BEIJING
Beijing is the historic heart of China, a majestic capital where centuries of imperial power meet cutting-edge modernity. It is home to unparalleled UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This vibrant metropolis flawlessly fuses the grandeur of its ancient past with a dynamic, innovative future. Explore imperial palaces, massive city squares, and traditional alleyways.
Most Popular Attractions
Imperial Core & UNESCO Sites:
The Forbidden City (Gugong): The immense imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Tiananmen Square: The world’s largest public square, central to Chinese political history.
The Temple of Heaven: A majestic imperial complex where emperors performed annual rites.
The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu/Badaling): An iconic symbol of China’s historical defense system, with several accessible sections nearby.
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces for imperial leisure.
Ming Tombs (Shisanling): The imperial resting places of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Beihai Park: One of the oldest and most beautiful imperial gardens, known for its iconic White Dagoba.
Jingshan Park: Offers the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City from its central hill.
Historical Districts & Cultural Sites:
Lama Temple (Yonghegong): A magnificent Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known for its massive Maitreya Buddha statue.
Confucius Temple: The second largest Confucian temple in China after the one in Qufu.
Guozijian (Imperial College): China’s highest institute of learning during the imperial period, adjacent to the Confucius Temple.
Shichahai Lakes: A scenic area encompassing three lakes, surrounded by historic hutongs (traditional alleyways).
Dashilan: A historic and preserved commercial street with traditional shops near Tiananmen.
Prince Gong’s Mansion: The most complete Qing Dynasty princely mansion in Beijing.
Drum and Bell Towers: Historic time-telling towers that mark the north-south axis of the old city.
Liulichang Cultural Street: A famous hub for traditional Chinese arts, calligraphy, and books.
Modern Architecture & Urban Attractions:
798 Art Zone: A thriving district of contemporary art galleries, studios, and trendy cafes in a repurposed factory setting.
Wangfujing Street: A historic and popular commercial pedestrian street known for its department stores and night market.
The National Museum of China: Houses a massive collection of cultural relics illustrating China’s history and art.
The National Stadium (Bird’s Nest): The main and architecturally stunning venue for the 2008 and 2022 Olympic Games.
Sanlitun: A trendy area known for its modern shopping complexes, international dining, and vibrant nightlife.
The National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg): A striking modern opera house with a titanium and glass shell.
Activities & Experiences
Walk a Less-Crowded Section of the Great Wall: Go beyond Badaling and hike a stunning, less-developed section like Jinshanling or Mutianyu for a more authentic and visually dramatic experience.
Explore the Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Dedicate at least half a day to wandering through the world’s largest imperial palace complex and administrative centre. Book tickets well in advance.
Hutong Exploration via Rickshaw or Bike: Get lost in the narrow alleyways (Hutongs) of old Beijing. Rent a bike or take a rickshaw tour to see traditional courtyard homes and local life.
Attend a Peking Opera Performance: Experience this traditional Chinese art form, renowned for its elaborate costumes, martial arts, and symbolic storytelling.
Visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan): Witness locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and playing games in the surrounding park early in the morning before exploring the architectural wonders.
Take a Chinese Cooking Class: Learn to prepare famous Beijing dishes like Peking Duck or traditional dumplings from a local chef.
Discover the 798 Art District: Explore this vibrant contemporary art hub located in a decommissioned factory complex, featuring galleries, studios, and street art.
Wander through the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan): Explore the vast grounds, lakes, and classical Chinese architecture of the Imperial Garden, including the famous Long Corridor.
Hike the Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan): Escape the city bustle with a trip to this beautiful park known for its stunning autumn foliage and scenic hiking trails, easily accessible by cable car.
Witness the Flag Raising/Lowering Ceremony at Tiananmen Square: Join the crowds for a patriotic and precise military ceremony at sunrise or sunset in the world’s largest public square.
Indulge in an Authentic Peking Duck Feast: Dine at a renowned restaurant to experience the famous ritual of slicing and eating the crispy skin duck, a culinary must-do.
Local Tips & Transport
The Subway is Excellent: Beijing boasts an extensive, modern, and affordable subway system. It is the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances and avoid traffic. Signs and announcements are in both Chinese and English.
Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Didi Chuxing is the primary ride-sharing app (similar to Uber) and is highly recommended. It offers a reliable way to get a car, and the in-app translation helps with communication. Taxis are also widely available and inexpensive.
Get a Beijing Yikatong (Transit Card): This rechargeable card can be used on the subway and most public buses. It saves time and is essential if you plan to use public transport frequently.
Biking is Back: While not as popular as in the past, shared bike services (like Meituan Bike or Hello Bike) are abundant and are great for short-distance travel within Hutong areas and local neighborhoods.
From the Airport: The Airport Express Line (Subway) is the quickest and cheapest way to get from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX) to the city center.
Book Major Sites in Advance (Online): Many major attractions, including the Forbidden City and the Great Wall (Badaling/Mutianyu), require tickets to be booked online, often a few days to a week ahead, using your passport number for entry.
Use Mobile Payments: Beijing is heavily reliant on mobile payment platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay. Carrying significant amounts of cash can be inconvenient, as many smaller vendors no longer accept it. Setting up one of these is highly recommended.
Bargaining at Markets: If you shop at traditional markets (e.g., Silk Market), bargaining is expected and essential. Start at 25-50% of the initial asking price and negotiate politely.
Dining Etiquette: Slurping your noodles is acceptable and a sign of enjoyment. It is considered polite to leave a little food on your plate to show your host provided more than enough. Tipping is generally not practiced in mainland China.
Air Quality and Pollution: Check the daily air quality index (AQI). If the pollution is high, wearing a protective mask is advisable, especially for outdoor activities.
Hidden Gems:
- Beihai Park: One of the oldest imperial gardens in the world, perfect for a peaceful afternoon paddleboat ride or a view of the White Pagoda.
- Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): A stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery and former imperial residence, home to an enormous 18-meter-tall Buddha statue carved from a single sandalwood tree.
- Panjiayuan Antique Market: A massive weekend flea market (best on Saturdays and Sundays) where you can find everything from Mao-era memorabilia to calligraphy and jade.
- Dashilar: A historic commercial street just south of Tiananmen, offering a mix of traditional shops, famous old brands, and modern boutiques.
Language Barrier: While English is common at major hotels and tourist sites, it is not widely spoken elsewhere. Have your destination written in Chinese characters to show to taxi drivers or locals.
Top Restaurants
Siji Minfu (四季民福) [$25-$40] – A highly popular local chain (with multiple locations, avoid the crowded ‘scenic’ ones) known for consistently excellent, crispy Peking Duck at a great value, also offering other classic Beijing dishes.
Ya’er Liji (鸦儿李记) [$15-$25] – A nearly century-old Halal restaurant beloved by local Beijing families for its traditional copper pot hotpot and famously tender hand-cut lamb.
Jubaoyuan Hot Pot Restaurant (聚宝源) [$20-$35] – A revered, Halal establishment on Ox Street (Niujie) famous for its traditional shuan yangrou (mutton hot pot), a true Old Beijing culinary experience.
Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant (利群烤鸭店) [$40-$60] – Tucked away in a historic hutong, this spot offers a truly authentic, old-school atmosphere for enjoying traditional Peking Duck, often by reservation only.
Bianyifang (便宜坊) [$30-$50] – An established brand, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, known for its “closed oven” style of Peking duck, which results in more tender, juicy meat.
Huguosi Snack Store (护国寺小吃店) [$5-$15] – A chain of simple, no-frills shops specializing in traditional Beijing snacks like lüdagun (donkey rolls), savory cakes, and Aiwowo (steamed glutinous rice balls).
Yuesheng Zhai (月盛斋) [$15-$30] – Founded in 1775, one of Beijing’s most famous names for authentic, classic, and Halal Chinese cuisine, with a focus on beef and lamb.
Manjie Dumpling house (满姐饺子) [$10-$20] – A cozy dumpling haven boasting an extensive menu of both classic and inventive dumplings, perfect for a casual, authentic group meal.
Beixinqiao Luzhu (北新桥卤煮老店) [$10-$20] – A decades-old, no-frills local spot famous for Luzhu Huoshao, a classic Beijing stew mainly consisting of off-cuts like pork intestines and lungs with bread (not for the faint of heart, but incredibly authentic).
Jindingxuan Ditan Branch (金鼎轩地坛店) [$10-$25] – A 24-hour restaurant that is a reliable choice for late-night food, offering two large menus of Northern and Southern Chinese dishes in a unique, pagodalike building.
Yongsheng Spicy Beef Noodles (勇盛牛肉面) [$8-$15] – Open 24/7, this spot is packed even in the early hours for its authentic Chongqing-style spicy beef noodles, a favorite for a quick, flavorful bite.
Jing Yaa Tang (京雅堂) [$50-$80] – Located in The Opposite House hotel, this sleek, modern restaurant offers high-end Peking Duck and elevated takes on regional Chinese specialties in a chic, contemporary setting.
TRB Hutong (Temple Restaurant Beijing) [$70-$120] – Though serving contemporary European cuisine, it’s a must-visit for its stunning setting in a renovated 600-year-old temple and its impeccable, world-class service.
Little Yunnan (小云南) [$20-$40] – A vibrant spot that brings the diverse and flavorful cuisine of Yunnan province (Southern China) to Beijing, known for its aromatic herbs and spices.
Dali Courtyard (大理院子) [$40-$60] – Offers a fixed menu of delicious, authentic Yunnan cuisine in a serene traditional Beijing courtyard setting (siheyuan), providing a tranquil retreat from the city bustle.
Black Sesame Kitchen (黑芝麻厨房) [$60-$90] – Known for its intimate, communal dining experience, offering a delicious and refined fixed Chinese menu in a beautiful hutong location (reservations are essential).
King’s Joy (京兆尹) [$80-$150] – An internationally renowned high-end vegetarian restaurant that offers exquisite, organic, and beautifully presented cuisine in a spectacular traditional courtyard near the Lama Temple.
Lost Heaven (迷城) [$40-$70] – A captivating restaurant in a historic compound, offering a delightful blend of Yunnan cuisine with influences from Southeast Asia.
The Georg (乔治) [$80-$130] – Housed in a former warehouse, this sleek, modern spot offers a unique, creative dining experience that blends European influences with seasonal ingredients.
The Happy Crane (幸福的鹤) [$30-$50] – Blends authentic Chinese flavors with thoughtful, modern technique, offering fresh perspectives and a contemporary expression of Chinese cuisine.
Xianlaoman (馅老满) [$15-$30] – A highly popular chain known for its affordable and hearty dumplings, offering dozens of varieties, a favorite amongst local families.
Da Dong Roast Duck (大董烤鸭店) [$80-$130] – Synonymous with premium Peking Duck, this restaurant offers a refined fine dining experience and is known for its “super-lean” duck with a light, crisp skin and other innovative Chinese dishes.
Maison Scott (迈松斯科特) [$100-$180] – Located in a luxurious setting, this establishment offers high-end French cuisine with a contemporary touch, focusing on impeccable ingredients and presentation.
Jingji Aristocrat Cuisine by Rong (京季) [$150-$250] – A fine dining experience under the respected Xin Rong Ji group, specializing in refined Beijing Cuisine and often featuring rare and premium ingredients.
JUNWANGFU JUN YAN (君王府君宴) [$100-$160] – Part of the Da Dong group, offering a premium Beijing cuisine experience within the beautiful Shuncheng Prince’s Mansion.
TRB Forbidden City (TRB 故宫) [$100-$180] – A second location of the renowned TRB, offering its signature world-class modern European cuisine and service in a stunning, exclusive setting near the Forbidden City.
HWH Chaozhou Cuisine Restaurant (海味会潮州菜) [$100-$150] – A high-end spot specializing in delicate and flavorful Chaoshan (Teochew) Cantonese cuisine, known for its focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Lamdre (拉姆餐厅) [$150-$200] – An internationally renowned vegetarian fine dining restaurant with an elegant, Zen-like atmosphere and a focus on creative, plant-based cuisine.
Najia Garden Restaurant (那家花园) [$60-$90] – Offers an extravagant imperial-style dining experience, as close to the historical court cuisine as modern dining gets, in a beautifully appointed setting.
The House of Rong (荣府) [$150-$250] – Another Xin Rong Ji location, known for its exclusive Jiangzhe Cuisine (from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces) in a spectacular, often remote, villa-like setting.
The Horizon (地平线) [$70-$120] – Located in the China World Hotel, known for its impeccable service and elevated Cantonese cuisine, a popular choice for business dining and special occasions.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
YIN on 12 Rooftop Bar: Located in the Wangfujing area, atop a central hotel, this bar offers an elegant and lively atmosphere with in-house DJs and stunning panoramic views, including a glimpse of the Forbidden City.
