Beijing was an amazing city and a deep cultural and learning experience. Here we learned so much about China as a whole and got to sample the best this capital city has to offer. Everything from the world famous Pekin duck to taking a boat ride on the lake of the Summer Palace.

Read this article to see what you can expect from your first visit to Beijing. We cover how to get around, where to stay, and of course, the things to visit in Beijing that made our journey memorable.

Overview

Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, offers an incredible mix of history, culture, and modern attractions. The city is steeped in history, from the Ming Dynasty when Emperor Yongle commissioned the construction of the Forbidden City.

In the 20th century, Mao Zedong established the People’s Republic of China, further shaping Beijing’s historical landscape.

On our recent trip, we found ourselves constantly torn between the ancient sites steeped in centuries of history and the bustling streets filled with modern charm.

It’s a city where tradition and progress coexist in every corner, from serene temples to gleaming skyscrapers. The Temple of Heaven, built during the Ming Dynasty, showcases traditional Chinese architecture, while Tiananmen Square remains a significant symbol of modern China.

This guide shares our experiences in Beijing, highlighting the key tourist attractions in Beijing that you can explore in a day or even over a week.

Travel to and Around Beijing

Travelling to Beijing

Getting to Beijing is straightforward, with multiple options for international and domestic travel. We flew directly from London to Beijing Capital International Airport (IATA: PEK), which is well connected to the rest of the city.

Once you arrive at the airport you can take the express train to the city and from there transfer to the metro network. You can pay the ticket simply by tapping your contactless (western) card on the turnstile.

The fare will be higher than the standard metro ticket however, at the time of writing, one way is less than $3.

Additionally taxis/Didi are a suitable option which is what we did on our last day in Beijing. We drove from our hotel (north of Temple of Heaven) to the airport which was 45 minutes and it cost us less than $10 in 2024.

For those preferring rail, the high-speed train network across China is another efficient way to reach Beijing. Depending on your point of origin, you may find that a direct train is both cost-effective and scenic.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Beijing

Once you arrive, getting around is quite simple. The Beijing subway system is one of the most affordable ways to travel between major attractions in Beijing China, covering all the key districts.

We extensively used the metro system, and it was very convenient as we could pay with our western cards using the tap in and out functionality at each gate, similar to the metro system in London. We also used the AliPay Transport functionality for buses. This made getting around even easier.

Alternatively, you can buy a metro ticket from the vending machines availalbe at each metro station.

One important thing to note is that the metro closes at 23:00, so it’s essential to plan accordingly, especially for late-night activities. Distances in Beijing are also quite long. It’s important not to underestimate this when planning your trip.

We also liked that stations are translated, not simply transliterated like how we found in our trip to Xi’an, and it made it much easier to navigate as a foreigner.

We often used the subway or simply walked whenever possible, as many attractions in Beijing city are conveniently located close to one another.

Bikes are also another popular option and very convenient for short distances of 1-2 km. Renting them can be easily done via the AliPay app.

The Didi app (a local version of Uber) is also handy for longer distances or if you are in a rush. We didn’t find taxis to be expensive. Especially in the first ring road area of the city, where there are fewer metro stations, we would suggest you use Taxis/Didi to expedite your travels.

Where to Stay in Beijing?

There are many options depending on your preferences. We stayed in Dongcheng, which was ideal for its proximity to popular tourist attractions in Beijing like the Forbidden Palace, Jingshan Park or the Temple of Heaven.

If you’re looking for something more upscale, hotels near the Chaoyang District also offer excellent amenities and are well-connected.

We would suggest you look for hotels within the first (preferably) or second road rings. The lines of line 8 (green line) or line 1 (red line) will be the most frequent lines you would be using.

We would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Beijing for your specific dates.

We stood at Beijing Temple of Heaven North Gate Manxin Hotel. The hotel was OK, breakfast was good and it was only 3 minutes to the nearest metro station. The room was a bit on the small side but we knew we are compromising room size for picking a central location.

Best Time to Visit Beijing

The best time to visit is spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, and outdoor visits are more comfortable.

Winter can be very cold, but if you’re up for it, the fewer crowds and clear air make it an interesting experience. We visited during late autumn, which offered great conditions to enjoy both the serene gardens and busy streets.

Things to do in Beijing

One thing you must note about China in general is that most state owned museums and touristic spots require advance booking either on the website of the venue or via WeChat. As a word of advice, don’t go to the ticket office on the day hoping you will get a ticket – you likely won’t.

If you don’t have a reservation for that attraction, it’s best you assume you should cross it off your list. In this article we will let you know which attractions require advance booking and how you can secure your spot.

If you go past your allotted slot, don’t worry too much as they will likely allow you in. Comments online suggest that missing 2 bookings might attract a ban on booking future attractions.

Having said this, we did go past our allotted slots on a few occasions due to too much waiting in queues and they let us in and we didn’t incur any other penalties.

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on Trip.com and Klook and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions for Beijing at reasonable prices. To understand more about what apps are allowed in China and how you can pay for your attractions and make reservations, read our dedicated Essential China Apps article.

Worth noting that if you have successfully reserved tickets for attractions like Tiananmen Gate Tower, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the National Museum, or the Forbidden City, you can enter Tiananmen Square to visit during the morning, afternoon, or flag-lowering times. Simply show your reservation record for the day—no separate reservation for the Square is needed.

However, to watch the flag-raising ceremony, you need to make a separate reservation for the “flag-raising” time slot and arrive on time.

Card payments aren’t widely accepted, and we found that China is a cashless society, using Alipay or WeChat Pay is therefore paramount. We linked our 0% fee cards throughout this trip to make sure we always got the better rates. Read more here about managing your finances when travelling.

1. Immerse Yourself in the the Forbidden Palace Museum

Exploring the grand Forbidden Palace Museum was truly one of our highlights. As one of the most iconic tourist attractions in Beijing, it offers a glimpse into imperial life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.

The Forbidden Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, is set up as a vast complex of nearly 1,000 buildings, all surrounded by a massive defensive wall and a moat. We found ourselves wandering through the countless courtyards.

We admired the intricate architecture and the distinct layout, which was designed to reflect the power and grandeur of the Chinese emperors.

The venue requires an advance booking however, for tourists who didn’t get a chance to reserve their tickets we understand from various online forums that you can buy tickets on the spot. However, do be warned they do stop once they reach their daily limit of 80 000 issued tickets.

Booking the tickets online can be done via this website here, up to 7 days in advance. Tickets can sell out fast so be sure to be ready. Alternatively you can pre-book your ticket via Klook or book a guided tour.

We suggest you buy all the expositions as they are all very nice and explore different sides of the palace. Some pavilions are also marketed as “extra” but are free. So why not get them also?

If you will get all expositions and pavilions we would recommend you allow here at least 7-8 hours to comfortably enjoy your time. It’s easily a day out in itself!

2. Get a View from Jingshan Park

Right opposite the Forbidden Palace, Jingshan Park gives you an excellent vantage point over the city. Climbing to the top of the hill provides the perfect panoramic shot of Beijing’s rooftops and the ancient palace complex.

This makes it a great opportunity to visit it right after visiting the Forbidden City as you exit from the North Gate and you simply have to cross the street to reach the park.

The ascend to the vantage points is not too steep however, we would suggest having some comfy wear wouldn’t hurt and good sneakers.

Once there at the top you will really get to enjoy the splendour of the Forbidden City and the vastness of the estate itself.

Whilst it can be crowded at the top, there are several vantage points along the way to the top which offer good enough photo opportunities. So you could go up to see the views and then for photos you could go to a lower point and take your photos where there are less people.

You don’t need to pre-book and you can buy tickets on the spot.

3. Experience the Bustling Nanluoguxiang Night Market

We took an evening stroll through Nanluoguxiang, a lively hutong filled with shops and street food vendors. It’s a fantastic place if you’re wondering what to do in Beijing after dark.

The market offers a mix of both traditional and modern items with many bakeries, eateries and coffee shops scattered across the street.

We had a Dubai Croissant (yes!) however, we didn’t like it. What can we say, it was made for tourists.

4. Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Known for its peaceful atmosphere, the Lama Temple was one of our favourite spots to relax amidst the busy city. The temple was originally built in 1694 as a residence for Prince Yong, who later became Emperor Yongzheng.

It was converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple in 1744 and remains one of the most important Tibetan monasteries in China.

The serene environment and the impressive Buddhist statues, including a towering 26-meter tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, make it a wonderful retreat.

