Beijing Tourist Attractions

Beijing Tourist Attractions: Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Modern Pulse

This page brings together the city’s most iconic sights and hidden gems, helping you uncover the essence of Beijing Tourist Attractions — where ancient history, local life, and cultural energy unite to create an unforgettable journey.

Welcome to Beijing, the heart of China’s history and power. The city’s top attractions — from the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven to the majestic Great Wall — form a living museum of imperial grandeur.

Yet, beyond its ancient monuments, Beijing’s charm lies in its contrasts. Wander through narrow hutongs, sip tea in a courtyard house, or watch the skyline glow from Fragrant Hills Park at sunset. Every corner tells a story that connects China’s past with its vibrant present.

Tourist sitting on the Badaling Great Wall at Hero Slope, overlooking mountains

Top Beijing Tourist Attractions

Badaling Great Wall surrounded by colorful autumn foliage

Badaling Great Wall

Magnolia flowers blooming beside the red walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing

Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square in Beijing, iconic landmark and top international attraction in China

Tiananmen Square

Panoramic view of the Summer Palace in Beijing with Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill

Summer Palace

Cultural and Historical Attractions in Beijing

Panorama of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Entrance of Prince Gong Mansion in Beijing, historic cultural site and popular human heritage attraction

Prince Gong’s Mansion

Houhai Lake at Shichahai, Beijing, reflecting historic hutongs

Shichahai

Statue of Confucius at Guozijian in Beijing, historic cultural landmark and center of Confucian heritage

Guozijian

Ruined stone columns at Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace), Beijing, remnants of the historic Western Mansions.

Old Summer Palace

Tourist admiring panoramic mountain views from the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Discover the Ming Tombs, a historic site included in top Beijing Travel Itineraries.

The Ming Tombs

Beijing Bell and Drum Towers in sunlight, showcasing the historic Zhonglou and Gulou under bright daylight.

Bell and Drum Towers

Unique and artistic building with creative architectural design in the Beijing 798 Art District street area.

798 Art Zone

Traditional tricycle rickshaw parked in a Beijing hutong alley, reflecting local life and classic street culture.

hutongs &siheyuan

Entrance of the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, showing traditional architectural style and historic cultural atmosphere.

Ancient Architecture Museum

Night view of Beijing Wangfujing Street with bright neon lights and lively city atmosphere.

Wangfujing

Natural Attractions in Beijing

Autumn red leaves covering the mountains at Fragrant Hills Park in Beijing, creating a stunning sea of color.

Fragrant Hills Park

View of Yuanyang Lake Reservoir in Gubei Water Town area

Gubei Water Town

Stunning mountain reflections on the lake during Longqing Gorge boat tour

Longqing Gorge

Aerial panorama of Qinglong Gorge showing canyon and reservoir

Qinglong Gorge

Red Leaf Ridge in Badaling National Forest Park during autumn, sunlight filtering through

Badaling National Forest Park

The Twin Pillars of Love in Stone Flower Cave, two towering stalactite columns standing side by side like devoted lovers.

Stone Flower Cave

The vibrant Colorful Beach at Shilin Gorge, showcasing layered rock formations and unique geological textures in North China.

Shilin Gorge

Sunny summer day at Yanqi Lake in Beijing, with clear blue skies and sparkling waters under warm sunlight.

Yanqi Lake

Sea of clouds over Wulingshan Mountain, Beijing, creating a breathtaking and mystical landscape.

Wulingshan Mountain

unny day with lotus blossoms in full bloom at Baiyangdian Lake, Beijing, creating a vibrant water-town scene.

Baiyangdian Lake

Horse riding activity at Kangxi Grassland, Beijing, with professional guides and scenic trails.

Kangxi Grassland

Close-up view of visitors walking on the glass walkway at Jingdong Grand Canyon

Jingdong Grand Canyon

Intangible Cultural Heritage Attractions in Beijing

Beijing Peking Opera performance of Yangmen Women, showcasing China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Peking Opera

Artisan shaping fine copper wires during the filigree inlay process of Cloisonné Beijing, a traditional enamel art technique.

Cloisonné Craftsmanship

Entrance of Beijing Tongrentang, a historic herbal medicine shop showcasing traditional craftsmanship in China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Tong Ren Tang Traditional Chinese Medicine Culture

Beijing Tuer Ye (Rabbit God) clay figure, a charming piece of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Beijing Rabbit God

Temples Attractions in Beijing

Morning view of Yonghe Temple, showcasing the classic Buddhist architecture and tranquil atmosphere of Beijing’s famous Yonghe Temple

Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)

Hall of Heavenly Kings at Tanzhe Temple, showcasing traditional Buddhist architecture and spiritual rituals

Tanzhe Temple

Worshippers praying for blessings in front of the Main Hall at Hongluo Temple, Beijing

Hongluo Temple

Entrance of Jietai Temple in Beijing, showcasing the historic architecture and serene atmosphere of this renowned Buddhist monastery

Jietai Temple

Entrance of Fayuan Temple, Beijing, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist monastery welcoming visitors

Fayuan Temple

Corner of Yunju Temple, Beijing, bathed in twilight, reflecting serene Zen atmosphere

Yunju Temple

Entrance of Dajue Temple in Beijing, showcasing the historic Liao Dynasty architecture and serene Zen atmosphere

Dajue Temple

A tranquil twilight view of Guangji Temple in Beijing, where ancient architecture meets quiet Zen moments.

Guangji Temple

Red lantern hanging in Baiyun Temple, Beijing, reflecting the festive spirit of traditional Chinese Daoist temples.

Baiyun Temple

Close-up view of the main hall of Beijing Niujie Mosque, displaying the fusion of Islamic and traditional Chinese architectural details in the eaves and structure.

Niujie Mosque

Distant view of the White Pagoda at Beijing Baita Temple against the skyline.

Baitasi (White Pagoda Temple)

Entrance gate of Beijing Longquan Temple showcasing traditional Chinese architectural style.

Longquan Temple

Explore further through our:

Beijing, an ancient capital of millennia, is like a weighty historical tome—every page filled with tales, every corner echoing with the long resonance of time. It demands to be measured slowly and savored thoughtfully.

  • A three-to-five-day visit is enough for the weathered city walls and sweeping eaves to be etched into your memory.
  • Stay for a week or longer, and the everyday life deep in the hutongs, the fragrant tea mist from the courtyard houses, will become an unforgettable longing in your heart.
Beijing
Panoramic view of the Summer Palace in Beijing, showcasing Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill — one of the must-see Beijing Tourist Attractions.

Beijing Tourist Attractions FAQs

Key highlights include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and the historic hutongs. These sites showcase Beijing’s imperial legacy, architectural grandeur, and urban cultural life.

For essentials, 3–4 days is ideal. That allows you to visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and explore hutongs and local culture without rushing. If you have more time, consider staying for a week to a fortnight to fully immerse yourself in the city’s cultural heritage.

Visit early in the morning (opening time) or on weekdays. Avoid public holidays. Use guided tours with early access or lesser-known gates for the Forbidden City and Great Wall.

Yes — many sites like the Forbidden City require advance online booking. The Great Wall sections like Mutianyu and Badaling also benefit from ticket reservations to skip lines.

The Beijing subway system is efficient and covers many sites. Taxis and ride-sharing apps (with English interface) also work well. For remote sections of the Great Wall, shuttle buses or tour transfers are often best.

Yes — Beijing is relatively safe. Basic precautions apply: secure your belongings in crowded areas, use licensed taxis, and avoid isolated areas late at night. English signage is limited in some hutongs, so a map app helps.

Subscribe to Urban China Travelogue

Planning a trip to China or curious about its culture and flavors? Subscribe to Urban China Travelogue for insider tips, curated itineraries, and expert advice on attractions, local food, and hidden gems. Discover China like a local—whether you’re traveling soon or just dreaming.