The Top 12 Must-See Attractions in Beijing

Where to go in Beijing? The city is full of grand monuments, hidden alleys, and cultural contrasts at every corner. However, not every attraction is right for every traveler. Some places are best for history lovers, while others are ideal for quiet photography walks or hands-on cultural experiences.

In this guide, we've selected 12 of the most iconic places to visit in Beijing. For each one, we explain what makes it special, what to expect, and whether it suits your interests.

• Cultural Icons: The Great Wall
• Imperial Beijing: The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square
• Old Beijing Life: The Hutongs
• Religious Sites: Lama Temple
• Contemporary Culture: 798 Art District
• Imperial Legacy: Ming Tombs
• Scenic Retreats: Jingshan Park, Gubei Water Town
• Historical Landmarks: Drum and Bell Tower

1. The Great Wall—China's Most Iconic Wonder

• Suggested visiting time: 3-5 hours

If there's one place you absolutely shouldn't miss near Beijing, it's the Great Wall. Stretching across mountain ridges and disappearing into the haze, this ancient wonder is both a must-see and a memory that stays with you long after your trip.

Around Beijing, the Wall offers different ways to explore from restored paths to wild, rugged sections. Each one provides a unique mood and experience.

Mutianyu is the most popular choice if you're visiting for the first time or traveling with family. It's well preserved, easy to reach, and less crowded than Badaling. With cable cars, walking paths, and even a toboggan ride, it suits all ages and fitness levels.

Our guests were in Mutianyu

For something more dramatic, Jinshanling offers a mix of restored and original wall. With sweeping panoramas and fewer tour groups, it's ideal for photography enthusiasts and moderate hikers.

Jinshanling Great Wall

Jiankou is raw and steep, making it best for adventurous hikers seeking drama and solitude. The unrestored walls wind along cliffs and dense forest, offering breathtaking views but requiring care and good footwear.

Our guests hiked the Jiankou

Simatai is one of the few sections open after sunset. Connected to Gubei Water Town, it gives you the rare chance to walk the Wall in the glow of lanterns, with the town's lights twinkling below.

Night visit to Simatai

Whether you hike a wild path or take a gentle stroll, being on the Great Wall is an unforgettable way to touch China's past, one stone at a time.

See more on The Best 10 Sections/Parts of the Great Wall to Visit.

2. The Forbidden City—Beijing's Most Iconic Historic Site

• Suggested visiting time: 2-6 hours

The Forbidden City is the most iconic landmark in Beijing and a must-see for any first-time visitor. Once home to 24 emperors, this vast palace complex was the political and ceremonial heart of China for over 500 years. You'll walk through grand courtyards, carved marble terraces, and rows of golden roofs that once defined imperial power.

The Forbidden City

Most visitors follow the central axis route from the Meridian Gate to the Gate of Divine Might, passing through six main halls. These areas are beautiful but often crowded.

However, beyond them lie quieter courtyards and living quarters where the daily lives of the emperors and their families unfolded.

The Palace of Longevity and Health: The residence of the empress dowager in the Qing Dynasty

For a more meaningful experience, we offer guided tours that explore places you wouldn't find on your own or on a standard tour. Along the way, you'll hear vivid stories supported by historical photos and video clips on an iPad, bringing the palace's past vividly to life.

See our 4-Day Emperor's Tour of Beijing.

If you're looking to make your visit even more memorable, you could dress in Qing Dynasty-style costumes and capture striking photos against the red walls and golden rooftops. It's a fun and immersive way to step into the world of emperors and empresses.

Qing Dynasty-style costumes experience

3. Temple of Heaven—Imperial Architecture Meets Morning Local Life

• Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours

The Temple of Heaven is a place where you could experience both Beijing's imperial past and its everyday rhythm. This was where emperors once came to pray for good harvests. Today, it's a calm and spacious park where history blends with local culture.

The site is ideal for anyone who enjoys quiet walks, open-air photography, or observing local life. The flat paths and wide green areas also make it a gentle stop after more intense sightseeing like the Forbidden City.

