Sights of Beijing: what to see, where to go? The main attractions of Beijing: photos and descriptions What places to visit in Beijing

This page provides a small guide to the main attractions of Beijing. Of course, here is only a small part of what can be seen in the city itself and its suburbs. I tried to list here the main, in my opinion, attractions of Beijing, those places - temples and monasteries, museums, historical sites, streets, etc., that are worth visiting first. Preference was given to places that are easily accessible by public transport. Among the listed attractions of Beijing you will find both very popular tourist places and those that are known only to Beijing residents and those visitors who are in love with this city.

Next to the names of Beijing attractions, their Chinese names are written in Russian. If, for example, you are taking a taxi, show the name and address to the taxi driver, he will take you to the right place. Where possible, I tried to indicate the address and the nearest metro station. But perhaps it will be more convenient for you to travel by bus or taxi. In addition, you can order.

The division into sections is conditional, for example, a temple can be a museum, and a palace can essentially be a huge park. I would like to hope that my guide to the sights of Beijing will give you the answer to the question of what to see in Beijing.

Since the 13th century, Beijing has been the capital of China. At the beginning of the 15th century, a huge construction of palaces and temples began here, many of which still exist today. Many palaces in Beijing are now given over to museums, with beautiful gardens and parks located on their territory.

A luxurious Buddhist monastery, originally the residence of the heir to the throne (hence the yellow roof tiles). Located next to the Confucius Temple and the Imperial Academy, as well as the Altar of the Earth.

Address: 12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng, Beijing. Yonghegong 雍和宫 Subway Station (Lama Temple, lines 2 and 5).

The monastery bears the title of “The First Temple under Heaven” and is one of the Three Patriarchal Courts of the Taoist School of Perfect Truth. On the premises there is a Taoist medical center, a wall with carvings of animals of the 12-year cycle and scenes from life. Not far from it is the Tianning Monastery (look for the pipe).

Address: 9 Baiyunguan St, Xicheng, Beijing. The nearest metro station is Muxidi 木樨地 (line 1), then walk along or take the bus.

A Taoist temple restored from ruins, on part of its territory there is folklore exhibition. Interesting statues of deities of the Taoist pantheon. The Oceanarium near the Workers' Stadium is located relatively nearby.

Address: 141 Chaoyangmen Outer St, Chaoyang, Beijing The nearest subway station is Chaoyangmen 朝阳门 (Line 2,6) or Dongdaqiao 东大桥 (Line 6).

Niujie Street Mosque 牛街礼拜寺

The oldest mosque in Beijing, built in 996, was subsequently reconstructed and renovated several times. Muslims have long lived on and around Niujie Street ( hui回). Not far from it is the Fayuan Buddhist Monastery.

Address: 18 Niujie zhonglu, Xicheng, Beijing. The nearest subway station is Guang'anmen Inner广安门内 (Line 7).

Monastery of the Reclining Buddha

An ancient monastery in a picturesque corner of the Beijing Botanical Garden. If you are in the Botanical Garden, be sure to check out the monastery.

Address: 北京植物园, 香山南路, Haidian Qu, Beijing Shi. Directions: bus or taxi, then walk through the territory of the Botanical Garden.

Tianning Monastery

It is famous for its 58-meter, 13-tiered pagoda, built at the beginning of the 12th century during the Liao Dynasty, the base of which is decorated with carved bas-reliefs. Located near the Temple of White Clouds. If you get to the monastery on foot, be guided by a high chimney, which somewhat spoils the view.

Address: 3 Tianningsi Front St, Xicheng, Beijing. Nearest metro station: Daguanying 达官营 (Line 7), then walk.

王府井天主堂

Catholic church in neo-Gothic style on Wangfujing Street. If you're lucky, it will be open.

Address: 74 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng, Beijing. Subway: Wangfujing 王府井 (Line 1), Dengshikou 灯市口 (Line 5).

Fayuan Monastery (Dharma Source Monastery)法源寺

It was founded in 645 by Emperor Taizong and restored in the 15th century. On the territory there is a Chinese Buddhist Academy. Located near the mosque on Niujie Street.

Address: 7 Fayuansi Front St,Xicheng, Beijing. Subway: Taoranting 陶然亭 (Line 4) or Caishikou 菜市口 (Lines 4.7).

White Pagoda Temple Bytas

Famous for its white pagoda, which is the same shape as the White Dagobah in Beihai Park, but 15 meters higher. Built in 1275 in the very center of Khanbalik, as Beijing was then called. Opposite is the temple of Emperors of all dynasties. Very often closed, the white stupa can only be admired from afar.

Address: 171 Fuchengmen Inner St, Xicheng Qu, Beijing. Nearest metro station: Xisi 西四 (Line 4).

Great Bell Temple dazhongs

Buddhist monastery, on whose territory there is Great Bell Museum. An interesting collection of bells, there are even bells from Russia. Located nearby.

Address: 31 N 3rd Ring Rd W, Haidian, Beijing. The nearest metro station is Dazhongsi 大钟寺 (line 13).

Ancient streets south of Qianmen Gate. Vintage shops and stalls, interesting bronze statues of traditional Beijingers, delicious food. Popular tourist spot. An old tram runs along Qianmen Street. Too bright, but worth a visit.

The nearest subway stations are Qianmen 前门 (Line 2) and Zhushikou 珠市口 (Line 7).

Hutongs of Beijing

In Beijing, in some areas of the city, traditional buildings have been preserved - narrow streets called hutongs and siheyuan houses. Here you can fully feel the spirit of old Beijing and see the real life of the Chinese. Read about some hutongs and houses in the articles:

Universities in Beijing

Beijing has many universities, many of which are among the world's leading universities. Some of them were founded more than a century ago. Ancient buildings in the classical Chinese style have been preserved on their territory. Even if you graduated from university a long time ago or have never been a student at all, it’s worth taking a walk through their territory if only for the interesting sights and beautiful views.

