Beijing is the perfect destination for first-time visitors to China, with the Great Wall and the Forbidden City standing as its most iconic landmarks, the city is a must-visit for an unforgettable journey. Yet Beijing is also a city of striking contrasts: ancient alleyways known as hutongs crisscross the city, offering charming tea houses and quiet courtyards, while futuristic structures of titanium and glass cast their shadows over ancient palaces. Quite the contrary, Beijing is a dynamic international capital that's moving toward the future at hyper-speed.

Thanks to advanced technology and an extensive subway system, getting around Beijing is both efficient and convenient, connecting all major attractions with ease. And when hunger strikes, local foods never disappoint. From world-renowned Peking duck to tempting street snacks such as Tanghulu (candied hawthorn sticks) and Douzhi (fermented mung bean milk), every bite brings a new culinary adventure.

As China's political, economic and cultural heartland, Beijing welcomes travellers from across the globe. In recent years, Beijing has extended its visa-free transit policy from 72 hours to 144 hours, making entry easier for visitors. In short, a thrilling and unforgettable experience awaits you in Beijing.

Top attractions in Beijing:

The Great Wall - One of the World's Greatest Wonders

The Great Wall, or the Ten-Thousand-Mile Long Wall, was built as an ancient military defense system. Far more than just a single wall, it is a vast network of passes, fortresses, watchtowers, and beacon towers designed to block enemy cavalry. Over time, the Great Wall gave rise to a unique culture of its own, and today it stands as a powerful symbol of China's rich traditional heritage. In December 1987, the Great Wall was declared as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO.

As a famous Chinese saying goes: He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man. A journey to Beijing would never be complete without setting foot on this monumental wonder.

Our guests had a wonderful time on the Great Wall in summer

The Forbidden City - The Palace Museum, an ancient imperial palace complex

Once the imperial residence of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City stands as the world's largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palace complex. Constructed over 600 years ago, the sprawling complex features grand halls, exquisite courtyards and elaborate architectural layouts that embody traditional Chinese geomancy and imperial aesthetics. For almost 500 years, it was the centre of imperial power in China and holds countless priceless artworks and cultural relics.

Today known as the Palace Museum, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 1987. Wander through its stately gateways and palaces, and step into the glorious royal history of imperial China.

Small tips 😉:

The Palace Museum is home to many lovely cats, also called "Forbidden City cats". The history of the Forbidden City cats dates back to the Ming Dynasty, and even earlier.  Only cats of the finest quality were selected and presented as tributes to the court. You may spot them resting beside red walls. 🐱

The Summer Palace – A Classical Imperial Garden

Centered around Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace covers 3.09 square kilometers, three-quarters of which are water. It features 70,000 square meters of palaces, pavilions and classical garden buildings, and houses a precious collection of cultural relics. It is one of China's first nationally protected historical and cultural sites.

Originally named Qingyi Yuan (Garden of Clear Ripples), the garden was constructed in 1750. Ruined by the Anglo-French Allied Forces in 1860, it was rebuilt from 1886 and renamed Yihe Yuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) as Empress Dowager Cixi's summer retreat. Damaged again by the Eight-Power Allied Forces in 1900, it underwent restoration in 1902. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, successive renovations restored famous sights such as Suzhou Street, the Pavilion of Bright Scenery and Wenchang Galleries.

Representing the peak of classical Chinese landscape design, it perfectly combines imperial grandeur and natural beauty, embodying the ancient gardening principle: "The works of men should match the works of Heaven." The Summer Palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in December 1998.

Visitors enjoy the scenery of the Summer Palace in winter

The Temple of Heaven – An Imperial Sacrificial Altar

Located outside the eastern side of Zhengyang Gate, the Temple of Heaven was where Ming and Qing emperors offered sacrifices to heaven and prayed for bumper harvests. Covering 273 hectares and surrounded by double walls, the complex is divided into the Inner Temple and Outer Temple, with key buildings situated in the Inner Temple. Its layout reflects the ancient idea that "Heaven is round and Earth is square", featuring a semicircular northern section and square southern section.

