Tourist Attractions in Beijing

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Beijing

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Beijing

Imperial heritage, the memory of the revolutionaries and modern trends in architecture – that’s Beijing today. The Forbidden City is an arm’s length away from Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the “egg”, a futuristic opera house. By some miracle, the local government finds space to build skyscrapers and parks. And they do it while preserving hutongs – ancient alleys and classical Chinese buildings.

In crowded Beijing is always noisy, so it is pointless to plan a quiet holiday when visiting this city. However, on weekdays you can enjoy relative silence in temple complexes or in the lap of nature. For a metropolis, there are quite a lot of green areas here, and extensive in area.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Beijing

Forbidden City

 4.6/5

914 reviews

The palace complex has an area of 720 thousand m² and includes 980 buildings. It is unrivalled in the world. It was the main residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years. After Pu Yi’s abdication and the revolution, the Forbidden City became a museum in 1925 to house the treasures of the imperial houses. It was the first Chinese site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Great Wall of China

 4.3/5

16377 reviews

The main Chinese landmark, which according to legend can be seen from space. It began to be built in the 3rd century B.C. It had an important defensive value. The walls vary in thickness from 5 to 8 metres and in height from 6 to 10 metres. It was constantly rebuilt up to the middle of the XVII century. The length at the moment is more than 21 thousand kilometres. Badaling is the most visited section by tourists. It passes close to Beijing.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Ming Dynasty Tombs

 4.3/5

328 reviews

The mausoleum complex is located on the slopes of the Tianshou Mountains. Thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty, starting with Zhu Di, have been laid to rest here. Together with the Qing Dynasty tombs, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The road to the mausoleums is decorated with statues of animals and mythical creatures. The place was chosen for burials by Zhu Di himself, who moved the capital of the country to Beijing. The construction followed the principles of feng shui.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Temple of Heaven

 4.6/5

1753 reviews

It was built in 1420 and is located in a park area. The rounded features of the temple building are atypical for China. It is believed that this is how the authors of the project tried to symbolise the sky. On the day of the winter solstice, the emperor himself prayed here for the harvest. The tradition existed for several centuries. Now the temple-monastery complex is one of the largest in the country. Its area is about 280 hectares.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Summer Palace

 4.6/5

7361 reviews

It is both an emperor’s residence and a park area. The construction was carried out in the middle of the XVIII century. The architectural ensemble is located at the eastern gate. And on the Mountain of Longevity rises the Tower of Incense, which was erected in honour of Buddha. The complex of canals, pavilions, painted gallery, artificial lakes and islands is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

Open time

香格纳画廊

 0/5

Located on the territory of the Summer Palace and connects its separate parts. Erected in 1750, it was almost completely destroyed a century later, but was rebuilt. The peculiarity of this covered passage is 273 sections, which, among other things, contain images of battle scenes and landscapes. The total number of subjects is about 14,000. It is included in the Guinness Book of Records.

Open time

Tiananmen Square

 4.3/5

6617 reviews

Beijing’s central square, was the largest before the 20th century. It covers 440,000 square metres. Here Mao Zedong proclaimed the formation of the People’s Republic of China. It is also known for sad events, such as the group self-immolation in 2001, or the suppression of protests in 1989. Attractions: Mao Zedong Mausoleum, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Gate of Heavenly Tranquility, National Centre for Performing Arts.

Open time

Tiananmen

 4.2/5

1463 reviews

The main entrance to the Imperial City. Built in 1420, it has been damaged several times, including by lightning, and has been rebuilt. Around them in the past, the emperor’s decrees were read out. The ruler of the Celestial Empire himself travelled through the gate to pray and leave sacrifices. In the 20th century, a portrait of Mao Zedong was hung over the gate, and two posters with slogans and wishes for the Chinese people were placed on the sides.