Peking University 北京大学, 北大

One of the oldest in China, founded in 1898. It’s worth a visit if only for the beautiful buildings and well-groomed grounds. The ruins of buildings and the canal system of the Old Summer Palace have been preserved. There is also a 13-story Boyata Pagoda built in 1924. It is one of the G9 universities in China.

Address: 5 Yiheyuan Rd, Haidian, Beijing. The nearest metro station is East Gate of Peking University 北京大学东门 (Line 4).

Tsinghua University

It is located east of Peking University and also includes part of the territory of the former Old Summer Palace. Founded in 1911. It is one of the G9 universities in China.

Address: 30 Shuangqing Rd, Haidian, Beijing. The nearest metro station is Qinghua East Road West Crossing 清华东路西口 (Line 15).

The great Wall of China

Steeper climbs and more difficult to get to by public transport. Therefore there are fewer people.

Hotels in Beijing

Beijing hotels can be booked on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

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If you don’t want to buy air tickets yourself, book a hotel, or worry about transfer from the airport to the hotel, you can buy.

Excursions in Beijing

Getting around Beijing is easy using public transport and taxis. However, sometimes it’s worth going on an excursion: it will free you from the need to get to your destination yourself, buy tickets and figure out routes.

© Maria Anashina, website

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Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and has the status of a central city. The history of this settlement began many centuries ago, and now the city is a modern cultural, economic, and tourist center of the country. The unique culture, interesting traditions and many famous attractions attract travelers here. It is important to take into account the rules of stay in Beijing, the location of tourist sites and much more.

Brief information about the city in China

At the northern edge of the Great Plain of China lies the city of Beijing. The main part of this population center is surrounded by Hebei Province, and the remaining areas border Tianjin in the southeast. It has a humid continental climate and the weather is influenced by the monsoons. Some areas of the city are subject to a temperate monsoon climate. This is due to the fact that Beijing occupies a large area of ​​16,801 km². About 21,705,000 people live in this territory.

Beijing is a developed and beautiful city

Settlements on the territory of modern Beijing have existed since the 1st millennium BC. Now the settlement is considered one of the largest in the world and is famous for many attractions dating back to different eras. At the same time, the railway transport network is well developed here, and the city has 3 stations: Beijing West Station, Beijing Station and Beijing South Station. The Beijing-Tianjin High Speed ​​Railway is popular among tourists and locals. And also highways are laid across the territory of the capital of the People's Republic of China, and there is Capital International Airport nearby. There are also several secondary airports used for military purposes.

Beijing has an extensive metro network, including 17 lines. This allows tourists to easily get to any part of the capital, but it is worth considering that the price for the trip depends on the number of stations on the desired route. In some cases, it is easier to get to the desired location by taxi.

Transport accessibility of the city

Beijing is a developed and modern city, the cultural and economic center of China. Therefore, it is easy to get here by plane, and direct flights are available from Moscow, St. Petersburg, the capital of European countries. There are many flights from Moscow with transfers to Vienna, Dubai, Warsaw, Guangzhou and Zurich. Accordingly, it is also easy to get to Beijing by plane from these cities.

The city has 2 railway stations: Beijing West and Beijing. This allows you to get here from Moscow by Vostok train. This train departs from Yaroslavsky station and arrives in Beijing in 6 days. There are also flights from Vietnam and North Korea to Beijing, making it easy to travel to several countries by train.

From Beijing you can take a bus from Sihui Station to Tianjin, Harbin, Changchun, Dalian and other cities in the country. And also transport arrives here from many settlements in China.

Sights of Beijing: architectural, cultural and other sites of the city

Thanks to the centuries-old history and modern development of Beijing, tourists can see both ancient architectural objects and innovative achievements here. Cultural and natural attractions also attract travelers.

While vacationing in Beijing, tourists can pay attention to the following architectural and historical sites:

  • The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world. It is located almost in the center of Beijing and north of Tiananmen Square. The first palace was built between 1406 and 1420, and then its location was moved, the structure underwent many changes. In its modern form, the complex was founded in 1922 and is known as the largest in the world and one of the most visited sites in Beijing. The attraction features many palaces and temples, surrounded by a wall with gates and occupying an area of ​​720,000 m². There are about 980 buildings in total;
    The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world
  • Not far from Beijing lies the Great Wall of China, the length of which with all its parts is 21,196 km. It was built in Ancient China and is known as the largest architectural monument. The material used to create the structure was limestone. The first sections of the wall were built in the 3rd century BC. e. in the period from 475 to 221 BC. e. to protect the state from the Xiongnu. Now this object is popular among tourists, as it is of impressive size and there are many monuments installed here;
    The wall attracts tourists with its unusual size and the fact that it is one of the 7 wonders of the world
  • The Temple of Heaven is a temple and monastery complex created in 1420. This facility is located in Dongcheng District and is surrounded by a red double wall. The temple is considered a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, and the surrounding area is notable for its beautiful landscape design. This place can be visited from 9:00 to 18:00;
    The Temple of Heaven is a landmark in China, famous for its beautiful architecture and centuries-old history.
  • The Temple of Confucius is the second largest of all the sites dedicated to the famous philosopher Confucius. The object was built in 1302 and served as a tribute to the famous scientist until 1911. There are 189 stone steles here, where the texts of the Confucian Thirteen Books are carved. Temple address: Guozijian Street, 13. You can easily get here by subway to Yonghegong Station or by buses No. 13, 116, 117, 606, 800;
    The Temple of Confucius is dedicated to the famous philosopher and scientist
  • Tiananmen Square is located in the city center and covers an area of ​​440,000 m². Until the 20th century, this area was the largest in the world. Here tourists can see the modern opera house, the Chinese History Museum, the People's Assembly building, as well as a monument dedicated to the people's heroes of China. The site is decorated with elegant flower beds and locals and tourists come here for walks and to watch the flag raising, which takes place every morning;
    Tiananmen Square occupies a large area and is beautifully decorated
  • The Imperial Summer Palace is the summer residence of representatives of the Qing Dynasty. The architectural ensemble was founded in 1750, and now there are many pavilions, several palaces and temples, and the main gate. Tourists can see this object at Xin-Jian-Gong-Men Rd, 19. It is worth visiting the observation decks, strolling through the park and getting acquainted with the beautiful architecture of the buildings;
    The Summer Palace is a vast architectural ensemble of temples, palaces, pavilions
  • CCTV headquarters is a modern skyscraper with an unusual shape, created in 2009. The object reaches a height of 234 m and has 44 floors. The building has a ring-shaped structure consisting of five vertical and horizontal sections, creating an irregular lattice on the building's façade with an empty center. The total floor area is 473 thousand m². There are exhibition halls, a public theater, a hotel, and offices here. Facility address: Headquarters, 32 East 3rd Ring Road Middle Chaoyang, Beijing;
    CCTV headquarters is known as "Big Pants"
  • The Earth Temple is the second largest of the 4 main temples in Beijing. It is located near Andingmen Gate in the northern part of the city and outside Beijing's Second Ring Road. The temple was founded in 1530 and is a small part of Ditansky Park. This building served for religious purposes and complements the Temples of Heaven, Sun and Moon;
    The Earth Temple is the second largest of the 4 main temples in Beijing
  • Xishiku Cathedral is often called the Northern Cathedral, it is Catholic and is located in the northern part of Beijing, namely in the Xicheng district. The first cathedral was created in 1703 near Lake Zhongnanhai, but in 1887 the building was moved to its current location. The neo-Gothic style object is popular among tourists, as it has impressive parameters and looks beautiful;
    Shishiku Cathedral attracts tourists with its spectacular view and interesting history
  • Lugou Bridge was created from solid granite in the years 1189-1192, and then regularly updated and supplemented. The length of the structure is 266.5 m and the width is 9.3 m. The bridge is famous for its beautiful architecture, and the railings are decorated with figures of lions. Steles are installed on the eastern and western sides. Tourists can visit Wanping Fortress, which houses the Museum of the Second Sino-Japanese War;
    Lugou Bridge is popular among tourists because it was built many centuries ago and leads to Wanping Fortress
  • Niujie is the oldest and largest mosque in the capital of China. The building was founded in 996 and is located in the southwestern region of Xuanwu. Throughout its existence, the mosque was restored, and acquired its modern appearance only at the beginning of the 18th century. The attraction has an area of ​​6,000 m2. The outside of the facility is made in traditional Chinese style, and the premises are furnished in accordance with Islamic traditions;
    Niujie Mosque is known as the oldest and largest Muslim temple in Beijing
  • Zhenjue Temple is Buddhist and was created during the Ming Dynasty in Beijing, namely in 1473. The building is installed on a square base, the height of which reaches 7.7 m. You can climb to the temple via a spiral staircase. Now the Beijing Stone Carving Museum is located here. Tourists can see this object at North of Beijing Zoo, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081 and there is a National Library metro stop nearby;
    Zhenjue Temple is an object with unusual architecture and centuries-old history
  • Wanshou Temple was built in 1577 during the reign of Emperor Ming Wanli. The building is located on Suzhou Jie Street in the capital of China. Now the Beijing Art Museum is located here, and previously the temple served to celebrate religious dates by the families of the emperors. This place is famous for the fact that here you can see unique exhibits, for example, bronze and jasper figurines from the Shang-Yin and Zhou times, as well as lacquer carvings, collections of faience and porcelain;
    The Wanshou Temple Museum displays rare exhibits from different eras
  • The mausoleum of Mao Zedong will interest tourists with its solid appearance and architecture. The building was built in 1977 and is located in the center of Tiananmen Square. The complex is a memorial and there is a North Hall, a cinema hall, as well as a hall for visitors, the South Hall. The Hall of Revolutionary Achievements is also interesting, where exhibits and artifacts of revolutionary times are presented. This object is dedicated to Mao Zedong and other proletarian figures;
    The Mausoleum of Mao Zedong is popular among tourists due to the fact that it is dedicated to the memory of famous revolutionaries
  • The Beijing Data Center building is known for its unusual architecture and consists of several tall asymmetrical blocks that resemble a barcode from the outside. The structure is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of Anxiang North and Beichen West, Huizhong Road in the Olympic Green District of Chaoyang. The building was created from steel and reinforced concrete in 2007. The height of the Center is 57 m;
    The center was created by a Chinese architect and features unusual architecture
  • The Beijing TV Tower is famous for its height, reaching 405 m including the antenna. At an altitude of 238 m there is an observation deck from where a beautiful view of the city opens. Tourists can visit the revolving restaurant, and it is easily accessible by high-speed elevator. Object address: Xisanhuanzhong Lu, 11. There are bus stops nearby. Buses No. 8, 40, 74, 77, 102, 103, 201, 437, 624, 631, 698, 944, 968 and 977 arrive at Hantianqiao, and buses No. 323 and 374 arrive at Yuyuantan. In the distance there are 2 metro stations: "Gongzhufen" (intersection of lines 1 and 10) and "Xidiaoutai" (line 10);
    Beijing TV Tower is one of the tallest in the world
  • The Great Bell Temple is a Buddhist temple located on Beisanhuang Road in Beijing. The building was erected in 1733 during the reign of Emperor Yongzhen of the Qing Dynasty. The temple is famous for having the Yongle bell, which produces a sound of 120 decibels and can be heard at a distance of 50 km from the building. Now there is a museum here.
    The temple is named so because of the bell, the sound of which can be heard at a distance of 50 km

Beijing has a lot of temples, ancient buildings and beautiful architectural objects. The city's cultural attractions are no less diverse. For example, tourists can visit the National Center for the Performing Arts, which is an opera house with an area of ​​200,000 m². The rounded building resembles an egg and is located near Tiananmen Square and the Great Hall of the People. The theater is known throughout the world for its shape and architecture, and thousands of visitors come here every year.


