Beijing

Travel Guide

Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City which includes a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beijing which includes a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Olympic Park which includes modern architecture

In the bustling capital of Chinayou will find temples, gardens and othervaluable relics from ancient dynasties sitting comfortably alongside modernarchitecture and contemporary entertainment it truly is a city that mixestradition with cutting-edge culture. Immerse yourself in the historical,political and cultural capital of China.

Beijing is situated inthe northeast of China and is, culturally, politically and geographically, aworld away from the capitals of the west. Rent a bike or use the excellentpublic transport to explore the city as driving in Beijingis quite tricky, especially if you do not speak Mandarin. Unlike with mostsettlements in China, the majority of staff can speak and signs at attractionsare also written in English.

For one of the best views in Beijingyou climb the hill in JingshanPark where you can look out over the ForbiddenCity. Next, descend to TiananmenSquare to see the Front Gate (Qianmen gate) before visiting the vastpalace complex that lies behind it.

Back in the square you can visit one of the largestmuseums in the world: the National Museum of China, opposite ChairmanMao Memorial (Mausoleum of Mao Zedong). Visit the imperial gardens inBeihai Park where you can join the locals in dancing, games and gymnasticexercises.

Visit outside the busy city centre, the SummerPalace and the MarcoPolo Bridge to see more of the pomp with which the powerful emperorsof 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 Beijingreligion, there’re also plenty of contemporary buildings that characterise thenew China, with plenty of fine restaurants and trendy shopping centres. The2008 Summer Olympics were the beginning of a new development in Beijing.See the stadiums in the Olympic Park or stroll through the trendy galleries inrenovated warehouses, including 798 Space.

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

Beijing is anunforgettable experience. Taste traditional and modern China all at once and discoverthe futuristic designs of the enterprising East.

Where to stay in Beijing

Temple of Heaven showing religious aspects, heritage architecture 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 Forbidden City or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
Famous Qianmen pedestrian street south from Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Forbidden City or Wangfujing Street 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. Forbidden City is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.

Dongcheng
CCTV Headquarters building is situated in the city centre of Beijing. One of the most amazing architectural creations I've ever seen in my life. It's a massive 200m something high structure. As I heard from the locals, visitors are not allowed inside.

Chaoyang

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

Chaoyang
Summer Palace showing 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, Summer Palace and Fragrant Hills Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
Set in Beijing and taken on a clear April night

Dongdan

Visitors to Dongdan love its popular shops, and you can check out Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum and Oriental Plaza. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dengshikou Station.

Dongdan
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing

4 out of 5
No.88 Dengshikou Street Beijing Beijing
The price is €63 per night from 24 Feb to 25 Feb
€63
24 Feb - 25 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
Location of hotel is awesome, walking distance to forbidden city and surrounded with many eateries. Room was clean and good size. no complaints

Reviewed on 3 Feb 2026

Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
Swissôtel Beijing Hong Kong Macau Center

Swissôtel Beijing Hong Kong Macau Center

4 out of 5
No 2 Chao Yang Men Bei Da Jie Beijing Beijing
The price is €101 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
€101
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Wangfujing Street and Sanlitun ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (997 reviews)
The attention of Mr. Wilson at the reception is very remarkable, he helped us a lot and we are very grateful

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2025

Swissôtel Beijing Hong Kong Macau Center
Novotel Beijing Peace

Novotel Beijing Peace

4 out of 5
No 3 Jinyu Hutong Beijing Beijing
The price is €77 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
€77
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (995 reviews)
Staff were nice, room was clean but less amenities and the room size a bit small

Reviewed on 7 Jan 2026

Novotel Beijing Peace
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

3.5 out of 5
No. 17 Qianliang Hutong Beijing Beijing
Stay at this residence in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (130 reviews)
Excellent stay at this serviced apartment. Hotel staff were polite and helpful. Property was clean and very comfortable. Hotel used robots for last mile to deliver food ordered from mobile app.

Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025

base-Wangfujing Serviced Apartment
The Imperial Mansion, Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments

The Imperial Mansion, Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments

4.5 out of 5
North Gate, No. 1 Xiagongfu Street Beijing
Stay at this luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (454 reviews)
Staff are nice and helpful. Rooms are clean.

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

The Imperial Mansion, Beijing Marriott Executive Apartments
The Sandalwood, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments

The Sandalwood, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments

4.5 out of 5
23 Jian Guo Road Chaoyang Dist Beijing
Stay at this luxury hotel in Beijing. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (85 reviews)
All good

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2026

The Sandalwood, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments
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%
4 - Good
52
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

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

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

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