As a masterpiece of building techniques of Ming and Qing dynasties, the Temple of Heaven is a precious ancient architecture and the world's largest building complex for offering sacrifice to heaven. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Wander among its solemn halls and ancient cypresses, and explore the profound ritual culture of imperial China.

Some Cultural and Creative Products  

Candle night lights in a shape of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Rubik's cubes with the image of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, ice cream in a shape of Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the Temple of Heaven-related souvenir badges and calendars.

Ice cream in a shape of Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Recommended Tour Itinerary

Beijing Layover Tour Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City 5 Days View Details

Best Time to Visit Beijing:

Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Beijing is Spring (Apr–May) and Autumn (Sep–Oct), when the weather is the most favourable of the year. 

🌼Spring (Apr–May) 

Climate Feature: Mild 12–26°C (54–79°F)

Travel Advantages: Clear skies and blooming flowers, a wonderful time to city walk

Minor Drawbacks: Floating willow catkins may trigger allergies

Recommendations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌞Summer (Jun–Aug)

Climate Feature: Hot, humid 25–30℃ (77–86°F)

Travel Advantages: Long daylight hours, green scenery, enjoy boating on the lake and lively night markets

Minor Drawbacks: Hot and occasional rainfall

Recommendations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🍂Autumn (Sep–Oct) 

Climate Feature: Crisp, cozy 13–23°C (55–73°F)

Travel Advantages: Best climate for all kinds of outdoor activities, stunning red ginkgoes and maple leaves

Minor Drawbacks: Leaf-viewing period lasts only weeks

Recommendations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

❄️Winter (Nov–Mar) 

Climate Feature: Cold, dry  -5–5°C (23–39°F)

Travel Advantages: Less crowds, the snowy scenery

Minor Drawbacks: Cold, shorter daylight

Recommendations: ⭐⭐⭐

Travel in Beijing:

• Transportation:

As China's premier transport hub, Beijing operates two international airports and multiple large railway stations, offering frequent air and high-speed rail routes connecting every corner of the country. Within the city, tourists can travel conveniently through a massive bilingual subway system, affordable public buses, ride-hailing services and eco-friendly shared bicycles, covering nearly all famous landmarks. One travel reminder: intercity travel tickets are in short supply on public holidays. Early booking is strongly recommended.

For more details about Beijing's airports, railways and highways, please read our dedicated Beijing Transportation guide. 

Beijing Subway Map - Updated Map of Beijing Metro Lines 2026

Currently Beijing is equipped with 25 subway lines. The subway lines cover most of the important transportation hubs (like airport, railway stations, bus stations...) and top attractions (like Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, etc.). 

• Local Food:

Carrying thousands of years of profound culinary history, Beijing's food culture integrates exquisite court recipes enjoyed by ancient royals and authentic flavors passed down among ordinary residents. Whether you prefer high-end fine dining at century-old time-honored restaurants or casual tasty bites sold at roadside hutong stalls, this city serves an incredible range of unique delicacies that cater to all tastes and budgets.

Beijing boasts distinctive imperial and local folk cuisine, with Peking Duck as its world-famous signature dish, while other iconic local delicacies include Beijing-style Hot Pot and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste). 

Wander hutong streets to discover classic street snacks, such as tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers), Lüdagun (glutinous rice rolls stuffed with red bean paste) and potstickers. 

For more food recommendations and restaurant guides, check our dedicated Beijing local cuisine guide.

• Tips Summary:

In summary, we have prepared comprehensive travel tips covering local dining, city transportation, sightseeing map and other practical information for your upcoming Beijing trip. 

Feel free to check out our dedicated Beijing Travel Tips  travel guide page to view all full details and helpful advice before you travel.

Beijing Accommodation:

Accommodation plays an essential role in shaping your overall travel experience. To ensure you enjoy a cozy, restful stay after a full day of sightseeing across Beijing, we carefully select some well-located, comfortable and welcoming hotels suitable for all our guests. Here, we have shortlisted three carefully selected hotels for your reference when planning your accommodation:

• Sunworld Hotel

• Gehua New Century Hotel

• King Parkview Hotel