Beijing Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City showing a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beijing showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Olympic Park featuring modern architecture
Dongcheng - Wangfujing which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
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 ParkOpens in a new window where you can look out over the Forbidden CityOpens in a new window. Next, descend to Tiananmen SquareOpens in a new window 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 MemorialOpens in a new window (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 BridgeOpens in a new window 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 Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum 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
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

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

Dongcheng
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Chaoyang

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

Chaoyang
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, Spacious Pavilion and Summer Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
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Middle Chaoyang

4/5(25 area reviews)

Museums, art galleries and shopping highlight some notable features of Middle Chaoyang. Make a stop by Chaoyang Park or Art Museum of Beijing Fine Art Academy while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Beijing Chaoyang Station or Dongfeng Beiqiao Station to get around town.

Middle Chaoyang
Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

5 out of 5
48 Liang Ma Qiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
The price is £163 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£163
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (471 reviews)
"Beautiful property"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, Beijing
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
"The staff and service are remarkable, they help us anytime we needed (booking a driver for the Great Wall, tickets and transportation in general). Food it’s okey, nothing special but clean Also the room it’s great, very comfortable. My unique observation is that the hotel is kinda old, and on one ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Grand Hyatt Beijing

Grand Hyatt Beijing

5 out of 5
1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing, Beijing
The price is £149 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
£149
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 4 restaurants. Popular attractions Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City ...
9/10 Wonderful! (804 reviews)
"Nice hotel"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Grand Hyatt 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.
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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Sanlitun Road and Wangfujing ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (74 reviews)
"Great for families."

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2025

Ascott Raffles City Beijing
base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment

base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment

3.5 out of 5
No. 17 Qianliang Hutong, Beijing, Beijing
Stay at this 3.5-star residence in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (101 reviews)
"It is clean and enough space. Is well located like 15 min by car from Tianamen square."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment
Tangfu Hotel Sanlitun Gongti Branch

Tangfu Hotel Sanlitun Gongti Branch

5 out of 5
Floors 1-3, No. 26 Xinzhongxili, Beijing
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Beijing. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Sanlitun Road and Wangfujing ...
7.6/10 Good! (17 reviews)
"The layout is effìcient and room service readily available. The interior's design is modern."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Tangfu Hotel Sanlitun Gongti Branch
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.

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