In addition to the world-renowned Great Wall, the city of Beijing boasts numerous other remarkable landmarks, some of which are seldom mentioned on the internet. This article provides a comprehensive introduction to many of the city’s most notable attractions, offering readers both general overviews and detailed information to enhance their understanding of Beijing’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
What are the tourist attractions in Beijing?
Our team has carefully selected the attractions in Beijing that are truly worth visiting, while excluding those that may not merit your time. The following table provides a clear overview of the city’s recommended sites, allowing you to quickly see which places are worth exploring.
| No. | Attraction Name | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) | Imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties, a UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| 2 | The Great Wall (Badaling, Mutianyu) | Famous ancient Chinese defensive architecture |
| 3 | Tiananmen Square | The largest city center square in the world |
| 4 | Summer Palace | Renowned imperial garden with beautiful lakes and landscapes |
| 5 | Temple of Heaven Park | Ancient site where emperors performed heaven worship ceremonies, featuring grand architecture |
| 6 | Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ruins | Former imperial garden ruins with rich historical background |
| 7 | Beihai Park | Historic imperial garden and popular public leisure area |
| 8 | Hutongs and Siheyuan | Traditional residential neighborhoods offering an authentic Old Beijing experience |
| 9 | Olympic Park | Includes modern landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube |
| 10 | National Centre for the Performing Arts | Architecturally unique modern arts venue |
Don’t rush; next, we will take a closer look at the key highlights and experiences that make these classic attractions truly worth your attention.
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
The Palace Museum in Beijing, also known as the Forbidden City, served as the starting point for the story depicted in the film The Last Emperor many years ago.
This film not only presents the story from Puyi’s perspective but also portrays the helplessness China faced during the internal and external crises of the Qing Dynasty. Like Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, it has become a symbol of China. Beyond its historical significance, the site also features some remarkable architectural designs that inspire awe.
For example, the drainage system of the Nine-Dragon Wall in the Forbidden City is ingeniously designed. If you visit the Forbidden City on a rainy day, you will witness this clever water drainage in action.
Of course, the uniqueness of the Forbidden City extends far beyond what has been mentioned. To fully appreciate its detailed attractions, one must visit Beijing in person. For now, we will keep some of the mystery intact as we move on to the practical application section.
Transportation and Ticket Prices for the Forbidden City
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | No.4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing |
| Opening Hours | Daily 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last admission at 4:10 PM) |
| Ticket Price | Peak Season (April 1 – October 31): 60 RMB |
| Off-Season (November 1 – March 31): 40 RMB | |
| Additional fees apply for special exhibitions | |
| Ticket Purchase | It is recommended to book tickets in advance via the official website or authorized platforms (e.g., the Palace Museum WeChat account) |
| Subway Routes | Line 1: Get off at Tian’anmen East or Tian’anmen West Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the Meridian Gate (South Gate) |
| Line 2: Get off at Qianmen Station, then walk about 15–20 minutes to the Shenyang Gate (West Gate) |
It is worth mentioning that mobile technology is highly integrated into daily life in China, with most services requiring online reservations.
Since the Forbidden City does not support on-site ticket purchases, visitors are required to make reservations online in advance.
Reservation website: The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
After entering the website, you will be guided on how to proceed. For assistance, please use the “Contact Us” section below.
Recommended Local Snacks Near the Forbidden City
Assuming you set out early in the morning to visit the Forbidden City, you’ll definitely need to find a place to eat by midday. So, what are some good food stalls and restaurants near the Forbidden City?
After verification, we found that the following eateries nearby have a good reputation.
| Restaurant / Location | Signature Dishes | Location Description | Recommendation Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siji Minfu Roast Duck | Peking Duck | Near Dongdan Station, about 15 minutes walk from the Forbidden City | Traditional flavor, crispy skin, tender meat—classic Peking duck |
| Bianyifang Roast Duck | Historic Roast Duck | About 2 km from the south gate of the Forbidden City, accessible by bus or subway | Long-established, authentic taste, elegant environment |
| Donglaishun (Wangfujing) | Lamb Hot Pot | Near Wangfujing, about 20 minutes walk from the Forbidden City | Traditional Beijing-style hot pot, perfect for warming up in winter |
| Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Shop | Zhajiangmian (fried sauce noodles), Douzhi (fermented mung bean juice), Jiaoqian (fried dough rings) | In the alleys east of the Forbidden City | Authentic Beijing flavors, affordable, great for a quick meal |
| Wangfujing Snack Street | Candied Hawthorn, Lu Dou Gun, Fried Liver, etc. | About 10-15 minutes walk from the east gate of the Forbidden City | Wide variety of Beijing snacks, great for experiencing local flavors |
We have also written an article about Beijing cuisine, where you can find photos and detailed information about these delicious foods.