Each hall within the temple complex holds unique treasures, from ancient scriptures to intricate carvings, adding to the overall spiritual experience.

We must say, that after visiting plenty of Buddhist temples across China and Japan, this was probably one of the nicest temples we’ve ever seen. A visit here is therefore a must!

We even got some free incense sticks to burn, which made it even more exciting altogether.

5. Witness the Flag Raising Ceremony & Change of the Guard at Tiananmen Square

Getting up early to witness the flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square was certainly an experience.

The ceremony includes a fanfare, a march by the Beijing Garrison Honor Guard Battalion, and the PLA Central Band playing March of the Volunteers.

The flag is raised to coincide with the rising sun. On the first day of the month the change of the guard also occurs at the same time with the flag raising ceremony.

We were able to witness this solemn display that has great cultural significance for locals.

For this even you will have to book your a timeslot for Tiananmen square. We did it via the WeChat miniprogram by searching  “Tiananmen Square Reservation” / 微信小程序.

The time for the ceremony are as follows here however, remember that for the change of the guard happens on the first day of the month.

We would suggest you arrive 1 hour before the actual ceremony to at least try and get some decent spots. It gets very crowded 30 minutes before the start.

We would suggest, since you are here, to explore the rest of the square as this is the emptiest the square will ever be making it ideal for photos.

6. Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

Located at Tiananmen Square, visiting Mao’s Mausoleum (Chairman Mao Memorial Hall) was another impactful experience. The queue can be long, so we recommend arriving early to make the most of your day.

Something to note on the booking of the mausoleum is that whilst it is free, the last admission is at midday (12). Having said this, they’ll let people in till after 1-2pm also from what we saw.

To book your entrance, you can follow this link here and book the slot no earlier than 6 days before your planned visit.

On the day, we suggest you arrive 1 hour earlier than your planned slot as you will first have to wait in a massive queue to enter Tiananmen Square. It took us 1 hour to wait on the queue, and security here is tight, with strict airport security. Don’t bring lighters or they will take them.

Once you are in the Square there is another big queue for the actual Mausoleum however, that moves much faster. Please note that you can’t bring any bags and if you have bags (we did!), you will be asked to put them in a locker 10 minutes away from the Mausoleum.

Inside the courtyard, you will be able to buy some flowers to pay your respects (if you want). Once you enter the building the first hall is a massive marble statue of Mao on a beautiful Chinese panoramic background. Here you can’t take photos and security is very tight.

You will walk slowly towards the next hall where you will see Mao’s embalmed body. Women will be pulled to the inner side of the walkway and men will be asked (pushed) to the outer side of the walkway. This is so everyone can see better.

You can’t stop or take photos and everyone walks in a slow but steady pace, a truly solemn experience.

7. See the iconic Zhengyangmen Tower

Zhengyangmen is one of the ancient gates leading into the old city. Its history adds to the richness of things to visit in Beijing.

This Tower is right at the Chairman Mao’s Memorial Hall and it makes for some great spots for some photos. Unfortunately, you can’t visit inside the tower.

We spent some time exploring the area before heading towards the National Museum.

8. Learn at the National Museum of China

If you’re interested in Chinese history and culture, the National Museum is a must-visit. The exhibits range from ancient artefacts to more modern cultural items.

To book your tickets, follow this link here. You can book your tickets up to 7 days in advance.

When heading for the entrance of the museum, entrance is made through Tiananmen Square. Make sure you enter from the North East Side of Tiananmen Square otherwise, you will have to walk across the entire square.

The Museum is an immense building befitting the Chinese history which spans millennia. The Museum is huge and we do suggest you allow at least 3-4 hours to visit it.

It covers everything in Chinese history, culture and accomplishments all the way to modern and contemporary China. Inside, you can’t take videos however, photography is allowed. Once again, security is strict and they will tell you off.

Inside the museum we were able to learn about Chinese history from Han and Qin dynasties all the way to the PRC days.

9. Pay Respect at the Monument to the People’s Heroes

Also located in Tiananmen Square, this monument honours those who have contributed to China’s history. It is a ten-story obelisk that was erected as a national monument of China to the martyrs of revolutionary struggle during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Whilst in past years you were able to go on the monument itself, it seems these days you can only take photos of it from afar.

We spent a few minutes reflecting on its significance during our visit.

