Beijing

Beijing Travel Guide

China's 3,000-year-old capital and the heart of Chinese civilization. The immense Forbidden City, the endless Great Wall, and the grandeur of Tiananmen Square bring pages of world history to life. Traditional siheyuan courtyard homes in the hutong alleys coexist with the modern bustle of Wangfujing, and imperial cuisine headlined by Peking Duck captivates foodies. An essential destination for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

Essential Beijing Travel Info

Must-Visit Places in Beijing

★ 4.8

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

The Forbidden City is the world's largest ancient palace complex, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Spanning 720,000 square meters, it contains some 9,000 rooms. Completed in 1420, it served as the seat of Chinese imperial power for around 500 years and now operates as the Palace Museum. Grand halls like the Hall of Supreme Harmony, intricate dragon carvings, and golden roofs showcase the pinnacle of Chinese architectural artistry. Admission CNY 60 (April-October), CNY 40 (November-March). Metro Line 1, Tiananmen East Station.

Hours08:30-17:00 (April-October), 08:30-16:30 (November-March), closed Mondays.

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsOnline booking in advance is required. The typical route enters via the Meridian Gate (south) and exits the Gate of Divine Prowess (north). Allow at least 3 hours.

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★ 4.9

Great Wall of China

Built over roughly 2,000 years starting in the 7th century BCE, the Great Wall is the largest construction project in human history, totaling about 21,196km in length. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, its Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling sections near Beijing are the most popular with visitors. The wall snaking along the mountain ridges makes you feel the scale of this monumental achievement. Admission CNY 40 (Badaling). Bus 877 from Deshengmen to Badaling takes about 1 hour.

Hours06:30-17:00 (varies by section).

LocationYanqing, Beijing

TipsBadaling is easily accessible but very crowded; Mutianyu is relatively quieter. Wear comfortable shoes and carry plenty of water.

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★ 4.6

Temple of Heaven

Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its three-tiered marble base and brilliant blue-tiled roof, is the pinnacle of geometric perfection. Acoustic curiosities like the Echo Wall, where whispers travel across to the other side, and the mysterious resonance of the Circular Mound Altar make this a scientifically intriguing visit. Admission CNY 15 (CNY 34 including buildings). Metro Line 5, Tiantan Dongmen Station.

HoursPark 06:00-21:00; main buildings 08:00-17:00.

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsVisit early in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi and group singing - a vivid taste of everyday Chinese culture.

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★ 4.7

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) was the Qing imperial summer retreat — a 290-hectare masterpiece of imperial Chinese garden design built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Constructed in 1750 under Emperor Qianlong, it was destroyed twice (in 1860 by Anglo-French forces and 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion) and restored by Empress Dowager Cixi. The 728m Long Corridor is painted with over 14,000 scenes, and highlights include the 17-Arch Bridge, bronze elephants, and the famous Marble Boat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission CNY 30 (CNY 60 all-access). A 5-minute walk from Beigongmen Station (Metro Line 4).

Hours06:30-18:00 (April-October), 07:00-17:00 (November-March)

LocationHaidian, Beijing

TipsEnter from Beigongmen, traverse Longevity Hill, and exit at the East Palace Gate. Renting a boat on Kunming Lake (CNY 40/hr) adds extra charm.

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★ 4.5

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square spans roughly 440,000㎡ as the world's largest city square, able to hold up to one million people. The Tiananmen gate tower, built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty, bears Mao Zedong's portrait and has become an icon of modern China — it was here on October 1, 1949 that Mao proclaimed the founding of the PRC. The square is surrounded by the Monument to the People's Heroes, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China, putting modern Chinese history in one place. The daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies at sunrise and sunset are a must-see ritual. Free admission (security check required). Directly at Tiananmen East/West Station (Metro Line 1).

Hours05:00-22:00 (depending on security inspection)

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsYour passport is required and security is strict. To see the sunrise flag-raising ceremony (about 30 minutes), arrive by 4-5 a.m.

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★ 4.4

Hutong (Nanluoguxiang)

Hutongs are Beijing's distinctive narrow alleys, formed from the Yuan dynasty (13th century) and developed through the Ming and Qing, representing over 800 years of the old city's essence. Traditional siheyuan (four-sided courtyard houses) line the alleys, offering glimpses of everyday Beijing life. The most popular, Nanluoguxiang, is an 800m main lane connected to 16 adjoining hutongs, packed with cafes, boutiques, and street food, making it a young hot spot. Rickshaw tours through the hutongs are popular, and venerable Peking duck restaurants and traditional teahouses are tucked in the side alleys. Free to explore. Directly at Nanluoguxiang Station (Metro Line 6).