Unusual architecture makes the theater in Beijing famous throughout the world

The National Museum of China is the largest in the country and the most visited in the world. The institution occupies an area of ​​70,000 m2. The museum was founded in 1959 and includes more than 650,000 valuable and rare exhibits. This object is located in Tiananmen Square, and a clock is often placed on the facade of the building, which counts down the time until one or another important event in the country.


The National Museum is the largest in China and millions of tourists come here every year

Beijing has many beautiful parks and recreational areas. The following are popular among tourists:

  • Houhai Lake is famous for its beautiful and landscaped recreation area. There are many restaurants, nightclubs and cafes on the banks of the reservoir. Boat trips are often organized for tourists. The lake is located in the central part of the city;
    Houhai Lake is a popular holiday destination for locals and tourists.
  • Beihai Park is an imperial garden located northwest of the Forbidden City. This park is considered one of the largest Chinese gardens and here you can see ancient palaces, sculptures, and temples. The area of ​​the park is 69 hectares, and the main part of the territory is occupied by Lake Beihai. Beautiful landscaping attracts many visitors here;
    Beihai attracts tourists with many historical sites and beautiful landscape design
  • On the artificial hills of Jingshan there is a park of the same name, covering an area of ​​230,000 m². Initially, this place was an imperial garden, but now there are walking paths, there are many sculptures and beautiful flower beds. Dance and other cultural events are regularly held, which is what this place is famous for;
    Jingshan Park is considered one of the best recreational spots in Beijing, and was formerly an imperial garden.
  • The Marble Boat is a lake pavilion located next to the Summer Palace. This building was created in 1755. The pavilion is made in the shape of a boat and has a length of 36 m. This object is known precisely for its shape and beautiful decor in the form of skillful carvings.
    The unusual shape and beautiful decor make the Marble Boat famous and popular among tourists

Beijing is a large modern city that has both ancient buildings and innovative buildings and beautiful parks. Therefore, tourists from all over the world come here to get acquainted with the history and culture of the city, see unusual sights and learn a lot of new things.

Holidays in different seasons

Summer is a good opportunity for long excursions in Beijing and its surroundings. In June, sales begin in stores and shopping centers, which allows you to purchase any goods at a profit. The average daytime temperature is +30 °C. Boat trips on lakes are in demand this season. And tourists should also visit Xiangshan Park, which is located at the foot of the Xishan Mountains in the northwest of Beijing. There are many Buddhist temples with beautiful architecture. The park was created in 1186. The area of ​​its territory is 16 km 2 .


Xiangshan is suitable for summer excursions and is famous for its many temples

In autumn, the air temperature in Beijing gradually decreases and in October averages +19 °C. Travelers can walk across the Yudaiqiao Bridge, which is shaped like a crescent and has the unusual appearance that makes it famous. This shape was chosen so that the imperial boat in the shape of a dragon could pass through the water. It was created in the 18th century and is located 7 km northwest of the Forbidden City, namely on the territory of the Yuanmingyuan garden and palace complex, which is the former Summer Imperial Palace.


Yudaiqiao has a beautiful shape and was created many centuries ago

Frosts are possible in Beijing in winter, with temperatures around -7°C. During the day it is much warmer and the air warms up to +4 °C. During this time, interesting festivals are held and stores have sales. Tourists should also try traditional dishes in local restaurants. A tour of Gongwangfu Park will allow you to see unique palaces and temples created in 1776. This complex houses a theater and a museum. The facility is located in the Xicheng district, st. Haysi, 17.


Gongwangfu is interesting for tourists due to its ancient palaces with skillful decoration

In spring, trees and flowers bloom in the parks and your trip to Beijing will be as pleasant as possible. It is worth visiting Yonghegong Temple at this time, which is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. Presumably, this object was built in the 17th century. Here you can see a huge statue of Buddha, as well as smaller sculptures installed in many halls. The facility is located in the northeastern part of Beijing.


Yonghegong is one of the most beautiful temples and you can meet tourists, locals and monks here

Traveling to Beijing in summer is the best option for an exciting holiday. At this time of year it is warm here and there is an opportunity to explore the sights on long excursions.

Video: review of Yonghegong Temple in Beijing

Activities and attractions for children

The capital of China offers excursions and entertainment for the whole family. However, there are several places that will be especially interesting for children. Tourists can visit the following attractions in Beijing:

  • The Peace Park covers an area of ​​460,000 m2 and visitors can see here small copies of famous buildings from around the world. Reproductions of famous sculptures and bright flower beds decorate this vacation spot. The facility is located at Fengbaotai road, 158. Children can visit the park for free, and a ticket for adults costs about 960 rubles;
    Peace Park is an interesting place for tourists to relax, because here you can see copies of famous objects
  • The Happy Valley amusement park in Beijing is one of the most visited places in the city. Carousels for children of all ages, modern attractions, themed areas, cafes and much more are located on an area of ​​560,000 m2. Amusement park address: Beijing, Chaoyang District, Dongsihuan, Xiaowujibei Road. Bus No. 674, 680 and 684 (Hua Qiao Cheng Nan Stop) and Bus No. 31 and 41 (Hou Feng Qiao Nan Lu Stop) are easy to get here;
    Happy Valley Amusement Park has many modern and interesting attractions, which makes it popular and famous
  • Beijing Zoo is one of the top 10 best and largest zoos in the world. More than 7,000 animals live here in spacious enclosures. On the territory of the zoo there is a cafe, entertainment areas, aviaries with birds, an aquarium and other interesting places. Address: Xizhimenwai Dajie, 137. Nearby there is Dong Wu Yuan Station (Line 4);
    Beijing Zoo is considered one of the largest in the world
  • The Beijing Aquarium opened in 1999 and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals. This place is famous for the longest underwater tunnel in Asia, as well as a moving platform from which you can observe marine life. The aquarium is located at 137 Xiwai Street, Xizhimen, Haidian District. It is easily accessible by bus routes: 106, 205 or 104.
    Beijing Aquarium has the longest tunnel in Asia

