Beijing Attractions & Sightseeing

Beijing, a city enjoys history of more than 3,000 years and used as a capital city for more than 1,000 years. The city gathers more than 1,000 tourist attractions at present. These attractions could be divided into several categories: Parks and Gardens, Museums, Temples, Mountains, Mosque,..etc. Here we list some of famous Beijing attractions in different categories.

Visitors to Beijing will have to plan their sightseeing carefully as there is a lot to pack in here. The expansive city is home to some of China's most iconic tourist attractions, each deserving of a visit. At the centre of Beijing lies the Forbidden City, with its once-hidden charms bordered by Tiananmen Square, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People and the Monument of the People's Heroes.

Stunning temples and palaces dot the city, many of significant historical importance, with the Temple of Heaven living up to its name. On the outskirts of Beijing is the Great Wall, one of China's most visited attractions and its biggest architectural achievement. Below are the city's premier tourist attractions.

Beijing Tourist Attractions: Further Great Wall of China pictureBeijing Attractions: Great Wall of China

Located to the north of the city, the Great Wall of China is one of the country's top tourist attractions and world's greatest architectural achievements, stretching from east to west for over 5,000 km / 3,100 miles. Construction of the wall began in the 7th century BC, when independent kingdoms took measures to protect their territories from wandering nomads. During the Qin Dynasty (221 BC to 207 BC), many sections of wall were connected, with development of the Great Wall continuing for several more centuries. The Great Wall is one of the most visited attractions in the whole of China and stretches from the Liaoning Province right up to Jiayùguan, which is part of the vast Gobi Desert. Also known as either 'The Long Wall of 10,000 Li' or simply 'Chángchéng', many visitors staying in Beijing head around 70 km / 44 miles to the Badáling stretch, which is believed to date back to the 14th century, during the Ming Dynasty. The scenery and views alone are worth the trip, as are the cable cars, the China Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall Circle Vision Theatre.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily, summer - 06:00 to 22:00, winter - 07:00 to 18:00

Beijing tourist attraction admission: charge

Beijing Attractions: Beijing Zoo - No 131, Xi Zhi Men Wai Avenue, Haidian, Beijing, 100044

Established at the turn of the century, Beijing Zoo is housed at what was formerly an imperial manor in the Ming Dynasty. With a focus on animals native to China, the zoo offers the opportunity to get up close with exotic and rare animals not commonly see elsewhere. The pandas are the main attraction for many, while the gardens are also impressive.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily - 07:30 to 18:00

Beijing tourist attraction admission: charge

Beijing Attractions: Forbidden City - North of Tiananmen Square, Dong Cheng, Beijing, 100009

Located right in the centre of the city to the north of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City was once the royal residence of the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing (1644 to 1911) dynasties. This expansive complex encompasses 9,000 rooms and dozens of structures. Since the 20th century, the palace has been used as a museum, allowing access what lies behind the high walls and moat. Visitors to Beijing's Forbidden City can admire the collection of almost one million artefacts, and also the beautiful royal garden.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily - 08:30 to 16:00

Beijing tourist attraction admission: charge

Beijing Tourist Attractions: Summer Palace - Hai Dian, Beijing, Hebei, 100091

With World Heritage site status, the Summer Palace is a stunning example of ancient architecture. Located around 15 km / 9 miles from Tiananmen Square, the palace incorporates extensive gardens, amazing views and dozens of pavilions, towers and bridges. Constructed in the Qing Dynasty around 1750, the palace was later destroyed in 1860 during the Second Opium War, and was not restored until 1886. Now one of the best preserved landmarks from this period in China, this attraction is an absolute must-see.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily - 07:00 to 17:00

Beijing tourist attraction admission: charge

Beijing Tourist Attractions: Temple of Heaven - Tian Tan North Road, Chong Wen, Beijing, 100050

