1. Tienanmen Square
The largest public square in the world, Tienanmen Square is the soul and heart of the city and one of the top 10 must see places in Beijing.
The square itself boats many interesting attractions and landmarks such as:
- the Chairman Mao's Mausoleum
- the Monument to the Peoples Heroes
- the Great Hall of the People
- the Museum of History where you can learn about Chinese history, the Chinese Revolution and see fine examples of Chinese artifacts.
To appreciate how breathtaking Tienanmen Square truly is, head to the top floor of the Great Hall to enjoy the amazing views of the square.
Tiananmen Square is also the venue of most major events in Beijing such as National Day when the Square is decorated with spectacular and beautiful floral decorations.
2. Forbidden City
Beijing boasts another world title – the Forbidden City (pictured) – the largest and oldest palace in the world.
The Forbidden City is adjacent Tiananmen Square and it’s another of the top 10 must see places in Beijing and one of the most historic symbols of Chinese history that you don’t want to miss immersing into.
You’d want to allow 4-5 hours of your itinerary at the Forbidden City to explore each corner of the complex, as well as the inside of the Royal Palaces to see where the queen and king lived.
3. Fragrant Hills Park
Fragrant Hills Park is located outside of the heart of Beijing, around 30 minutes drive west of Tienanmen Square, and it’s a great day trip from the city, especially if you want to escape the large crowds.
Fragrant Hills Park is one of the most amazing public parks in Beijing, being located at the foot of the mountains. This park offers a chance to soak in amazing natural scenery and a few tourist sights such as old pavilions and pagodas like the Pagoda of the Zongjing Monastery.
From the park, you can hike up to the top of peak, or better still, you can take the cable car to the top to enjoy breathtaking views along the way.
If you’re visiting Fragant Hills, you may also add to your itinerary a visit to the nearby:
- Biyun Temple (Temple of the Azure Cloud)
- Wofosi Temple (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)
- The Beijing Botanical Garden.
4. Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is located just a few minutes walk from the Forbidden City, and it’s one of the best places in Beijing to shop til you drop!
If you’ve been to Oxford Street in London, Wangfujing Street is the most famous shopping street in the city and also the busiest pedestrian street.
On this street, you’ll find all the most renowned department stores such as Beijing Department Store and Shengxifu Hat Store.
Wangfujing Street is also one of the top 10 must see places in Beijing because of the Night Market where you can enjoy all kinds of food tastings and Chinese delicacies such as fried insects.
5. Zhongguancun Street
Designer clothes aren’t the only thing Beijing is known for. If you’re into your gadgets, or are a tech buff, there is no better place to buy electronics than on the technology hub - Zhongguancun Street – located in Haidian District.
In Zhongguancun Street, you’ll find many small shops, the amazing Hongguancun Plaza shopping mall, and the popular Dinghao and Zhonghai electronic markets where you can get some seriously cheap electronic items such a memory cards and digital cameras.
6. Yonghe Temple
Known as the ‘Lama Temple’, Yonghe Temple is one of the best examples of Buddhist/Chinese temples in China.
Yonghe Temple is located in the heart of the city, yet it feels like miles away at the same time because of the peaceful atmosphere.
Yonghe Temple is one of the most under-the-radar attractions in Beijing but if you’re looking to see a genuine Buddhist temple, this is one not to miss!
You’ll be able to relax in complete peacefulness, while marvelling and exploring the temple’s multiple halls such as the Harmony and Peace Hall where you’ll find bronze statues of Buddha similar to the ones in Hong Kong, though not as big as the Great Buddha statue in Japan.
7. Beijing Bell and Drum Towers
Beijing Bell and Drum Towers lie not from the Forbidden City and are another important historic symbol in Chinese history and a fantastic attraction not to be missed.
Before clocks were invented, bells and drums were the way to keep time in ancient China. Both towers are located opposite each other and from their top floors you can get really good views of Beijing.
Apart from the views and learning about the Chinese time system, you can see the world’s largest drum and attend the Drumming performance at the Drum Tower. The performance is truly awe inspiring!
8. Beijing Zoo
The Beijing Zoo is located just outside of Beijing’s city center and it’s a joy to visit, especially if you’re traveling with small kids.
You can spend a fun day at the zoo seeing all kinds of animals such as the popular Giant Pandas and other endangered animals such as Siberian tigers.
There is also a massive statue of a rock-carved Tiger which offers a great photo opportunity, and you can also enjoy fun dolphin and sea lion shows at the zoo at the ocean hall.
9. Acrobats Show
A visit to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without attending one of the Beijing cultural attractions such as the Acrobatics Show at Tiandi Theatre or Cahoyang Theatre.
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Beijing the evening, attending the acrobats show has to be one of them.
You’ll see flying acrobats performing some of the most daring acts you’ll ever see such as ten acrobats riding a single bicycle.
10. Ming Dynasty Tombs Site
The Ming Dynasty Tombs Site is located in the Changping district, around 45 minutes drive north of the heart of Beijing.
The Ming Tombs Site is another of the top 10 must see places in Beijing and an excellent day trip opportunity from Beijing proper.
At the Site, you’ll see a huge stone memorial archway, various pavilions with stone statues and the tombs, though only three are open for public-viewing.
The Dingling Tomb is one of them, and at the Site you’ll find the Dingling Museum, which houses all of the artifacts excavated from the tomb such as a dragon robe and a gold crown amongst other artifacts.
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