During a holiday in Beijing, children may also be interested in ancient temples, because such objects are distinguished by their beautiful design. One of the entertainments can be a visit to the National Museum. It is worth purchasing souvenirs and handicrafts, which often have colorful designs and will appeal to children. Tourists can dine in Chinese restaurants or establishments offering European cuisine.

Features of a short holiday in Beijing

The capital of China occupies a large area, but the most interesting sights are located in the center. Therefore, tourists can devote only 1 day to the excursion, and for this it is not necessary to check into a hotel. When staying in Beijing for a day, it is important to determine the date and time of departure. After this, you need to place your luggage in the storage room of the airport or train station, and then begin to get acquainted with the culture of the city.

When your stay in the capital of China lasts more than 1 day, it is important to book a hotel room or apartment in advance. After accommodation, you can begin excursions, entertainment and walks around the city.

Traditions, culture and rules of stay

When traveling to Beijing, tourists should know some rules of conduct to avoid unpleasant situations and show respect for others. The main rules are:

  • In hotels and inns it is not customary to leave tips to service staff. You can bargain in the market, but you can’t do this in stores;
  • local residents can easily tell you the way to any place, but if there is a language barrier, you just need to show it on the map and the taxi driver will quickly take you to the right place;
  • It is best to learn the correct names of local attractions in advance, which will make traveling and walking around Beijing easier;
  • Currency exchange is best done at special points or banks;
  • All hotels and even budget hotels provide the necessary equipment, a bathroom and a high level of service.

Photo gallery: maps of some areas of Beijing

In Beijing, a large park is popular for recreation. The Botanical Garden is located near the center. Reservoirs in Beijing are popular for boat trips. The palaces of the Forbidden City are in the center of Beijing. The Oceanarium is a popular attraction of the city. Many areas of Beijing have beautiful parks.

Beijing is one of the oldest and most mysterious cities on the planet. Its magnificent imperial palaces and ancient Buddhist temples have amazingly powerful energy. Here you can touch the greatest secrets of history and feel the true harmony of nature and man. Our article presents the main Beijing sights, which will be interesting to visit for every guest of the capital of China.

1. Forbidden City

The mysterious Forbidden City is Beijing's most attractive attraction. This place is located in the center of the capital, and for five centuries it was the main residence of the powerful rulers of the Chinese Empire. This is the largest palace complex on the planet, numbering several hundred buildings. In addition to the emperor's chambers and rooms for his family and concubines, the Forbidden City had libraries, theaters and halls for ceremonies. Entry into the Forbidden City was allowed only to members of the imperial family, and ordinary residents who found themselves on its territory faced the death penalty. The Forbidden City was built in the 15th century in accordance with the art of Feng Shui: behind the complex were mountains, in the center was the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the main source of Qi energy was the slowly flowing Golden Water River. The Forbidden City in Beijing is given a special mystical charm by its luxurious imperial gardens, secluded gazebos and mysterious sculptures. These days, the Forbidden City is open to tourists, and anyone can enjoy its grandeur.

2. Temple of Heaven

The grandiose Temple of Heaven, which amazes numerous visitors with its splendor, is rightfully one of the most visited attractions in Beijing. It was here that every year for five centuries the emperors turned to Heaven with a prayer for a rich harvest and prosperity of the state. The temple complex consists of several structures, the main of which are round in shape, since in the minds of the ancient Chinese the circle was the personification of heavenly powers. Tiles of blue and light blue shades, symbolizing the color of the sky, are widely used in the decoration of the walls and roofs of prayer halls. On the Altar of Heaven, built of white marble, the rulers performed sacrifices. The Altar is interesting for its unusual acoustic effect: if, standing in the very center of the Altar, you quietly say the words of prayer, the sound, reflected from the marble slabs, will intensify many times over. The central building of the Temple of Heaven is the Hall of Prayer for a Good Harvest, notable for its impressive size, rich interior decoration and bright Chinese ornaments.

3. Yonghegong Temple

Yonghegong Temple is one of the most significant religious attractions in Beijing. This is the most famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the capital of China. Yonghegong Palace was built at the end of the 17th century and originally served as a residence for imperial courtiers. Several decades later, Yonghegong became a monastery where monks from Mongolia and Tibet lived and prayed. The design of the temple harmoniously combines Chinese, Tibetan and Mongolian styles. Inside, visitors will find impressive images of the Four Heavenly Kings, as well as numerous statues of Buddha in his various forms: Buddha of the Past, Buddha of the Present, Buddha of the Future, Buddha of Medicine. Yonghegong Temple traditionally hosts Buddhist holidays, ceremonies and festivals, which will be interesting for every guest of Beijing to observe.

4. National Museum of China

Every tourist should definitely visit the National Museum of China in Beijing. This is the most visited museum in the world! Here you can take a closer look at the rich history of the Chinese state, which is more than 5,000 years old. The museum's collection contains more than half a million valuable exhibits. It houses magnificent collections of ancient coins, ceramics, ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy. The pride of the museum is the oldest find in China - Yuanmou man, whose age is about a million years. Also noteworthy are the bronze Ding sacrificial tripod, the gold-plated tiger-shaped tag, and the jade burial suits. The museum's exhibition covers a huge historical period, from Ancient China to the present day.