Hidden House: A classic speakeasy experience in the Sanlitun district. Its entrance is famously hidden behind a small, unassuming shop front (often “La Petite Cave”), adding to its clandestine charm.
Parlor: A refined, vintage-style cocktail bar that can be found in the lively Sanlitun area, known for its creative drinks and sophisticated ambiance, perfect for a quieter evening.
Rong: Situated in the trendy Gulou area, this bar is celebrated for its expertly crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere, popular with local aficionados.
D Lounge: A sleek and stylish spot located in the bustling Sanlitun area, offering a modern setting for enjoying classic and contemporary cocktails.
Maomao Chong: A beloved, long-standing bar in a Gulou Hutong (traditional alleyway), offering a relaxed vibe, creative cocktails, and known for its popular pizzas.
Mai Bar: Nestled in the historic Gulou Hutong area, this cozy and intimate spot is often cited as a favorite for its high-quality drinks and a bartender who prepares custom cocktails.
The Local: A popular pub and cocktail bar located in Sanlitun, it has been a long-time favorite for expatriates and locals, offering a great selection of beers, cocktails, and food in a friendly setting.
Root Down: A chilled cocktail bar located in the central CBD (Central Business District) or nearby Guomao area, providing a laid-back spot for relaxed evening drinks.
Seeker: A nice cocktail lounge situated close to the Wangfujing area, offering a refined, comfortable atmosphere and a quality drinks menu.
Jing A Brewpub (various locations): While primarily a craft beer institution (with locations in Sanlitun and the CBD), its spacious settings and vibrant atmosphere make it an essential stop for drinks and a social night out.
Great Leap Brewing (various locations): One of Beijing’s original craft breweries, with locations including a popular spot in a Hutong area, known for its excellent selection of unique Chinese-inspired craft beers.
Slow Boat Brewery (various locations): A well-known craft beer spot, with a location near Shichahai that features a rooftop offering great views, and is popular for its burgers and diverse beer taps.
Capital Spirits: Located in a quiet Hutong (Xinsi Hutong), this is one of the world’s first bars dedicated to the Chinese spirit Baijiu, offering inventive Baijiu cocktails for a unique cultural drinking experience.
Non-binary: Found on the second floor above a beer place in the Hutong area, this spot is recommended for a great cocktail experience in a slightly alternative setting.
Supermiami (PH): A massive, mega-club located on Gongti West Street in the Workers’ Stadium area, known for its impressive scale, lively atmosphere, and huge dance floor, often attracting a young, international crowd.
AURA CLUB: Another vibrant club on Gongti West Street near the Workers’ Stadium, it offers a high-energy, West Coast-style electric music vibe and is a hot spot for young party-goers.
Dada: A mainstay of Beijing’s underground music scene, this club is located in the Gulou area and is renowned for electronic dance music, house, and techno, offering a raw, unpretentious party experience.
Zhaodai: A key venue for underground electronic music, often found near the Workers’ Stadium/Gongti area, known for hosting quality local and international DJs.
Modernista: Located in the Hutongs (often near Gulou), this spot is a fantastic live music venue and dance club with a retro vibe, frequently hosting live bands and diverse music nights.
Blink: A popular club in the Sanlitun area known for its EDM music, offering a high-energy dance experience in the heart of Beijing’s trendiest nightlife district.
CASA Bacardi: Located in Sanlitun, this spot is famous for its large rooftop terrace, which provides a vibrant social scene, especially during warmer months, though the dance floor inside is smaller.
Theatro Club: Situated in the Sanlitun area, this is a popular club offering commercial music and a lively party atmosphere, catering to a mainstream crowd.
Sensation: A smaller, trendy hotspot for the young and fashionable crowd, often located in the Zhongguancun area, known for its dazzling lighting design and energetic atmosphere.
Heaven Supermarket (various locations): While more of a bar/lounge with a club area, the one near Gongti is a very popular spot where you buy supermarket-priced alcohol before entering the social/clubbing area, known for a mix of locals and foreigners.
Xiu: Located atop the Park Hyatt Hotel in the CBD (Chaoyang District), this multi-level venue features a dance area and a rooftop, offering a more luxurious, high-end club experience.
School Bar: An essential spot in the Hutong area for those who prefer alternative music, rock, and punk, offering a small, intimate, and authentic atmosphere with live band performances.