The Forbidden City
I can also recollect the time when I first arrived in Beijing late in the fall of my first visit to the airport. The air carried a little smell of roasted chestnuts from a street cart, and the cold stung my ears. If anyone inquired why Beijing places of interest never lose their charm for me, I would say it is because they do not let you stand idle. One minute you are looking up at the red gates of the Forbidden City, and the next you are being squashed in a hutong alley. Meanwhile, you hear a neighbor grumbling about how much dumplings cost.
One of my friends once commented that the Great Wall looks majestic in pictures. However, when you are there, it is even more bizarre. It meanders over the hills like a determined dragon. By the time you reach the first watchtower, your legs have already burnt. That is the secret of places of interest in Beijing: they are not just places to take photos. They are places where experiences change depending on the time, season, or even your mood. The cheapest fee to enter a place such as the Summer Palace may be ¥80–100, but it is hard to estimate the experience of standing by Kunming Lake with the wind blowing across it. Missing it will likely make you regret it as soon as you see someone with a travel album.
Why Beijing Captures the World’s Interest
Beijing places of interest does not keep its history behind the glass. You can walk a few blocks along the busy Wangfujing where you can find school groups matching in hats and the youths of Beijing sipping bubble tea in the neon lit malls. It is precisely that crash of dynasties and delivery apps that has made so many travelers make the places of interest in Beijing the first thing on their itinerary list, two time lines running parallel and you can be the one in the middle.
You may refer to the Great Wall--steps that, nevertheless, cannot be taken when you are perspiring. There are also those who vow to the Peking Duck, which is chopped at the table into pancakes made of paper thinness. Even a ride in a taxi in the Third Ring Road can provide an idea of the life in the city and its pandemonium. However, what is really attracting millions is not just one spectacular sight; rather it is the combination of the experiences: morning Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven, wandering hutongs, laundry fluttering over small lanes, evening skewers in night markets. It is all alive, unedited and memorable.
Beijing is a burden that other cities cannot bear. It is silent, too, in Tiananmen Square, at the sunrise, just before the lowering of the flag. Later on, during a ride on the subway, 798 Art District is full of graffiti, experimental galleries, and oat lattes. It is this contrast of historic magnificence and modern roughness, which makes Beijing places of interest very interesting. It is not only about checking a list: why the city wants you back and lets you experience its ever-changing stories.
Beijing Hutongs
Top 10 Beijing Places of Interest Worth Exploring
The Forbidden City – more than just imperial walls
Passing over the Gate of Meridians I nearly fell at my own feet. The golden roof tops shone in the morning sunlight and faint incense was floating in a courtyard where tourists took pictures of a ceremonial guard. Unless you explore the less noisy places, you will be missing half the beauty of this historic palace.
- Location:Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays, check season)
- Average Cost: ¥60–80 for foreigners
- Transport: Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East/West or taxi
- Tips: Explore side courtyards; audio guides enhance experience
The Great Wall – Mutianyu for a less crowded climb
Mutianyu winds and turns around hilly woodland. It is whistled by the wind upon the ridge and the fresh air makes every step a pay. Cable cars are available, yet it will spare your legs in case you intend a complete hike.
- Location:Huairou District, Beijing
- Hours:7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Average Cost: ¥40–70 for entry; cable car ¥120 return
- Transport: Shuttle bus from Huairou district or taxi
- Tips: Early morning visits reduce crowds; bring water and sunscreen
The Great Wall
Temple of Heaven – echoes of rituals and music
Passing by the Hall of Prayer to Good Harvests, I heard the sound of an elderly man playing bamboo flute as older people exercised Tai Chi. Here is a harmonious combination of calmness and urban life.
- Location:Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District
- Hours:6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Average Cost:¥35–40
- Transport: Subway Line 5, Tiantan East Gate station
- Tips: Visit early for Tai Chi demonstrations; audio guides available
Summer Palace – where nature frames history
The Marble Boat is reflected in Kunming Lake, which has red corridors. There is a brief boat ride giving views that photographs are unable to show. Don’t miss out on the elegance of royal gardens. See the full details here: Summer Palace Beijing Tour
- Location: Haidian District, Beijing
- Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Average Cost:¥50–70; boat ride ¥30–50
- Transport: Subway Line 4, Beigongmen station
- Tips: Long Corridor offers shaded strolls; check for seasonal events
Tiananmen Square – the world’s largest square
The square is empty in the early morning, and we can see some finer points: flag-lowering ceremony, accurate movements of the guards, distant hum of traffic.
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:Open 24 hours; monument 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Average Cost:Free; Monument tickets ¥10–15
- Transport: Subway Line 1, Tiananmen East/West
- Tips:Early morning best for photography; avoid weekends
Tiananmen Square
Lama Temple & Confucius Temple – spiritual layers
Thick incense, people that worship and students that copy Chinese characters form a calm and dynamic air.
