The capital of China combines the ornate delights of traditional culture with the vibrant life of a modern global city.
Beijing has been at the heart of Chinese culture and society for many centuries, and the combination of its ancient past and the developing “New China” is sure to excite and fascinate. 20 million people live here, with a further 125 million visitors coming every single year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Begin your visit in the traditional heart of the city. The imperial gardens at Jingshan Park offer wonderful views over central Beijing, including the fantastic Forbidden City, which is a must-see attraction. After you've seen all there is to see here, head for the famous Tiananmen Square where you can enjoy two extensive repositories of culture and history, the National Museum of China and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. The Front Gate (Qianmen Gate) looms over the southern end of the square, an impressive reminder of the old fortifications which used to protect the city.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre with a visit to the opulent Summer Palace of the hugely powerful and wealthy Chinese emperors, or gaze on the stunning and historic Marco Polo Bridge. Or for a more serene, spiritual experience, the Lama Temple is hard to beat.
Beijing is also a startlingly contemporary city, full of cutting-edge architecture, chic eateries and bustling shopping centres. The 2008 Olympic Games gave the city’s development a huge boost, and you can see the centre of it all at Olympic Park.
The hip artistic scene of modern China can be experienced at 798 Space, while you can pick up some mementoes of your visit along Wangfujing Street. When you get hungry, make sure to try the authentic local Peking duck with noodles or rice. Later in the evening, head for a karaoke bar or a nightclub to experience what the capital's nightlife has to offer.
Beijing is in the northeast of China and, despite being many thousands of miles away from the capitals of the West, is served by a well-connected modern international airport. The city is very flat, so it’s a pleasure to cycle around, and the public transport system is top-notch, with plenty of signs in English to help orientate the visitor. Getting around by car can be significantly more difficult, particularly if you don’t have a good command of Mandarin, so be warned.
Known for Historical Buildings, Small Towns, Museums
1/5(1 review)
Discover a bustling district where you can get a real feel of everyday Beijing life as well as enjoying impressive historic, cultural and entertainment attractions.
Visit a museum about local history and traditions, attend a spectacular dance show and relax in the park by a vast lake.
Top hotels in Beijing
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Hilton Beijing Capital Airport
5 out of 5
Terminal 3, 1 Sanjing Road, Beijing, Beijing
AU$174
per night
16 Dec. - 17 Dec.
Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 miles (20 km) of Goldenport Park ...…Situated near the airport, this luxury hotel is 6.1 mi (9.9 km) from New China International Exhibition Center and within 12 miles (20 km) of Goldenport Park ...WWW…
4.4/5Excellent! (608 reviews)
"Free shuttle bus to airport. Nice gym facilities n quiet environment"…""Free shuttle bus to airport. Nice gym facilities n quiet environment"WWW…"
The Great Wall Hotel Beijing(Former The Great Wall Sheraton Hotel Beijing)
5 out of 5
10 North Dongsanhuan Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, Beijing
AU$118
per night
21 Dec. - 22 Dec.
Located in Chaoyang, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of National Agricultural Exhibition Center and Sanlitun. CCTV Headquarters and Yonghe Temple are ...…Located in Chaoyang, this luxury hotel is within 1 mile (2 km) of National Agricultural Exhibition Center and Sanlitun. CCTV Headquarters and Yonghe Temple are ...WWW…
3.8/5Good! (232 reviews)
"The is very clean, a bit run down but still best for the money and its its realatively close to the subway"…""The is very clean, a bit run down but still best for the money and its its realatively close to the subway"WWW…"
Located in Dongdan, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Wangfujing Street, Oriental Plaza and National Museum of China. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden ...…Located in Dongdan, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Wangfujing Street, Oriental Plaza and National Museum of China. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (616 reviews)
"Everything in this hotel was great. Food the great service"…""Everything in this hotel was great. Food the great service"WWW…"
From national celebrations to mass protests, Beijing’s main square has been the scene of many of China’s most important gatherings and is a must-see for any visitor.
See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.
Behind the high walls of this peaceful complex lie some of the most impressive temples in Beijing, where human sacrifices were once held to appease ancient gods.
Please kindly note that you need to send your passport details to the local travel agency in Beijing right after booking in order to buy the tickets. You will get the travel agency contact information after booking.
Mini Group Tour: The Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
AU$151
This is a Hassle-Free, No More Than 6 People mini-sized group tour to the two most beautiful attractions in Beijing! 7:00-8:30 Hotel Pickup Your tour guide will be waiting for you in your hotel lobby for pickup, the exact pickup time will be confirmed with you about 2 days before your travel date.
Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace Day Tour
AU$111
Visit Beijing's historic destinations and explore its rich history, fascinating architecture, and impressive traditions on this full-day tour. Explore the imperial Forbidden City, historical Summer Palace, harmonious Temple of Heaven and stroll around the Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall Bus Tour
AU$74
Enjoy some of China's most famous landmarks with an expert guide to explain their cultural and historical meaning. Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike up the most famous section of the Great Wall of China.
Bird's Nest, Panda House, Hutong, Lama Temple Group Tour
AU$77
Have a full day trip to explore both the old and the new Beijing, see the lovely giant pandas in Beijing Zoo, take amazing pictures of the Water Cube and Bird's Nest, visit the perfectly preserved Lama Temple, experience the real Beijing culture of the Hutong and Courtyards, and get a full and clear view of the Forbidden City from the peak of Jingshan House.
Private Hiking Day Tour: Jinshanling Great Wall from Beijing with Lunch
AU$92
The Jinshanling Great Wall is situated on the Big and Small Jinshan mountains, hence its name. It has an elevation of 700 meters. Based on huge stone bars, the Great Wall was then made by huge bricks, each of which weighed about 12 kilograms (26 pounds).
Cheap taxis, very smogy. Little English spoken away from the hotel.
4/5 - Good
Frequent
4 Nov. 2019
Beijing is changing - fast and for the better
4/5 - Good
Nat
3 Nov. 2019
Beijing is a fascinating city. So much to explore. But it is a big city and it takes time to get around. Try and stay close to a subway line as it will be really useful.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
2 Nov. 2019
Amazing place with great history, but in the afternoon the air pollution built up and was unpleasant.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveller
26 Oct. 2019
Surprisingly nice place. Would like to go again and explore a bit more.
