Beijing, the dynamic capital of China, is rich with history. The city is a blend of new and old in which modern civilization and ancient culture have been well integrated. Exploring the historical landmarks is like taking a step back in time. Here is a list of top attractions to visit during your trip to Beijing!
1. Forbidden City
Beijing’s world-famous Forbidden City is the former Chinese imperial palace. This massive complex situated in the heart of Beijing consists of a great number of rooms, courtyards, and pavilions.
Wander Tip: It gets extremely crowded so best to visit on weekdays and at opening time to avoid the congestion.
2. Hutong
Hutongs are narrow alleyways between old residential neighborhoods. Whereas Forbidden City reflects the elite and prestigious, hutongs reveal the past lifestyle of Beijing’s common folk.
Wander Tip: For a fun adventure explore these historical lanes by rickshaw!
3. Houhai
Houhai comprises of a lake and its surrounding lively district filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars. Most of these establishments feature live singers. It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors to unwind.
4. Summer Palace
Summer Palace is the largest royal garden in China. It’s a vast complex of stunning gardens, lakes, and palaces.
5. Beihai Park
Beihai Park, also known as “Winter Palace”, is a former imperial garden with the White Dagoba as its centerpiece. It is one of the oldest royal gardens in China.
6. Sanlitun
Sanlitun is a busy district best known for its nightlife scene. There are numerous bars and clubs to choose from. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the area.
7. Great Wall
The iconic Great Wall, part of the 7 wonders of the world, is the most well-known attraction in China. This fortification is the world’s longest man-made structure. Come marvel at this majestic piece of history up close!
There are a number of ways to experience the Great Wall including a gondola ride, a hike, a chair lift, and even a toboggan. We opted for the gondola ride but in hindsight the toboggan looked mighty fun!
Wander Tip: The steps of the Great Wall are quite uneven and steep so make sure to wear proper shoes.
My #1 Pick
The beautiful gardens in combination with the tranquil atmosphere of Summer Palace makes it my favorite spot in Beijing. The Great Wall comes in a close second though!
So there you go, these are 7 top attractions you won’t want to miss during your trip to Beijing. If you’re also interested in other parts of China read about my Shanghai trip.
What’s your favorite Beijing attraction? Is there some place you would add to this list? Let me know in the comments!
