Travel to Beijing: Guide to China’s Must-See Attractions

When people think about traveling to China, Beijing usually tops the list. It’s a city where the past meets the present, where centuries-old palaces stand alongside sleek modern buildings. With so much history and culture packed into one place, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. If you’re short on time but want to experience the best of Beijing, there are five places you shouldn’t miss — the Summer Palace, Yonghe Temple, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and the Great Wall of China. This guide will help you explore them efficiently, avoid common tourist mistakes, and enjoy each place to the fullest. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another trip, this plan will save you hours of research.

The Summer Palace is a huge imperial park with lakes, temples, and shaded pathways. Once the summer retreat of emperors, it remains one of Beijing’s most beautiful spots. Kunming Lake is the heart of the palace, and you can enjoy it by walking along the shore or taking a boat ride. Don’t miss the Long Corridor, known for its colorful paintings and scenic views.

If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, visit in the morning before 10 a.m. The grounds are vast, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. You should set aside at least three hours to enjoy it without feeling rushed. In winter, parts of Kunming Lake may freeze, giving the place a magical feel. Checking the official Summer Palace site beforehand will help you confirm opening hours and ticket prices.

Also known as the Lama Temple, the Yonghe Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet. The air here is filled with the smell of incense, and the sound of monks chanting adds to its calming atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings, colorful details, and an enormous statue of the Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

Move slowly through the halls and take time to notice the details. Dress modestly out of respect, and avoid speaking loudly. For the best experience, visit on weekdays when it’s less busy. You can also hire a guide at the entrance to explain the symbolism and stories behind each hall, making the visit more meaningful.

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. It’s where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and its design is full of symbolism like round shapes for heaven, square shapes for earth. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its striking blue roof, is the main highlight.

Visit early in the morning, and you might see locals practicing Tai Chi, playing cards, or dancing in the park surrounding the temple. It’s a great way to experience local culture beyond just the historic buildings. Spend at least two hours here to explore the main halls and enjoy the peaceful gardens. The light during early morning or late afternoon is perfect for photos.

The Forbidden City, officially called the Palace Museum, is Beijing’s most famous historical site. For over 500 years, it was the home of Chinese emperors and the political center of the country. Inside, you’ll find nearly 1,000 buildings with golden roofs, massive courtyards, and richly decorated halls.

Walking from the south gate to the north gate can take several hours, especially if you stop to admire the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the smaller side halls. To avoid the biggest crowds, book your ticket online in advance and arrive early. Renting an audio guide or joining a walking tour will help you understand the history behind the buildings. You can find ticket information on the Palace Museum’s official site

No trip to Beijing is complete without seeing the Great Wall of China. There are many sections near the city, but Badaling and Mutianyu are the most popular. Badaling is fully restored and easy to walk, but it’s usually crowded. Mutianyu has fewer tourists, beautiful scenery, and even a toboggan ride down.

Whichever section you choose, be prepared for uphill walking. Wear sturdy shoes, bring sunscreen, and carry water. If you want a quieter visit, go on a weekday and start early. Many travelers prefer booking a guided day tour so they can learn more about the Wall’s history and avoid dealing with transportation. You can browse options on China Highlights.

For more personal tips and travel stories about visiting the Great Wall especially during sunset, you can check out our blog here.

Because Beijing is huge, you’ll save time by grouping attractions that are close to each other. The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven can be visited on the same day. The Summer Palace works well with nearby attractions or as a half-day trip. The Great Wall will take most of the day, so keep it as a stand-alone activity.

Using Beijing’s subway is faster than taking taxis during rush hour, and it’s affordable. You can use Beijing Subway Map to plan your route.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Check opening and closing times for each attraction, especially in winter when some close earlier.
  
• Buy tickets online in advance to skip long queues.
  
• Visit popular sites early in the morning during summer or public holidays to avoid large crowds.
  
• Keep your passport, tickets, and payment methods easily accessible.
  
• Use mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but carry some cash for small vendors.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking long distances, especially at the Great Wall and Summer Palace.
  
• Bring snacks and water to save time and keep your energy up during the day.
• Follow photography rules — some historic and religious sites do not allow flash photography.

Visiting the Summer Palace, Yonghe Temple, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Great Wall will give you a complete picture of Beijing’s history, culture, and beauty. With a little planning, you can see them all in just a few days without feeling rushed.

Walking through the courtyards of the Forbidden City, standing on the ancient stones of the Great Wall, or enjoying the quiet paths of the Summer Palace will make your trip unforgettable. Save this guide, mark these places on your map, and get ready to explore Beijing like a pro.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo