Beijing is China's capital and was the imperial seat of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. Its palaces, central axis and courtyard lanes preserve that heritage. Start with the Forbidden City's art and architecture, the Temple of Heaven's ceremonial grounds and the Summer Palace's lakeside gardens. Set aside another day for the Great Wall, then explore hutongs around Shichahai and the Drum Tower and try Peking duck.
The best of Beijing
Dongcheng DistrictAbout 4 hoursCNY 40–60
Forbidden City
The Yongle Emperor commissioned the Forbidden City for his move to Beijing, and the palace was completed in 1420. Twenty-four Ming and Qing emperors subsequently ruled from it. The three great halls hosted state ceremonies, while the inner court housed the imperial family; successive gates enforced distinctions of rank. Qing palace examinations were also held in the Hall of Preserving Harmony, with the emperor personally determining the order of the top three candidates.
BookingAdvance real-name booking is required through Palace Museum channels. Tickets are released at 20:00 seven days ahead; passports are accepted.
Location
4 Jingshan Qianjie, Dongcheng, Beijing; visitor entry is through the Meridian Gate.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 08:30–17:00, last entry 16:00; Nov–Mar 08:30–16:30, last entry 15:30. Closed Mondays except statutory holidays.
Admission
Standard adult museum admission. CNY 60 Apr–Oct and CNY 40 Nov–Mar; separately ticketed galleries and services are excluded.
Dongcheng DistrictAbout 2 hoursCNY 10–15
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven organized Ming and Qing ceremonies for heaven worship and harvest prayers. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound served different rituals. Circular forms, blue tiles and the enclosing layout carried celestial associations. Fasting, offerings and ceremonial music preceded the rites, leaving routes, preparation buildings and the fasting palace as evidence of the work behind imperial ceremony.
BookingUse the park website, official WeChat account or Jingtong attraction ticketing for official purchase channels; check the selected ticket's entry conditions.
Location
7 Tiantan Neidongli, Dongcheng, Beijing.
Opening hours
Park: Apr–Oct 06:00–22:00, Nov–Mar 06:30–22:00; last entry 21:00. Main inner sights: 08:00–18:00/17:00 respectively, last entry 30 minutes earlier; closed Mondays except statutory holidays.
Admission
Adult park admission only. CNY 15 Apr–Oct and CNY 10 Nov–Mar; the principal temple sights and Divine Music Administration require separate admission.
Haidian DistrictAbout 4 hoursCNY 20–30
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace began as Qianlong's Qingyi Garden and was rebuilt under Empress Dowager Cixi after destruction. Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill organize the grounds, linked by the Long Corridor and overlooked by the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The western causeway draws on Hangzhou's West Lake. Administrative, residential and theatrical spaces share a designed landscape that brought southern garden traditions into imperial daily life.
BookingSelect a date and ticket through official Summer Palace channels or Jingtong attraction ticketing.
Opening hours
Apr–Oct 06:00–20:00, last entry 19:00; Nov–Mar 06:30–19:00, last entry 18:00. Inner attractions have shorter hours and some close Mondays.
Admission
Adult park admission only. CNY 30 Apr–Oct and CNY 20 Nov–Mar; separately charged inner attractions and museums are excluded.
What to eat
Peking duck
Peking duck is roasted either hanging over an open fire or in a closed oven, then carved at the table into thin slices with crisp skin. Spread a pancake with sweet bean sauce and roll it with duck, scallion and cucumber. The carcass often becomes a soup, so one bird makes several courses.
Pea flour cake
Wandouhuang began as a spring street snack in Beijing and was later refined in the Qing palace kitchens. Peeled peas are cooked soft, sieved, sweetened and set into pale yellow squares that melt on the tongue. It is best in spring, with a cup of tea.
Arrive, explore, settle in
Arriving
Capital and Daxing are separate airport gateways. Check your ticket before choosing airport rail, bus or taxi around your accommodation, and allow for the cross-city transfer on departure.
Getting around
Use the metro between districts, then walk through hutongs and parks. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace need separate transfers; plan transport out of the city for the Great Wall.
Where to stay
For a first visit, consider a metro-connected base around Dongsi, Wangfujing or Qianmen for the historic center. The Drum Tower area suits hutong atmosphere; check vehicle access to your accommodation.
Make the Forbidden City the main visit, then choose Jingshan or a Shichahai walk as energy allows. Build the order around your reservation.
Route 2
Ceremonies and gardens
Give the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace separate outings if time permits: ceremonial architecture at the first, a leisurely lakeside route at the second.
Route 3
Great Wall outing
Choose one Great Wall section and settle the return transport and walking route first. Treat it as a countryside outing with a light city schedule afterward.
More planning advice
Check available dates and identity-document requirements through Palace Museum ticketing before arranging other visits. Check the ticket options separately if you want to see the Treasure or Clock galleries.
At the Temple of Heaven, check the park and its inner sights, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and Circular Mound, separately for hours and tickets. Plan the main buildings around their own closing times.
Allow an uninterrupted walk through the Summer Palace's landscape of Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and the Long Corridor. Check individual opening arrangements if you want to enter its inner attractions.
Good to know
How many days do I need in Beijing?
Allow 4–6 days, excluding intercity travel. Leave room for journeys, queues and meals.
When should I visit Beijing?
Suggested months: Mar · Apr · May · Sep · Oct. Check weather, holidays and opening arrangements for your actual dates.
Which sights need advance booking?
Read each sight’s booking note and check official information before fixing your dates. Foreign passport booking channels may differ. Booking with a foreign passport →
Make Beijing your own
Put your favourite places on the map, then decide how to spend each day.
