北京城市风景

北京Beijing

Beijing, formerly known as "Yanjing", "Youzhou" and "Beiping", is the capital of the People's Republic of China, the center of China's politics, culture, transportation and international exchanges, and the center of economic and financial decision-making and management.

Beijing is home to seven UNESCO heritage sites – the largest number of cities in the world, including the Forbidden City (the largest surviving palace complex, covering an area of 72 hectares with 980 palaces), the Temple of Heaven for the Ming and Qing emperors, and the Summer Palace, which combines the essence of landscape gardens. The Mutianyu and Badaling sections of the Great Wall have preserved the majestic appearance of this 2000-year-old defensive project, and visitors can experience the ancient miracle that stretches for 21,000 kilometers on foot.

Western tourists often compare Beijing's historical status to a combination of Rome and Washington, D.C., where every street has a millennium of stories. The courtyard of the Ming Dynasty Hutong preserves the traditional community life and is most suitable for cycling exploration; The 798 Art District, which was renovated from an electronics factory in the 50s, is lined with avant-garde galleries, showing the vigorous vitality of Chinese contemporary art.

Modern Beijing is equally stunning: the steel mesh structure of the Bird's Nest Stadium and the suspended corridor of the CCTV building highlight the architectural ambitions of the 21st century; The glass-walled building of the China World Trade Center CBD gathers global companies, and the neon streets of Sanlitun are full of diverse experiences ranging from old roast duck shops to boutique bars.

As an air gateway connecting the world, Beijing is a unique interpretation of the heritage of civilization – it is not only a sacred place for ancient emperors to worship heaven and ancestors, but also the engine that drives the future of human technology, whether it is a dialogue with stone statues in the Ming Ming Tombs or a sunset at a bar on the shore of Houhai Lake, this eternally evolving city has always invited the world to witness the continuous development of civilization.

Recommended Attractions

Explore the most popular attractions in 北京 and experience unique local culture and natural scenery.

天安门
天安门
Tiananmen Square
Feel the solemn history and pay homage to the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
王府井
王府井
Wangfujing Street
Taste authentic snacks and experience the bustling business atmosphere of the capital.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
故宫
National Level AAAAA
故宫
Forbidden City
Explore the magnificent royal palaces and immerse yourself in thousands of years of Chinese history.
Ticket: $40
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: quite a while
天坛
National Level AAAAA
天坛
Temple of Heaven
Admire the intricate sacrificial architecture and feel the ancient and tranquil atmosphere.
Ticket: $15
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 3 hours
雍和宫
雍和宫
Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple)
Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and appreciate the exquisite Buddha architecture.
Ticket: 25 yuan
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: quite a while
中山公园
中山公园
Zhongshan Park
Commemorate Mr. Sun Yat-sen, enjoy the flowers and ancient buildings of the four seasons.
Ticket: $3
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
南锣鼓巷
南锣鼓巷
Nanluoguxiang Alley
Stroll through the old Beijing hutongs and feel the culture and characteristics of the city.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
什刹海
什刹海
Shichahai Lake
Experience the leisure life of the capital and enjoy the lake and water by boat.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Summer and autumn
Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours
中国国家博物馆
中国国家博物馆
National Museum of China
Learn about China's rich history and explore its cultural treasures.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 3 hours
鸟巢/水立方
鸟巢/水立方
Bird's Nest / Water Cube
Admire the modern Olympic architecture and feel the magnificent artistic charm.
Ticket: 50/30 yuan
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
三里屯
三里屯
Sanlitun
Experience Beijing's fashion trends and enjoy the city's nightlife.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
奥林匹克公园
奥林匹克公园
Olympic Park
Stroll and cycle through the Olympic Park and feel the vibrancy of the city.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
朝阳公园
朝阳公园
Chaoyang Park
A large-scale comprehensive park, the first choice for leisure and family travel.
Ticket: $5
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
颐和园
颐和园
Summer Palace
Admire the royal gardens and appreciate the beauty of the intricate design.
Ticket: $20
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 3 hours
圆明园
圆明园
Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan)
Explore the vicissitudes of the royal gardens and feel the glorious history of the past.
Ticket: $10
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
钓鱼台
钓鱼台
Diaoyutai State Guesthouse (Area)
Ginkgo Avenue is limited to autumn and you can enjoy the beauty of tranquility and nature.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 2 hours
景山公园
景山公园
Jingshan Park
Climb to the top to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City, and have an excellent panoramic view.
Ticket: $2
Suitable Season: spring and autumn
Suggested Duration: 1 hour
烟袋斜街
烟袋斜街
Yandai Xie Street (Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street)
Feel the atmosphere of the old Beijing hutongs and look for special souvenirs.
Ticket: gratis
Suitable Season: Year round
Suggested Duration: 1.5 hours

Best Travel Month

Explore the unique urban charm and exciting activities of 北京.

