Lama Temple
Beijing, China[6.3 miles]
Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Best places to stay:
Part of the former Grand Hotel de Pékin dating to 1917, this elegant property has long been popular with overseas visitors.
European classicism is evident from the chandeliers and antique furnishings in the lobby, and this sophisticated period styling extends throughout the rooms and suites. If you didn’t know you were in Beijing, you could almost be in Paris.
Afternoon tea or a cocktail in the Writer’s Bar, with its baronial French windows and 1920s wooden dancefloor, is de rigueur. Located near Tiananmen Square, the hotel is close to the main central sights.
The city’s main east-west thoroughfare, Dongchangan Jie, passes in front of the hotel.
The vast road (12 lanes of traffic!) is used for military parades, and cuts neatly between Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, one kilometre to the west. Wangfujing, in the opposite direction, is even closer.
The infamous 1989 ‘tank man’ photo doesn’t actually depict Tiananmen Square – it was taken from an upper window of the hotel, and shows Dongchangan Jie.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Beijing, China[6.3 miles]
Beijing’s most spectacular religious site, this palatial temple complex is a reminder of China’s long and complex association with Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[9.2 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Beijing, China[9.6 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £6
Beijing, China[9.7 miles]
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
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Beijing, China[1.5 miles]
Beijing’s finest contemporary art galleries are housed in a complex of former warehouses and factories.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Beijing, China[6.4 miles]
This hidden gem museum of ancient Chinese bronzes and Buddhist statuary is on the ninth floor of a high-rise office block. The objects were all bought and repatriated from overseas, including four bronze animal heads from the Old Summer Palace.
Best for ages: 18+ | £3
Beijing, China[6.6 miles]
Carved tortoise-like beasts heave enormous stone slabs on their backs at this grand temple complex honouring China’s foremost spiritual thinker, the great sage Confucius. The attached Guozijian (Imperial College) is where scholars of old studied for their civil service exams.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[8.2 miles]
Rising up imperiously over grey hutong rooftops, the Drum Tower (together with the adjacent Bell Tower) has sounded the rhythm of Beijing for centuries. Climb the steep steps for exhibits on time-keeping in ancient China, and an hourly drumming performance.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
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.