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Average Cost:¥25–30 each
- Transport: Subway Line 2 or taxi
- Tips:Combine both temples in one visit; bring small cash for offerings
Beijing Hutongs – everyday life in narrow alleys
Food smells, scooters and vendors all alive in Nanluoguxiang. Both local color and history come with the rides of Rickshaws.
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:All day; shops usually 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Average Cost:Free–¥50
- Transport: Subway Line 6, Nanluoguxiang station
- Tips:Explore early morning or evening for quieter streets
798 Art District – industrial past turned creative hub
Warehouses are made of concrete with murals and jazz in the corner shops. There are galleries ¥30-50, and free ones.
- Location: Chaoyang District, Beijing
- Hours:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Average Cost:Free–¥50
- Transport: Subway Line 14, Jiangtai station + taxi
- Tips:Check exhibition schedules; cafés are good for rest stops
Jingshan Park – hilltop views of the city
A short hike will be paid with the panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the surrounding streets. The haze of Sunset covers Beijing.
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Average Cost:¥2–5
- Transport: Short walk from Forbidden City north gate
- Tips:Sunset offers best photo opportunities; locals fly kites
Wangfujing & Night Markets – tasting Beijing after dark
There are neon lights flashing on booths with sugar-coated fruits, grilled squid and stinky tofu. Skewers cost roughly ¥15 each.
- Location: Dongcheng District, Beijing
- Hours:Shops 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; night market 5:00 PM – midnight
- Average Cost:¥10–50 per snack
- Transport: Subway Line 1, Wangfujing station
- Tips:Try small portions to taste more; beware of tourist markups
What Tourists Typically Do in Beijing
Popular Routes for Exploring Beijing places of interest
When I attempted to sketch out my day of sightseeing in Beijing the first thing I noticed is that it is not a one-size-fits-all city. The vast majority of tourists get absorbed in the time-old circuit: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and possibly Jingshan Park. It is, of course, working, but when you do not visit the less congested parts of the Forbidden City, you miss out such details as on the small carvings of the dragons or the ceremonial steps of the guards of the emperor. I tend to interlace the historical way with at least one surprise destination one of the hutong lanes beneath Nanluoguxiang because there is where the city is real. Hint: when you use the taxi between these places, you should count on spending about 25-40 taxi per short ride and you should be prepared to meet drivers who hardly speak English.
Early mornings are most suitable to people who want to see must-visit sites in Beijing without being trampled by the large crowd. The Temple of Heaven opens at 6:00 AM, and it is something to remember when people see locals practicing Tai Chi as the city wakes up. By 9.30 when the tour buses come, you have already managed to capture the spirit of the place without pushing your way through.
Temple of Heaven
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Ticketing is one of the things that made me feel out of place the first time. There are others such as the Summer Palace that charged locals and foreigners differently. I recall how I spent ¥70 on Mutianyu, and how I witnessed the group of students spending half that amount- clumsy, yet inevitable. Moreover, the entrances to subways are not always marked, only in Chinese or in broken English, which is why Google Maps are not always sufficient; the presence of a backup map saved me several times. And, no, the taxi ride during the rush hour will be a sort of obstacle course on its own, I have heard of a 40-minute drive along the 3-kilometer route on the Second Ring Road.
Local Tips That Make Your Beijing Experience Smoother
In case you are feeling like trying something different in the city other than the big places with interest in Beijing, head into hutongs or visit the 798 Art District. Even an informal cafe visit might provide you with some hidden art gallery or street art shows that are not written down in guide books. I would also bring a few 10-20 Yen to buy little snacks or water some of the vendors do not take cards. And in case you enjoy photography, the sunset at the Jingshan Park is almost the view of the forbidden city which is almost movie-like. Such inconsequential things tend to change the difference between a tourist day that is average and the one that is actually outstanding.
Looking for more fun and unique experiences in Beijing? Discover them here: Fun Things to Do in Beijing.
One Day in Beijing – A Sample Itinerary
Morning Exploration: Forbidden City
I have attempted at some point squeezing Beijing into one day. To be honest, it is a little ambitious. However, it can be done with proper planning. I was also early at the Forbidden City, arriving around 7:30 AM just after the gates opened.
The early sunlight struck the roofs of the golden houses perfectly. I could hear footsteps of some people in the vacant courtyards. Foreigners paid ¥60–80 to enter. It was best to take an audio guide to understand the ceremonial halls without confusion from translation. As I walked beyond the main halls into peaceful side courtyards, I spotted tourists attempting selfies of the dragon carvings. I smiled, understanding that these little moments make Beijing places of interest truly come alive.
