Beijing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Forbidden City showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture
In the bustling capital of China you will find temples, gardens and other valuable relics from ancient dynasties sitting comfortably alongside modern architecture and contemporary entertainment it truly is a city that mixes tradition with cutting-edge culture. Immerse yourself in the historical, political and cultural capital of China.

Beijing is situated in the northeast of China and is, culturally, politically and geographically, a world away from the capitals of the west. Rent a bike or use the excellent public transport to explore the city as driving in Beijing is quite tricky, especially if you do not speak Mandarin. Unlike with most settlements in China, the majority of staff can speak and signs at attractions are also written in English.

For one of the best views in Beijing you climb the hill in Jingshan Park where you can look out over the Forbidden City. Next, descend to Tiananmen Square to see the Front Gate (Qianmen gate) before visiting the vast palace complex that lies behind it.

Back in the square you can visit one of the largest museums in the world: the National Museum of China, opposite Chairman Mao Memorial (Mausoleum of Mao Zedong). Visit the imperial gardens in Beihai Park where you can join the locals in dancing, games and gymnastic exercises.

Visit outside the busy city centre, the Summer Palace and the Marco Polo Bridge to see more of the pomp with which the powerful emperors of China surrounded themselves. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet, pay a visit to the Buddhist Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple).

You'll not only imperial history in Beijing religion, there’re also plenty of contemporary buildings that characterise the new China, with plenty of fine restaurants and trendy shopping centres. The 2008 Summer Olympics were the beginning of a new development in Beijing. See the stadiums in the Olympic Park or stroll through the trendy galleries in renovated warehouses, including 798 Space.

You cannot leave without trying the Peking duck in its home of Beijing. Try this traditional dish of the city with delicious Chinese noodles, a simple rice dish or the customary way with pancakes and sweet bean sauce. In the evening you can indulge in the many karaoke bars or nightclubs.

Beijing is an unforgettable experience. Taste traditional and modern China all at once and discover the futuristic designs of the enterprising East.

Where to stay in Beijing

Temple of Heaven showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Downtown Beijing

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or St. Joseph's Cathedral while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
National Museum of China showing signage

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Wangfujing Shopping Area
South Chaoyang

Chaoyang

Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Temple of the Sun while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Hujialou Station to get around town.

Chaoyang
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Dongcheng. Beijing Duan Qirui Residential is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.

Dongcheng
Summer Palace featuring heritage elements and a river or creek

Haidian

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Beijing Botanical Garden and Spacious Pavilion are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
Houhai Lake which includes heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

Xicheng

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and theatres highlight some notable features of Xicheng. Make a stop by Xidan Shopping Center or XiDan Shopping District while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lingjing Hutong Station or Xidan Station to get around town.

Xicheng
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
The price is £73 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
£73
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants and breakfast. Popular attractions Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City ...
7.8/10 Good! (864 reviews)
"One of the best location hotel in Beijing. Locate in the second ring. Walkable everywhere."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
5 out of 5
8 Wangfujing East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, Beijing
The price is £134 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
£134
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (814 reviews)
"I love that the staff are so helpful with language and communication needs since I don’t speak Chinese and had to use translation app for my 3 nights stay there. It was a lovely time in Beijing. Thank you Hilton Hotel as usual you are an excellent choice for a place to stay!❤️"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing
Hilton Beijing
Hilton Beijing
5 out of 5
1 Dong Fang Rd, North Dong Sanhuan Rd, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing
The price is £109 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
£109
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Sanlitun Road and Wangfujing Street are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (354 reviews)
"The location is great, and the employees are super helpful. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2023

Hilton Beijing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment
base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment
2.5 out of 5
No. 17 Qianliang Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Stay at this residence in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping and dry cleaning or laundry services. Popular attractions Wangfujing Street and Forbidden ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"Very comfortable bed, unit was spacious for 2 people shower and bathroom good for western travellers."

Reviewed on 26 Jan 2024

base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment
Ascott Riverside Garden Beijing
Ascott Riverside Garden Beijing
4 out of 5
No. 33, Zhou Zhuang Jiayuan Dongli, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Beijing
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and a free children's club. Popular attractions Temple of Heaven and Wangfujing ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (59 reviews)
Convenient Apartment Hotel
"Hotel was good upstandard in its services and communication. The apartment was nice and convenient. The baby crib was fine. Just without the air ventilation, the apartment felt so hot, so we had no choice than to open the window doors, but felt dangerous as we had a walking baby with us. Neighborhood ..."

Reviewed on 6 Nov 2023

Ascott Riverside Garden Beijing
Ascott Raffles City Beijing
Ascott Raffles City Beijing
4.5 out of 5
No.1-2 Dongzhimen South Street, Dongchen Beijing, Beijing, Beijing
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Beijing. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast and room service. Popular attractions Sanlitun Road and Wangfujing Street are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (60 reviews)
"Everything was great! The only down side was I had to pay extra to get an upgrade! Wish it was a free upgrade!"

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2023

Ascott Raffles City Beijing
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Beijing

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
55
" "5 - Excellent 45.45454545454545%
4 - Good
52
" "4 - Good 42.97520661157025%
3 - Okay
8
" "3 - Okay 6.6115702479338845%
2 - Disappointing
4
" "2 - Disappointing 3.3057851239669422%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 1.6528925619834711%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
26 Jan 2020

Loved my experience, I'd advise booking a tour with Klook

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
24 Jan 2020

Air quality was very poor during our stay. I don't normally suffer with lung problems, but this did leave me with a tight chest and dry cough which cleared quickly once I left the city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

Great place for a city break. Loads to see amazing food and nice people

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
5 Dec 2019

The district is the showpiece of China so it's tightly controlled (hence safe) and clean. The queues for security look daunting but throughput is rapid, and both square and palace easily absorb the crowds.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Nov 2019

We loved Beijing as a whole and wish we could have had more time there. It’s a beautiful place full of such vibrant history. Would definitely recommend as a once in a lifetime kind of trip!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
31 Oct 2019

The subway was very convenient though the distances between stations are large. We liked the Great Wall.

Cities near Beijing