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Bucket list experience:

Detail of Historic Architecture and statue of the Hall of Central Harmony at Changling Tomb of Ming Dynasty Tombs in Beijing, China - A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Thomas O’Malley

The divine middle of the ‘Middle Kingdom’, Beijing has ruled over China since the 13th century. In 1287, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty and built Khanbaliq, a predecessor to today’s city. Less than a century later, Khanbaliq was razed by the emergent Ming Dynasty, and Beijing as we know it took shape.

Ming emperor Yongle designed his capital as a compass-perfect exercise in feng shui, with the newly built Forbidden City at its heart. Twenty-four emperors ruled from its hallowed halls, together with their eunuchs and concubines, until revolution swept aside China’s last imperial rulers, the Qing Dynasty, in 1911.

‘Old’ Summer Palace
Experience

‘Old’ Summer Palace

Beijing, China

Destroyed by British and French armies during the Second Opium War, what was one of the world’s greatest classical Chinese gardens is now wistful ruins, lakes and parkland. A relaxing place for a wander, it sees far fewer crowds than the ‘new’ Summer Palace nearby.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Experience

Bai Family Mansion

Beijing, China

Feast on the splendid banquet dishes of imperial cuisine, the fare served to emperors, at this high-end themed restaurant where Peking opera singers regale diners and staff dress as Qing dynasty nobles.

Best for ages: 18+ | £50

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Beihai Park

Beijing, China

Once the preserve of emperors, the sculpted surrounds of Beihai Park are dotted with fascinating temples, halls and pavilions, and crowned by the magnificent White Dagoba, towering over the central boating lake.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Bell Tower
Experience

Bell Tower

Beijing, China

Beijing’s official timekeeper since the age of the Mongols, this splendid, 47-meter tall stone tower, facing its compatriot the Drum Tower, houses a gigantic copper bell said to weigh over 60 tons.

Best for ages: 13+ | £3

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Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Full-Day Beijing Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour

Full-Day Beijing Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour

Beijing

This is a classic Beijing city tour route, covering the highlight wonders in Beijing, such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Pa...

$49 | Rating 4.34 / 5 [23 ratings]

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Private Tour: Beijing by Night including Imperial Performance and Dinner

Private Tour: Beijing by Night including Imperial Performance and Dinner

Beijing

Take in the best of traditional Chinese performing arts all on one stage, followed by an authentic dining experience. During imperial themed...

$98 | Rating 4 / 5 [9 ratings]

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Beijing Historical Tour II including Summer Palace, Lama Temple & Panda Garden

Beijing Historical Tour II including Summer Palace, Lama Temple & Panda Garden

Beijing

Visit two of Beijing’s most important historic sites on a full-day tour that features the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) and UNESCO heritage-liste...

$99 | Rating 4.07 / 5 [148 ratings]

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Beijing Historical Tour I - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven

Beijing Historical Tour I - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven

Beijing

Get to know Beijing and its amazing history by visiting three of the city's most impressive historic attractions: Tian'anmen Square, the For...

$99 | Rating 4.09 / 5 [82 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Jen Shangri-La

Beijing, China

Ultra-modern lifestyle hotel in a CBD skyscraper, a short subway ride from the sights. A co-working café and designer gym make it ideal for travellers who like to mix work and sightseeing.

Official star rating:

Beijing Hotel Nuo

Beijing, China

The closest Beijing has to a historic ‘grand dame’ hotel, with Parisian-styled interiors, a grand marble staircase and a prime location close to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Official star rating:

Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing

Beijing, China

Palatial guest rooms and Forbidden City views make this Beijing’s best hotel for a special occasion splurge. Its Wangfujing location puts the city’s central sights within walking distance.

Official star rating:

New World Beijing Hotel

Beijing, China

New World Beijing is one of the city’s best value five-star hotels, with a unique location close to the Temple of Heaven. The indoor pool and rooftop lounge bar seal the deal.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

A burgeoning megacity with one foot in the past, Beijing is a marvellous melange of UNESCO-listed heritage buildings set within an ever-more tech-forward cityscape. Come for the culture, the people, and of course the food.

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