Beijing is a city where six centuries of imperial history sit side by side with one of the world's most dynamic modern capitals. As the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasties and today the political, cultural and educational centre of China, it offers an extraordinary concentration of UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, universities and research institutes — all connected by one of the most extensive subway networks on earth.
Beyond the monuments, the city's character lives in its hutongs — the grey-brick alleyway neighbourhoods where courtyard houses, street markets and small family restaurants still shape daily life. Add world-class contemporary art, a legendary food scene built around Peking duck and hand-pulled noodles, and the wooded hills and Great Wall sections just beyond the sixth ring road, and Beijing rewards visitors who stay a few extra days.
The pages below highlight the sights most worth building an itinerary around, together with practical notes on getting there and getting around.
Nine places that define Beijing — from imperial palaces to contemporary art districts.
Home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, this 72-hectare palace complex retains some 980 buildings and is the largest surviving wooden palace ensemble in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, it sits at the northern end of Tiananmen Square. Tickets are released online in advance and daily visitor numbers are capped, so book early.
Beijing is the best base for visiting the Wall. Mutianyu, about 70 km to the north-east, is the most rewarding section for most travellers: fully restored, considerably quieter than Badaling, and reached by cable car or toboggan. Allow a full day for the round trip — the view from the watchtowers in autumn is unforgettable.
Built in 1420 and inscribed by UNESCO in 1998, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors prayed for good harvests each year. The triple-tiered Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall are the highlights, but the surrounding park is just as memorable — arrive early to watch locals practising tai chi among the ancient cypresses.
The largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, laid out around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill and listed by UNESCO in 1998. Walk the 728-metre Long Corridor with its 14,000 painted scenes, climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, or simply cross the lake by boat — an easy half or full day in the north-west of the city.
Among the largest public squares in the world and the ceremonial heart of the city, ringed by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Arrive before sunrise to watch the flag-raising ceremony, and allow extra time to walk through the museum — admission is free but requires advance booking.
Beijing's traditional alleyway districts, lined with grey-brick courtyard houses (siheyuan). Nanluoguxiang is the best-known stretch, while Shichahai and Houhai add lakeside cafés, the Bell and Drum Towers and an unhurried glimpse of old Beijing life. Best explored on foot or by pedicab, ideally in the late afternoon.
One of the oldest surviving imperial gardens in China, first laid out in the 10th century and reworked by later dynasties. Its centrepiece is the White Dagoba on Jade Flower Island, reached by a short boat ride across the lake. A quiet half-day escape just north-west of the Forbidden City, and rarely crowded on weekdays.
The National Stadium — universally known as the Bird's Nest — and the Water Cube were built for the 2008 Olympic Games and reused for the 2022 Winter Games. Both are spectacular when floodlit after dark, and the surrounding Olympic Forest Park is a popular spot for an evening walk or run.
A Bauhaus-style electronics factory complex from the 1950s turned into Beijing's contemporary art district. Galleries, artists' studios, design shops and cafés now occupy the original sawtooth roofs, chimneys and industrial pipework. The easiest single place to see where the city's creative scene is heading — allow half a day.
Beijing is served by two international gateways — Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) — both linked to the city centre by express rail and subway. Eligible nationalities may use the visa-free transit policy; please check the Visa Information page.
September and October bring clear skies and the city's celebrated golden autumn, while April and May are mild and green — May, when ISEDA 2027 takes place, is among the pleasantest months of the year. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold, dry and often brilliantly sunny.
The subway is fast, inexpensive and signed in English, and reaches every sight listed on this page. Ride-hailing apps work well and metered taxis are plentiful, though road traffic is heavy at rush hour. Most central attractions are within a 30-minute metro ride of one another.