Beijing packs more UNESCO World Heritage sites into one city than anywhere else on earth. You can visit seven of them within the municipal boundaries. This guide covers the essential attractions with exact locations, hours, ticket prices in Chinese Yuan, and
practical tips that save you time and frustration.
Essential Beijing Attractions and Landmarks
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The Forbidden City at 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, is the world’s largest palace complex with 980 buildings across 72 hectares. It served as the imperial palace from 1420 to 1912.
Tickets cost 60 CNY (April-October) or 40 CNY (November-March). Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) summer, closing 4:30 PM winter. Closed Mondays. You must book online in advance through the official Palace Museum website or WeChat mini-program. No walk-up tickets. Bring your passport. Plan 3-4 hours. The audio guide costs 40 CNY. Exit north and climb Jingshan Park (2 CNY) directly opposite for the best panoramic photo of the complex.
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
The Mutianyu section is 73km north of central Beijing in Huairou District. It is the best-restored section with fewer crowds than Badaling and a toboggan slide down. Tickets: 45 CNY for the wall, 15 CNY shuttle bus. Cable car: 100 CNY round-trip. Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (summer), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (winter).
Take the 916 Express bus from Dongzhimen to Huairou (12 CNY, 1.5 hours), then taxi (60-80 CNY) to Mutianyu. A private driver from Beijing costs 600-800 CNY round-trip. Arrive before 8:30 AM to beat tour buses. Towers 14 through 20 are the steepest and most photogenic section.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven at 1 Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, is a 273-hectare park and temple complex where emperors prayed for harvests. Tickets: 34 CNY (summer) or 28 CNY (winter) for the through ticket. Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM (park), 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (buildings). Go at 6:30 AM to see locals practicing tai chi and playing Chinese chess. Reach via Tiantan Dongmen station on Line 5.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace at 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, is a 290-hectare imperial garden on Kunming Lake. The 728-meter Long Corridor has 14,000 painted scenes. Tickets: 30 CNY (40 CNY through ticket). Hours: 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM (summer), 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (winter). Reach via Beigongmen station on Line 4. Allow 3-4 hours. Rent a paddle boat for 60-100 CNY per hour.
Tiananmen Square and National Museum
Tiananmen Square is a 440,000 square meter plaza at the intersection of Chang’an Avenue. The National Museum of China on the east side (16 East Chang’an Avenue) is free but requires online reservation. Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Mondays. The Ancient China exhibit in the basement has 2,500 artifacts spanning 5,000 years. Plan 3 hours minimum. Reach via Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West stations on Line 1.
798 Art District
The 798 Art District in Dashanzi, Chaoyang District, is a former electronics factory complex turned contemporary art hub with 200+ galleries. Entry is free. UCCA Center for Contemporary Art (100 CNY, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, closed Mondays) is the anchor. Most galleries open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Reach via Wangjing South station on Line 14. Weekdays are quieter.
Hutongs: Nanluoguxiang and Drum Tower
Nanluoguxiang in Dongcheng District is a 787-meter hutong lane with shops and snack vendors. The Bell Tower (15 CNY) and Drum Tower (20 CNY) at the north end date from 1272. Drum performances at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:45 PM. For quieter hutongs, walk the lanes west around Mao’er Hutong. Reach via Nanluoguxiang station on Lines 6 and 8.
Check the Beijing events and festivals calendar for exact dates. See where to stay in Beijing for hotel recommendations by area and budget. For detailed month-by-month data, see the Beijing weather by month guide.