Hours24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00)

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsA rickshaw tour (CNY 100-150/hr) includes a guide's history of the hutongs. Try traditional doujiang (soy milk) and youtiao at small alley cafes.

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★ 4.3

Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing has been Beijing's central commercial street since the Ming dynasty, boasting around 700 years of history and known as 'Beijing's Myeongdong.' The 1.6km pedestrian zone is lined with department stores, luxury boutiques, and venerable Beijing shops including the 100-year-old Dong'an Market (now APM mall), Xinhua Bookstore, and Wuyutai tea shop. The famous Wangfujing Snack Street offers exotic bites like scorpion skewers, deep-fried seahorses, tanghulu (candied hawthorn), and Beijing noodles, drawing many foreign tourists. The evenings are most lively when the lights come on. Free to explore. Directly at Wangfujing Station (Metro Line 1).

HoursStreet 24 hours (shops 10:00-22:00; night market 17:00-22:00)

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsScorpion skewers are great for photos but pricey (CNY 20-30). The food court in the Wangfujing department store basement serves authentic Beijing food at reasonable prices.

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★ 4.5

Beihai Park

Beihai Park, one of China's oldest imperial gardens, traces back to the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties and was later maintained by the Ming and Qing courts, sitting just northwest of the Forbidden City. On Qiongdao Island in the middle of the lake stands the White Dagoba, built in 1651 in Tibetan Buddhist style, alongside the Five-Dragon Pavilion and Nine-Dragon Wall. Admission is CNY 10 in peak season (April-October) and CNY 5 in low season (November-March), with Qiongdao Island and the White Dagoba charged separately. Reachable on foot from Beihai North Station (Metro Line 6).

Hours06:00-21:00 (peak season, varies by month), 06:30-20:00 (low season); main sights 08:00-18:00 (peak) / 08:30-17:00 (low season).

LocationXicheng, Beijing

TipsVisit early morning to see locals practicing tai chi and group singing. After 8 PM, the White Dagoba and Five-Dragon Pavilion are beautifully illuminated.

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★ 4.6

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is an artificial hill built from earth excavated during the construction of the Forbidden City and its moat under the Ming Yongle Emperor — it is also the tragic site where the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, hanged himself. Climbing to the Wanchun Pavilion at the summit rewards visitors with a sweeping view of the Forbidden City's golden rooftops along the north-south axis, widely regarded as Beijing's best viewpoint. Admission is a mere CNY 2, temporarily adjusted to CNY 10 during cultural seasons (mid-July to mid-August, etc.). A 5-minute walk from the Forbidden City's north gate (Gate of Divine Prowess).

Hours06:00-21:00 (April-October), 06:30-20:00 (November-March).

LocationXicheng, Beijing

TipsVisit right after the Forbidden City by exiting the north gate for an efficient route. The stairs to the summit are fairly steep, so wear comfortable shoes.

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★ 4.6

Yonghegong Lama Temple

Yonghegong was built in 1694 as the residence of the future Emperor Yongzheng before his ascension, then converted in 1744 into a Gelug Tibetan Buddhist temple — the largest of its kind in the Beijing area. The Hall of Ten Thousand Happinesses houses an 18m-tall standing Maitreya Buddha carved from a single sandalwood trunk, a Guinness World Record holder. Wafting incense smoke and the chanting of lamas lend the temple a mystical atmosphere. Admission CNY 25. Directly at Exit C of Yonghegong Station (Metro Lines 2 and 5).

Hours09:00-17:00 (April-October), 09:00-16:30 (November-March).

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsIncense sticks are handed out free at the entrance; follow the customary order of worship from the inner to outer halls. Photography is prohibited inside the halls.

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★ 4.3

Beijing Ancient Observatory

Built in 1442 during the Ming dynasty, the Beijing Ancient Observatory was in active use for astronomical observation for roughly 500 years into the late Qing, making it one of the world's oldest observatories. Atop its 14m rampart-like platform, eight bronze instruments — including an armillary sphere and equatorial theodolite designed with input from Jesuit missionary Ferdinand Verbiest — remain intact, reflecting the exchange between Eastern and Western astronomy. Admission CNY 20. A 5-minute walk from Jianguomen Station (Metro Lines 1 and 2).

Hours09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30), closed Mondays.

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsClosed on Mondays, so check before visiting. The rooftop bronze instruments are precious artifacts of pre-modern East-West scientific exchange.

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★ 4.7

National Museum of China

The National Museum of China spans roughly 200,000㎡, making it one of the world's largest museums, located on the east side of Tiananmen Square. Its core exhibits — Ancient China and The Road of Rejuvenation — trace 5,000 years of Chinese civilization from Neolithic pottery and bronze artifacts like the Simuwu Ding to modern historical records. Admission is free, but daily capacity is capped at 8,000 visitors, so booking online at least 7 days ahead is mandatory. Directly at Exits C/D of Tiananmen East Station (Metro Line 1).

