Ten Best Attractions to Visit in Beijing, China

The Top Must-See Sites and Attractions on a Trip to Beijing

Feb 13, 2009

Beijing, China has a number of sites from historical palaces and market shopping to dining and the Arts, that are a must-see for any traveler to this ancient Asian city.

Whether spending a week in Beijing or just a few days, these are the ten best sites that are essential to any trip to this ancient Chinese city.

The Forbidden City: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest surviving palace complex, dating back to 1406 when construction began. Impossible to see all 980 buildings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a single day, the Forbidden City should be the first stop on any trip to Beijing. Join a guided tour, follow along with an audio guide, or wander the complex with a guide map.

Fee: 60.00 yuan. Additional fee for the Dragon Screen Wall and gardens 7.00 yuan

The Great Wall of China

The three sections of the Great Wall closest to Beijing can be found at Badaling, Jinshanling, and Mutiyanu which are a tour bus or taxi ride away. Each section offers the chance to climb up the Wall for spectacular views of the surrounding land. Badaling is the most crowded with tourists while the less-visited Mutiyanu and Jinshanling offer views of the wild wall not open to the public. Visit Mutiyanu for a thrilling ride down the wall on a steel toboggan track.

Fee: 92.00 yuan includes entrance fee, chair lift, and toboggan rideLocation: one hour Northeast of Beijing by car

Panjaiyuan Market: Shop for Antiques and Crafts in Beijing

Also referred to as the Dirt Market, Panjaiyuan Market is where the locals shop for antiques. Divided into zones for books, artwork, ceramics, and more, it is worth a visit whether or not you are a collector. The book market on weekends has a variety of books and postcards in many languages.

Hutongs: Imperial Beijing's Back Alleys and Courtyards

These alleyways formed by traditional courtyard houses offer a glimpse into Imperial Beijing life. Best toured on foot or by peddicab, the hutongs offer many local-frequented shops, markets, and restaurants. The best preserved hutongs can be found north of the Forbidden City to the Hou Hai. The hutongs are bustling with local residents from early morning market shoppers to late night revelers.

Location: two blocks north of the north gate of the Forbidden City to the Drum and Bell Towers.

The Hou Hai or Back Lakes of Beijing

Peaceful area by day and lively hotspot at night, the Back Lakes or Hou Hai are an ideal way to cap off a day of sightseeing. For anyone not into the bar scene, there are lots of shops and cafes lining the recreated hutong alleyways behind the lakes.

Snack Street: Chinese Delicacies, Fruits, and Snacks

Off of Wangfujing Street, the Wengsheng Fu Snack Street offers the chance to eat everything from fresh fruit kebabs and noodles to the more exotic starfish-on-a-stick and fried scorpions. Some of the freshest food you will find in the city as it’s cooked to order.

Location: off of Wangfujing street in central Beijing. Wangfujing subway station.

The Temple of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Restored in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Temple of Heaven is comprised of three large Taoist structures amid Tiantan Park where will be able to observe locals practicing everything from ballroom dancing to badminton. An easy half-day visit, the park’s most famous site is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Silk Market: Shopping for Silk Products and Souvenirs

Not for the faint of heart, the Silk Market is a no holds barred bartering system with merchants hawking their goods- luggage, clothing, purses, and silks- on 5 floors of this crowded complex. Protect your valuables in the crowds and avoid if you are claustrophobic, but shopaholics will rejoice.

Tiananmen Square & Mao’s Mausoleum

Site of many cultural events and protests, Tiananmen Square lies to the south of the Forbidden City and is home to the Mao Zedong Mausoleum where visitors can queue up to see the embalmed body of the former Communist leader.

Fee: free although bags and camera must be checked for 3.00 yuan before visiting the mausoleum

Location: Across from the south entrance to the Forbidden City. Access via subway stations Qianmen, Tiananmen East and West.

Beijing Acrobats at Chaoyang Theatre and Lao She Tea House

Famous the world over, there are several theatres and tea houses to see these skilled performers. Chaoyang Theatre and the Lao She Tea House are the most highly recommended and feature nightly performances. Contact the theatre directly for showtimes and prices or arrange tickets through your hotel reception.

Plan Your Trip:

Tours to the above attractions can be booked through many tour operators such as Gray Line China within China or before you leave home.

Private transportation and tickets can be purchased through your hotel in Beijing.

The copyright of the article Ten Best Attractions to Visit in Beijing, China in China Travel is owned by Rachel West. Permission to republish Ten Best Attractions to Visit in Beijing, China in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.