5. Gongwanfu

One of the most beautiful attractions in Beijing is the luxurious Gongwangfu palace and park ensemble, where you can get acquainted with national Chinese traditions. In the 19th century, its owner was a wealthy Manchu aristocrat, Grand Duke Gong, which is how the palace got its name. The amazingly beautiful garden surrounding the residence is a great place for leisurely walks. In the garden you will find a large amount of greenery and flowers, elegant compositions of stones, picturesque ponds, traditional-style gazebos and many red Chinese lanterns, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. The Gongwangfu Palace Museum still has an atmosphere of luxury, which every visitor can see for himself. To fully immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Chinese culture, you should definitely visit the most iconic landmark of Gongwangfu - an operating theater on the stage of which Peking Opera performances and performances of Chinese circus performers are regularly held.

6. Summer Imperial Palace

You can't visit Beijing without seeing the Imperial Summer Palace. This is the famous summer residence of the rulers of the Qing Dynasty, located on the outskirts of Beijing. The Summer Palace reached its greatest prosperity in the second half of the 19th century, during the reign of Empress Cixi, who spent all the money intended for the development of the Chinese navy on the construction of luxurious palaces and pavilions (a little female whim). Most of the territory of the summer residence is occupied by the picturesque artificial lake Kunming. Along its banks stretches the Changlang Gallery, a long covered passage whose walls contain more than 8,000 paintings illustrating Chinese history, literature and mythology. On the western side of the gallery is one of Empress Qixi’s favorite vacation spots – the exquisite lake pavilion Marble Boat. You cannot ignore the majestic Hill of Longevity, on the top of which the Buddhist Temple of the Sea of ​​Wisdom is erected. The unsurpassed architectural design of the Summer Imperial Palace, combined with the amazing beauty of nature, will not leave even the most demanding traveler indifferent.

7. Peace Park

Peace Park is the most interesting attraction of Beijing, where you can take a fascinating trip around the world in miniature: on its territory there are collected many models of famous attractions from around the world, reduced by 8 times. Here you can see fragments of the Great Wall of China, Egyptian pyramids, the Athenian Acropolis, the Colosseum, the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Stonehenge, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and many more world-famous architectural structures. Tourists from Russia will especially enjoy walking along the miniature Red Square and taking a closer look at the Kremlin, the Historical Museum and St. Basil's Cathedral. After a walk through the Peace Park, you will undoubtedly be left with a sea of ​​positive emotions and a whole collection of excellent photographs.

8. Beijing Botanical Garden

At the Beijing Botanical Garden, you can fully enjoy the beauty and charm of China's flora and feel the true harmony of nature and man. The Beijing Botanical Garden is home to exotic tropical plants, wild fruit trees, various shrubs, medicinal herbs, and rare plant species. Among the most visited places in the botanical garden are an exhibition of tropical aquatic plants, a luxurious greenhouse with a rich collection of orchids, a peony garden and a bonsai garden. Bonsai is the ancient Chinese art of growing decorative dwarf trees. They are represented in large numbers in the bonsai garden. Here you can get acquainted with the ancient Eastern art of suiseki and see picturesque compositions made of natural stones. Thanks to the variety of greenery, flowers, artificial ponds, graceful bridges and cozy Chinese restaurants, the Beijing Botanical Garden is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the Chinese capital.

9. Beijing TV Tower

The Beijing Central Television Tower is one of the ten tallest television towers on the planet, its height is 405 meters. For tourists, the Beijing TV Tower is interesting, first of all, for its observation deck at a height of 238 meters. From a bird's eye view, the capital of China will appear before you in all its splendor, and if you want to see not only Beijing, but also its surroundings, you can use a powerful telescope. After visiting the observation deck, you should definitely spend a couple of hours in the panoramic revolving restaurant, which is located just below. Here you can enjoy not only a magnificent view from the windows, but also delicious dishes of Chinese and European cuisine. But that's not all! The most curious visitors to the Beijing TV Tower will find the Underwater World of the Pacific Oceanarium, located directly below the TV Tower. This is a must-see attraction in Beijing!

10. Temple of the Great Bell

The Great Bell Temple is rightfully one of the most iconic Buddhist sites in Beijing. Its main attraction is the Great Yongle Bell, which, due to its impressive size, is one of the ten largest bells in the world. It was cast at the beginning of the 15th century by order of Emperor Zhu Di from the Ming dynasty (the emperor himself ordered to call himself Yongle - “Eternal Happiness”). In addition to the Great Bell, on the initiative of Zhu Di, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, which we talked about earlier, were built. The Yongle Bell, in addition to its enormous size and weight, is notable for the fact that 230,000 hieroglyphs representing Buddhist wisdom sayings are engraved on its surface. The sound level of the giant bell can be compared to the noise level of a jet plane. The ringing of “Yongle” can be heard even at a distance of 50 km from the temple.

11. Temple of Confucius

The Temple of Confucius in Beijing, founded in the 14th century, for many centuries served as a place of veneration for the thinker and philosopher Confucius, who lived in China in the 6th – 5th centuries BC. Confucius became famous as the First Teacher of the Celestial Empire: his philosophy was the main ideology of the Chinese state for two millennia. The vast area of ​​the Confucius Temple consists of three courtyards, which include many pavilions, halls, gates and places of worship. Of particular note are the stone tablets with the names of Confucius's most diligent students, sculptures of the Twelve Philosophers, stone drums with poems inscribed on them, and the magnificent throne in the Palace of Imperial Harmony. A unique atmosphere of calm and tranquility in the courtyards of the temple is created by old cypress trees, which are more than five centuries old. To the west of the Confucius Temple is the Imperial Academy, where future officials were once trained, and today its halls host historical and art exhibitions. The Temple of Confucius and the Imperial Academy form a single complex filled with wisdom, inspiration and harmony.

