Beijing Attraction Guide

Central Beijing

• Forbidden City — The world's largest imperial palace complex (980 buildings), home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors; the classic route runs south to north through the Meridian Gate, the three great Outer Court halls, and the quieter Inner Court gardens. Book tickets online in advance, as daily visitor numbers are capped at 80,000 — weekend and holiday slots sell out fast.
• Tiananmen Square — One of the world's largest public squares, flanked by the Monument to the People's Heroes; the early-morning flag-raising ceremony (timed to sunrise) is a memorable sight, though you will need to arrive very early and pass through security.
• National Museum of China — China's largest museum, on the eastern edge of Tiananmen Square, with sweeping galleries from ancient bronzes to modern history; the "Ancient China" exhibition alone is worth two hours. Free entry with ID reservation.

Great Wall

• Great Wall at Badaling — The most famous and most visited section, about 80 km northwest of the city, with restored Ming-dynasty ramparts and sweeping ridge views; go early on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Great Wall at Mutianyu — Less crowded than Badaling, with lush forested scenery and a cable car or toboggan ride down; widely considered the most beautiful Beijing-area section.

Summer Palace & the West

• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) — The Qing emperors' lakeside retreat, with Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, the Marble Boat, and the famous 728-metre Long Corridor painted with thousands of individual scenes. Renting a small boat on Kunming Lake gives you the classic postcard view back toward the hill; arrive at opening time to beat tour groups.
• Temple of Heaven — The Ming-era altar where emperors prayed for good harvests, centered on the triple-roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a masterpiece of wooden joinery built without a single nail. Morning tai-chi sessions, kite-flying, and chorus singing in the surrounding park are a beloved local institution (pair it with a west-to-south city day).

New Landmarks

• Universal Beijing Resort — The first Universal Studios theme park in China, with seven themed lands including Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness and Transformers Metrobase; thrill-seekers should head straight to Decepticoaster at opening, while families will spend hours in the Minion Land and Jurassic World areas. Buy tickets online and arrive before park opening, especially on weekends.
• Hutongs: Nanluoguxiang & Sanlitun — Stroll the old alleyways of Nanluoguxiang for siheyuan courtyard culture and snack streets (try the Beijing yoghurt in clay pots and candied hawthorns), then head to Sanlitun's Taikoo Li complex for modern dining, shopping, and nightlife — the contrast between old and new Beijing is the whole point.

Practical Tips

• Best season: April–May and September–October for mild weather and clear skies; winter brings blue-sky days but bitter cold, summer is hot and crowded.
• Transport: The subway (17+ lines) reaches all major sights cheaply and fast; taxis and Didi work well, but expect traffic jams at rush hour. Book Forbidden City tickets on the official site up to 7 days ahead.

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