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Top 20 attractions in Beijing

Beijing instantly charms with its contrasts and uniqueness. Here are the best attractions to visit in the capital of China.
10 october 2023
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Forbidden City

Start your journey in Beijing at this enormous palace complex in the heart of the capital. Once the residence of emperors and off-limits to ordinary people, today the Forbidden City is open to everyone eager to touch Chinese history. Visitors can explore the Imperial Museum "Gugong" and wander for hours, enjoying the magnificent architecture, rich hall decorations, numerous pavilions, and lakeside gardens.

Ticket Price: 60 yuan.

Great Wall of China

Arguably the most famous attraction not only in Beijing but in all of China. This man-made giant structure stretches nearly 9,000 kilometers across northern China and is said to be visible from space! Once serving to protect the empire from nomadic invasions, today anyone can climb its crest to feel the power of ancient Chinese civilization.

Several sections of the wall near Beijing are popular with tourists, the closest and most visited being Badaling (60 km from the capital).

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Summer Palace

To learn how Chinese emperors lived, visit the Summer Palace, one of the most impressive palace and park complexes in China. It's best to explore the Summer Palace leisurely, strolling along winding park paths and noting the details that give the park and palace their special charm. Everything here is enchanting: the bright yellow roof tiles, carved dragon figures lurking on pagoda slopes, painted pavilions, and window-pictures overlooking the lake — it's impossible to remain indifferent!

Opening Hours: April 1 to October 31: 06:30–18:00 (the park area around the lake is open until 22:00). November 1 to March 31: 07:00–17:00 (the park area around the lake is open until 21:00). Attractions are open April 1 to October 31: 08:30–17:00; November 1 to March 31: 09:00–16:00.

Ticket Prices: 30 yuan.

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Kunming Lake

For those wishing to take a break from the bustling city life, head to Beijing's central lake, Kunming Lake, located in the Summer Palace.

Come here to enjoy the beautiful park views and witness an unforgettable sunset on the lake shore. The largest bridge on the lake, with its 17 arches and its famous reflection in the mirror-like water, offers a harmonious and tranquil sight.

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Temple of Heaven

Beijing is famous for its temples, and one of the most revered is the Temple of Heaven. It symbolizes the unity of Heaven and Earth, and every detail here has a special meaning. The main hall, with its round shape and heavenly blue roof symbolizing Heaven, supported by columns representing the seasons, is particularly impressive. After visiting the temple, take a stroll through the adjacent park, designed in the best traditions of Chinese garden art.

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Tiananmen Square

A symbol of modern China, Tiananmen Square attracts crowds of tourists, and it's clear why. Take, for example, the famous flag-raising ceremony held here every morning, leaving a lasting impression with its precise synchronization. The sheer size and monumentality of the square (which can accommodate up to a million people!) are breathtaking. The square also houses the most significant attractions in China. In short, whatever draws you to the main square of the Chinese capital, you can't miss visiting it.

Tip: To fully appreciate the scale of the square, it's best to come early in the morning when there are fewer people.

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Beihai Park

Beijing's interesting places to visit aren't limited to palaces and temples. Chinese parks have long become a symbol of China, and Beihai Park is no exception. The atmosphere of tranquility and harmony in this green oasis instantly affects everyone who visits. Winding paths, a cool lake with blooming lotuses, lush greenery, and shady park corners seem made for contemplation and relaxation. It's a great place to spend the whole day, and the park's beautiful spots are perfect for photos.

Ticket Price: 15 yuan.

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Yonghe Temple

One of the gems of Chinese temple architecture that you must see in Beijing is the Buddhist Yonghe Temple, which should definitely be on your tourist list. Everything here is striking: the bright, unique appearance of the temple buildings combining Chinese and Tibetan styles (the temple practices Tibetan Buddhism), the vibrant colors and decor, and, of course, the 26-meter sandalwood statue of Buddha, listed in the Guinness Book of Records. The temple is active, so you can also witness rituals and prayers.

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National Museum of China

This museum houses the most comprehensive collection dedicated to Chinese history. With 620,000 exhibits, it spans various historical stages, from ancient times to the present, as well as the country's culture, art, and rich historical heritage. Jewelry, household items, ancient armor, historical documents—exploring all the museum's halls will take a whole day, but it's worth it!

Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday from 09:00 to 17:00.

Admission to the museum is free.

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Fragrant Hills Park

Another park you must visit in Beijing! Built in 1186, Fragrant Hills Park is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the country. Ponds with lakeside pavilions, waterfalls, grottos, blooming trees, and lush greenery create a relaxing atmosphere. The most persistent can climb to the Liuli Pagoda—a stunning building covered with jade-green tiles, offering a beautiful view of the park from above.

Prices: entry to the park costs 15 yuan, with additional charges for visiting the Buddhist temple complex.

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Prince Gong's Mansion

This palace and park ensemble, once the residence of an imperial favorite, now houses a museum and theater, with the park open to visitors. The museum showcases how the prince's chambers and residence looked during its heyday, thanks to meticulously restored interiors and original decorations. Art enthusiasts can enjoy traditional Chinese opera and circus performances in the theater.

Opening Hours: the museum is open daily from 07:30 to 16:30.

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Houhai Lake

Experience Beijing's nightlife and see how the city used to live by visiting Houhai Lake. This area is known for preserving traditional narrow alleys called hutongs and is bustling with life in the evenings. During the day, you can take a rickshaw ride through the area, and in the evening, stroll along the lakefront, enjoy local cuisine in one of the many restaurants, and listen to traditional music.

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Silk Market

To diversify your tour of Beijing's interesting places, we recommend visiting the Silk Market—a shopper's paradise. Here you can buy almost anything. From 09:30 to 22:00, all seven floors of this shopping center are bustling with activity. You'll find fabrics, jewelry, accessories, antiques, and even handmade items. Remember: if something catches your eye, haggle! Prices are often doubled or tripled, so don't hesitate.

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Niujie Mosque

This unique building will interest any tourist. The mosque's "gimmick" is that it looks like a typical Chinese temple from the outside—with a two-tiered roof, carved facade, and other attributes. But inside, it is a traditional Muslim sanctuary. It is also the oldest mosque in Beijing, built in 996. The mosque has separate prayer halls for men and women.

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Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)

Once the suburban summer residence of monarchs and the jewel of the capital, surpassing the Summer Palace in size and known as the "Chinese Versailles," today Yuanmingyuan is a picturesque ruin around artificial lakes with islands. The park, though abandoned, is remarkably attractive in its neglected state and quietness. There are no crowds of tourists or noisy excursions, making it a great place for solitude.

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Museum of Applied Arts

Explore the works of traditional Chinese decorative arts at the Museum of Applied Arts. The museum features unique items made of bronze, stone, and wood, porcelain, carved bone artifacts, paintings, enamel, and calligraphy. The collection of jewelry made of gold, bronze, and jade is also impressive.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

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Liulichang Street

This street is the Montmartre of the Chinese capital. Liulichang Street is a treasure trove for art lovers, antique collectors, and anyone looking for unique items. This colorful street with old houses hosts workshops and shops of various craftsmen where you can buy antiques and handmade items you won't find elsewhere. Jade jewelry, calligraphy scrolls, inkstones, brushes, mirror paintings, shadow play dolls—the most original and unique souvenirs are found here!

Opening Hours: shops are open from 09:00 to 18:00.

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Beijing Zoo

The Beijing Zoo is interesting for both adults and children, not just because it has more animals than other zoos in the country. The main "star" of the Beijing Zoo is the giant panda, a favorite among visitors. You can admire these rare, adorable creatures daily.

Opening Hours: daily from 07:30 to 17:00.

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Beijing Botanical Garden

The Beijing Botanical Garden houses an interesting but little-known museum. It's the Museum of Bees and Honey—a paradise for sweet tooths! Here you can learn about beekeeping and honey harvesting, taste different kinds of honey, and learn how bees communicate with each other.

Opening Hours: the museum is open from 08:30 to 16:30.

Prices: entry costs 6 yuan.

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798 Art Zone

For lovers of unconventional approaches and creative solutions! One of Beijing's most interesting places, the 798 Art Zone, is perfect for those looking to transform their perception of art.

Traditional painting, graphics, sculpture, and design in various forms acquire fantastic, sometimes phantasmagoric shapes here. You won't be bored, guaranteed! Many art objects are free to view, while others cost between 5-15 yuan. If you get tired of all the creativity, cafes and shops are available for a rest before your next "art attack."

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