Beijing is the beating heart of China’s political, cultural and historical heritage, surviving invasion and revolution to shine once more on the world stage.
Beijing is a hub of power and influence on the Chinese mainland, whose busy streets are home to 20 million residents. Getting around is easy, with a good subway system and public buses as well as a plentiful supply of city taxis. If you’re feeling brave, rent a bike and head out to explore China’s capital on two wheels.
The history of this expansive city can be seen in the extraordinary mix of architecture lining the pavements: spectacular imperial palaces sit next to utilitarian warehouses reminiscent of the early Communist era and daring modern designs symbolising the nation’s leap into the twenty-first century.
For a taste of ancient China, retrace the steps of the emperors from Tiananmen Square through the Front Gate (Qianmen Gate) to the immense palace buildings of the Forbidden City. Visit manicured pleasure gardens such as Jingshan Park and the Summer Palace where royalty used to relax in the shade of cypress trees. Further opportunities for refuge from the packed urban centre can be found in the spiritual quiet of Lama Temple and Temple of Heaven, or the peaceful surroundings of the Old Summer Palace and Beihai Park.
The city also served as the theatre of much twentieth-century conflict. Marco Polo Bridge to the southwest of central Beijing saw the first gunfire of the Sino-Japanese War. The National Museum of China in the city centre will lead you through the more recent history of the Chinese Communist party, which came to power in the 1950s, while you can come face to face with the dinosaurs that roamed this land at the Natural History Museum. In 2008, Beijing returned to the international stage with a bang as it played host to the world’s greatest sporting event in the ultra-modern Olympic Park.
Nowadays the city is gaining a reputation as a cultural centre, with the arts district around 798 Space at the vanguard of modern art and music. As well as galleries, the area has numerous restaurants and cafés serving the local delicacy Peking duck. Shopping lovers should head to Wangfujing Street – a commercial street with great shops and traditional tearooms.
Where to stay in Beijing
Dongcheng
4.5/5Wonderful!(124 area reviews)
Explore the eclectic commercial street and its enormous mall amid the fascinating sights in the heart of Beijing’s historic center.
Discover a bustling district where you can get a real feel of everyday Beijing life as well as enjoying impressive historic, cultural and entertainment attractions.
Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 miles (20 km) of Goldenport Park ...…Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 miles (20 km) of Goldenport Park ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (627 reviews)
"This hotel was so nice! It was beautiful and clean and all the staff was so kind and helpful"…""This hotel was so nice! It was beautiful and clean and all the staff was so kind and helpful"WWW…"
Located in Haidian, this luxury hotel is within 3 miles (5 km) of Beijing Foreign Studies University, China Central Television Tower and Beijing Zoo. Beijing ...…Located in Haidian, this luxury hotel is within 3 miles (5 km) of Beijing Foreign Studies University, China Central Television Tower and Beijing Zoo. Beijing ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (270 reviews)
"We liked their mattress and pillows and loved their Buffett!"…""We liked their mattress and pillows and loved their Buffett!"WWW…"
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
NZ$252
per night
Feb 2 - Feb 3
This family-friendly Beijing hotel is located in the business district, within 1 mi (2 km) of Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade, Wangfujing Street and Forbidden ...…This family-friendly Beijing hotel is located in the business district, within 1 mi (2 km) of Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade, Wangfujing Street and Forbidden ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (729 reviews)
"The location is excellent, convenient to shopping area, and many famous view points within walking distance"…""The location is excellent, convenient to shopping area, and many famous view points within walking distance"WWW…"
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
Overlooking the serene waters of Kunming Lake, this palace served as a tranquil retreat for the Qing Emperors and still provides a peaceful haven for visitors.
Mini Group Tour: The Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
NZ$157
This is a Hassle-Free, No More Than 6 People mini-sized group tour to the two most beautiful attractions in Beijing! 7:00-8:30 Hotel Pickup Your tour guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby for pickup, the exact pickup time will be confirmed with you about 2 days before your travel date.
Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Day Tour
NZ$113
Visit Beijing's historic destinations and explore its rich history, fascinating architecture, and impressive traditions on this full-day tour. Explore the imperial Forbidden City, historical Summer Palace, harmonious Temple of Heaven and stroll around the Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall Bus Tour
NZ$75
Enjoy some of China's most famous landmarks with an expert guide to explain their cultural and historical meaning. Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike up the most famous section of the Great Wall of China.
Please kindly note that you need to send your passport details to the local travel agency in Beijing right after booking in order to buy the tickets. You will get the travel agency contact information after booking.
Bus Tour: Badaling Great Wall and Underground Palace
NZ$53
1. Pick up travelers from hotel on departure time around 7:00am, and then drive to the Underground Palace(Dingling) and visit for 1 hour.Underground Palace (Dingling) is the best-preserved Chinese imperial tombs with 500 years history.
Private car/van on disposal in Beijing city within 80 kilometers and 8-9hours
NZ$50
Today our China driver will pick up clients from their own booked hotel lobby within 4th ring or a pointed place in down town, then you will start your car/van on disposal in Beijing city within 8-9 hours for your business in the city or sightseeing in the city, this is a private service except to great wall, if you want is to great wall pls pay USD 50 extra in total to us.
Great big city, I would recommend at least 5 days so that you can do all the sights. Best if you learn some Chinese as not many people speak English well.
5/5 - Excellent
Dan
Nov 23, 2019
Amazing
3/5 - Okay
Verified traveler
Nov 16, 2019
Cheap taxis, very smogy. Little English spoken away from the hotel.
4/5 - Good
Frequent
Nov 4, 2019
Beijing is changing - fast and for the better
4/5 - Good
Nat
Nov 3, 2019
Beijing is a fascinating city. So much to explore. But it is a big city and it takes time to get around. Try and stay close to a subway line as it will be really useful.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 2, 2019
Amazing place with great history, but in the afternoon the air pollution built up and was unpleasant.