Mid-Morning Views: Jingshan Park
At mid-morning I used a short taxi (approximately ¥2530) to get to Jingshan Park which is directly behind the Forbidden City. The ascent is gradual yet significant to the extent of ensuring the circulation of blood and the sight at the summit? Unforgettable. The city is dispersed as a beautifully planned map, the red tiles of the Forbidden City in the center, smoke rising out of a nearby hutong, and the low murmur of early morning traffic. I took around 20 minutes to take pictures and see kite strings flying in the wind.
Lunch Break: Hutong Dining Experience
Lunch was an informal affair at a small restaurant set in a hutong at Wangfujing. I ordered a plate of Peking duck pancakes crispy skin, soft meat and just enough hoisin and it was approximately ¥120 per two. The place takes foreign cards and this was convenient and even the waiter provided me with tips on the need of visiting which stalls in the night market in future.
Afternoon Serenity: Temple of Heaven
Afternoon was a short ride on the subway (¥3–5) to the Temple of Heaven. There, locals were exercising Tai Chi in the shade of old trees. The air was heavy with the slight fragrance of incense. Occasionally, the aroma of street vendors drifted by. While strolling in the round halls, I heard echoes of the morning ceremonies. This created a clear contrast to the busy streets just a few blocks away. Therefore, this is another reason why Beijing places of interest can be defined as layered and rich.
Evening Adventure: Wangfujing Night Market
In the evening, I made my way to Wangfujing Night Market. Neon lights displayed English and pinyin writing everywhere. Every turn offered an experience filled with the aroma of candied hawthorns, lamb skewers, and stinky tofu. Lamb skewers cost approximately 15 yuan. Although I was holding back on a scorpion on a stick, the madness of the marketplace made it a great ending to a busy day. As I walked back to my hotel, I realized that despite being in a single day, Beijing places of interest can surprise, exhaust, and even enchant at the same time.
Summer Palace
FAQ of Beijing places of interest
Q: What is the most popular Beijing places of interest?
A: In my case and based on TripAdvisor reviews, the Forbidden City is at the top of the list. It is a good place to be early in the morning before the crowds, however, even then, the weekend might be busy. The cost of entry is approximately ¥6080 among foreigners (Ctrip link). Personally, I would recommend visiting the side courtyards which are less busy and more elaborate and, as such, makes the visit feel not as rushed as the main halls.
Q: Is the Great Wall worth visiting if I only have one day in Beijing?
A: It is a question of your strength and interests. Mutianyu is not as overcrowded as Badaling and provides ¥4070 tickets along with a 120 cable car ride back. The scenery was stunning, particularly when you are lucky enough to have the morning haze on the hills. However, in the event that you are in a hurry, it can be possible to achieve the same climbing the dragon experience in a shorter half-day trip.
Q: How much time should I spend at the Summer Palace?
A: I tend to give myself 2-3 hours, although it might extend to half a day when you embark on a boat ride across Kunming Lake (¥30 -50) and walk the Long Corridor. Ctrip mentions seasonal discounts, which is why it is important to check in advance. The gardens, pavilions and the lake views make it one of the most picturesque attractions in Beijing and hurrying through it may be like you are not capturing the spirit of it.
Q: Is it possible to visit Beijing in a single day?
A: Theoretically not, but it will be crowded. A one day Beijing tour typically does the Forbidden City, Jingshan park, Temple of Heaven and a brief evening out at Wangfujing or hutong. Transport is mainly taxis or the subway (¥3-5 per ride) but it may take ages due to numbers, traffic and queueing to buy tickets. As an individual, I would choose to spread it in two days to get the feel of it.
Q: Are there any attractions in Beijing which are family friendly?
A: The majority of large sites can be visited by kids, but walking distances are long. Good places include Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and Jingshan Park are also family friendly. Only to keep in mind that crowds can be found during high-traffic hours, and it is better to think over little snacks or water - the street vendors are everywhere. Looking for tickets and travel deals in Beijing? Book easily with Trip.com. Not all museums will be easily read in English and a simple guide or application comes to the rescue.
Q: When is the most appropriate time to visit Beijing places of interest?
A: The best time of the year is spring (April -May) and autumn (September-October): it is cooler, the clouds are clear, and the number of smog days is reduced. It can be hot in the summer, particularly in open places such as the Great Wall, and mornings in the winter can be bitterly cold. I remember how I was standing at Mutianyu, during the end of November, and the wind blew my hat away, but the sight was not to be forgotten.
Q: Are Beijing places of interest secret gems?
A: Absolutely. Smaller galleries such as Nanluoguxiang, the 798 Art District, or temples of lesser fame such as Dajue Temple will offer a less crowded view of the city. The tickets are either cheap or free and you can experience the daily life of locals. To me, these are the places that bring a better feel of Beijing as compared to the main tourist area.
Q: What is the daily budget of visiting Beijing places of interest?
A: Approximately 250-400 dollars will include entrance fees (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace), brief taxi or subway rides and food. Additional ¥50-100 may be added to snacks in street markets or night food. Naturally, the prices are different in seasons and according to personal preferences.
