Beijing Top Attractions 2025 — Forbidden City, Great Wall (Mutianyu), Temple of Heaven & Best Things to Do

Beijing is one of the world’s great capital cities—an imperial stage set that still shapes daily life. For centuries, emperors ruled from within a carefully planned city of walls, gates, ceremonial avenues, and courtyards, with the Forbidden City at its symbolic center. Many of the biggest landmarks seen today were built to reinforce that order: vast squares for state rituals, temples for cosmic harmony, and gardens designed to look effortless while being intensely engineered. Beyond the monuments, Beijing’s “hutongs” (alleyway neighborhoods) reveal a softer side: courtyard homes, small shops, and local routines that feel a world away from the grand palaces.

Planning matters here more than in many cities. Major sights have security checks, real-name ticketing, and occasional closure days, so the smoothest trips group visits by area and lock in the most time-sensitive reservations first. A classic approach is to dedicate one full day to the imperial core (Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and nearby parks), then balance it with a half-day in the hutongs. For day trips, Mutianyu is a popular Great Wall choice for its restoration and facilities, while the Ming Tombs add a quieter, history-heavy counterpoint north of the city.

The attractions below are ordered by popularity first and arranged to keep nearby stops together when possible. Each entry focuses on what to do, how to get there efficiently, and small practical details—like timing and local etiquette—that make the experience smoother.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Great Wall (Mutianyu)

Mutianyu is one of the most visitor-friendly sections of the Great Wall—scenic, well-restored, and far enough from central Beijing to feel like a true escape. The ridge-line views are dramatic, and the wall’s watchtowers make it easy to imagine why this landscape was chosen for defense. With a good start time, Mutianyu can be done as a rewarding full-day trip without feeling rushed.

Things to do or see there

Walk between watchtowers for big mountain panoramas

Choose a cable car/chairlift option to save energy for the wall itself

Spend time on the quieter stretches away from the main entry points

How to get there Most visitors go by private driver, tour bus, or ride-hail arranged for the day. Mutianyu also has shuttle systems within the scenic area, so plan for multiple “legs” of transport once there.

How much time to spend there 5–8 hours (including travel time from Beijing).

Address Mutianyu Great Wall Scenic Area, Huairou District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Leave early to reduce traffic time and to enjoy cooler, clearer conditions. Bring layers—wind on the ridge can feel much colder than the city.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City (the Palace Museum) is Beijing’s must-see—an enormous complex of halls, gates, and courtyards that once housed China’s emperors. It’s not a “pop in” attraction: the scale is the story, and the best visits feel like a slow procession through architecture and symbolism. Going in with a simple route plan helps avoid fatigue and keeps the highlights meaningful.

Things to do or see there

Follow the central axis for the main ceremonial halls and classic views

Detour to side courtyards to escape crowds and find quieter exhibits

Look for details: roof animals, painted beams, and carved stone ramps

How to get there Metro to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West, then walk through the security-controlled area toward the main gates. Ride-hail works, but drop-offs can be restricted near the core.

How much time to spend there 3–5 hours.

Address 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes The Palace Museum typically requires advance booking and is closed on Mondays except for national holidays. Use official ticketing channels and bring the same ID used for booking.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is one of the world’s most famous public squares—more than a photo stop, it’s a place where Beijing’s modern political history feels tangible. The area is heavily managed, with security screening and controlled entry routes, so the experience is smoother when the logistics are treated as part of the visit. Pairing it with the Forbidden City makes sense because they sit on the same historic axis.

Things to do or see there

Take in the scale of the square and its surrounding landmarks

Photograph Tiananmen Gate from designated viewpoints

Combine the square with the Forbidden City for a coherent “core Beijing” day

How to get there Metro to Tiananmen East/West or nearby central stations, then follow posted pedestrian routes through security checkpoints.

How much time to spend there 45–90 minutes (longer if adding nearby museums/monuments).

Address Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Entry policies can require reservations and always involve security checks. Arrive early, keep your passport/ID accessible, and expect extra time for queues.

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is the best “reward view” in central Beijing. The hill sits just north of the Forbidden City, and the short climb to the pavilion at the top delivers a postcard panorama over golden palace roofs stretching toward the city. It’s ideal as a final stop after the Forbidden City—legs will be tired, but the view is a perfect summary of the day.

Things to do or see there

Climb to the top pavilion for the classic Forbidden City panorama

Stroll the gardens and shaded paths for a calmer break

Visit near sunset for warmer light and softer crowds

How to get there Easy on foot from the Forbidden City’s north exit area. Taxis/ride-hail can drop near park entrances, but walking from the palace zone is most efficient.

How much time to spend there 45–90 minutes.

Address 44 Jingshan W St, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Opening hours vary by season. If aiming for sunset photos, build in buffer time for the climb and for exit gates.

Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing is Beijing’s famous shopping boulevard—part pedestrian street, part department-store district, with a mix of modern retail and classic city energy. It’s a good “evening slot” after heavy sightseeing because it doesn’t require tickets or intense planning. The best visits focus on a simple loop: browse, snack, and enjoy the city lights rather than trying to shop every mall.

