Beijing

Top Attractions in Beijing

The Great Wall

Ancient wonder stretching across mountains, offering stunning views and less crowded experience than other sections. Best preserved part of the wall with convenient access from central Beijing.

Forbidden City

World's largest palace complex with 9,999 rooms, home to 24 Chinese emperors. Magnificent architecture showcasing the peak of Chinese civilization and imperial power.

Temple of Heaven

Imperial complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. Outstanding example of Chinese architecture and landscaping surrounded by a vast public park.

Summer Palace

Largest and best-preserved royal park in China, featuring the stunning Kunming Lake and intricate traditional gardens. Perfect blend of natural and architectural beauty.

Tiananmen Square

World's largest public square, surrounded by significant buildings including the National Museum and Monument to the People's Heroes.

Lama Temple

Largest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet, featuring stunning architecture and an 18-meter-high Buddha statue carved from a single sandalwood tree.

Things to Do

Beijing offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in. Start your cultural journey with a mesmerizing Beijing Opera performance, where ancient stories come alive through intricate costumes and powerful vocals. Traditional tea ceremonies offer insight into China's tea culture, while cooking classes teach the art of dumpling making. Early risers can join locals practicing tai chi in Temple of Heaven Park, offering a glimpse into daily Chinese life. For the adventurous, Beijing presents numerous exciting activities. The Great Wall offers various hiking experiences across different sections, each with unique characteristics. The historic hutong alleyways are perfect for cycling tours, revealing hidden corners of old Beijing. Baihe Canyon provides excellent rock climbing opportunities, while winter transforms the city's lakes into natural ice skating rinks.

Shopping

Beijing's shopping scene blends traditional crafts with modern retail. Essential purchases include fine Chinese tea and teaware, high-quality silk products, intricate cloisonné artworks, jade jewelry, and traditional paintings. Wangfujing Street offers modern shopping centers, while Qianmen Street preserves traditional shops. The Panjiayuan Antique Market and Silk Street Market provide unique shopping experiences with local color.

Dining and Nightlife

Beijing's culinary scene is a journey through China's gastronomic heritage. No visit is complete without sampling the iconic Peking Duck at establishments like Da Dong or Quanjude. Din Tai Fung offers world-class dumplings, while Haidilao presents the interactive hot pot experience. The Wangfujing Night Market provides an adventure through local street food culture.

The city's nightlife centers around three main areas: Sanlitun Bar Street attracts a cosmopolitan crowd, Houhai Lake Area offers traditional charm with lakeside bars, and Gulou Area hosts the city's live music scene. For safety during evening outings, use official taxis or DiDi (Chinese Uber), keep your hotel address in Chinese characters, and stick to well-populated areas.

Transportation & Safety

Beijing's public transport system is extensive and tourist-friendly. The subway system features English signage and covers most major attractions. Public buses complement the subway network, while official taxis (green or yellow) provide convenient point-to-point transport. For reliable taxi service, use the DiDi app or get your destination written in Chinese. The subway is safe but can get crowded during rush hours.

Safety Tips for Indian Tourists

Indian visitors should take several precautions for a smooth Beijing experience. Keep passport copies separate from originals and use only official currency exchange centers. Essential apps include WeChat or Baidu for translation. Carry your hotel card with the Chinese address, and be aware of common tourist scams, particularly tea ceremony invitations. Register with the Indian Embassy in Beijing upon arrival. For vegetarians, learning the phrase "Wo chi su" (I eat vegetarian) is invaluable.

Tourist Seasons in Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing depends on your preferences. Peak season (April-October) offers perfect weather for sightseeing but comes with higher prices and crowds. March and November provide moderate temperatures and better deals during shoulder season. Winter (December-February) brings cold but clear days, lower prices, and unique winter activities and festivals.

Accommodation Options

Beijing's accommodation scene caters to all preferences and budgets. Luxury seekers can indulge in the Aman Summer Palace's imperial splendor, the Peninsula Beijing's refined elegance in Wangfujing, or the Rosewood Beijing's contemporary luxury in the Central Business District. Mid-range options include the charming RedWall Garden Hotel near the Forbidden City, the modern Hotel Jen Beijing, and the well-located Park Plaza Wangfujing. Budget travelers will find comfortable stays at Leo Hostel south of Tiananmen, Beijing Downtown Backpackers, or the friendly Happy Dragon Hostels.