The Great Wall of China stretches over 13,000 miles across northern China. Thankfully, some of its most iconic sections are just a short trip from Beijing. Hiking the Wall is the best way to fully immerse yourself in the landscape and appreciate the incredible effort behind its construction. Sure, your legs might ache, but you’ll leave with an unforgettable story to share back home. Stay tuned for my blog on the best sections of the Great Wall to hike!
The Forbidden City was home to China’s emperors for over 500 years, where they ruled the country from the heart of Beijing. This massive palace complex is packed with history, culture, and jaw-dropping architecture. As you wander through the majestic halls and grand courtyards, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time, walking in the footsteps of the emperors who once lived and ruled within these walls. To get inspired before your visit, check out the Oscar-winning film The Last Emperor or the popular TV drama Empresses in the Palace.
Hutongs are narrow alleyways that are the heart and soul of Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods. It’s fun to get lost in them—you might stumble upon charming old courtyards, hidden cafes, and historic homes. What I loved most was seeing locals go about their daily lives, sometimes with their gates wide open right next to you—it feels so intimate. Some hutongs, like South Luogu Lane (南锣鼓巷) and Yanda Byway (烟袋斜街), are also famous for their lively commercial streets, great for street food and souvenir shopping.
The Temple of Heaven is where China’s emperors, as the ‘Sons of Heaven,’ came to pray for good harvests and divine blessings. The highlight of the temple is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an architectural masterpiece renowned for its perfect symmetry and rich symbolism. If you visit early in the morning, you might even catch locals practicing tai chi in the peaceful park.
The Summer Palace is a stunning royal summer retreat, much like Schonbrunn for the Habsburgs. It’s less of a palace and more of a vast park, with serene lakes, grand pavilions, and ancient architecture. It’s an ideal spot to unwind, surrounded by nature and steeped in history.
Fun fact: The park’s design was inspired by the scenic beauty of southern China, especially West Lake in Hangzhou, which the emperor adored. Explore Hangzhou on your China trip, and you might just fall for it too!
Tiananmen Square stands as a key symbol of modern China’s history, having witnessed pivotal events that shaped the country. Today’s square is home to several iconic landmarks: Tiananmen Gate, with Chairman Mao’s towering portrait still on display; the Great Hall of the People, where major national meetings and ceremonies take place; the National Museum showcasing some of China’s greatest cultural treasures; and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, where you can even glimpse the Chairman himself. Each morning at sunrise, there’s a flag-raising ceremony that’s popular with locals.
Insider Tips: Security is tight with multiple checks and long lines. If you’re not planning to visit specific landmarks, I highly recommend a night bike ride through Tiananmen Square for a fun and hassle-free experience. Stay tuned for my upcoming blog on biking routes and tips.
The Lama Temple is a stunning Tibetan Buddhist temple in the heart of Beijing, famous for its massive 18-meter Maitreya Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood (and yes, it holds a Guinness World Record!). It’s one of the most visited temples in China, where locals come to pray for everything from good health to career success to love. You should definitely join in—light an incense stick like the locals do and make a wish!
Fun Fact: The Lama Temple was originally built as a residence for a prince during the Qing Dynasty. When the prince became Emperor Yongzheng, he transformed the residence into a monastery.
Jingshan Park is one of the best and most accessible spots for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. From the hilltop, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Forbidden City to the south, the Bell Towers to the north, Beijing’s business district and skyscrapers to the east, and Beihai Park to the west. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset, when the sky glows golden behind the sparkling Forbidden City.
Fun fact: Jingshan Park is historically significant as the site where the last emperor of the Ming dynasty, Chongzhen, tragically took his life in 1644 after rebel forces captured the city, marking the fall of the Ming era.
Beihai Park is a beautiful imperial park right next to the Forbidden City. One of its standout features is the White Pagoda, which towers over the landscape and is visible from afar. Boating has been a popular pastime here for centuries, enjoyed by both past emperors and today’s locals. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too!
The Drum and Bell Towers are two iconic landmarks located at the north end of Beijing’s central axis. These majestic towers once played a vital role in helping residents keep track of time before modern clocks existed, with resonant drumbeats and far-reaching bell chimes marking the start and end of the day as well as intervals throughout. While they no longer serve as timekeepers, they’re a fascinating place to visit—step inside to explore the historic architecture, catch a lively drum performance, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the top.
Beijing is a city bursting with rich, unique flavors, offering everything from iconic dishes to adventurous eats. Start with the iconic Peking duck, a crispy delicacy that’s a must-try. For something more casual, dive into a hearty bowl of Zhajiang noodles. If you’re looking for a communal experience, share a copper pot hot pot or Zhizi BBQ with friends. And while exploring the charming hutongs, be sure to try tanghulu from a street vendor—sweet, candied fruit on a stick that’s perfect for snacking. For a complete guide, check out my post on top authentic Beijing foods to try.
Sports lovers, this one’s for you! The Olympic Park is home to three iconic sports venues: the Bird’s Nest Stadium, where the 2008 Olympic opening ceremony took place; the Water Cube, the venue for the 2008 swimming and diving events; and the Ice Ribbon, where the 2022 Winter Olympics skating events were held. All of these venues are open for tours. The Ice Ribbon is most special to me, since you get to skate on the exact rink used in the 2022 Winter Olympics. Pretty cool, huh? And if you’re looking for epic views of the park and city, don’t miss heading up the Olympic Tower!
Insider Tips: The venues look most stunning after dark when they light up.
798 Art District is a funky, artsy neighborhood that used to be a cluster of 1950s factories. Now it’s filled with colorful murals, quirky sculptures, trendy cafes, boutique shops, and galleries featuring cutting-edge art from China and beyond. Whether you’re into art or just looking for a fresh vibe in Beijing, it’s a fun place to wander around. It’s also a great spot for photos—you might catch art students sketching or couples taking wedding pictures!
