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.
Beijing Travel Guide
Where to stay in Beijing
Downtown Beijing
Historical 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
Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.
Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Temple of the Sun while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Hujialou Station to get around town.
Dongcheng
Enjoy the popular shops in Dongcheng. Beijing Duan Qirui Residential is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.
Haidian
Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Beijing Botanical Garden and Summer Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.
Xicheng
Historical sites, museums and theatres highlight some notable features of Xicheng. Make a stop by Cultural Palace Of The Nationalities or Xidan Shopping Center while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lingjing Hutong Station or Xidan Station to get around town.
Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 20 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 19 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2024
Reviewed on 6 Nov. 2023
Reviewed on 20 Dec. 2023
Popular places to visit
Forbidden City
An ancient political centre which is now a protected heritage site, this former palace retains an air of romance and mystery.
Wangfujing Street
Head down to this well-known shopping district in central Beijing for tailored clothing, accessories and sumptuous snacks.
Great Wall of China
You can find out about the history of Huairou with a visit to Great Wall of China. Discover the area's mountain views and monuments.
Tiananmen Square
The best-known landmark in the People’s Republic of China serves as a final resting place for its most famous leader.
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.
Sanlitun Road
During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Activities
All Inclusive Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Hutong
All Inclusive Private 2-Day Beijing Highlights Tour
Beijing Roast Duck Banquet & Acrobatic Show Evening Tour
Half Day Lama Temple, Confucius Temple Tour with King’s Joy Vegetarian Lunch
3-Day Private Tour of Incredible Beijing Highlights
2-Day Beijing City Highlight Tour with Forbidden City
Reviews of Beijing
5/5 - Excellent
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
Amazing
3/5 - Okay
Cheap taxis, very smogy. Little English spoken away from the hotel.
4/5 - Good
Beijing is changing - fast and for the better
4/5 - Good
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
Amazing place with great history, but in the afternoon the air pollution built up and was unpleasant.