12. National Center for the Performing Arts

The huge futuristic building of the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing is rightfully considered not only a symbol of modern China, but also the embodiment of the technologies of the future. The huge ellipse-shaped dome made of glass and titanium looks especially impressive due to the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by an artificial lake. The construction of the building was timed to coincide with the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, and its author was the French architect Paul Andre. One of his brilliant ideas is that the main entrance to the building passes through an underwater tunnel, from the very first minutes making its visitors forget about the everyday bustle and immerse themselves in the amazing world of beauty. The National Center for the Performing Arts includes three main halls: concert, theater and opera. In addition, here you can visit thematic art exhibitions, relax in the cafe or read in the library. The National Center for the Performing Arts is one of Beijing's most impressive attractions and a must-see for art lovers.

13. Beijing Zoo

Beijing Zoo is a great place in Beijing for tourists, where you can get acquainted with exotic Chinese animals that are rarely seen in the usual European zoos. The most popular inhabitant of the Beijing Zoo, of course, is the panda - a unique symbol of the Chinese state. Other unusual animals include the Manchurian tiger, Tibetan yak, Mongolian horse, and Sichuan golden short-nosed monkey. Birds at the Beijing Zoo also come in a wide variety: pelicans, pink flamingos, kites and toucans can be seen here. The Beijing Aquarium, located on the territory of the zoo, is extremely popular. It is famous for its ocean theater, which regularly hosts exciting shows featuring dolphins and sea lions. Beijing Zoo is one of the most famous attractions of the Chinese capital, which will be interesting for both children and adults to visit.

The Great Wall of China is China's calling card in the tourism business, but in reality this marvelous structure was intended to protect Chinese territories from the north. The first Chinese Wall was built back in the 3rd century. BC. Since then, its construction continued until the 17th century, not only different rulers of China, but also different dynasties contributed to the Great Wall.

The Great Wall of China still shows the majesty and power of the Celestial Empire. Its length is almost 9 thousand km. In addition, its width allowed cavalry to pass through it. The Chinese rulers value it extremely and have still carried out restoration, which is why the Great Wall of China is still in excellent condition and amazes tourists with its historical and cultural value.

In 1987, the Great Wall of China was included in the UNESCO heritage list, and it is difficult to imagine a visit to China without a walk through the incredible structure, which amazes with its scale.

Historical Museum

One of the central attractions, both in terms of historical significance and architectural value, is the building of the Beijing History Museum near Tiananmen Square. The austere stone building with two rows of tall pillars stretching along the facade accommodates two museums at once. At the Revolution Museum you can learn about the history of the liberation struggle of the Chinese people. And the Historical Museum introduces visitors to the history of China from antiquity to the mid-19th century.

The Historical Museum has been fulfilling its scientific and educational mission for many years. The exhibition is divided into three large sections, in accordance with a specific historical and cultural era. The huge area houses several thousand different exhibits. Numerous display cases and stands contain rare artifacts dating back thousands of years and objects more familiar to the common man. The history of China is told through colorful dioramas and models, replicas of works of art and original creations collected from many places in China. The exhibition is carefully thought out, taking into account all the latest achievements in museum affairs.

What attractions of Beijing did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is located in the very center of Beijing. Its territory is vast and includes many buildings. This palace complex allows visitors to experience the history and culture of China, typical architectural elements, colors, sculptures.

The Forbidden City was built according to all the rules of Feng Shui science: its entrance faces south, mountains cover it from the north, and a river flows inside. All this contributes to the accumulation of energy, which should have allowed the Chinese rulers to lead the country better and more efficiently. Also, for a long time, all commoners were prohibited from entering the Forbidden City. Only the reigning dynasty and their servants, eunuchs, and concubines could be there. However, not everyone complied with this ban, even under pain of death and painful punishment. Ordinary people were interested in finding out what was behind the ten-meter walls of the Forbidden City, and many risked their lives.

When visiting the Forbidden City, tourists can observe more than a million different sculptures and cultural treasures of China. Enjoy that amazing atmosphere that is so far from the Western world.

The art museum was opened in December 1999. It displays the treasures of ancient China. The museum constantly hosts exhibitions of stone sculpture and bronze items. You can see Shan Dynasty goblets, ancient cooking pots and bells, and forty Buddha carvings dating from the 5th to 8th centuries found in Shandong Province. The entire exhibition of the museum fully reflects the development and unique charm of the ancient civilization of China.

The purpose of the museum is to collect rare and valuable collections, and not to chase the number of all kinds of cultural and historical artifacts.

The Wax Museum

The Wax Museum in Beijing, one of the largest in China, displays the history of the Ming Dynasty. In the museum halls, plots on the most striking episodes from the life of emperors and ordinary residents are reconstructed, each of which allows one to get an idea not only of a particular historical period, but also of the character of the rulers themselves. The wax figures of historical figures are made very realistically, from clothing to the smallest details. The figures here don't just talk to each other, they live here!

The exhibition of the wax museum can be divided into three categories: historical events, episodes of life or death. Looking at them, it becomes clear that life in and around the imperial palace was both cruel and “fun.” Here are emperors and officials, concubines and nobles, tax collectors and the poor - ragged and mired in terrible need and poverty. The country is on the verge of collapse, and the imperial court is drowning in luxury. You see the Mongol raids, devastated villages, battles and assaults, the seething whirlpool of city blocks - and all this seems to have frozen, as if someone pressed the pause button... A real immersion in the atmosphere of that distant time.

Summer Palace

On the northwestern outskirts of Beijing is one of the largest parks in China - the Summer Palace, a country imperial residence. Construction of the park began under the Qing Emperor Qianlong in 1750.