The most famous building here is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Entirely wooden and built without nails, its triple-tiered blue roof is one of Beijing's most iconic silhouettes.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

You could also explore the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall, both once used for sacred ceremonies.

The Circular Mound Altar

Beyond the history, the park itself is part of the experience. Locals come early in the morning to practice tai chi, sing opera, or play traditional instruments, adding to the park's relaxed and authentic atmosphere.

If you're interested, we can arrange a private tai chi session with a local master inside the park, guided in English. It's a peaceful and memorable way to connect with local life.

Our guests learned tai chi with a local private teacher

5-Day Beijing Family Tour present a vivid Beijing to you and give you a memorable family occasion

4. Summer Palace—Lakeside Palaces and Leisure Scenes

• Suggested visiting time: 2-3 hours

The Summer Palace is where nature and imperial grandeur come together. Once the royal retreat of Qing emperors, this complex is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It offers a scenic and calming break from Beijing's urban pace.

It's a great choice if you enjoy lake views, classical Chinese architecture, and leisurely scenic walks. The park's design blends hills, water, temples, and pavilions in harmony, creating one of the finest examples of Chinese landscape aesthetics.

You could walk the shaded Long Corridor, admire the intricate paintings above your head, or take the stairs up Longevity Hill for a full panorama of Kunming Lake and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Longevity Hill

The Marble Boat, though not functional, symbolizes stability in the empire and makes for a striking photo stop.

Our guests visited the Marble Boat

A short boat ride across the lake offers a peaceful and photogenic way to see the palace's architecture reflected in the water.

Our guests took a boat ride

5. Tiananmen Square—China's Most Symbolic Public Space

• Suggested visiting time: 0.5 hour

Tiananmen Square is the central zone of Beijing and one of the most iconic spaces in all of China. If you're curious about China's modern history, political structure, or national identity, this provides an ideal starting point.

Standing here, you'll sense the vastness of the world's largest public square. Red flags line its edges, and the symmetrical layout creates a powerful visual impression. This is also one of the best spots in Beijing for photography, with the Forbidden City just behind the Tiananmen Gate.

Our guests took a family photo in front of Tiananmen Square

The square is surrounded by several monumental sites: the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao. Each one reflects a different chapter of China's 20th-century transformation.

Some visitors arrive at sunrise for the flag-raising ceremony, a patriotic ritual popular among locals. However, it involves a very early start and long waits, so it might not be ideal unless you're particularly keen.

9-Day Beijing, Datong, Pingyao and Xi'an Tour China Culture Relics Classic Tour

6. The Hutongs—Old Beijing Life in Narrow Alleys

• Suggested visiting time: 2-3 hours

Hutongs are narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes, and they are one of the most distinctive features of old Beijing. Walking through them offers a glimpse into the city's everyday life and its rich history, a side of Beijing that feels personal, lived-in, and full of stories.

This is an ideal stop if you're curious about local culture, vernacular architecture, or how old Beijing communities once lived. Some hutongs are quiet and residential, with birdcages hanging from trees and neighbors chatting on stools. Others have evolved into creative spaces with boutique cafés, galleries, and street food stalls.

You could wander through Nanluoguxiang, one of the most popular hutongs for shopping and snacks.

Nanluoguxiang Hutong

For something more relaxed, head to Wudaoying Hutong, favored by young locals for its cafés and design shops.

Wudaoying Hutong

And if you're after something truly local, White Pagoda Temple Hutong offers a slower, quieter walk through authentic everyday life.

White Pagoda Temple Hutong

See more on Beijing's Top 10 Hutongs to find out which hutong suits you best.

If you're interested, we can arrange a private visit to a traditional courtyard home, where you'll meet a local resident and hear their family stories. You could also try a calligraphy class, paint Peking Opera masks, or join a dumpling-making session.

