What to do in North China

Activities, attractions and tours

Jinshanling Great Wall showing heritage architecture, mountains and landscape views
Jinshanling Great Wall showing landscape views, tranquil scenes and mountains
Jinshanling Great Wall featuring heritage elements
Jinshanling Great Wall which includes tranquil scenes and heritage elements
Jinshanling Great Wall which includes landscape views, a sunset and tranquil scenes

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Top places to visit

1. Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street has been host to commercial activities in Beijing for many centuries. Today, it’s very popular with shoppers and tourists who flock here in search of bargains and unique clothing. This busy commercial thoroughfare has benches, bars, restaurants and cafés, all offering plenty of rest stops.
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Wangfujing Street showing a city and street scenes

2. Tiananmen Square

It’s the history, more so than the architecture, behind Tiananmen Square that has brought it into the international spotlight. This public square is surrounded by Beijing’s most famous attractions, a sight you can’t miss if you are in Beijing.
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One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

3. Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.
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Forbidden City which includes a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a river or creek

4. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China Juyongguan is the closest part of these ancient fortifications to Beijing. This part, built between 770 B.C. and 221 B.C., is one of the principle mountain passes that the vast wall goes through and is called the Juyongguan Pass. Tour the historic architecture and take in the stunning vistas over the Jundu and Taihang mountains and valley.
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Great Wall of China which includes night scenes, a monument and heritage elements

5. Summer Palace

The Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is home to the largest royal garden in China and has many remarkable buildings. Enjoy the lush scenery and architecture and have a picnic on the lawns.
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Summer Palace showing heritage elements

6. Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven is bigger than the Forbidden City. It was originally constructed as a ceremonial space for emperors during the 15th century, but has been open to the public since 1918. Nowadays, the site is a gathering point for local musicians, dancers and other performers who practice their martial arts and hobbies here.
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Temple of Heaven which includes a temple or place of worship, religious elements and a city

What to do in North China

Popular places to visit

Wangfujing Street showing a city and street scenes

Wangfujing Street

4/5(46 reviews)

Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.

Wangfujing Street
Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

4/5(70 reviews)

One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City which includes a lake or waterhole, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Forbidden City

4.5/5(68 reviews)

This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

Forbidden City
Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

4.5/5(2 reviews)

After visiting Great Wall of China, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Huairou. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Great Wall of China
Sanlitun Road

Sanlitun Road

4/5(7 reviews)

During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Sanlitun Road
Great Wall of China which includes night scenes, a monument and heritage elements

Great Wall of China

5/5(2 reviews)

See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.

Great Wall of China
Summer Palace showing heritage elements

Summer Palace

4.5/5(53 reviews)

This idyllic public park was once the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty. It houses the iconic Boat of Purity and Ease.

Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven which includes a temple or place of worship, religious elements and a city

Temple of Heaven

4.5/5(52 reviews)

Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.

Temple of Heaven
Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University

5/5(1 review)

Explore the campus of Tsinghua University during your trip to Beijing. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.

Tsinghua University

Explore areas of North China

Temple of Heaven showing heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Downtown Beijing

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
National Museum of China showing signage

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Wangfujing Shopping Area
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

Explore the eclectic commercial street and its enormous mall amid the fascinating sights in the heart of Beijing’s historic center.

Dongcheng
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Chaoyang

Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or The Place while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Chaoyangmen Station to get around town.

Chaoyang
Summer Palace featuring heritage elements and a river or creek

Haidian

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Summer Palace and Fragrant Hills Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
Houhai Lake which includes heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

Xicheng

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Historical sites, museums and theatres highlight some notable features of Xicheng. Make a stop by Xidan Shopping Center or XiDan Shopping District while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lingjing Hutong Station or Xidan Station to get around town.

Xicheng