace of Earthly Tranquility.

You may also visit the Treasure Gallery inside the Forbidden City. It collects numerous pieces of art that were found in the Forbidden City, including paintings, calligraphy, and imperial treasures.

2. The Great Wall

The Great Wall

Stretching over 13,000 miles across northern China, the Great Wall was originally built to protect ancient Chinese states from invasions and raids by nomadic tribes. Its sections in and around Beijing are among the most well-preserved and accessible.

If you're a hiker, the Great Wall sections in Beijing are on your top list. From the well-paved paths at Badaling Great Wall to the rugged, wild sections at Jiankou and Simatai Great Wall, hiking on the Great Wall will take you back to ancient times and discover the history of them.

However, if you're not an outdoor sports lover yet still curious about it, Mutianyu Great Wall is your first option. The wall here is surrounded by lush forests and is less steep, making it easier to explore. There are cable cars and a fun toboggan ride, making it popular for all ages.

3. Summer Palace

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is one of Beijing's most famous imperial landmarks, renowned for its stunning landscape, rich history, and classical Chinese architecture. It has a deep history intertwined with China's imperial legacy. And it's one of the best-preserved royal gardens in China today.

We recommend that half a day in the Summer Palace is enough. To start your journey, you can take a leisurely walk through the gardens, where you can experience the peaceful atmosphere and intricate designs. For a stunning panoramic view of the palace and beyond, climb Longevity Hill and visit the Tower of the Fragrance of the Buddha, which offers incredible views of Kunming Lake and Beijing.

Apart from the activities above, a boat ride across Kunming Lake is also one of the most relaxing ways to experience the Summer Palace, offering views of bridges, pavilions, and the surrounding hills.

4. Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, a renowned cultural and historical site, was used by emperors for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the iconic building of this site, symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth in traditional Chinese cosmology.

By visiting the Temple of Heaven, you will have a deeper understanding of Chinese history. You may stand at the exact spot where emperors prayed to heaven when you visit the Circular Mound Altar. Additionally, you can stroll around the site and admire the buildings' stunning architecture.

For a relaxing experience, you can join locals for morning exercises or enjoy a peaceful walk through the beautiful park. The park surrounding the temple is a lively place where locals gather for Tai Chi, dancing, and traditional games, providing a glimpse into everyday life in Beijing.

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5. Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the heart of Beijing and one of the most iconic landmarks in China, symbolizing the country's political and cultural significance. It's the largest public square in the world, with a deep history tied to both ancient imperial China and modern Chinese politics. It has become a central gathering place for national celebrations.

It's meaningful to visit Tiananmen Square. There are many things to do there. Every day at sunrise and sunset, you may attend the flag-raising ceremony. The Chinese national flag will be raised or lowered by soldiers in a highly ceremonial fashion. This event reflects the patriotic spirit of the country.

Another popular thing to do is visit the National Museum of China. It's one of the largest museums in the world, covering over five thousand years of Chinese history, from ancient artifacts to exhibits on modern political history.
Recommended Beijing Tour with Tiananmen Square visiting: 4-Day Architectural Tour in Beijing

6. Beihai Park

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China, located in the heart of Beijing. Beihai Park showcases classic Chinese garden design, blending natural landscapes with elegant architecture, and is centered around the picturesque Beihai Lake.

The top thing to do in Beihai Park is visit White Dagoba. The White Dagoba is a Tibetan-style stupa that stands 40 meters high and is located on Jade Flower Island, which is at the center of the lake.

You may take a boat to get to White Dagoba. A boat ride on Beihai Lake is one of the most enjoyable activities in the park. You can rent paddleboats or take traditional-style Chinese boats across the peaceful waters, particularly in the warmer months. In winter, the lake freezes over, and ice skating becomes a popular activity.

7. Lama temple

Lama Temple

The Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery, is one of Beijing's most renowned and significant Buddhist temples. It's a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture with Tibetan Buddhist influences. Originally built as a royal residence, it was later converted into a lamasery, making it one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet.

It's not only an active place of worship but also a center for Tibetan Buddhist learning and practice. Spend some time wandering through the stunning halls of the Lama Temple, each offering unique insights into Buddhist enlightening and art. Don't miss the breathtaking 18-meter-tall Maitraya Buddha statue in the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Happinesses.

8. Prince Gong's Mansion

A pavilion in Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion is one of Beijing's most well-preserved royal residences from the Qing Dynasty and a significant cultural and historical site. It's a sprawling complex covering approximately 14.82 acres, and it is divided into two main sections: the residential area and the gardens.

At first, this mansion did not belong to Prince Gong. It was originally built for Heshen, a notorious Qing Dynasty official. Heshen amassed great wealth but was eventually charged with corruption and executed. The mansion was later given to Prince Gong.

It's easy to explore Prince Gong's Mansion on foot. You can visit different courtyards, halls, and private rooms to get a sense of how luxurious the life of the owner of this house was. Take your time to walk through the beautifully designed gardens, enjoy the scenic views, and discover hidden pavilions and bridges.

9. Ming Tombs

Changling Tomb in Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. 13 of 16 Ming emperors are buried in this graveyard, along with their empresses, concubines, and important officials.

Currently, three of the thirteen tombs are open to the public:

• Changling Tomb: The largest and most well-preserved tomb, Changling is the final resting place of Emperor Yongle.
• Dingling Tomb: This is the only tomb that has been excavated. You can explore the underground palace, which contains the emperor's tomb chamber and burial artifacts.
• Zhaoling Tomb: The tomb of Emperor Longqing, Zhaoling, is smaller and less grand than Changling, but it offers beautiful surroundings and an excellent opportunity to learn about Ming burial practices.

Besides, the Sacred Way, the pathway to the tomb complex, is also famous due to the stone statues lined along it. These stone statues, shaped like animals, military officials, and government ministers, are meant to guard the tombs.

Note: Each of the three tombs and the Sacred Way requires a separate entrance fee. Shuttle buses are available to transport visitors between them, and it is recommended to allocate half a day to explore the Ming Tombs. A suggested itinerary is: the Sacred Way - Changling - Dingling - Zhaoling.

10. Jingshan park

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is a historic imperial garden located just north of the Forbidden City in Beijing. It's a perfect place for panoramic views of the city, and it holds significant cultural and historical importance. It's an imperial garden where emperors and their families could relax, and it was designed with traditional Chinese geometry (feng shui) principles in mind.

The hill's five peaks provide the best views of the Forbidden City, especially from the Wanchun Pavilion at the summit. Besides, the park is particularly famous for its peony gardens, which bloom in vibrant colors during the late spring. Visitors in May can enjoy a magnificent display of over 200 varieties of peonies. In autumn, the park is equally beautiful with golden foliage. In a word, it's popular among families, so we recommend you visit it if you travel with your loved ones.

Plan Your Beijing Tour With Us

Beijing's top attractions offer a perfect blend of history, culture, and modern wonders, making it a city that demands exploration. To ensure you experience the best of what Beijing has to offer, let us take care of every detail. With our customized itineraries, private cars, English-speaking guides, and stays at our hand-picked comfortable hotels, you will enjoy a seamless, stress-free trip in Beijing.