Beijing, situated in the northern part of the North China Plain, is surrounded by the Yanshan and Taihang mountain ranges. It is not just a capital city but also a perfect blend of history, modernity, culture, and natural beauty.
As the capital, Beijing epitomizes diversity, with each brick and tile in the imperial city narrating tales of its rich history. In the hutongs, the alleys are filled with the essence of grassroots culture, where people of all ages gather to chat and laugh. The majestic mountains offer panoramic views, while the tranquil waters of the Grand Canal outline the ancient city’s charm. Modern and fashionable CBDs lie not far from the traditional hutongs, creating a unique contrast and diversity.
Beijing boasts iconic landmarks such as the central hub of power, Tiananmen Square; the living history within the Forbidden City; the artistic utopia of the 798 Art District; the grandeur of the Great Wall; the allure of Olympic Park; and the serene beauty of the royal gardens at the Summer Palace.
Most Popular Beijing Attractions
Tourist Attractions in Beijing
Detailed Beijing Itineraries
Best Time to Visit Beijing
The best time to visit Beijing, the capital city of China, is during the spring and autumn seasons. Spring, from April to June, offers pleasant temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius (50 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), with blooming cherry blossoms and vibrant scenery. Autumn, from September to November, provides cool and dry weather, with temperatures averaging between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius (50 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit). These seasons are ideal for exploring the city’s numerous attractions comfortably.
During these months, Beijing experiences fewer crowds compared to the peak summer season and harsh winter. This allows visitors to enjoy popular landmarks like the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
It’s important to note that Beijing has a continental climate, with hot and humid summers and cold winters. Summer, particularly July and August, can be quite hot and muggy, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Winter, from December to February, is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
Beijing Weather
Beijing Food
Friends planning to visit Beijing, make sure to check the weather in advance! In July, temperatures in Beijing are above 30°C . Here are some packing tips for your trip: Clothing Suggestions: – T-shirts – Shirts – Casual pants – A light jacket Skincare and Sun Protection: – Moisturizing lotion – Sunscreen – Face masks – Physical sun protection (such as hats and sunglasses) The weather in Beijing can be quite dry, so it’s essential to stay hydrated and protect… Read more »
Booking accommodations one week in advance is at least 100 cheaper than booking on the day itself. It’s important to stay close to the subway station. The hotels near Qianmen and Dashilan have big differences from the photos, and generally, the rooms are quite small. When visiting Universal Studios, it’s best to arrive early. I arrived at 8:30 and was able to line up inside Universal Grand Hotel. There’s no need to wait in line for “”The Forbidden Journey”” and… Read more »
Lazy version of a four-day-three-night itinerary in Beijing~ ⚠️Before the trip: Remember to make reservations for attractions‼️ Transportation: Beijing’s traffic is congested, so it is recommended to use the subway along with shared bicycles. Accommodation: It is recommended to stay near Zhu Shi Kou Subway Station (super convenient for traveling). Day 1 Yonghe Temple – Nanluoguxiang – Drum Tower – Beihai Park – Night bike ride to Tiananmen Square 1 After checking in at the Beijing hotel at noon, make… Read more »
Guide for Visiting the Forbidden City – Visit the Forbidden City when it opens at 8:30 am to avoid crowds and take nice pictures. Note there are no power banks available inside. – Remember to book your tickets for the Forbidden City at least 7 days in advance, as there is a daily limit of 5000 visitors. It is best not to try to buy tickets in Beijing, as they may be sold out. Also, the Forbidden City is closed… Read more »
Advice 1: Selfie sticks over 1.3 meters are not allowed in the Forbidden City (故宫). They must be checked in. Advice 2: The Forbidden City (故宫), National Museum (国博), and Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府) have inclusive access tickets. Advice 3: Booking in advance is required for Tiananmen Square (天安门广场) and the Drum Tower (城楼). Advice 4: With an afternoon ticket for the Forbidden City (故宫), you can enter as early as 11 a.m. Advice 5: When visiting the Monument to… Read more »
Here are some suggestions for everyone, hoping they can be helpful. Suggestion 1: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays (except for statutory holidays and summer vacations). Make sure to buy tickets for the afternoon since morning tickets are no longer valid after 12 o’clock, but the queue is two hours long! You have to line up for identity check when coming out of the subway, ticket verification when entering the square, ticket verification when entering the Forbidden City, and… Read more »
It’s really not easy to visit Beijing without a reservation… Everyone says you must visit Beijing at least once, but no one tells you how to properly plan for it! Here are some key points that I hope will be helpful to you. About booking attractions in Beijing: 1⃣ To watch the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, make a reservation 9 days in advance. If you have young children, you can also reserve for the flag-lowering ceremony, which is still… Read more »
Attention to all who are planning to visit Beijing from June to August ⚠️ Get ready to easily explore the popular attractions and delicious food in Beijing. I have already prepared everything for you ⭐ So, let’s go❗❗❗ ————————– ⭕ Popular attractions in Beijing 1⃣ Tiananmen Square: Watching the sunrise here in the morning is a must-do when visiting Beijing 2⃣ The Forbidden City: The royal palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties, also known as the Palace Museum 3⃣… Read more »
Crying, after reading so many online travel guides, why hasn’t anyone mentioned not to bring bags in the Tiananmen area!‼️‼️ Please note⚠️, in the Tiananmen area (Tiananmen Square, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, National Museum, Great Hall of the People), do not bring bags. Please, take this advice seriously . Firstly, waiting in line for security checks is very time-consuming, and Tiananmen Square is huge, walking is already tiring, and if you carry a bag, you’ll have to line up for… Read more »
Do remember to make an appointment to visit the Tiananmen City Tower or the Palace Museum! Otherwise, once you enter the city gate, it’s a one-way path, and if you want to leave, you’ll have to walk about 1.7km to reach the exit!! After visiting the National Museum, feeling tired after taking photos at Tiananmen Square, and wanting to rest, I ended up following the crowd and entering the city gate, and I really regretted it. Also, if you have… Read more »