Beijing - the 8 places that matter
Not all 200 names. Just the ones that decide your trip - with photos and one line each on why.
Pilot page. Photos from Wikimedia Commons, each under its own licence (CC0 / CC BY / CC BY-SA). The selection and the one-line reasons are our own judgement.
Badaling Great Wall
The classic section, easiest to reach. Almost every first trip goes here.
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Forbidden City
Home of 24 emperors. A full day is not enough - walk the central axis only.
Photo: User:kallgan · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Temple of Heaven
Where emperors prayed. The round Hall of Prayer is one of Beijing's best buildings.
Photo: Maros M r a z ( Maros ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Summer Palace
Imperial garden with Kunming Lake and the Long Corridor. Best in summer and autumn.
Photo: xiquinhosilva · CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Tiananmen Square
The centre of the city. Flag-raising is very early; many walkable sights around it.
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Great Wall Mutianyu
Fewer people than Badaling, better views, has a cable car and a toboggan.
Photo: Velatrix · CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Lama Temple Beijing
Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist temple. The sandalwood Buddha is the point.
Photo: Arian Zwegers · CC BY 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Beihai Park
Just north of the Forbidden City. White Dagoba and a lake - easiest add-on.
Photo: Ermell · CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
InfoGap pilot - 2026-10-07