Hours09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), extended to 17:30 (16:30) June-October, closed Mondays.

LocationDongcheng, Beijing

TipsReservations open 7 days ahead on the official website, released daily at 17:00. Bring the same ID (e.g. passport) used for the reservation.

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★ 4.4

Prince Gong's Mansion

Prince Gong's Mansion originally belonged to Heshen, Emperor Qianlong's favorite official and one of the most notoriously corrupt figures in Qing history, before being granted in 1851 to Prince Gong, brother of Emperor Xianfeng. Spanning over 30,000㎡, it is the largest surviving Qing princely mansion, with some 60 buildings including the Silver Peace Hall, a Western-style garden, and a bat-shaped pond, and is famously linked to the novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' Admission CNY 40 (CNY 70 combo ticket including a theater performance). A 15-minute walk from Exit B of Beihai North Station (Metro Line 6).

Hours08:00-17:00 (April-October), 09:00-16:00 (November-March).

LocationXicheng, Beijing

TipsThe guided tour (included in the combo ticket) reveals the story of Heshen's downfall and hidden meanings throughout the garden. Open as usual on Mondays.

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★ 4.4

798 Art Zone

798 Art Zone grew out of a 1950s East German-supported military electronics factory complex, repurposed by artists as studio space in the early 2000s to become Beijing's largest contemporary art district. Bauhaus-style red brick factory buildings, exposed pipework, and giant Maoist-era slogan murals remain intact, now home to over 400 galleries, studios, concept shops, and cafes, including the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art. The streets and outdoor sculptures are free to explore, while some exhibition halls like UCCA charge separate admission (CNY 50-150). About a 10-minute taxi ride from Wangjing South Station (Metro Line 14) or Langjiayuan Station (Metro Line 6).

HoursStreets open 24 hours; galleries 10:00-18:00 (some closed Mondays).

LocationChaoyang, Beijing

TipsMost galleries open after 11 AM and many close on Mondays, so a Tuesday-Sunday afternoon visit is best. The murals and sculptures also make it a popular photo spot.

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★ 4.5

Fragrant Hills Park

Fragrant Hills Park, once a Qing imperial hunting ground and summer retreat in northwest Beijing, is nationally famous for its 'Fragrant Hills red leaves' that blaze crimson from mid-October to mid-November. The 557m summit, Incense Burner Peak, can be reached by a round-trip cable car (CNY 60) or a roughly 1.5-hour hiking trail, rewarding visitors with a panoramic view over Beijing. The park also holds historic sites such as Biyun Temple and Shuangqing Villa, where Mao Zedong once stayed. Admission CNY 10 in peak season (April 1-November 15), CNY 5 off-season. Take Metro Line 10 to Bagou Station, transfer to the Xijiao Line, and ride to the terminus.

Hours06:00-19:30 (April 1-November 15, last entry 18:30), 06:00-19:00 (November 16-March 31, last entry 18:00).

LocationHaidian, Beijing

TipsWeekends during foliage season are extremely crowded — visit on a weekday morning. Booking the cable car online in advance is cheaper and cuts down wait times.

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★ 4.6

Capital Museum

Capital Museum, relocated to its current site and reopened in 2005, is Beijing's flagship city museum, holding around 200,000 artifacts including bronzes, jade, Buddhist statues, and ceramics unearthed in the Beijing area. The permanent 'Ancient Capital, Beijing' exhibit vividly recreates the city's transformation through the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties with models and relics, and the miniature hutong dioramas and old wedding-custom displays are visitor favorites. Admission is free but requires an online reservation. A 10-minute walk from Muxidi Station (Metro Line 1).

Hours09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays.

LocationXicheng, Beijing

TipsFree audio guides (Chinese/English) can be borrowed at the information desk with valid ID. Closed on Mondays.

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★ 4.5

Beijing Olympic Park (Bird's Nest & Water Cube)

Beijing Olympic Park centers on the Bird's Nest (National Stadium), site of the 2008 Olympics' opening and closing ceremonies, and the bubble-clad Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). The Bird's Nest, its steel lattice resembling a woven bird's nest, seats 80,000 and lets visitors view the Olympic cauldron and track inside; the Water Cube houses an indoor water park popular in summer. The plaza between the two landmarks is free to stroll and especially striking when lit up at night. Bird's Nest admission about CNY 50; Water Cube about CNY 30-50 (water park separately about CNY 200). Take Metro Line 8 to Olympic Green or Olympic Sports Center Station.

