Best things to do in Beijing

Exceptionally well preserved and rich in detail, Mutianyu Great Wall offers visitors an iconic view of China's symbolic World Heritage Site and one of the seven man-made wonders of the world. This segment of the wall was originally built in the 6th century CE during the Northern Qi dynasty and has remained unchanged since 1569. The section boasts many watchtowers and is surrounded by a dense forest, which makes for sweeping scenery. Access the wall by climbing the approximately 4,000 steps, riding the chairlift, or taking the gondola lift.

The assembly of lakes, palaces, gardens, and pavilions that make up Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) dates back to the 12-century Jin dynasty. This World Heritage Site served as a residence for members of the Qing dynasty in the 18th and 19th centuries. The complex contains an exemplary collection of landscaped royal gardens, temples, bridges, and palaces. Look out for the 96 m (315 ft) stone boat constructed entirely from marble, and for the elaborately painted and decorated corridor connecting the Hall of Joy and Longevity to the Shizhang Pavilion.

Within a palace that served as the seat of power for the Ming and Qing dynasties, The Palace Museum houses a massive collection of artifacts that include ceramics, porcelain pieces, paintings, bronzeware, steles, sculptures, and much more. Built in the early 15th century, the palace holds the honor of being a World Heritage Site and contains an unparalleled number of preserved ancient wooden structures. Bring your ID or passport to purchase entry tickets.

Originally built under the Ming dynasty to protect Beijing against invasion and attack, The Great Wall at Badaling was the first part of the Great Wall of China to open for tourists. Visitors can walk a 3.7 km (2.3 mi) stretch that is accessible by both cable car and stairs. Notice the width of the wall here--at 6 m (20 ft) across, it would have accommodated five horses or ten soldiers to march side by side. Watch out for steep and uneven steps, and grab the handrail for stability.

Dating back to the early 15th century, Temple of Heaven served the leaders of the Ming and Qing dynasties as the site of annual harvest prayer ceremonies. Regarded as a Taoist house of worship, the temple complex contains several structures, including a central prayer hall, an enormous triple-gabled structure intricately detailed on the outside and elaborated decorated on the inside. There, the emperors, traditionally considered interlocutors between mortals and gods, performed rituals to request the blessing for successful harvests.

Constructed with a combination of Tibetan and Han Chinese styles, Lama Temple (Yonghegong) represents a Buddhist monastery and the best-preserved lamasery in modern China. Built in 1694, the site initially served as a residence for court eunuchs, but was later converted into both an imperial palace and a monastery for monks of Tibetan Buddhism. Inside you can find many interesting works of art, such as three displayed bronze Buddhas, a white sandalwood statue of Maitreya Buddha, sculptures of Arhats in different sizes and positions, and large frescos decorating the walls. You can also purchase many souvenirs and quality incenses at the temple.

Famous and infamous in modern Chinese history, Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) stands as one of the most important political and cultural sites in Beijing. This vast square provided the setting for Mao Zedong's speech announcing the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Surrounding the square, you'll find significant structures like Mao's mausoleum, National Museum of China, Monument to the People's Heroes, and Great Hall of the People. Visit the square at dawn to see the ceremonial raising of the Chinese national flag.

Discover a photographic hotspot and a well-preserved section of the historic Great Wall at The Great wall of Jiankou. Built during the Tang dynasty, the dolomite wall consists of 28 towers and stretches for a total of 15 km (9.3 mi). Some sections get steep with an angle of 80 degrees and can challenge even the most skilful of trekkers.

Explore a lush urban park and a former royal garden located northwest of the city at Beihai Park (Beihai Gongyuan). Built during the 11th century, the park holds the title as one of largest gardens in China, and it houses many important historical palaces, traditional temples, and elaborate pavilions. Resting at an area of 69 hectares (171 acres), a lake covers more than half of the public area's surface with Jade Flower Island at its center. Visit a large collection of prominent structures throughout the park. Some cultural sites require an admission fee.

A fusion of human architectural prowess and natural defenses, Great Wall at Huanghuacheng provides a glimpse of the famous structure in a relatively unrestored state, with less tourist traffic than more famous sections. Explore this wild stretch of the wall as it climbs towering mountain hillsides and ridges next to a snaking reservoir, passing through dense forests along the way. You'll enjoy sweeping views over the surrounding countryside, including small villages and neighboring mountain peaks, as you trek across and beside the partially overgrown wall. Keep in mind that much of the wall here has not been restored, so be prepared for some rough stretches, and watch your step.

The Olympic Forest Park is a large, man-made nature park situated at the north end of the Olympic Green in Beijing. Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the park has two parts: the southern part is oval in shape and features lake Wa Biancun in the center, and the northern side has a mountain that gives an excellent view of this part of the city. The northern part is outside of the 5th Ring Road. The park was designed by Hu Jie.The park features many walking paths and a jogging path. Several small islands in the lake are linked by bridges. The south-east end of the lake has a handful of carnival rides for children.The South Gate of Forest Park Station of the Beijing Subway is located at the south entrance to the park.

Among the earliest Buddhist shrines in China, Pool and Mulberry Tree Temple (Tanzhe Si) features halls, courtyards, and altars, arranged along the central axis and built during Ming and Qing dynasties. A large bronze pot in front of the main hall was used by monks for preparation of food. In the courtyard behind the hall grows a pair of gingko trees--the emperor tree and the empress tree. Legend has it that the emperor tree grew a new branch each time a new Qing ruler came to the throne. A tall pavilion with a brick roof carved with images of dragons and phoenixes, as well as a 1.46 m (4.79 ft) long green stone fish carved from a huge meteorite deserve your attention.

Constructed on an artificial hill during the Ming Dynasty's Yongle era, stands Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) as a remarkable royal landscaped garden which covers an area of 23 hectares (57 acres). The park contains five peaks with an ornate pavilion on the top. As you explore the lush ambience, notice how the surrounding traditional tombs and residences were constructed by implementing the feng shui principles. Take a walk through the park and view its large peony rose garden. The area features a calm, mystical atmosphere where you can commonly find locals socializing and doing cultural activities.

East of Tiananmen Square stands National Museum Of China, an inclusive institution which commemorates the nation's history and honors its culture. After years of renovation and expansion, the museum reopened in 2011 as one of world's largest modern museums. Inspect the displayed treasures exhibited in various themes such as the arts of porcelain and jade, Chinese paintings and calligraphy, dynasty furniture, and Buddhist memorabilia. The museum also houses thousands of archaeological discoveries like the 1.7 million-year-old teeth of the Yuanmou Man. In addition to exploring the exhibition halls, you can rest at tea or coffee shops, purchase souvenirs, and watch educational movies at the 700-seat theater.

Part of the strategic Great Wall of China, Juyong Pass of Great Wall remains a rare, well-preserved example of the impregnable solid barrier that once protected the capital's Old City. Serving as a military stronghold throughout history, the 4.142-meter (13,589 ft) circular pass rests in the 18 km (11 mi) long Guangou Valley surrounded by mountains on two sides. In the middle of the pass, examine the Cloud Platform, a white marble structure with reliefs of four heavenly gods and sutra scriptures carved in its walls. Stairs can get very slippery during rain, so check the weather forecast to avoid the bad conditions, and always carry snacks and extra water during your exploration.