10. Discover the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is not just an architectural marvel but also a cultural and historical symbol of Beijing.

Built in the early 15th century during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it was used by emperors to offer sacrifices to Heaven and pray for good harvests. The complex is meticulously designed, with each structure and detail symbolising the connection between heaven and earth.

We visited on a Sunday morning and we crossed the park to reach to the Temple of Heaven. We saw locals practising Tai Chi, which added to the cultural richness of the experience.

It was a great way to witness a slice of daily Beijing life while appreciating the historical importance of the site, which reflects ancient Chinese beliefs and their relationship with nature.

Booking for this attraction is not mandatory but advance booking is recommended during busy periods. We booked our tickets in advance for the entrance ticket and attractions in the park including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall Circle. If you only want to visit the Temple of Heaven, you can buy and admission ticket for that only.

Needless to say, our favourite was the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The stunning triple-gabled circular building, entirely made of wood without nails served as the focal point of the emperors’ prayers for agricultural abundance.

We then went to visit the Echo Wall – a fascinating acoustic feature surrounding the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The Echo Wall allows whispers at one end to travel clearly to the other, showcasing the ingenuity of ancient Chinese architecture.

The last stop from the complex was the Circular Mound Altar. This marble altar was designed to amplify sound and symbolises the connection between earth and heaven, with its tiered, circular design reflecting ancient cosmological beliefs.

11. Unwind at the Summer Palace

A visit to the Summer Palace offers an escape from the busy city. Originally constructed in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace served as a retreat for the royal family, providing a peaceful escape from the intense summer heat of the Forbidden City.

The Summer Palace’s main buildings include the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, and the Marble Boat—each offering a glimpse into the opulence and architectural skill of the Qing era.

At the very top you can also see an amazing view of the lake and surrounding estate. We do advise that good fitness levels are needed alongside comfy shoes.

We took a boat ride on Kunming Lake, which covers approximately three-quarters of the palace grounds. It was a relaxing way to see the various gardens, pavilions, and the iconic Longevity Hill, which is dotted with temples and halls.

It really is a good way to spend your time there on a nice sunny day. I remember with joy eating some amazing custard tarts and enjoying the views of the lake.

Tickets are released 6 days in advance, so we booked our tickets via Trip.com for piece of mind.

12. See the views of CBD from China World Mall

China World Mall was our go-to for a modern shopping experience. It’s a great way to take a break if you’ve spent the day visiting traditional sites.

One other great reason to come here is for the Mall’s open terrace at the top. It offers a stunning view of the iconic CCTV building and the wider China Business District (CBD) full of modern sky scrapers and new building.

We sat down and enjoyed some really nice cocktails just before sunset and the lights were turning on.

13. Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

Wangfujing Street offered us a mix of everything—from street food to high-end stores. The mix of shops makes it one of the top things to do in Beijing.

It’s especially lively in the evenings. The walk finishes in front of Beijing APM Mall which is great in case you wanted to do some more shopping inside.

Overall, we liked Nanluoguxiang Night Market more however, Wangfuging market isn’t too bad either with plenty of choices for all.

14. Take a Trip to the Great Wall of China

We personally took a guided trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which we found to be an excellent choice. We found the hotel pick up option very convenient with departures at your convenience every hour from 1pm to 5pm from Mutianyu.

You can also go on your own, without any issues. Tickets don’t have to be pre-booked so it really is down to you which choice you take.

Mutianyu is often recommended for first-time tourists due to its well-preserved condition and fewer crowds compared to other sections. It is an ideal spot if you want to experience the wall in a more relaxed atmosphere.

There are several sections of the Great Wall that you can visit, each offering a different experience. Badaling is the most popular section, known for its accessibility with more transport options, including high-speed trains. Because of this, Badaling tends to be more crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Mutianyu, on the other hand, offers a more tranquil experience. We took a cable car up to the wall and were able to enjoy the stunning views without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

The section is also surrounded by lush forest, which makes the scenery even more picturesque. The Mutianyu section also features a toboggan ride down, which can be a fun option after exploring the wall.

When planning your trip, keep in mind that both sections are excellent for exploring the historical significance of the Great Wall, which was originally built during the 7th century and expanded by the Ming Dynasty to protect against northern invasions.