Hours09:00-19:00 (varies by venue; shorter hours in winter).

LocationChaoyang, Beijing

TipsIllumination usually turns on around 18:30-19:30, so arriving near sunset lets you enjoy both daytime and night views. Many visitors simply photograph the buildings from the free plaza without entering.

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Things to Do in Beijing

Culture

Forbidden City Guided Tour

A 3-hour guided tour of the Forbidden City's main halls in Korean or English, learning the secrets of Ming-Qing imperial history and architecture. Guide fee extra (CNY 300-500)

Price Admission CNY 60 + guide CNY 300-500Duration About 3-4 hours

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Adventure

Great Wall Mutianyu Cable Car

Take the cable car up and toboggan slide down at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — quieter and great for photos. Round-trip cable car + admission about CNY 200

Price Cable car + admission about CNY 200Duration About 4-5 hours (with transport)

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Culture

Hutong Rickshaw Tour

Ride a three-wheel rickshaw through Beijing's old hutong alleys and enjoy tea at a traditional siheyuan courtyard home. About CNY 100-150 per person

Price About CNY 100-150 per personDuration About 1.5-2 hours

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Culture

Peking Duck Dinner Experience

Enjoy a full Peking duck dinner at 150-year-old Quanjude or Michelin-starred DaDong, with chefs carving the duck tableside. About CNY 250-500 per person

Price About CNY 250-500 per personDuration About 1.5-2 hours

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Nature

Summer Palace Kunming Lake Boat

Rent a boat on Kunming Lake in the imperial Summer Palace garden and admire the 17-Arch Bridge and Longevity Hill scenery. Boat rental about CNY 40-60/hr

Price Boat about CNY 40-60/hrDuration About 1-2 hours

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Culture

Beijing Opera Performance

Watch Peking Opera's elaborate costumes and song-martial-arts performances at the 200-year-old Zhengyici Theater or Liyuan Theater. About CNY 180-580 per person

Price About CNY 180-580 per personDuration About 1.5 hours

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Must-Try Food in Beijing

Peking Duck

🍱 Traditional

Beijing's signature dish: crispy-skinned roast duck wrapped in thin pancakes. About CNY 200-400 per duck (serves 2-3). Quanjude and DaDong are the most famous restaurants.

Zhajiangmian

🍱 Traditional

Zhajiangmian: Beijing-style noodles topped with stir-fried minced pork in soybean paste. About CNY 15-30 per bowl. Local restaurants in the hutong alleys serve the most authentic versions.

Tanghulu

🍢 Street Food

Tanghulu: candied hawthorn berries on a stick, a classic Chinese street snack. About CNY 10-20 per stick. Easily found on Wangfujing Snack Street.

Jianbing

🍢 Street Food

Jianbing: a Chinese crepe of mung bean batter with egg, vegetables, crispy crackers, and spicy sauce rolled up — Beijing's national workday breakfast. About CNY 8-15 each. Try one fresh from a stall in the hutongs or near metro stations.

Shuan Yangrou (Mongolian Hot Pot)

🍱 Traditional

Shuan Yangrou: Beijing-style hot pot with thinly sliced lamb briefly dipped in a copper-pot clear broth and eaten with sesame sauce. About CNY 80-150 per person. Dong Lai Shun, with over 100 years of history, is the most famous place.

Doujiang & Youtiao

🍢 Street Food

Doujiang & Youtiao: warm soy milk paired with crispy fried dough sticks — a classic Beijing breakfast. Set about CNY 6-12. Available at small hutong eateries or department-store food courts.

Beijing Jiaozi (Dumplings)

🍱 Traditional

Beijing Jiaozi: traditional Beijing dumplings filled with pork, shrimp, chives, and more — boiled, fried, or steamed. About CNY 25-50 per plate (15-20 pieces). The century-old Baoyuan Dumpling House is famous for its colorful dumplings.

Beijing Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Beijing?

Autumn (September-October) is best, with clear and cool weather. Spring brings yellow dust, summer is sweltering, and winter is bitterly cold.

How much does it cost to travel in Beijing?

Daily budget around $55-105 (accommodation $30-55, meals $15-30, transport and entry $15-20).

How do I get around in Beijing?

About 25 minutes by Airport Express from Beijing Capital Airport to downtown. The subway network is extensive, and DiDi (China's ride-hailing app) is handy. SIM cards are available at the airport, but Google and KakaoTalk are blocked without a VPN. WeChat Pay and Alipay are the main payment methods; foreign visitors should register for Alipay Tour Pass. Tipping is not customary.

Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for 15 days (check 2024 extended-policy updates).

Is Beijing safe for tourists?

Generally safe, but watch for tourist overcharging and the notorious 'tea ceremony' scam.

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