Beijing as China’s most, the most famous tourist destinations, by many friends like, today we will introduce the top 10 must-visit attractions in Beijing tourism, see how many you have been, and will be detailed travel guide attached.
1. Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is a symbolic landmark of China and a place that every Chinese aspires to. It is not only a tourist attraction, but also carries rich historical and cultural significance. In addition to the iconic Tiananmen Square, there are also important buildings such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Whenever friends and family come to Beijing, Tiananmen Square is always the first place to visit.
One of the most popular activities here is to watch the flag-raising ceremony. The ceremony usually takes place early in the morning around 5:00 am and attracts many tourists and local residents. To get the best viewing position, it is recommended to arrive early. Flag-raising times vary slightly depending on the season, so visitors can check the exact schedule to be prepared.
It is worth noting that advance reservations are required to visit Tiananmen Square and its surrounding attractions. Visitors can make a reservation nine days in advance through WeChat public number “Tiananmen Impression”, and admission is free. If you want to climb the Tiananmen Tower, you need to make a reservation 7 days in advance through the public number “Tiananmen Tower Tour Reservation”, and the tickets are 15 yuan for adults and 5 yuan for concessions. It should be noted that the Tiananmen Square is closed on Mondays.
For visitors who want to visit the Great Hall of the People, they can make reservations through the “Great Hall of the People Reservation” public number three days in advance, with adult tickets costing RMB 30 yuan and discounted tickets costing RMB 15 yuan. These reservation measures not only help control the flow of visitors, but also provide a better experience for visitors.
Whether you are interested in history or want to experience the heart of China first hand, Tiananmen Square is a destination not to be missed. It is not only a landmark of Beijing, but also a microcosm of the whole of China, uniting the country’s past, present and future.
2. The Forbidden City Museum
The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is the grandest and most complete complex of ancient palaces in China and the world. It attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique architectural style, strong historical background and rich cultural connotation.” The phrase “red bricks and yellow tiles, one door, two dynasties, three generations, six hundred years” succinctly and graphically summarizes the characteristics and history of the Forbidden City.
As the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City has witnessed the rise and fall of China for nearly 600 years. It is not only an architectural wonder, but also a living history museum. Visitors strolling through it can feel the power and glory of the emperors of the past, as well as appreciate the exquisite ancient artworks and precious relics.
The architectural layout of the Forbidden City is rigorous and orderly, reflecting traditional Chinese philosophical thinking and cosmology. From the three halls of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony to the Hall of Preservation of Harmony, and the inner court from the Qianqing Palace to the Kunning Palace, each building has its unique function and symbolism. In addition to the magnificent palaces, the Forbidden City has many exquisite gardens and courtyards, such as the Imperial Gardens, which provide visitors with an excellent place to appreciate the art of traditional Chinese gardens.
Visiting the Forbidden City requires advance reservations. Visitors can make reservations up to seven days in advance through the WeChat public number “Palace Museum”. Ticket prices vary depending on the season, with 60 yuan in the peak season and 40 yuan in the off-season. It should be noted that the Forbidden City is closed every Monday. In order to fully experience the charm of the Forbidden City, visitors are advised to reserve at least half a day, wear comfortable shoes, and consider renting an audio guide or joining a guided tour to better understand the stories behind each building and exhibit.
3. National Museum
Located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum is one of China’s most important history and art museums. As the largest single museum in the world, it carries the important mission of collecting, studying and displaying Chinese culture. This magnificent building is not only a museum, but also a hall of art that unites the essence of Chinese culture.
Walking into the National Museum is like stepping into a long river of concentrated history. The museum’s permanent exhibitions cover the history of China from ancient times to modern times, displaying tens of thousands of precious relics and artworks. The “Ancient China” exhibition hall shows the origin and development of Chinese civilization, from Neolithic colored pottery to Ming and Qing Dynasty porcelain, each exhibit tells the story of China’s long history.In addition to permanent exhibitions, the National Museum often organizes a variety of temporary exhibitions covering a wide range of fields such as art, science and technology, culture, etc., providing the public with opportunities to come into contact with diverse cultures. The museum’s well-equipped facilities, including a library, lecture halls and cultural and creative stores, provide visitors with an all-round cultural experience.