Top Restaurants in Beijing

1. Try some Roast Duck at Beipinglou

When in Beijing, trying the roast duck is a must. We enjoyed a fantastic meal at Beipinglou, where we sampled this iconic dish along with a selection of traditional sides.

This restaurant offers a very special dining experience with a small pond with koi fish swimming. Each table feels as if they are dining by the river. Coupled with the overall décor, it’s a really remarkable experience.

We chose to sample the famous Pekin Duck as well as a few Beijing specials. The specials consisted of Mung Bean Milk (Douzhi’er), which is fermented mung beans in a white like mixture. If you’ve ever eaten sauerkraut it’s a similar taste. It’s served with two round fritter – like things called 焦圈 jiāo quān, which is like the familiar youtiao but crunchier.

The second Beijinger item we had were some fritters which felt a bit greasy but were crispy nonetheless. We wish we knew more what they were so we can tell you.

Pekin duck, the piece de resistance! It was truly an experience. The duck is presented to you before serving.

Once the chef takes it back to the kitchen, they will carve it nicely for you. The presentation is also unique, where they carve the breast meat and leg meat separately and then they serve it to you constructed as a breast.

On the side (although optional) you can get the sides which come with cucumber, pickles, ginger, thinly sliced scallions/green onion, plum sauce, hoisin sauce etc. These can slightly differ from restaurant to restaurant.

The flavour is an exquisite 10/10. The duck breast meat is juicy and the skin is like a pork crackling. We think Pekin duck is the epitome of Beijing cuisine and the dish you must try when visiting Beijing.

We would suggest making a reservation as wait times can be 30 minutes or more for walk-ins.

2. Eat some Cantonese Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan at Beijing APM

For something a bit different, we stopped by Tim Ho Wan. Known for their dim sum, it was a nice break from all the local street food. The restaurant rose to prominence when their Hong Kong branch won a Michelin star.

We got their famous pork buns as well as some of their other menu items such as braised beef brisket, char siu (bbq pork) and prawn dumplings. Overall, it was good, beef was a bit too chewy for our liking, but the star of the show were definitely the pork buns. 

Imagine a tiger loaf, sweet bun, filled with a melt in the mouth pulled pork. A combination you will never forget.

3. Try some Fine Dining at Judelou (Jinsong)

Judelou in Jinsong offered us a great local experience in a fine dining setting. The variety of dishes and the lively atmosphere were both big highlights.

The food is very elegantly presented and the taste is simply amazing. Here they only use premium ingredients in the hands of their skilled chefs.

Service is also top notch. We ordered the Pekin duck, and the manager, team leader, waiter and two food runners came to apologise that the duck may take 50 minutes to make and if that is ok with us. Initially we thought something worse was going to happen, imagine our relief!

We also ordered their pork liver which came on a bed of cucumber drenched in a sesame sauce. I really enjoyed it, however, it wasn’t to Hristina’s taste.

We also got the pork ribs in orange sauce. These were the best ribs we have eaten in our lives. The meat instantly comes off the bone and melts in mouth with the sticky sauce making you instantaneously smile wanting you to go back for one more bite. Simply amazing and divine!

We got their house salad, which was a refreshing salad and went very well with everything else.

However the duck was truly amazing! As you can imagine they cooked just for us and it was amazing in any shape or form. Juicy, crispy skin made it everything it should be! We did find the pancakes a little bit too thick compared to Beipinglou however everything worked and we really enjoyed it.

4. Have a Cocktail with a view at Blue Frog Bar & Grill (China World Mall)

Sometimes you just crave a taste of home, and Blue Frog gives you exactly that. For those that miss Western cuisine, you can have a taste of it here. It offers a nice menu of Western food as well as some amazing cocktails. 

One thing we did find in China is that there aren’t many places where you can sit and have a drink. Here you can, and with the CCTV and CBD buildings in front of you, it’s all an amazing experience. It was a nice change of pace after days of traditional cuisine.

Final Thoughts

Our journey through Beijing was an experience filled with cultural immersion, bustling markets, and historic landmarks. From standing in awe at the attractions near Beijing to tasting the local roast duck, every moment had something new to offer.

If you’re planning a trip and deciding what to do in Beijing, we hope our guide provides some helpful insights. For those also planning to explore beyond Beijing, consider reading our guide on Xi’an or Pingyao for more inspiration on your journey across China.

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