Best Food in Beijing: Top Traditional Dishes You Must Try
Recommendation for Siji Minfu Roast Duck
Beijing roast duck is well-known to most people, and the Four Seasons Minfu Roast Duck Restaurant near the Forbidden City is especially popular in that area. Here is a signature dish of theirs:
The overall interior design of the restaurant features a traditional Chinese style.
What you should know is that the founder of this restaurant is originally from Anhui and moved to Beijing. Nowadays, Four Seasons Minfu also offers some Anhui specialty dishes. Without a doubt, it remains the best value for money in the area.
The Great Wall
The construction of the Great Wall began as early as the 7th century BC, although many people mistakenly believe it started during the Qin Dynasty. This is incorrect. The Great Wall is truly a remarkable marvel.
According to the latest survey conducted by China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage in 2012, the total length of the Great Wall is approximately 21,196 kilometers. It was originally built to prevent enemy invasions.
Of course, you may also have seen a movie called The Great Wall.
The Great Wall consists of many sections, such as the Badaling Great Wall and the Huangyaguan Great Wall. I have previously written a detailed guide about visiting the Great Wall.
Ultimate Great Wall of China Trip Planner (2025 Edition)
If you are planning to go, this guide will be essential for you, as it explains everything you need to know and what to pay attention to.
Ticket Prices and Public Transportation to the Great Wall
Below is the ticket information and locations for different sections of the Great Wall. It’s important to understand that the Great Wall is a collective name for many separate sections, not just one single site. Each section has its own distinct location and address.
| Scenic Area | Address | Transportation Summary | Ticket Price (RMB) | Opening Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badaling Great Wall | Jundu Mountain, Gangu Village, Yanqing District, Beijing | – Take S2 train from Beijing North Station (~1 hr), 10 min walk from Badaling Station – Bus 877 from Deshengmen (~2 hrs) – Self-drive via G6 Expressway Yanqing exit | Adult: 40 RMB Discount: 20 RMB Children under 1.2m free | Mar 1–Nov 30: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Dec 1–Feb end: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Well-developed facilities, ideal for first-time visitors |
| Mutianyu Great Wall | Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing | – Bus 916 Express from Dongzhimen (~1.5 hrs) – Self-drive via Jingcheng Expressway Huairou exit; parking available | Adult: 45 RMB Discount: 25 RMB Cable car one way: 30 RMB, round trip ~60 RMB | Summer: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Winter: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM | Cable car available; less crowded than Badaling |
| Simatai Great Wall | Simatai Town, Miyun District, Beijing | – Bus 919 from Dongzhimen to Miyun North Station, transfer to shuttle bus – Self-drive via Jingcheng Expressway Miyun exit | Adult: 40 RMB Discount: 20 RMB Night tour ticket separate | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (night tours vary) | Steep sections, great for adventure and photography |
| Huangyaguan Great Wall | Huangyaguan, Shanhaiguan District, Qinhuangdao, Hebei | – High-speed train from Beijing to Qinhuangdao (~2.5 hrs), then bus or taxi (~40 mins) – Self-drive via Jingha Expressway Qinhuangdao exit | Adult: 60 RMB (peak season) Discount: 30 RMB | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Coastal Great Wall with unique sea views |
| Juyongguan Great Wall | Juyongguan Town, Changping District, Beijing | – Bus 919 direct from central Beijing – Self-drive via Jingzang Expressway Changping exit | Adult: 40 RMB Discount: 20 RMB | 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Strategically important pass, known as “First and Greatest Pass under Heaven” |
The reservation websites for each section of the Great Wall are different as well. Unfortunately, this iconic site also requires advance online ticket booking. The specific reservation information is as follows:
| Great Wall Section | Official Reservation Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Badaling Great Wall | https://ticket.badaling.cn | Also supports WeChat mini-program “Badaling Tickets” |
| Mutianyu Great Wall | https://en.mutianyugreatwall.com/reservation-center/tickets | English and Chinese supported |
| Jinshanling Great Wall | https://www.jslccg.com | Partial English support |
| Simatai Great Wall | Requires booking via Gubei Water Town official website | https://www.gubeiwater.com |
If you don’t want to spend time researching, we can help you purchase tickets on your behalf.
Sorry, the article is not finished yet. I will update it later. My apologies.
