Beijing Attractions: Complete Visitor Guide
15 must-visit sites in Beijing — tickets, hours, transport, and tips for foreign tourists.
Quick Jump:
1Must-Visit Attractions
Must VisitForbidden City (Palace Museum)
故宫博物院
The world's largest palace complex, home to 24 Chinese emperors over nearly 500 years. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 9,999 rooms of imperial splendor.
Must VisitTemple of Heaven
天坛公园
A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture where emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for its perfect symmetry, Echo Wall, and the iconic Hall of Prayer.
Must VisitFree EntryTiananmen Square
天安门广场
The world's largest public square, at the heart of Beijing. Site of the flag-raising ceremony, Mao's Mausoleum, and the gateway to the Forbidden City.
Must VisitSummer Palace
颐和园
The largest imperial garden in China, featuring Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor with 14,000 paintings, and the iconic Marble Boat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2Popular Attractions
PopularLama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
雍和宫
Beijing's most spectacular Buddhist temple, originally a prince's residence turned into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Home to a stunning 18-meter sandalwood Buddha.
PopularFree Entry798 Art District
798艺术区
Beijing's creative heart - a former military factory complex transformed into China's most vibrant contemporary art zone with galleries, studios, and cafes.
PopularMing Tombs
明十三陵
The imperial burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. A UNESCO World Heritage Site often combined with a Great Wall visit.
PopularOlympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)
奥林匹克公园
The spectacular legacy of the 2008 Beijing Olympics featuring the iconic Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube, now a vibrant public park and entertainment zone.
PopularBeihai Park
北海公园
One of the oldest imperial gardens in China (over 1,000 years), centered around a beautiful lake with the iconic White Dagoba perched on Jade Flower Island.
PopularJingshan Park
景山公园
The best panoramic viewpoint in Beijing, directly behind the Forbidden City. Climb the hill for breathtaking views of the palace rooftops and the entire city skyline.
3Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Hidden GemDrum & Bell Tower
鼓楼和钟楼
Two ancient towers that once kept time for all of Beijing. Climb the steep stairs for hutong rooftop views and watch the traditional drum performance.
Hidden GemFree EntryNanluoguxiang Hutong
南锣鼓巷
Beijing's most famous hutong alley, a 786-meter lane packed with quirky shops, street food, craft bars, and traditional courtyard architecture.
Hidden GemFree EntryHouhai Lake & Shichahai
后海/什刹海
A picturesque lake district surrounded by hutongs, bars, and restaurants. Perfect for sunset walks, bar-hopping, or winter ice skating on the frozen lake.
Hidden GemFragrant Hills (Xiangshan Park)
香山公园
Beijing's favorite autumn escape, famous for its spectacular red maple leaves in October-November. A mountain park with temples, pavilions, and hiking trails.
Hidden GemFree EntryWangfujing Street
王府井大街
Beijing's premier shopping street, a pedestrianized boulevard with department stores, the famous snack street, and a mix of luxury brands and local shops.