Reservations are required to visit the National Museum, and can be made up to seven days in advance through the WeChat public number “National Museum”. Happily, admission is free, reflecting the country’s emphasis on cultural dissemination and education. Visitors are advised to learn about current exhibitions before visiting so that they can organize their visit in a more targeted manner. The National Museum is not only a window to China’s history and culture, but also an important place to experience the development achievements of contemporary China.
4. Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, as a place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for abundance, is the largest and best-preserved ancient temple complex in China. It is not only an architectural treasure, but also a material carrier of traditional Chinese culture and cosmology. The layout and architectural design of the Temple of Heaven embodies the ancient cosmology of “heaven is round and earth is square”, which contains profound philosophical thoughts and exquisite architectural skills.
The most famous building in the Temple of Heaven is the Hall of Prayer for the Celebration of the Year of the Dragon (also known as the Temple of Heaven), whose unique three-tiered circular building with a blue glazed tile roof is one of the landmarks of the city of Beijing. In addition, Huanqiu Altar, Huangqian Temple and other buildings are also unique, each carrying a specific ceremonial function. The Temple of Heaven is not only known for its architectural beauty, but also praised for its acoustic properties. The Echo Wall in front of the Hall of Prayer for the Year of the Dragon and the Three Tones Stone are outstanding representatives of ancient acoustic technology.
In addition to its ancient architecture, the Temple of Heaven Park is also known for its beautiful landscaping. With its ancient cypresses and green grass, the park is a popular place for Beijing residents to go for morning exercise and leisure. Every year around the 15th day of the first month of the Lunar Calendar, lively temple fairs are also held here, attracting many visitors to experience the traditional cultural atmosphere.
Reservations are required to visit the Temple of Heaven and can be made up to 7 days in advance through the WeChat public number “Tiantan Park Official Ticketing Platform”. Ticket prices vary depending on the season, with peak season tickets costing 15 yuan for a regular ticket and 34 yuan for a joint ticket, and off-season tickets costing 10 yuan for a regular ticket and 28 yuan for a joint ticket. Concessionary tickets are half the price of regular tickets. In order to fully experience the charm of the Temple of Heaven, tourists are advised to choose a sunny day to go there, where they can stroll through the garden and savor the subtleties of each building.
5. Yonghe Palace
The Yonghe Palace, originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, was later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple, and is now the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Han China. The temple is not only an important religious site, but also a treasure house of art that combines the cultures of Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan. The Yonghegong has a unique architectural style, with the majesty of a traditional Chinese palace and the mystery of Tibetan Buddhist architecture.
The Yonghegong is famous for its “three greats and one treasure”. The “Three Greats” are: the 18-meter-high standing statue of Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood; the exquisite murals in the Hall of the Three Buddhas; and the exquisitely carved “Pavilion of Ten Thousand Fortunes”. A treasure” is the Qing Emperor Qianlong’s imperial handwriting ‘Yongyou’ plaque. These treasures not only demonstrate superior craftsmanship, but also reflect China’s multiculturalism.
As an active religious site, the Yonghe Palace is always in full bloom. Many believers and tourists come to worship and pray for blessings, especially during the Tibetan New Year, when grand religious ceremonies are held here. In addition to its religious functions, the Yonghegong is also an important cultural and educational base, regularly organizing Buddhist cultural exhibitions and lectures to provide the public with a window into Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Reservations are required to visit the Yonghegong, and can be made up to 7 days in advance through the WeChat public number “Yonghegong Visitor and Trustee Service”. Tickets are priced at 25 yuan for adults and 12 yuan for concessions. Visitors are advised to observe the rules of the temple and respect the solemnity of religious places. The Yonghe Palace is not only a religious sanctuary, but also an important place to understand China’s diverse culture and history, which is worth exploring for every Beijing visitor.
6. Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, a former royal garden, is now one of Beijing’s most famous attractions. Not only was it the back garden of Empress Dowager Cixi, it is the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden art. The history of the Summer Palace can be traced back to the Jin Dynasty, and it has been built and expanded over many dynasties, finally forming its present scale and layout during the Qing Dynasty.
The rich and varied landscape of the Summer Palace, dominated by Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain, combines the sophistication of southern gardens with the grandeur of northern gardens. Visitors can stroll along the promenade and enjoy the scenery of the lake and mountains; climb up to the Buddha’s Fragrance Pavilion and overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire park; take a boat trip on Kunming Lake and feel the grandeur of the royal garden. Every season, the Summer Palace presents a different beauty: apricot blossoms bloom in spring, lotuses adorn the lake in summer, red leaves fill the mountains in fall, and winter is a world of silver.
When visiting the Summer Palace, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance through the public number “Summer Palace Official Online Ticketing”, which needs to be completed 7 days in advance. There are two types of tickets: single tickets and combined tickets. A single ticket costs 30 yuan and a discounted ticket costs 15 yuan, while a combined ticket costs 60 yuan and a discounted ticket costs 30 yuan. The combined ticket includes some important attractions in the park, such as the Buddha’s Fragrant Pavilion and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, which are well worth choosing. Tour time is recommended to arrange a whole day, so that you can calmly enjoy every scene in the garden, feel the charm of this royal garden.
7. Yuanmingyuan
Yuanmingyuan, known as the “Garden of Ten Thousand Gardens”, has become one of the heaviest memories in China’s modern history. Its construction began in the Kangxi period, through the Yongzheng and Qianlong generations, gradually developed into a fusion of Chinese and Western garden art treasure. However, during the Second Opium War in 1860, this beautiful garden was looted and burned by the British and French forces, leaving behind a devastated ruin.
Today, when we stand on the ruins of the Yuanmingyuan, it is as if we can hear the wail of history. In the ruins, we can vaguely imagine the former glory: the ingenuity of the Western Tower, the blue waves of the Sea of Fortune, the flowers of the Ten Thousand Gardens. Every stone and every piece of rubble tells of the tragedy that happened more than a century ago. It is not only a place of interest, but also a witness of history and a memory of the nation.
To visit the Yuanmingyuan, it is recommended to make a reservation 7 days in advance through the public number “Yuanmingyuan Ruins Park”. Tickets are 25 yuan for a pass and 10 yuan for a discounted ticket. You can choose to walk or take the electric car. It is recommended to start from the ruins of the Great Water Law, and then visit the ruins of the Xiyanglou, Jiuzhou Qingyan, Wanfang Anhe and other attractions. In the course of the visit, you may wish to calm down and listen carefully to the introduction of the lecturer, or use the audio guide to better understand the history and cultural connotations of the Yuanmingyuan.
Yuanmingyuan is not only a tourist attraction, but also a vivid history lesson. It reminds us to remember history and cherish peace, and at the same time inspires us to work hard for the rejuvenation of the nation. Every Chinese should visit this place to experience this history first hand and let the words in the textbooks close the loop at this moment.
8. Bird’s Nest/Water Cube
The Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), as the landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, not only witnessed China’s glorious moment to the world, but also became the outstanding representatives of Beijing and even China’s modern architecture. These two buildings skillfully integrate the traditional Chinese concept of “heaven is round and earth is square”, while at the same time fully demonstrating the charm of modern construction technology.
The Bird’s Nest is made of woven steel structures and resembles a huge bird’s nest, symbolizing “sky”. It is not only a stadium, but also a giant work of art. During the daytime, the sunlight passes through the gaps of the steel structure, forming a marvelous light and shadow inside the stadium; at night, the lights are dotted in between, like a starry sky, which is spectacular.