Open time

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

 3.5/5

488 reviews

Built by 1977 in Tiananmen Square. The coffin with the remains of Mao Zedong, the long-time leader of the Chinese Communist Party and the country, is placed in the Visitors’ Hall. The Hall of Revolutionary Achievements tells the story of the politician and his coup-era associates. The North Hall has a marble statue of Mao, while the South Hall contains images of Chinese landmarks. There is a cinema in the building.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Wednesday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Thursday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Friday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Saturday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM
Sunday: 7:00 – 11:00 AM

Lama Temple

 4.6/5

605 reviews

It belongs to the denomination of Tibetan Buddhism. When it was built in 1964, it was decided to combine Chinese and Tibetan classical styles. In the central hall there are 3 statues of Buddha identifying the past, present and future. The Dharmachakra Hall is where the main ceremonies are held. And the “Pavilion of 10,000 Fortunes” is notable for the statue of Maitreya, which is 26 metres high and carved from sandalwood.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Beijing Temple of Confucius

 4.5/5

276 reviews

Dated 1302, it has existed as a museum since 1911. The second largest Confucian temple in the Celestial Empire. The area of the complex divided into 4 courtyards is more than 20 thousand square metres. The names of 50 thousand people who passed the exam on Confucius’ works are engraved here on stone tablets. And 189 steles are inscribed with the philosopher’s quotations. The main museum exposition is located in the Great Scholarship Pavilion.

Open time

National Museum of China

 4.3/5

385 reviews

In its present form, the National Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution came into being in 2003 after the merger of the National Museum of Chinese History and the Museum of Chinese Revolution. Both were founded in 1959 and were located in the same building. From 2007 to 2011, the museum was closed due to reconstruction. The exhibition space was increased 3 times and the exposition was renewed. The collections cover a period of 5 thousand years. A countdown clock is installed on the facade before important events.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

National Centre for the Performing Arts

 4.5/5

583 reviews

The futuristic building was under construction in the Chinese capital from 2001 to 2007. Paul Andreu was responsible for the project. Even after the work began, there were still debates about its appropriateness. The ellipsoidal dome made of titanium and glass clearly did not fit into the historical centre of the city. People nicknamed the opera house “egg” precisely because of its unusual shape. An artificial reservoir was created around the centre. Inside there are 3 halls with 6500 seats.

Open time

Beijing World Art Museum

 3.5/5

10 reviews

It can be classified as a local history museum. By 1981, a modern Art Nouveau building was built especially for the museum. The combination of glass and concrete makes it both fundamental and light. Several permanent exhibitions about China’s past are located on 7 floors. Temporary exhibitions deal with the modern period of history. There are 200,000 items in the collection.

Open time

798 Art Zone

 4.4/5

493 reviews

In the 50s, a factory was built on this territory. By the 1990s, it was no longer operating at full capacity, and the space was rented out. The Beijing Academy of Fine Arts rented a few premises, and then individual artists started to move in. They opened studios, galleries or simply lived here. Gradually, the Art Zone was filled with restaurants, theme shops, souvenir shops and exhibition halls.

Open time

Chaoyang Theater

 4.5/5

67 reviews

Year of foundation – 1984. The main specialisation is the creation of acrobatic shows. In addition to the performance hall, there are three cinema halls on an area of 3,000 m². The programme is shown twice a day. The artists try to take Chinese traditions into account when staging, using authentic props or appropriate music. The numbers combine beauty, dexterity, grace and some risk.

Open time

Red Theater

 4.5/5

126 reviews

The name was derived from the colour of the walls of the building located in the historical district of the Celestial capital. The performances include acrobatic numbers with elements of kung fu. The performers do not use insurance, which makes the spectacle even more exciting. On the screens, the Chinese words coming from the stage are dubbed in English translation. No filming is allowed in the auditorium during the performance.

Open time

Beijing Olympic Park

 4.5/5

409 reviews

It was built over several years for the 2008 Olympic Games. The area is 1135 hectares. The main facilities of the park are the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube water sports palace. When the competitions were over, they were transformed into an entertainment complex and a music and variety centre, respectively. In addition, the park has an extensive green area and attractions, such as the Ferris wheel.

Open time

Monday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Wangfujing Avenue

 0/5

One of the commercial arteries of China’s capital. It is almost entirely pedestrianised. It is less than a kilometre long and has about 200 shops. In addition to famous brands on Wunfujing there are also locally produced goods, including handmade goods. The street traces its history back to the Yuan Dynasty, when it was established 700 years ago. It received its current name 200 years later during the Ming Dynasty.

南锣鼓巷站

 4.3/5

53 reviews

The narrow alley with this name is a typical representative of hutong – ancient alleyways. It stretches for 800 metres in Dongcheng District. It was built in the Yuan Dynasty and got its present name in the Qing Dynasty. It has not been rebuilt for centuries, but the buildings have often changed specialisation. Nowadays, more and more locals are orientated towards tourists, so they open shops and small restaurants.

