This is Beijing
Top 1
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Step into the world of Chinese emperors at the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient palatial complex on Earth. For over 500 years, this UNESCO World Heritage site served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With 980 surviving buildings and nearly 10,000 rooms, it offers a breathtaking journey through Chinese art, architecture, and court life. Don’t miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Treasure Gallery.
Top 2
The Great Wall(Badaling Section)
A symbol of China’s enduring strength, the Great Wall snakes over 21,000 kilometers across mountains and deserts. The sections near Beijing, such as Badaling and the less-crowded Mutianyu, allow you to walk along ancient battlements and watchtowers built as early as the 7th century BC. Whether you hike or take a cable car, the panoramic views are unforgettable. It’s more than a wall—it’s a testament to human ambition.
Top 3
Tiananmen Square
Located in the very heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is the world's largest urban square, steeped in modern Chinese history. Flanked by iconic landmarks like the Tiananmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China, it is a symbol of the nation. Visitors gather here daily to witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony at dawn and the flag-lowering at dusk. The square offers a powerful sense of national grandeur and historical significance.
Top 4
Summer Palace
Escape the city bustle at the Summer Palace, a sprawling royal garden listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Centered around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it features elegant pavilions, marble boats, and the famous Long Corridor decorated with thousands of paintings. Once a summer retreat for emperors, it’s now ideal for a relaxing boat ride, a stroll across the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, or a climb to the Buddhist Incense Temple for stunning lake views.
Top 5
Wudaoying Hutong
Tucked just north of the bustling Yonghegong Lama Temple, Wudaoying Hutong offers a quiet, artistic escape in the heart of Beijing. Originally a military training ground in the Ming dynasty, this 600-meter alley has evolved into a charming hub of creative boutiques, independent cafes, craft beer bars, and artisan workshops. Here, you can enjoy a laid‑back, bohemian atmosphere where locals sip coffee beside centuries‑old gray‑brick courtyard walls and shop owners chat warmly with visitors. Browse vintage vinyl records, try on handmade jewelry, watch a potter at work, or savor a wood-fired pizza. At dusk, string lights flicker on, and the hutong glows with a cozy, inviting light. It’s a perfect place to experience old Beijing’s character with a modern, creative twist.
Top 6
Wangfujing Street
Beijing’s premier shopping boulevard, Wangfujing blends luxury malls with traditional snacks. Start at the Wangfujing Snack Street to sample candied fruits and fried dumplings, then explore the Beijing Department Store or the modern APM and Oriental Plaza. For a cultural twist, visit the nearby Capital Museum. Wangfujing is also home to the famous Peking duck restaurant Quanjude, where you can taste the city’s signature dish in an elegant setting.
Top 7
The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests features a three tiered blue roof supported entirely by wooden pillars and interlocking brackets, with no nails. Nearby, the Circular Mound Altar invites you to stand at its center and feel your voice resonate toward the sky. The Echo Wall can carry a whisper over a hundred feet. Beyond the structures, the vast park comes alive each morning with locals practicing tai chi, playing erhu, and singing Peking opera. This harmonious blend of imperial grandeur and everyday Beijing life makes the Temple of Heaven a place where ancient rituals and modern community spirit meet.
Top 8
The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)
A futuristic icon of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Bird’s Nest is an architectural marvel made of interwoven steel beams. Designed by Swiss and Chinese architects, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies as well as track and field events. Today, you can tour the stadium, walk on the track where Usain Bolt set records, and even ski or snowboard inside during winter. At night, the red-lit structure glows beautifully against the skyline.
Top 9
798 Art Zone
A thriving contemporary art district housed in decommissioned military factories, 798 Art Zone is Beijing’s answer to Soho or Chelsea. Galleries, studios, design shops, and hip cafes fill the Bauhaus-style buildings, where faded communist slogans meet avant-garde sculptures. Rotating exhibitions feature both Chinese and international artists. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in modern creativity, street art, and a cool, artsy atmosphere far from the ancient temples.
Top 10
Shichahai Lake Area
Shichahai is a scenic lake area in the heart of Beijing, consisting of three connected lakes: Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Back Lake), and Xihai (West Lake). Surrounded by historic hutongs and courtyard homes, it offers a peaceful escape from the city's busy streets. In summer, you can rent a boat, paddle across lotus filled waters, or enjoy a drink at a lakeside bar. In winter, the frozen surface becomes a lively skating rink, a favorite local tradition for generations. Ancient temples, old stone bridges, and traditional teahouses dot the shoreline. As evening falls, the area glows with warm lights from restaurants serving hot pot and grilled skewers.