Best places to stay:
Stylish and sharp-suited, New World Beijing has every flourish you’d expect from a five-star hotel, and room rates that often come in considerably cheaper than its big-name rivals.
It’s also one of the few international-standard hotels within walking distance of the Temple of Heaven and its vast arena of sculpted parkland – ideal for a morning jog or stroll. Tiananmen Square is about the same distance away in the opposite direction.
Among the hotel’s standout features are a wellness floor with pool, sauna and spa, and a stylish rooftop lounge bar, a rarity in the capital.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Beijing, China[1.4 miles]
Overlooked by a giant portrait of Mao Zedong, this vast and politically-sensitive public space sits at the very heart of modern China, both literally and symbolically.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Beijing, China[1.8 miles]
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.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2
Beijing, China[2.6 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[3.2 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
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Beijing, China[1.2 miles]
The National Museum of China contains a humongous cache of bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist art and jade dating back through the dynasties. The bombastic ‘Road to Rejuvenation’ exhibition traces China’s rise from the 1840-42 Opium War with Britain to the country’s 21st century space programme.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
Beijing, China[1.3 miles]
Visitors line up in droves to shuffle past Mao’s embalmed corpse, on display in a mausoleum in the middle of Tiananmen Square. Guards keep the crowds moving through to the gift shop full of Mao-themed souvenirs.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Beijing, China[1.7 miles]
Looking out over Tiananmen Square, this is China’s most iconic political building and the meeting place for the National People’s Congress. Inside, you can tour its vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling. When it’s not in use, you can go in to see the vast Stalinist auditorium, complete with plexiglass red star in the ceiling.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Beijing, China[1.8 miles]
The city’s best historical walking tours, covering everything from concubines to Communism. As well as a tour company, Beijing Postcards has a hutong shop selling old city maps, quirky souvenirs and framed black and white prints of early 20th century Beijing.
Best for ages: 13+ | £40 | 2-3 hours
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.
