08 May 2026 last updated at 11:14
0 CommentsSearching for the ultimate Beijing experience? With thousands of years of history and countless hidden gems, Beijing is a mesmerizing blend of ancient tradition and pulsing modernity. But with so many choices, how do you find the truly unforgettable? We’ve handpicked the top 10 must-see attractions and authentic local experiences to help you move beyond the tourist trails and discover the heart of the Middle Kingdom. Let’s craft your perfect Beijing story together.
1. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is absolutely the top must-see attraction in Beijing. It is the largest palace complex in the world with 90 palaces and halls with courtyards and nearly 1,000 other buildings. From 1492 to 1912, there were 24 emperors who reigned over the country from the Forbidden City. It serves as a museum that displays lots of valuable Chinese artifacts and artworks that showcase the old history of China's imperial dynasties over centuries.
The Forbidden City
2. Tian’anmen Square
Sit o the south of the Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the world. For locals or tourists who first come to Beijing, they will choose to visit the square. It is very symbolic for Chinese people. It is surrounded by many grand buildings, including Chairman Mao's tomb, National Museum, the People's monument, Railway Museum, and Tian'anmen Gate. The national flag of China will be raised at dawn and lowered at dusk daily here.
3. The Summer Palace
Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) from downtown Beijing, the Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. It was a summer retreat for China's imperial rulers of Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Now it is a beautiful park for both locals and tourists to take a walk and enjoy the excellent view there. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is absolutely a top attraction in your Beijing tour.
The Summer Palace
Short on time? See these three attractions—the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and Tian’anmen Square in one day with our Beijing Day Tour!
4. The Great Wall
It is no doubt that hiking the Great Wall is surely a must-do for tourists who first come to Beijing. It has been reinforced several times since its original construction in 771. Badaling-Mutianyu Great Wall tourist area includes Badaling Great Wall scenic spot and Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Spot. The Badaling Great Wall is the first Great Wall of China, the essence of the Ming Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall is the most beautiful one and also the longest Great Wall in China.
The Great Wall
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5. The Temple of Heaven
A tour of The Temple of Heaven is one of the best parts of your Beijing trip. It is the place where the Ming and Qing emperors held sacrificial rites to heaven and prayed for a rich harvest for the next year. Now, it serves as a huge public park for local Chinese people to take a walk and do morning exercise. Although it can be dated back to the early 15th century, its outlook and colorful decorations are still fresh and bright.
6. Old Beijing Hutongs
Many tourists come to Beijing with one purpose to see what the hutongs look like. It is true that Beijing is very famous for its hutongs as it can show others the important part of Beijing's development and evolution. Tobacco Pouch Street and Nanluogu Hutong are two of the most famous ones of all hutongs in Beijing. Tourists love to walk along the street to learn something about the traditional customs of this city.
Ready to go behind the red walls? Book a Private Hutong Tour and step into a local family’s courtyard for a true taste of Old Beijing.
7. The Lama Temple
Lama Temple also called Yonghegong in Chinese, is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The buildings are a combination of Han and Tibetan styles. When visiting it, you are able to know something about Tibetan Buddhism and also appreciate the amazing architecture and wonderful Buddha statues. There housing a tall statue of Maitreya Buddha with a height of 18 meters (69 feet).
8. Ming Tombs
Ming Tombs are the tomb complexes of the thirteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty. There are five tombs that are open to the public, Changling, Dingling, Zhaoling, Shenlu, and Kangling. They were built between 1409 and 1645, covering an area of 40 square kilometers. Ming Tombs are the largest surviving tomb complex in China and even in the world. It offers a beautiful natural landscape and a collection of cultural relics and monuments.
9. Jingshan Park
The Best Panoramic View of the City. Located directly behind the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park was once a royal garden. A short climb to the top of the central hill rewards you with the ultimate 360-degree view of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs and the modern Beijing skyline.
Tip: Visit on a clear day at sunset for the most dramatic photos of the imperial palace.
10. 798 Art District
Where Industrial Heritage Meets Modern Art explore Beijing’s creative side in this decommissioned factory complex. Now a world-renowned art hub, the 798 District is filled with avant-garde galleries, trendy cafes, and massive street murals set against a backdrop of East German-style industrial architecture. It’s proof that Beijing is not just about the past, but also a leading force in global contemporary culture.
