Precautions for first-time Beijing tourism
Beijing, China's capital, seamlessly blends millennia of history with modern dynamism. As home to iconic landmarks like the forbidden city, Great Wall, and Temple of Heaven, it preserves traditional charm through Hutongs, gardens, and museums. Meanwhile, towering skyscrapers, efficient infrastructure, and vibrant arts scenes highlight its contemporary energy. With a 3,000-year history spanning dynasties and a population exceeding 21 million today, Beijing stands as a global metropolis and China's political, cultural, and educational hub.
IntoTravelChina's latest Beijing guide delivers essential insights: top attractions, local hotspots, featured activities, optimal travel times, transport tips, and nearby travel recommendations. Paired with carefully designed itineraries, it helps travelers efficiently experience Beijing's royal grandeur, urban vitality, and Hutong life, offering practical advice for an unforgettable journey.
Precautions for traveling to Beijing
Planning a trip to Beijing? A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. To help you get ready, we’ve compiled a series of practical guides covering essential topics—from transportation tips and optimal travel times to must-see attractions and local activities. These resources will equip you with valuable insights to navigate the city with ease!
Top 10 Must-See Sights in Beijing: Essential Attractions for Every Visitor
Unusual Things to Do in Beijing: Survive Douzhi, Knock on the Great Wall, and Live Like a Local Legend (Without Getting Arrested)
Living in a hutong in Beijing! I saw a different Beijing
Beijing locals' private travel guide
Step into Niujie Mosque in Beijing: Unlock the Secrets of Diverse Cultures Blending Together
A must eat list for a night tour of Shichahai in Beijing for 50 yuan!
The rider's great victory! Beijing Shichahai Hutong cycling route!
The little-known secret behind the Forbidden City in Beijing
The most popular attractions in Beijing
Beijing, a city where ancient history meets modern innovation, offers a captivating blend of timeless wonders and dynamic attractions. From the majestic Great Wall and imperial Forbidden City to the life atmosphere Hutongs and futuristic Olympic Park, its most popular sites embody China's rich heritage and contemporary spirit.
The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace Museum, is the largest and best-preserved wooden ancient palace complex globally. Built between 1406 and 1420 under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties until 1912. Covering 720,000 square meters with 8,707 rooms, the palace complex symbolizes China’s imperial grandeur and architectural mastery. Its yellow-glazed roof tiles, red walls, and symmetrical layout reflect Confucian ideals and cosmic order. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it now houses over 1.8 million cultural relics, offering a glimpse into China’s imperial past.
The Summer Palace (Yíhéyuán) is China’s grandest imperial garden, blending natural landscapes with architectural artistry. Built between 1750 and 1764 under Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, it served as a royal retreat for emperors and empresses to escape Beijing’s summer heat. Destroyed by Anglo-French forces in 1860 and rebuilt in 1886, it became Empress Dowager Cixi’s opulent escape, draining the navy’s budget for renovations. Spanning 2.9 square kilometers, the garden features Kunming Lake (75% water) and Longevity Hill (25% land), with over 3,000 ancient pavilions, corridors, and temples. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, it epitomizes Chinese garden philosophy—harmonizing humanity with nature.
The Temple of Heaven (Tiāntán), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, is China’s most sacred imperial sacrificial complex. Built in 1420 under Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, it served as the ritual ground for emperors to pray for good harvests and communicate with heaven for 500 years. Covering 2.73 million square meters—four times larger than the Forbidden City—its circular mounds, blue-tiled roofs, and acoustically engineered structures symbolize the ancient Chinese belief in the "Mandate of Heaven." Unlike earthly palaces, its design emphasizes humility, with no residential buildings, reflecting imperial submission to cosmic order.
Top 10 travel guides in Beijing
Discover Beijing’s essence through our curated collection of top 10 guides, designed to highlight the capital’s most iconic experiences and hidden treasures. From must-see landmarks and authentic cuisine to cultural immersion and off-the-beaten-path adventures, these rankings help you effortlessly tailor your journey to match your interests and travel style.
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Beijing's Top 10 Must-Try Experiences: Dive into the Heart of China's Capital Beijing's Top 10 Must-Try Experiences: Dive into the Heart of China's Capital -
Top 10 Must-See Sights in Beijing: Essential Attractions for Every Visitor Top 10 Must-See Sights in Beijing: Essential Attractions for Every Visitor
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Top 10 Cultural Treasures at Yonghe Temple (with Bracelet Blessing Guide) Top 10 Cultural Treasures at Yonghe Temple (with Bracelet Blessing Guide)
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Top 10 Cafes in Hutongs & Artsy Quarters Top 10 Cafes in Hutongs & Artsy Quarters
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Beijing's Top 10 Food Streets: Culinary Hotspots Beijing's Top 10 Food Streets: Culinary Hotspots
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Top 10 Beijing Hutongs to Explore Top 10 Beijing Hutongs to Explore
Best Things to Do in Beijing
Beijing, a city where time-honored traditions thrive alongside modern marvels, invites travelers to savor its vibrant soul through unforgettable experiences. From tantalizing your taste buds with crispy Peking duck and crafting Tanghulu in bustling hutongs, to immersing in the artistry of Peking Opera, the capital offers a dynamic blend of cultural treasures and hands-on adventures that capture China’s essence.
Specific guide for visiting Beijing
Beijing, a city where ancient history meets modern innovation, offers a captivating blend of timeless wonders and dynamic attractions. From the majestic Great Wall and imperial Forbidden City to the vibrant 798 Art District and futuristic Olympic Park, its most popular sites embody China's rich heritage and contemporary spirit.
Beijing Travel Itineraries
Beijing's diverse travel itineraries cater to every interest, blending ancient wonders and modern marvels into unforgettable journeys. Whether exploring imperial history through the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, savoring culinary delights in hutong courtyards, or diving into avant-garde art in 798 District, tailored routes let you craft a Beijing adventure that mirrors your passions—from cultural immersion to urban exploration.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