Things to do or see there

Walk the pedestrian stretch for people-watching and neon city vibes

Browse department stores for local brands and practical travel buys

Look for snacks and small treats without overcommitting to tourist traps

How to get there Metro to Wangfujing Station, then walk into the pedestrian area. Ride-hail works well outside peak traffic hours.

How much time to spend there 1–2.5 hours.

Address Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Keep bags zipped and stay alert in dense crowds. For calmer dining, step a few blocks away from the busiest storefronts.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most beautiful and meaningful complexes, built for emperors to pray for good harvests. The setting blends grand architecture with park life—locals practice tai chi, walk, and socialize among ancient cypresses. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the highlight, but the wider grounds are what make the visit feel spacious and calm.

Things to do or see there

See the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests up close

Walk the long, tree-lined pathways and absorb the park atmosphere

Visit in the morning to watch local exercise routines

How to get there Metro to Tiantandongmen (Temple of Heaven East Gate area) is a common approach, then walk into the park. Taxis/ride-hail are convenient outside rush hours.

How much time to spend there 2–3.5 hours.

Address Tiantan Park, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Some scenic spots can close on Mondays (except statutory holidays), and reservations may be required through official platforms. Bring water—distances inside the park add up.

Hutong tour

A hutong tour is the easiest way to understand “everyday Beijing.” These historic alleyway neighborhoods are built around courtyard homes and small community lanes, often clustered near Shichahai and nearby streets. A good tour balances stories with real life—food stalls, local parks, and corners where residents still play chess or chat under trees. It’s one of the most memorable experiences because it shows the city at human scale.

Things to do or see there

Walk or cycle through lanes near Shichahai for a classic hutong feel

See courtyard architecture from the outside and learn how neighborhoods work

Stop for simple snacks or tea breaks rather than full sit-down “tour meals”

How to get there Metro to Shichahai area, then start on foot. Guided tours often include a fixed meeting point and help with route planning.

How much time to spend there 2–4 hours.

Address Shichahai / Houhai area, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes If using a rickshaw tour, choose licensed drivers and confirm route and price in advance. Evening visits can be atmospheric, but daytime is easier for photos and navigation.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a classic imperial garden wrapped around a lake, and it’s one of the most pleasant “reset” stops in central Beijing. The atmosphere shifts with the seasons—lotus in summer, crisp walks in autumn—and locals treat it like a living park rather than a museum. It pairs naturally with hutong time and nearby historic streets, making it a flexible half-day plan.

Things to do or see there

Walk the lakeside paths for views and shade

Look across the water toward the park’s hilltop landmarks

Rent a boat in good weather for a different angle on the garden design

How to get there Metro to Beihai North Station is a convenient entry point, then walk to the gates. It’s also reachable by short taxi/ride-hail rides from the imperial core.

How much time to spend there 1.5–3 hours.

Address 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes This is a great “midday breather” after heavy sightseeing. Weekends can be busy; mornings feel calmer and cooler.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is Beijing’s grand lakeside escape—an imperial garden where pavilions, bridges, and long corridors frame Kunming Lake and the surrounding hills. It’s easy to spend hours here without noticing, especially when the weather is pleasant. The experience is best when the route is simple: pick one lakeside walk, one viewpoint, and one “slow moment” to avoid turning the park into a tiring checklist.

Things to do or see there

Walk the lakeside paths for sweeping water-and-hill scenery

Explore the Long Corridor area for painted details and shade

Choose one high viewpoint for an overall “garden map” perspective

How to get there Metro to the Summer Palace area (near main gates) plus short walks, or go by taxi/ride-hail to reduce transfers. This is a northwest Beijing outing, so timing around traffic helps.

How much time to spend there 3–5 hours.

Address 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes The grounds are huge—comfortable shoes are essential. If visiting in high season, start earlier to enjoy quieter paths before tour groups arrive.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs (Thirteen Ming Tombs) are a quieter, more contemplative counterpoint to Beijing’s palace sites. Set in a valley north of the city, this complex holds imperial burial grounds and a famous “Spirit Way” approach lined with stone guardians. The scale feels different from the Forbidden City: more landscape, more distance between highlights, and more time to reflect on how empire expressed itself beyond the capital’s walls.

Things to do or see there

Walk the Sacred Way (Spirit Way) for stone statues and a ceremonial approach

Visit one main tomb area rather than trying to see every section

Pair with another northern outing if using a driver for the day

How to get there Most visitors go by private driver or day tour due to distances between stops. Public transport is possible but can be time-consuming with transfers.

How much time to spend there 3–5 hours (plus travel time).

Address Ming Tombs Scenic Area, Changping District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Choose one or two focus areas and keep the pace relaxed—this site rewards unhurried walking more than rapid box-ticking.

Silk Street Market (Xiushui)

Silk Street (Xiushui Market) is Beijing’s best-known bargain-and-browse market, especially popular for textiles, clothing, accessories, and travel-friendly gifts. It’s set up like a multi-floor shopping center, and the experience is all about negotiation and quality-checking. Even for non-shoppers, it’s an entertaining window into Beijing’s fast, competitive retail culture.

Things to do or see there

Browse textiles, scarves, and practical souvenirs

Practice bargaining with a friendly but firm approach

Compare quality across stalls before committing to anything

How to get there Metro Line 1 to Yong’anli is a common approach, then walk a few minutes. Taxis/ride-hail are convenient, especially if carrying purchases.

How much time to spend there 1.5–3 hours.

Address No. 8 Xiushui East Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Inspect stitching, materials, and sizes carefully—quality varies widely. If pressured, simply walk away; the best deals come when time isn’t tight.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Panjiayuan is Beijing’s famous antiques-and-curios market, a place to hunt for vintage-style finds, calligraphy brushes, beads, ceramics, Mao-era nostalgia, and all kinds of “maybe real, maybe not” collectibles. It’s most fun as an early-morning wander when stalls are still setting up and locals are in full bargain mode. The key is to treat it like a cultural experience first and a serious antiques purchase second.

Things to do or see there

Browse sections for curios, small artworks, jewelry, and traditional crafts

Watch bargaining culture in action (and try it politely if buying)

Focus on smaller souvenirs unless truly experienced with antiques

How to get there Metro Line 10 to Panjiayuan Station is commonly used, followed by a short walk.

How much time to spend there 1.5–3 hours.

Address 18 Huaweili, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Weekends are typically the most lively for street stalls. Buyers should assume many “antiques” are reproductions unless provenance is clear.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)

Yonghe Temple is a memorable “quiet power” stop: incense, carved details, and a Buddhist atmosphere that feels deeply lived-in rather than staged. It’s one of the easiest places in Beijing to experience temple etiquette up close—slow walking, soft voices, and respectful distance from worshippers. For many travelers, it becomes a favorite because it offers calm without leaving the city.

Things to do or see there

Walk through the courtyards and halls at a respectful pace

Notice incense rituals and the temple’s layered architecture

Pair it with a nearby neighborhood lunch for a calmer half-day

How to get there Metro to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station, then a short walk to the entrance.

How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.

Address 12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Admission can require real-name online booking at certain times. Dress modestly and follow on-site signage about photography and incense.

798 Art Zone

798 Art Zone is Beijing’s creative playground—former factory buildings turned into galleries, studios, design shops, and cafés. The industrial architecture gives the district its character, and even a casual stroll can uncover sculpture courtyards, street art, and pop-up exhibits. It’s a strong contrast to imperial Beijing and works well as a relaxed afternoon when heavy sightseeing starts to feel intense.

Things to do or see there

Gallery-hop casually and follow what looks interesting rather than a fixed list

Look for outdoor installations and warehouse-style courtyards

Take a café break and enjoy the slower, creative pace

How to get there Best reached by taxi/ride-hail or bus due to its location outside the old-city core. Allow extra time for traffic.

How much time to spend there 2–4 hours.

Address 798 Art District / 798 Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China. Google map

Notes Many galleries keep independent hours, and some close earlier on weekdays. It’s ideal in cooler months or late afternoon when walking feels easier.

Photography Hotspots

Jingshan Park summit for the classic Forbidden City rooftop panorama
Mutianyu Great Wall ridgeline shots in early morning light
Temple of Heaven’s Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with the cypress-lined approaches
Beihai Park lakeside reflections (especially in the morning calm)
Hutong lanes around Shichahai for courtyard-door details and street life
Summer Palace lake-and-bridge compositions on a clear day
Wangfujing Street at night for city energy and neon scenes
Panjiayuan market stalls early for textures, objects, and bargaining moments

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

Reserve the time-sensitive essentials first. The Palace Museum and Tiananmen Square access can require advance arrangements; lock these in before building the rest of the itinerary.
Plan by clusters, not by wish list. Imperial core (Tiananmen + Forbidden City + Jingshan) in one day; hutongs + Beihai as a lighter half-day; Summer Palace as a separate northwest outing.
Start early for the best Beijing. Mornings bring clearer light, fewer crowds, and less friction at security points.
Keep your ID reachable. Many entrances involve security checks and real-name verification; having passport/ID handy saves time.
Great Wall comfort matters. Bring layers, water, and good shoes; the wall is exposed, windy, and more strenuous than it looks from photos.
Market strategy. For Silk Street and Panjiayuan, compare first, bargain politely, and inspect quality—walking away is the most powerful negotiating tool.
Payment reality. Mobile payments are common in Beijing; setting up a workable payment method before arriving reduces daily hassle.

For an efficient Beijing itinerary that still feels rewarding, build the trip around the classics—Great Wall day trip, Forbidden City tickets, Temple of Heaven, and a hutong tour—then fill the gaps with parks and markets that match your pace. The smartest days in Beijing are the ones that stay geographically tight: imperial core in one loop, hutongs and lakes on another, and major day trips on their own. Add a little buffer for security lines, carry essentials light, and keep plans flexible for weather. Do that, and Beijing becomes exactly what travelers search for right now: a high-impact blend of ancient history, iconic landmarks, local street life, and modern city energy.