Our guests learned how to draw Beijing Opera masks

If you prefer not to walk too much, a rickshaw ride offers a charming way to explore more ground comfortably.

Our guests experienced the rickshaw

7. Lama Temple—Ornate Tibetan-style Temple

• Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours

Lama Temple is Beijing's most famous Tibetan Buddhist temple, known for its red colors, serene incense trails, and intricate carvings. Tucked along a busy street, it offers a peaceful pause in the middle of the city.

Lama Temple

This stop is ideal if you're interested in temples, religion, or traditional craftsmanship. It's also a good fit if you enjoy slower-paced sites where you could take your time to observe, listen, and reflect.

The temple complex features five main halls and several courtyards, each with its own statues and ritual objects. You'll see Tibetan prayer wheels, guardian lions, and rows of golden Buddhas. The highlight is the 18-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood and listed in the Guinness World Records.

You'll likely see local worshippers lighting incense or bowing silently, which adds to the sense of authenticity. You could also light a stick of incense and make a quiet wish.

People are burning incense to make prayers

The nearby Wudaoying Hutong, Confucius Temple, and Imperial College are just a short walk away, if you'd like to explore more of Beijing's intellectual and religious heritage.

8. 798 Art District—Beijing's Contemporary Art and Creative Energy

• Suggested visiting time: 2-4 hours

798 Art District is Beijing's most dynamic zone of modern creativity, set inside a former electronics factory complex from the 1950s. Today, its red-brick warehouses and wide industrial alleys have been transformed into a hub for contemporary art, design, and independent culture.

798 Art District

It's a great stop if you enjoy galleries, photography, street art, or just exploring creative urban spaces. You'll find a mix of well-known Chinese artists and emerging voices, alongside international exhibitions and eye-catching installations.

You could spend an easy half-day browsing modern art museums, design shops, and converted cafes. Murals, playful sculptures, and quirky facades appear around every corner, making it a fun place to explore with your eyes and camera.

The UCCA Center for Contemporary Art is a major stop, often hosting visually striking and thought-provoking shows.

798 Art District

And you don't even need a plan. Just follow your feet. You might stumble into a rooftop garden, browse handmade goods in concept stores, or take in a pop-up show. The whole district has a calm, walkable rhythm that feels very different from the city's palaces and temples.

798 is most vibrant in the afternoon and early evening. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on Beijing, one shaped by creativity, experimentation, and youthful energy, this is where you'll find it.

9. Ming Tombs—Peaceful Hillside Mausoleums of Emperors

• Suggested visiting time: 3-6 hours

Set against the foot of Tianshou Mountain, the Ming Tombs are a quiet and dignified complex of imperial mausoleums built for 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. It's one of the best day trips from Beijing if you enjoy imperial history, ancient architecture, or tranquil natural settings.

The site offers insight into royal traditions, feng shui principles, and rituals surrounding death and remembrance. Compared with central Beijing attractions, the atmosphere here is calmer and less touristy, making it ideal for those seeking a slower, more reflective experience.

The Ming Tombs have opened 6 scenic spots.

Among them, Dingling is the only one that has made its underground palace accessible to the public. You could walk down into the underground stone chambers where Emperor Wanli and his empresses were buried.

The Queen's Throne in the Underground Palace of Dingling

Changling, the largest and most ceremonial, showcases elegant Ming-style architecture and soaring wooden halls.

Changling

Before entering the tomb area, you'll pass along the Sacred Way, a wide path lined with ancient stone statues of animals and officials. It once symbolized the emperor's journey from this world to the next.

The animal statues on the Sacred Way

The Ming Tombs are often combined with a trip to the less touristy Mutianyu or Jiankou sections of the Great Wall, located nearby.

10. Jingshan Park—The Best Panoramic View over Beijing's Historic Core

• Suggested visiting time: 1 hour

Jingshan Park is the best spot to enjoy a full view of the Forbidden City from above. Just across the street from the palace's north gate, this landscaped hill offers one of the most iconic perspectives in Beijing.