Open time

CCTV Headquarters

 4.2/5

245 reviews

Construction of the skyscraper lasted from 2004 to 2009. The building is the headquarters of China Central Television. In addition, there are offices, exhibition halls, a hotel, a theatre and a cultural centre inside. The shape of the skyscraper is unusual: two slightly sloping towers are connected by a common platform at the bottom and a 75-metre high passage at the top. The height is 234 metres.

Open time

Wangjing SOHO Center T1

 4.9/5

9 reviews

When the city needed office buildings for representatives of international companies, it decided to build skyscrapers in the Wanjing district. The three buildings, which look like mountains, were designed by Zaha Khalid and erected in 2012. There are no sharp corners in their exterior design, only smooth lines. The skyscrapers’ water supply system is also remarkable, saving up to 42 per cent of the normal water consumption.

Open time

Beijing World Park

 4.1/5

127 reviews

On an area of several hectares, replicas of the world’s major landmarks are assembled. In addition to the existing beauties, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House, the Grand Canyon and Notre Dame de Paris, there is also the Trojan Horse, which came from myths, and the lost lighthouse of Alexandria. Most of the objects are made in 1:8 scale. The park is a place where national holidays of different nations are held.

Open time

Happy Valley Beijing

 4.3/5

523 reviews

Became an alternative to Disneyland and started receiving visitors in 2006. The area is 500 thousand square metres. It is divided into 6 thematic zones, each of which has its own theme and corresponding appearance. Ancient Greece, Maya, Wild World, Atlantis, Ant Country, Fairy Kingdom include about a hundred attractions. In addition, the park has cafes, shops, and places to relax.

Open time

Houhai

 4.3/5

82 reviews

It is connected to Xihai and Qianhai lakes via channels. The shores are lined with restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world. Thanks to them, the county is famous for its nightlife. You can book a trip around Houhai on a small boat decorated in Chinese style. There is a wide stone bridge across the lake. There are many attractions nearby, like the race track or Gongwangfu Palace.

Beijing Zoo

 3.9/5

1446 reviews

The first name was “The Garden of 10,000 Animals”. It was founded in 1908. Almost half a century later, it was time for big changes: many new species were brought in. On an area of 50 thousand m² spacious enclosures for monkeys, pandas, lions, elephants and other representatives of fauna were built. At present, there are about 7 thousand pets in the zoo. Some buildings are also part of the exposition and have their own architectural features.

Open time

Yuanmingyuan Park

 4.4/5

1123 reviews

The garden and palace complex was laid out in 1707. It included palaces, religious buildings, artificial water reservoirs. It was destroyed in the middle of the XIX century. It has not been restored, but some details of the landscape are well drawn to this day. Even the ruins of the palace, built in European style, look neat and picturesque. Visited by tourists along with other beauties of the city.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Beijing Botanical Garden

 4.5/5

83 reviews

The territory is mixed – mountainous and plain. The area is about 130 hectares. The garden is divided into zones: places for experiments, tourist segments and those where access is restricted. There are about 3 thousand species of plants. The bonsai garden boasts trees that are more than a thousand years old. And there are 60 varieties of peach trees. There are cafes and restaurants in the garden, as well as paths with detailed signposts for the convenience of tourists.

Open time

Jingshan Park

 4.6/5

955 reviews

The name translates as “Landscape Mountain Park” or “view from the mountain”. It was founded as an imperial garden. For this purpose, a hill over 47 metres high was artificially created. There are 4 other smaller hills nearby. A classical Chinese pavilion is built on each one. Jingshan is a gathering place for the elderly. They engage in dancing, meditative practices and group walks in the park.

Open time

Beihai Park

 4.5/5

1460 reviews

It is located near the Forbidden City. The area is about 69 hectares. The lake of the same name occupies about half of the territory. The park has a long history, starting from the X century, but the general public was allowed here only in 1925. There are many iconic objects here, such as: The 40-metre high Bai Ta Stupa, the Yuinan Buddhist Temple, the 5 Dragons Pavilion, the Taihu Stones and a “garden within a garden” called Jingxin Hall.

Open time

Monday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Tuesday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Wednesday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Thursday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Friday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Saturday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM
Sunday: 6:30 – 9:00 AM