3 must-see attractions and 5 total things to do.
From its ancient landmarks to its modern food scene, Beijing rewards travellers who take their time. I've narrowed it down to 3 must-sees out of 5 attractions worth your time.
Most visitors spend 3–5 days here. With 3 must-see attractions, I recommend pacing yourself — hit 2–3 per day and leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
慕田峪长城
The best-preserved and most accessible section of the Great Wall, with cable car and toboggan ride down.
紫禁城
The world's largest palace complex with 980 buildings spanning 600 years of imperial history.
天坛
A stunning Ming Dynasty temple where emperors prayed for good harvests, set in a massive public park.
颐和园
An imperial garden retreat with a vast lake, marble boat, and miles of covered corridors.
798艺术区
A contemporary art hub in a repurposed factory complex with galleries, cafes, and street art.
In Beijing, the food is an adventure in itself. Here are my picks for what to eat — if you skip these, you haven't really been.
北京烤鸭 · ¥150–300
Crispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce.
where Siji Minfu or Dadong
炸酱面 · ¥15–30
Thick wheat noodles topped with fried fermented soybean paste and fresh vegetables.
where Any hutong noodle shop
羊肉串 · ¥5–10 per skewer
Cumin-spiced grilled lamb skewers — a Beijing street food staple.
where Ghost Street (Guijie)
Beijing's elegant neighbour — European architecture, street food, and a relaxed riverside vibe
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Where Chinese history breathes — six dynasties, Ming grandeur, and leafy boulevards
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Peng planned our entire two-week honeymoon across China. She found us a guide in Xi'an who brought the Terracotta Warriors to life in a way I'll never forget. Every detail was handled — train tickets, restaurant reservations, even a bouquet waiting at our hotel in Shanghai.
James & Lisa
Toronto, Canada
My 72-year-old mother came with us to China and Peng made sure every step was comfortable. She picked hotels with elevators, planned rest breaks between attractions, and even found a clinic when Mom needed her blood pressure checked. Worth every penny.
Priya
Singapore
I've helped hundreds of travellers plan their perfect Beijing trip.
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