Our guests viewed the entire layout of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

It's a great stop if you're into photography, scenic cityscapes, or want to wrap up your Forbidden City visit with a scenic finale.

The short climb to the top takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the view is more than worth it: the golden roofs of the palace stretch out below, with modern Beijing in the distance.

The Wanchun Pavilion at the summit is the highest point in the city's old axis. Besides the full view of the Forbidden City, you could spot the White Dagoba in Beihai Park, the Drum and Bell Towers, and even the Olympic Tower on a clear day. It's a great moment to reflect on how ancient and modern Beijing meet across the skyline.

The coexistence of the old and new in the urban landscape of Beijing

The hill itself was once considered the "back mountain" of the Forbidden City, positioned according to Feng Shui principles. That symbolic alignment adds another layer of meaning to the experience.

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11. Gubei Water Town—A Lakeside Town Beneath the Simatai Great Wall

• Suggested visiting time: 1 day

Gubei Water Town is a peaceful village styled after northern China's traditional towns, nestled at the foot of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. It feels like a step away from the city's busy pace, with mountain air, riverside views, and a calm, storybook charm.

Gubei Water Town

This is a great choice if you enjoy unhurried strolls, quiet nights, or staying overnight in a place full of character. It also appeals to those looking to escape crowds and connect with both nature and history.

You could wander through stone-paved alleys, admire tiled roofs reflected in the canals, or take a slow boat ride past bridges.

If you're curious about traditional crafts, stop by the Sima Shaojiu Workshop to see how local spirits are made, or visit the Yongshun Dyeing Workshop to learn about old textile techniques.

Yongshun Dyeing Workshop

You could even make your own colorful kite using centuries-old methods.

What makes Gubei truly special is its direct link to the Simatai Great Wall, one of the most dramatic and less crowded sections near Beijing. You could take a short cable car up for sunset, then watch as the lights of the Town glow below like a fairy tale village tucked between hills and rivers.

Night view of the Town

It's possible to visit as a day trip, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the quiet charm after most visitors have left. See our 2-Day Great Wall Mutianyu-Simatai Day-Night Tour.

If you still want to know more about one-day tours departing from Beijing, see our Top 9 Day Trips from Beijing.

12. Drum and Bell Tower—Timekeepers of Ancient Beijing

• Suggested visiting time: 1-2 hours

The Drum and Bell Towers were once the official timekeepers of the imperial capital. Standing side by side on the city's central axis, the two towers still mark the heart of old Beijing today.

They're a good stop if you're interested in traditional architecture, Beijing's city planning history, or historic rhythms of city life.

The Drum Tower, with its deep red walls and carved beams, is especially photogenic.

The Drum Tower

In contrast, the gray-stone Bell Tower beside it feels more reserved. Together, they form one of the most iconic silhouettes in northern Beijing.

Our guests visited the Bell Tower

Inside, you could climb to the upper floors of both towers. The Drum Tower houses a collection of ceremonial drums and offers a good view over the surrounding hutongs. The Bell Tower features one of China's largest ancient bells, weighing over 60 tons.

From the top, you could also spot the city's north-south axis stretching toward Jingshan Park.

Every hour from 10 am to 5 pm, a live drum performance is held inside the Drum Tower, echoing how time was once announced across the capital.

Live drum performances

At the square below, you could slow down and watch everyday life unfold as residents chat on benches, play badminton, or concentrate over a game of chess.

The surrounding area is equally rewarding. Nearby, you'll find traditional hutongs, courtyard homes, Shichahai, and the popular Nanluoguxiang, all just a short stroll away.

Discover Beijing with China Highlights

Beijing, a city where history and modernity intertwine, awaits your exploration. From the majestic Forbidden City to the magnificent Great Wall, every attraction tells a story that spans millennia. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a culinary explorer, Beijing promises unforgettable experiences.

Click on our Beijing tours for more destinations, and let us craft an exciting journey in Beijing just for you!