The Water Cube adopts a special ETFE membrane structure, the appearance of which resembles the molecular structure of water, symbolizing the “earth”. Under the sunlight, the blue outer wall has a watery luster; at night, it is transformed into a huge “Water Cube”, with blue light flowing, dreamy and charming.
To visit these two attractions, it is recommended to choose the evening. During the day, you can clearly appreciate the unique structure of the building, and at night the light show is even more beautiful, perfect for taking pictures. For the Bird’s Nest, reservations can be made 7 days in advance through the public number “Bird’s Nest”, with a full ticket price of 100 yuan and a discounted ticket of 80 yuan. Reservations for the Water Cube can be made through the public number “Water Cube”, also seven days in advance, with full tickets costing 40 yuan and discounted tickets 25 yuan.
In addition to external visits, the two venues also have their own internal characteristics. The Bird’s Nest often hosts a variety of sporting events and cultural activities, if time permits, you may want to check whether there are exciting performances. The Water Cube, on the other hand, retains the swimming and diving pools from the Olympic Games and has a water park, which is ideal for children. Visiting these two buildings, you can not only feel the charm of modern architecture, but also relive the passion and glory of the 2008 Olympic Games.
9. Tsinghua University and Peking University
Tsinghua University and Peking University, as two of China’s top institutions of higher learning, are not only the holy places for students, but also important symbols of Beijing and China’s culture and academics. These two centuries-old universities are not only famous for their academic achievements, but also for their campus scenery, which attracts many tourists.
Tsinghua University, founded in 1911, specializes in science and technology, but its strength in liberal arts is not to be underestimated. The campus is both ancient and modern, with the most famous buildings being the Great Hall and Tsinghua Academy. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom on the campus. The lotus pond near the second school gate inspired Mr. Zhu Ziqing to write his famous poem “Moonlight in a Lotus Pond”. Reservations for Tsinghua University can be made seven days in advance through the public website “Visit Tsinghua”, which is closed on Mondays.
Peking University has an even longer history, with its predecessor, the Peking University Hall, founded in 1898. As the earliest modern university in China, Peking University has played an important role in China’s modern history. The Weiming Lake and Boya Tower on the campus are the most popular attractions. In spring, cherry blossoms and magnolias bloom in the Yanyuan Garden, and in fall, the ginkgo leaves cover the ground in a spectacular display of gold and yellow. To visit Peking University, you can make a reservation through the public number “Visit Peking University”, one day in advance on weekdays and seven days in advance on non-workdays, also closed on Mondays.
Visits to both universities are free, but you need to adhere strictly to the reservation time and the rules of the tour. Walking around the two universities, you can not only enjoy the beautiful campus scenery, but also feel the strong cultural atmosphere and academic atmosphere. During your visit, stop by the libraries, laboratories, or famous academic buildings and imagine what life would be like if you were studying here. Perhaps, you will inadvertently, feel the true meaning of reading and learning.
10. Badaling Great Wall
Badaling Great Wall, as the best-preserved and most representative section of the Great Wall, is the place where many people visit when they want to see the Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall was built in the Ming Dynasty, and because of its favorable geographical location, it has been known as the “Nine Reaches of the World”, and has been an important pass guarding Beijing for generations.
The Badaling Great Wall is a magnificent wall that winds its way through the mountains and hills. Ascending the Great Wall, you will find that every angle is a magnificent picture: the mountains rise and fall in the distance, and the walls hover in the near distance. In spring, the mountains are full of flowers; in summer, the trees are full of greenery; in fall, the forests are full of color; and in winter, the mountains are covered with snow. No matter which season, Badaling Great Wall has its unique charm.
To visit Badaling Great Wall, it is recommended to make a reservation 10 days in advance through the public number “Badaling Great Wall”. Tickets are categorized into.