Email this guide
Print the full guide-
Beijing
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Kids Attractions
- Excursions
- Restaurants
- Nightlife
- Shopping
- Transport
- Airports
- Climate
What to see in Beijing
Beijing Attractions
Beijing's most interesting attractions previously only related to the spectacular history of China's capital city: these wonderful examples of ancient innovations and well-preserved glimpses into millennia of Chinese history are still here, but the city is no longer only viewed as a large-scale museum. Currently, eye-catching structures and modern architectural wonders are among the city's most visited attractions. These include the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest, and the National Grand Theatre, known as the Eggshell. It is no surprise that some traditionalists believe the modern attractions detract from the city's ancient treasures, but many more enjoy the stark contrast.
Still, the iconic historic Beijing sites remain the most popular. The Great Wall of China and the mysterious Forbidden City at the heart of Beijing compete for the title of the city's most visited attraction. Beihai Park and the Summer Palace are also immensely popular. For truly ancient history, visit the Zhoukoudian Cave, which boasts the largest collection of Homo Erectus fossils in the world. More recent history can be explored at the infamous Tiananmen Square or the Chairman Mao Mausoleum.
Being able to walk through some of the world's most ancient and modern attractions in a single day makes Beijing eternally captivating.
798 Space
Beijing's prominent art district is home to 798 Space, an art gallery housed in a former electronics factory…
Beihai Park
A place of tranquillity and grand imperial beauty, the Beihai Park is one of the great attractions of Beijing. The park…
Beijing Aquarium
Located within the Beijing Zoo, the Beijing Aquarium is one of the world's largest inland aquariums. Its interactive…
Chairman Mao Mausoleum
Although Chairman Mao Zedong of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China requested to be cremated,…
Forbidden City
The impossibly majestic Forbidden City is a historical precinct situated in the heart of Beijing. Almost a city in its…
Great Bell Temple
The Qing Temple is home to the Ancient Bell Museum (Gu Zhong Bowuguan) and is a great stop for travellers en route to…
Summer Palace
The magnificent Summer Palace at Kunming Lake, in northwest Beijing, was built in 1750 by the Emperor Qianlong, and continued…
The Beijing National Stadium
The Beijing National Stadium, also known as The Bird's Nest due to its appearance, was the hub of the 2008 Summer Olympic…
The Underground City
For more than 20 years, Beijing's Underground City, a bomb shelter just beneath the ancient capital's downtown area,…
Tiananmen Square
This famous square at the heart of Beijing attracts tourists not only with its pleasing design and views of numerous…
Become our Beijing Travel Expert
We are looking for contributors for our Beijing travel guide. If you are a local, a regular traveller to Beijing or a travel professional with time to contribute and answer occasional forum questions, please contact us.
