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 Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or Intime Lotte Department Store 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 27, 2024
Reviewed on May 27, 2024
Reviewed on May 2, 2024
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024
Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
Getting around Beijing
Despite its size, Beijing is easy to get around on public transportation, and driving on its hectic streets is not recommended. The subway network covers most of parts of the city that you are likely to want to visit, and with English signs, it is very easy to use. The bus system will get you to areas of the city not covered by the subway. Hail a taxi when you’re in a rush. They’re very affordable. Visit the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China website.Browse Beijing rental cars.
Best time to visit
With scorching-hot summers, freezing cold winters and stormy springs, the best time of year to visit Beijing is probably between September and October. May tends to have good weather, too. However, don’t despair if you can only visit outside these months. As perhaps China’s most thriving cultural hub, Beijing has enough exciting events to ensure a great trip even when the weather is less than perfect.
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.
Tsinghua University
Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Tsinghua University, during your trip to Beijing. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, TAM Square
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, TAM Square One Day Tour
Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch
Mubus: Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour with Options
Forbidden City and Royal Treasure Museum Half Day Tour
Beijing One Day Tour by Air with Great Wall & Forbidden City
Reviews of Beijing
4/5 - Good
Have been there many times. Much to see.
4/5 - Good
I like Beijing and have visited several times before. I had planned this trip ahead of time thinking that Beijing would be a great place to be to celebrate the Chinese New Year. But, the "Virus" showed up and pretty much could not do anything!!!!!!
3/5 - Okay
Beijing has so many good things and metro is efficient and clean. But too many people smoke outside and spit on the ground.
4/5 - Good
its more expensive than other Chinese cities. Buy water bottles at a convenience store as they are upcharged at attractions. Use the subway because it takes you everywhere and taxis are often VERY pricey and some refuse to use the meter
5/5 - Excellent
Everyone was friendly and very accommodating. I don't speak much Chinese, but everyone was helpful.
4/5 - Good
Traffic is a problem in Beijing now. Better to walk if possible, but wrap up warm if you visit in January like we did Most overnight lows were minus 10 degrees Celsius
Read travel guides and advice on visiting Beijing
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Other places like Beijing
- Forbidden City
- Wangfujing Street
- Great Wall of China
- Tiananmen Square
- Great Wall of China
- Tsinghua University
- Sanlitun Road
- The Palace Museum
- Universal Studios Beijing
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Peking University
- Tiananmen
- Qianmen Street
- Beijing National Stadium
- Yonghe Temple
- Beijing Qianmen Street
- China National Convention Center
- National Museum of China
- Beijing Financial Street
- Silk Street Market
- Beihai Park
- Beijing Language and Culture University
- 798 Art District
- Beijing China Central Place
- Houhai Lake
- Beijing New World Shopping Mall
- Yanqi Lake
- China World Trade Center
- New China International Exhibition Center
- Beijing International Convention Center