4
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Cherry blossom view: cherry blossom spectacle!] 20,000 cherry blossoms in Yuyuantan into a sea, peach blossom promenade on the west embankment of the Summer Palace (best time: before mid-April)

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Yuyuantan Park, West Embankment of the Summer Palace
5
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Peony appreciation: Royal Peony Festival! Rare peony varieties in Jingshan Park, Badaling Great Wall Mountain Flower Corridor (Suggestion: Avoid visiting before the summer crowds)

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Jingshan Park, Badaling Great Wall
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Watching the Autumn Leaves: A Visual Feast in Golden Autumn! The red leaves of Xiangshan are all over the mountains, and the ginkgo avenue of the Forbidden City is paved with gold (photographer's recommendation: the peak of color in mid-October)

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Xiangshan Park, Forbidden City
12-2
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Snow Scene: Ice and Snow Imperial City Experience! Classic scene of red wall and white snow in the Forbidden City, traditional ice activities in Shichahai (limited-time winter wonders)

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Forbidden City, Shichahai Ice Rink

北京Transportation Guide

Plane

The capital airport has an airport express line directly to the city, and the ticket price is 25 yuan.

Daxing Airport has Daxing Airport Line, and the ticket price is 30-35 yuan.

Both airports have airport buses that connect to various points in the city, and fares vary depending on the route.

High-speed Rail/Train

There are four major railway stations in Beijing: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station and Beijing North Railway Station.

The high-speed rail network is well developed, and it is convenient to travel to Tianjin, Shijiazhuang and other surrounding cities.

Subway

Beijing has a well-developed subway network, with a total of 27 lines, covering major areas of the city.

Line 1 and Line 2 connect the main attractions, and the ticket price ranges from 2-9 yuan.

E-tickets can be purchased using the Beijing Transportation Card or through the E-Toll APP.

Bus

There are more than 1,000 bus lines in Beijing, and the fare is 1-2 yuan.

You can use the Beijing transportation card to enjoy the fare discount.

Bus lanes avoid congestion during peak hours.

Taxi

The starting price is 14 yuan (within 3 kilometers), and then 2.3 yuan per kilometer.

Nights (23:00-5:00) are subject to a 20% night fee.

It is recommended to use apps such as Didi Chuxing to make an appointment.

Shared Bicycle

Bike-sharing bikes such as Meituan (yellow) and Haro (blue) can be found all over the city and are unlocked using mobile apps.

The cost is about 1-1.5 yuan/15 minutes, which is suitable for short trips.

Local Snacks

Taste the most authentic and popular local delicacies and snacks in 北京.

北京烤鸭

北京烤鸭Běijīng kǎoyā

Peking Duck

¥200-400/piece

Crispy duck skin and tender duck meat, a fun-filled eating experience, a symbol of Beijing cuisine, and a diverse restaurant choice.

Main IngredientsPeking white duck, crepes, green onions, cucumbers, sweet noodle sauce.
煎饼

煎饼Jiānbǐng

Jianbing

¥8-20/pcs

Convenient street food, rich textures and flavors, flexible and diverse taste options, affordable prices.

Main IngredientsWheat flour and multigrain flour, eggs, thin crisps, coriander, chopped green onions, sauce.
糖葫芦

糖葫芦Tánghúlú

Candied Haw

¥5-20/skewer

Crystal clear and alluring appearance, wonderful taste of sweet and sour, convenient and easy to eat, popular on social media.

Main Ingredientshawthorn, sugar, water, and sometimes other fruits are used.
驴打滚

驴打滚Lǘdǎgǔn

Rolling Donkey

¥3-8/piece

Interesting names and stories, soft and glutinous textures and sweet fillings, old Beijing snacks.

Main IngredientsGlutinous rice or yellow rice, red bean paste, fried soybean noodles.
爆肚

爆肚Bàodǔ

Boiled Tripe

¥30-80/serving

A unique taste experience, rich flavors of seasonings, traditional Beijing flavors (with halal features).

Main IngredientsFresh tripe or lamb tripe, as well as seasonings such as tahini, mushrooms, vinegar, soy tofu, chili, garlic, etc.
豆汁

豆汁Dòuzhī

Mung Bean Milk

¥3-6/bowl

A unique and intense taste of Beijing, a traditional Beijing breakfast, potential nutritional value (a taste that needs a lot of adaptation).

Main IngredientsMung beans (fermented) and water.