Lama Temple
Beijing, China[4.8 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:
Rosewood Beijing
Hands-down one of China’s swankiest hotels, Rosewood is a cut above in every department, from its designer amenities to its on-trend restaurants.
For seasoned travellers with a discerning eye, the details at Rosewood will dazzle and delight: tailored suits for all staff, intriguing books in the guest rooms, crystal glassware in the minibar.
The location, perched on the third ring road, is low on local colour, but the hotel is only a few subway stops from the main central sights and Beijing’s more walkable hutong neighbourhoods.
Rosewood occupies a purpose-built tower adjacent to the busy third road which cuts a swathe right through the heart of the central business district.
Skyscrapers dominate the immediate surroundings, including the iconic CCTV Tower, visible from front-facing rooms. The China World Shopping Mall is about a ten-minute walk away.
Opposite the hotel, on the other side of the ring road, is the Chaoyang Theatre, home of Beijing’s premier acrobatics show.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Beijing, China[4.8 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[5.4 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[5.5 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[5.7 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
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Beijing, China[2.6 miles]
A fantastic array of arcane astronomical contraptions, cast in bronze and carved with writhing dragons, can be seen at this museum on the site of a Chinese observatory formerly built into Beijing’s mighty city walls.
Best for ages: 13+ | £2
Beijing, China[2.7 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[3 miles]
The only remaining trace of Beijing’s city wall is a pleasant spot for a stroll through history. Be sure to explore the imposing southeast corner watchtower attached, the site of a famous battle in 1900.
Best for ages: 13+ | £5
Beijing, China[4.9 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
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.