The Temple of Heaven was once the prayer grounds of the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. This impressive temple is without doubt one of Beijing's most distinctive places of worship, in keeping with its name. Built between 1406 and 1420 in the south of the city, visitors can explore the four main areas - Round Altar, Echo Wall, Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the latter whose outline is now the symbol of the city. The acoustics in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are amazing, with even a whisper being heard throughout.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily - 06:00 to 21:00 (outer park), 08:00 to 18:00 (inner park)

Beijing tourist attraction admission: charge

Beijing Tourist Attractions: Tiananmen Square - Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng, Beijing, 100006

Ranking as the largest public square in the world, this historic expanse sits at the heart of the central Beijing, bordered by Tiananmen Gate, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, Forbidden City, Great Hall of the People and the Monument of the People's Heroes. Tiananmen Square's political and historical significance makes it an attraction not to be missed. From Tiananmen Gate, the views over the square are excellent, and a picture next to the huge Mao portrait is a highlight for many.

Beijing tourist attraction open: daily - 24 hours

Beijing tourist attraction admission: no charge

Historical Sites

Since Beijing was the capital for four dynasties: Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (127-1368), Ming (1368 -1644) and Qing (1644-1911), it has a wealth of historical sites ranging from royal sumptuous private mansions and gardens to simple villages. Also it is stippled with pagodas and religious temples.

Imperial College Prince Gong's Mansion

Cuandixia Village Ancient Cliff House (Guyaju)

Dajue Temple Yunju Temple Bell and Drum Tower

Hongluo Temple Yinshan Pagoda Forest

West Zhou Yandu Relics Zhangfang Ancient Battle Tunnel

Yuan Dynasty City Wall Relics Jiaozhuanghu Tunnel Warfare Site

Museums

Museums in Beijing are places to get a glimpse of the origin of the Chinese people, the history of China and Chinese culture, including architecture, printing, painting and other aspects.

Peking Man Site China Bee Museum

Museum of Dabaotai Han Tomb China Printing Museum

Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum Xu Beihong Museum

Exhibition Hall of Weapons

Mountains and Forest Parks

In the west and south of Beijing, mountains offer beautiful natural scenery in a bountiful and gracious manner. Luxuriant trees, tall or short, form many natural forest parks and scenic areas with pure water and fresh air. Really great places to retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and clear one's mind!

Fragrant Hills Park Yunmengshan Forest Park

Baihua Mountain Baiwangshan Forest Park

Baiquan Mountain Shangfangshan Forest Park

Lingshan Mountain Yingshan Forest Park

Yunfeng Mountain Xiaolongmen Forest Park

Yougushentan Scenic Area Jiufeng Forest Park

Laoxiangfeng Scenic Area Jiangjuntuo Scenic Area

Valleys and Gullies, Caves

Due to its mountainous landform, Beijing is riddled with numerous valleys, gullies and gorges in its western area. The brooks trickle through the glens, majestic waterfalls rush down from atop, and bird songs occasionally break the silence of the woods. Caves seem to be playing 'hide-and-seek' while the wonders of nature unfold inside.

Longqing Gorge Longmen Gully

Taoyuan Fairy Valley Hu Dong Shui Valley

Tiger Valley Shentang Valley

Qingliang Valley Duijiu Valley

Xianqi Cave Jiudaowan Canyon

Shihua Cave Longxian Palace

Silver Fox Cave

Parks & Lakes

Beijing is dotted with many parks and lakes and some parks even feature different themes. Yuyuantan Park is most noted for its cherry blossoms, Zizhuyuan Park is characterized by its various bamboos, while Lianhuachi Park highlights the lotus.

Yuyuantan Park Lianhuachi Park

Zizhuyuan Park Hope Park

Xiangshui Lake Qinglong Lake

Pearl Lake

Others

Last but not least, there are also attractions which cater for tourists looking for something different. These scenic spots demonstrate the all-embracing and gentle character of this city.

Grand View Garden Kangxi Grassland

Beijing Zoo Taipingyang Underwater World

Beijing Aquarium Shijinglong Ski Resort

Beijing Botanical Garden