Walk through the landmarks everyone talks about — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and other timeless must-sees
Once the tallest buildings in the city, these towers once defined the rhythm of life in Beijing. They have stood here for centuries, with the originals dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). However, since the abdication of the last emperor, they no longer serve that purpose. These towers were located outside of the Imperial City. From a bird’s-eye view, you would see how Qianmen, the Forbidden City, Jingshan, and these two towers are all perfectly aligned. This imaginary line runs through the Beijing Central Axis and marks the boundary between Xicheng (Western City) and Dongcheng (Eastern City), essentially splitting the city in half.
The square between the two towers has become a gathering place for locals to relax, play, and dance. It’s a great spot to observe and get a sense of local daily life. Besides, some of our favorite’s restaurants are located in this area.
The most visited tourist attraction in China—and for good reason. This masterpiece of imperial architectural design was the inspiration for the layout of the entire city. The palace complex serves as the gravitational center for the city’s conception at every level. Built at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), it remained in use until just a century ago, when the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty was expelled.
As the seat of power for over 500 years, the site is steeped in symbolism and features unparalleled architectural wonders. During your visit, it’s easy to imagine the lives once lived here and the countless stories these walls hold—some of which we’ll have the opportunity to share.
The Great Wall, a symbol of China, is arguably one of the most iconic structures in built in human history. The Wall was built over centuries, accumulating approximately 5,000 kilometers, as the saying goes. Originally constructed as a defensive military barrier against northern tribes, it reflects the significant threat these tribes posed to the stability of the empire. The different sections of the Wall vary greatly in height, width, and inclination. In addition to the wall itself, there are various other elements, such as watchtowers, signal towers, and garrison stations.
An excursion to the Great Wall is also the perfect opportunity to leave the city, glimpse rural China, sample local food, and meet its people.
Houhai is the name of one of the three lakes that form Shichahai and is the most visited. Houhai lake is extremely popular with both locals and tourists. The area is dotted with numerous pubs featuring live music, restaurants, and various entertainment options, including boat rides and ice skating in winter.
The other two lakes that make up Shichahai are Qianhai and Xihai. All three bodies of water are interconnected and surrounded by Hutongs (traditional alleys), as well as many scenic spots.
A small man-made hill on the northern side of the Forbidden City, the site was originally established during the Yuan dynasty, but its current form was shaped during the construction of the Forbidden City, using excavated dirt from the moat to create the hill. Today, it is primarily visited for its panoramic views of the Forbidden City. Known as “Coal Hill,” it is said that coal was stored here during the early Ming dynasty.
Once serving as well as an imperial garden, religious site, and venue for welcoming guests, the park now features several pavilions, reminiscent of those on Mount Wutai (Wutaishan).
Originally built for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the park is home to world-renowned landmarks such as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. While not located on the historical Beijing Central Axis—the park aligns with a conceptual extension of this axis toward the north, symbolizing a modern continuation of the city’s legacy. The impact of the Games, however, reaches far beyond this area, profoundly shaping the city in ways that extend throughout Beijing.
To date, Beijing is the only city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, solidifying its status as a truly Olympic city. The park is especially captivating at night, with its iconic buildings beautifully illuminated.
Qianmen, located at the southern end of Tian’anmen Square, with “Zhengyang” gate as main architectonical element, was the main southern entrance to the inner walled city. It is the most well-preserved city gate in Beijing. This gate also gives its name to one of the city’s liveliest streets, Qianmen Street, with plenty of restaurants, shops, theaters, and a variety of entertainment options.
Imagine arriving in Beijing and passing through this imposing gate. Thousands of travelers have experienced this awe-inspiring sight. This gate was too the first view of the city for those arriving from the old train station. Until quite recently, it served as the city’s most iconic landmark.
With Qianmen Street as its main artery, this area is filled with alleys, known in Beijing as hutongs. The hutongs are perhaps the most distinctive architectural feature of the city. What we see today is the result of a major renovation project carried out before the Olympics. Despite this, the hutongs of Qianmen stand out for their vibrancy, where bustling tourist groups blend seamlessly with local life, creating a unique and lively atmosphere.
In 1671, Emperor Kangxi prohibited theaters, teahouses, restaurants, brothels, and hotels from operating within the Inner City. Many of these establishments relocated just outside the southern wall, to this area, which then became a major commercial hub. Beijing’s first railway station is also located nearby, adding to the historical significance of the neighborhood.
Kunming Lake, the main feature of the park, was originally much shallower and was excavated during the Yuan Dynasty to serve as a water supply for the imperial court. Gradually it became an imperial park. Later, during the Qing Dynasty, the lake was significantly enlarged. The excavated soil was used to create Longevity Hill on the north side, in honor of Emperor Qianlong’s mother’s 60th birthday, with the Buddhist Incense Pavilion perched on top.
This park holds numerous treasures, such as the Marble Boat and the longest corridor in China. In winter, the lake transforms into an ice playground, as is typical in Beijing. In summer, the lake’s edges are adorned with lotus blooms, while spring brings a burst of flowers in full blossom. Autumn, meanwhile, paints the scenery in romantic, chromatic hues characteristic of the season.
If the Great Wall is the symbol of China, the Temple of Heaven is arguably the symbol of Beijing. This place was originally conceived as a medium for the emperor to communicate with Heaven, and every year at the winter solstice, the emperor himself would come to this site to mediate between earth and heaven. Along with the Altar of Earth and Grain, it is one of only two offering temples located within the outer walled city (out of five offering temples). The blue tiles of the altar symbolize the heavens.
The park surrounding the temple complex is a lively place where people engage in various activities, including traditional Chinese martial arts and games. Not far from here is located the Altar of Earth and Grain, one of the few remaining traces of Kublai Khan’s capital, Dadu.
Covering 400,000 m², Tian’anmen Square is considered the largest public square on earth. Within the square, there are many notable architectural features such as the “Chenglou” (Gate Tower) in the north and the Mao Mausoleum at its center. Equally impressive are the surrounding buildings: the National Museum to the east, the Great Hall of the People to the west, and the “Zhengyang” Gate to the south.
Regarded as the center of power in China, this iconic place inspires both respect and admiration. You might be surprised to learn that it did not look like this until recently, and its original form was vastly different from its current one.