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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 26 June, 2023
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.

Recommendations

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‘Old’ Summer Palace

Beijing, China

‘Old’ Summer Palace

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.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 18+

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Ming Tombs

Beijing, China

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.

An hour outside Beijing are the mausolea of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. You can walk the ‘Spirit Way’ to the first tomb, a funerary avenue flanked by statues of animals, mythical beasts and officials, and descend into another of the tombs.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 18+

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Beihai Park

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
Lakes in Beihai Park

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+

Prince Gong’s Mansion

Beijing, China

Prince Gong’s Mansion

The grand residence of an imperial prince, this magnificent mansion close to Houhai Lake is most notable for its classical Chinese gardens. Pathways wind between carp ponds, artificial hills, ornate pavilions and even a miniature Great Wall folly.

Adult price: £5

Best for ages 18+

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Tian Yi Tomb

Beijing, China

Tian Yi Tomb

On the western outskirts of the city, this imperial mausoleum is unusual in that it was bestowed upon a powerful eunuch from the late Ming dynasty. An attached museum has centuries-old castration knives and the corpse of one of the tomb’s occupants.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 18+

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Workers’ Cultural Palace

Beijing, China

Exterior of the Workers Cultural Palace

Qing emperors would come to this complex, resembling a miniature Forbidden City, to worship their royal ancestors. The rearmost Sacrificial Hall, now a gallery space, is one of the most magnificent imperial buildings in China.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 18+

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Fragrant Hills Park

Beijing, China

Fragrant Hills Park

For centuries, Beijing’s royals have decamped to the Fragrant Hills, an undulating landscape of pine forest dotted with temples, pagodas and lookouts. On a clear day you can see the skyscrapers of downtown Beijing from 557m-high Incense-Burner Peak.

Best for ages 17+

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Bell Tower

Beijing, China

Bell Tower

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.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 13+

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Forbidden City

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
Exterior of the palace complex

A magnificent and unique 15th-century complex of imperial palaces that served as the home of Chinese emperors for 500 years. Beijing’s must-see attraction.

Adult price: £6

Best for ages 13+

Jingshan Park

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
North Gate and Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park - Beijing, China

Beijing’s best park is also one of its only central hills, offering inspiring views of the Forbidden City. It’s also where elderly locals come to sing, dance and let off steam.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 13+

Temple of Heaven

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

Once a site for esoteric imperial rites, this marvellous complex of temples, altars and pavilions is set in a sprawling grove of knotted cypress trees. One of Beijing’s must-see sights.

Adult price: £2

Best for ages 13+

Summer Palace

Beijing, China

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Bucket List Experience
The Imperial Summer palace in Beijing exterior. showing a rising tower

The former retreat of China’s imperial rulers, the Summer Palace is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design on a truly awesome scale. Artificial hills, lakes, opulent buildings and graceful arched bridges.

Adult price: £3

Best for ages 13+

Bai Family Mansion

Beijing, China

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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.

Adult price: £50

Best for ages 18+

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Logistics

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

Who to go with: organised tours

5

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

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

Beijing

Beijing Historical Tour II including Summer Palace, Lama Temple & Panda Garden
Visit two of Beijing’s most important historic sites on a full-day tour that features the Lama Temple (Yonghegong) and UNESCO heritage-listed Summer Palace. You also see giant pandas, stop at a jade store and tea house, and relax over a Chinese-style lunch. Your experienced guide provides informative commentary on the history and culture of each site, as well as background on China's famous panda bears and an introduction to modern Beijing. Enjoy time for photos and questions at each stop on this fascinating Beijing sightseeing tour.

Price: $99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.07 / 5 [148 ratings]

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

Beijing

Beijing Historical Tour I - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven
Immerse yourself in the beguiling city of Beijing during a full-day tour of the city’s most significant historical sites. Visit legendary landmarks like the Forbidden City; absorb the sacred ambience at the Temple of Heaven; and marvel at the structural beauty of Tian’anmen Square. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, delve into the rich history of the city and discover one of the oldest cultures on earth. Convenient round-trip transportation from your Beijing hotel is included on this tour. •Tour the Tian An Men Square •Explore the legendary Forbidden City, known as the Imperial Palace Museum •Stroll through the Temple of Heaven, built in Ming and Qing Dynasties •You'll have the opportunity to enjoy Chinese style lunch •Informative and friendly guide •Hotel pickup and drop off Important Notice: For any bookings within 3 days prior to the tour date, you will visit Jingshan Park instead of Forbidden City if the entrance tickets of Forbidden City are fully booked.

Price: $99

Min age: 0

Rating 4.04 / 5 [85 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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

Beijing

Full-Day Beijing Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace Tour
This is a classic Beijing city tour route, covering the highlight wonders in Beijing, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. A private tour offers you more privacy and flexibility. Lunch will also be included. The tour makes you a worry-free Beijing city exploration.

Price: $215

Min age: 3

Rating 4.20 / 5 [24 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace

Beijing

All Inclusive Private Day Tour: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
This is private full-day tour covers four major UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Beijing including Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. All entrance fees, tasty local lunch, private guide and transfer service are all inclusive.

Price: $178

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [15 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Beijing Imperial Dining Experience at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant with Houhai Lake Bar Tour

Beijing

Beijing Imperial Dining Experience at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant with Houhai Lake Bar Tour
Take your love one to enjoy this unforgettable Chinese Imperial Dining experience at famous Bai Jia Da Yuan restaurant in Beijing where you will be surrounded by the beautiful royal garden and immerse in an ancient times atmosphere. A great show will be preformed during the dinner time. You will also have a bar tour in romantic Houhai area during the night.

Price: $248

Min age: 0

Rating 4.66 / 5 [12 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Beijing

China

Close up of rooftops of the Beautiful red and blue coloured Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Beijing

China’s vibrant capital captives with its unique melding of ancient wonders, bustling hutongs and modern architecture – the food ain’t bad either. Top of the bill are the Forbidden City, the marvellous palace of China’s greatest Emperors – and the extraordinary Great Wall of China.