Beijing
Beijing's sights are among the most significant in the world. This guide focuses on making the most of them — without the overwhelm that comes from trying to tick off every attraction in three days.
The largest imperial palace complex in the world is a must. Buy tickets online in advance (mandatory — walk-up tickets are no longer sold). Allow at least half a day. The palace is laid out on a straight north-south axis — follow it from Meridian Gate to Shenwu Gate for the core experience, then explore the side buildings. Arrive early; it gets very crowded by mid-morning.
The Great Wall is an hour or more outside the city. The most visited section for tourists is Badaling — well-preserved but crowded. Mutianyu is a slightly further but significantly less crowded alternative with excellent views and a cable car. Jinshanling suits hikers. Book transport through your hotel or Trip.com for convenience. A half-day trip is possible; a full day is more comfortable.
The Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of Ming architecture and one of Beijing's most beautiful spaces — particularly in the early morning when locals practice tai chi in the surrounding park. The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) is a stunning lakeside complex of imperial gardens and pavilions, about an hour from the city centre — worth the half-day trip.
Walk or take a rickshaw through the hutong alleyways around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower for Beijing's most authentic residential atmosphere. Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world — worth seeing for its scale even if the political context is complex. The portrait of Mao at the north gate is an iconic image.
Go Deeper
Transport between sights, ticket booking, and the small things that experienced visitors know.