Generated with sparks and insights from 12 sources
Summary
Beijing, a city rich in history and culture, offers a plethora of must-visit attractions ranging from the majestic Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City to the iconic Great Wall of China. The city's blend of ancient sites like The Temple of Heaven and modern marvels such as the Beijing National Stadium showcases its unique character. Visitors can also enjoy serene landscapes at Beihai Park, engage with art at the 798 Art Zone, and encounter wildlife at the Beijing Zoo. This guide highlights the essence of Beijing, making it an invaluable resource for travelers seeking to explore the city's most celebrated sights.
The Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City
China's most significant attraction, tracing its origins back to the Yuan Dynasty.
Tips
Plan to spend several hours to fully explore the vast complex.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Forbidden City, Beijing, China [Amazing Places 4K]", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9vcSWb6mug", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 17, 2015", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Forbidden City at 600: Women in the Imperial Palace ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFncCor0K-Y", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 18, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
The Great Wall of China at Badaling
An impressive section of the Great Wall dating from the 16th century.
Tips
Consider arriving early to avoid crowds; a cable-car ride is available for a pleasant ascent.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Visit the great wall of China at Badaling from Beijing by S2 ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0usWofjmRA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 1, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Walking On The Great Wall | The Badaling Section, Beijing ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q88CosFLbng", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 13, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Tiananmen Square
The world's largest inner-city square, rich in historical and cultural significance.
Tips
Don't miss the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Tiananmen Gate.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "From the archives: 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7REeVXC_iM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 5, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tiananmen Square: What happened in the protests of 1989 ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3RzKKfNkTk", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 6, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tiananmen Square: Rarely seen video of the 1989 protests in ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuoXCki1jss", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 5, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
Beihai Park
One of the oldest surviving imperial gardens in Beijing.
Tips
Explore the Round Fort and the Hall of Enlightenment, and don't miss the white jade Buddha.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "#Pekingers \u00d7 #100ReasonsToLoveBeijing | A Day in Beihai ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQflXtLxz8Q", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 21, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "DECEMBER IN BEIJING | Beihai Park, A Mad Night Out ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sjl9WqpsC4M", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 15, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
The Temple of Heaven
Incorporates a group of some of Beijing's most sacred buildings.
Tips
Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and experience the Echo Wall.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Temple of Heaven - UNESCO World Heritage Site", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xLoyYY_5rc", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 13, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Temple of Heaven | Beijing, China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeIvO8Cypqo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 6, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring the Temple of Heaven in Beijing", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0pEcTmx1OQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 18, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
The Summer Palace
A royal garden boasting a large man-made lake and beautiful gardens.
Tips
Enjoy a boat ride on the lake and visit the Great Theatre for traditional Chinese performances.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Summer Palace - UNESCO World Heritage Site", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TknmBq9HKNA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 19, 2019", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "SUMMER PALACE IN BEIJING, CHINA | Top 5 things to see ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItLhW3AWPps", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 31, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Summer Palace - Beijing China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlz8u7GjYqM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 21, 2011", "length": "" }</div>
Beijing National Stadium
Iconic for its role in the 2008 Summer Olympics, nicknamed the Bird's Nest.
Tips
Explore the stadium through English language and self-guided tours.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "10 Facts About Beijing National Stadium", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTVCbffzN00", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 9, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "BIRD NEST BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w0XhLmIp7I", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 17, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Building Beijing Stadium | National Geographic", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FynuR_g-ewo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 7, 2008", "length": "" }</div>
The Lama Temple
One of Beijing's most attractive and best-preserved temples.
Tips
Don't miss the Pavilion of Four Thousand Fortunes with its enormous sandalwood statue.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The Lama Temple - Beijing China", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWVQV14JXfY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jul 2, 2009", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Fresh Eye on Beijing \u2014 Lama Temple", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6Ynhp3Llo8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 4, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "BEIJING - The Yonghe Temple ( Lama Temple )", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhV59OPEzsE", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 4, 2014", "length": "" }</div>