The park consists of several zones - at the Eastern Gate there is a palace ensemble, next to the lake rises the Mountain of Longevity, on which the tallest structure is located - the Fosyange tower - the Tower of Incense in Honor of the Buddha. The park's territory is a labyrinth of canals, artificial lakes and islands. There are many gazebos, palace buildings, and numerous alleys. An amazing painted gallery leads along the lake to Longevity Mountain - it is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s longest painted corridor” - 728 meters.

Unfortunately, not all architectural structures have survived to this day, but even the ruins overgrown with greenery look very picturesque. In 1998, the magnificent Summer Palace was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This park is considered a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design.

Sky Temple

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) is located in the southern part of Beijing. It is known primarily for its round shape, which is unconventional for Chinese temples. The Temple of Heaven is included in the temple complex "Temple of Heaven Park", which is considered one of the largest temple and monastery complexes in the country. It was erected during the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Yong Le in 1420.

At the entrance to the park, you can see a huge altar on which anyone can stand. A 30-meter wide road leads from the altar to the northern part of the complex. In this part of the park is the Temple of Heaven - it is also called the Temple of Prayer for the Harvest. The round shape of the structure, according to Chinese tradition, symbolizes the sky.

The emperor came here every year on the day of the winter solstice to pray to Heaven for a rich harvest and leave generous gifts.

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Beijing? .

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is the world's largest square, located in the center of Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. Tiananmen Square literally translates as “Gate of Heavenly Peace.” The square is named after the Tiananmen Gate, which separates it from the Forbidden City and is located north of the square itself.

Tiananmen Square is the largest square in the whole world. Today the length of the square is 880 meters and the width is 500 meters. Tiananmen Square is so large that it can accommodate more than a million people at one time. There are always a lot of tourists in Tiananmen Square, who can calmly walk and enjoy Beijing. The square gives tourists the opportunity to learn about the past and present of the Celestial Empire.

Tiananmen Square is located in the center of the city and is considered a symbol of the Chinese nation.

Near Tiananmen Square are some of the city's most famous and amazing attractions.

The most popular attractions in Beijing with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Beijing on our website.

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More Beijing attractions

Here is a complete guide to Beijing for 2019. In addition to reviewing the sights, we will find out whether you need a visa upon arrival in Beijing, how to get to the city from the airport, which transport is wiser to use, which hotel to stay in and what time of year is best to go. From today's article you will learn a lot of useful things about the capital of China. In turn, this guide is part of a large and useful guide to all of China.

Map of Beijing with attractions in Russian

On the map of Beijing attractions you can see the location of each place from the overview and, based on your preferences, create your own route.

Beijing sights

I decided to start my review of Beijing attractions with places located in the city center. Step by step, we will analyze all the most interesting things.

List of attractions in Beijing:

Forbidden City China

One of Beijing's most iconic landmarks. The vast majority of tourists, first of all, come here. If you're wondering why the Forbidden City in Beijing is called what it is, the name goes back a long way. For many centuries, ordinary people could not visit the Forbidden City in Beijing; the emperor and his entourage lived here. That's why the Forbidden City began to be called that.

How to get there: Tian'anmen West Station (Line 1)

Opening hours and cost: from April to November from 8.30 to 17.00 (entrance ticket 60 yuan), from November to March inclusive from 8.30 to 16.30 (40 yuan).

Tiananmen Square in China (Tiananmen Square)

Located very close to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is one of Beijing's most famous landmarks. Large, always crowded, it attracts the attention of thousands of tourists every year. When walking around the square, be careful and do not fall for the tricks of scammers. There have been numerous cases when tourists were approached by supposedly local residents who asked for a favor to practice their English. The tourists agreed and after a casual conversation, the newly made friends suggested going to the teahouse to have a cup of tea and cakes. Naturally, the scammers brought tourists to theirs, who eventually brought a check for several thousand yuan. If you find yourself in a similar situation, without paying attention to those around you, just get up and leave.

How to get there: Qianmen Subway (Line 2) or Tian’anmen East (Line 1)

National Museum Of China

The most visited museum in the world. A huge number of exhibits and a convenient location in the eastern part of Tiananmen Square. If you want to learn more about the history of China, it would be a good idea to come here.

How to get there: Tian'anmen East (Line 1)

Opening hours and cost: open all week, excluding Mondays, from 9.00 to 17.00. The ticket office closes at 15.30, admission is free.

Sights of Beijing. Liulichang Street

Not exactly an ordinary landmark in Beijing. If you love antiques and outdoor walks, Liulichang Street in Beijing should interest you. Here you can buy not standard boring souvenirs, but something really interesting as a keepsake.

Panjiayuan Lu Market

You can combine a visit to Liulichang Street with the Panjiayuan Antique Market in Beijing. These places are not located close to each other, but lovers of antiques should not be deterred by such little things as distance. Here you can find antique and unique items from Chinese craftsmen.

Directions and opening hours: Panjiayuan (Line 10). Open on weekdays from 8.30 to 18.00, on weekends from 4.30 to 18.00.

Sights of Beijing. Temple of heaven

Judging by the reviews of tourists, the Temple of Heaven is one of the most interesting and visited places in Beijing. Built back in the 15th century under Ming rule, the Temple of Heaven includes several separate halls. If you don't know where to go in Beijing, this place can probably add to your list of Beijing attractions.

How to get there: in Beijing Temple of Heaven - Tiantan East Gate metro station (Line 5).

Opening hours and cost: halls are open from 8.00 to 20.00 (ticket 35 yuan), park area from 6.00 to 22.00 (15 yuan).

Gongwangfu (Prince Gong Mansion)

Another landmark of Beijing, located in the center of the capital of China. A beautiful palace with a vast park area, judging by the reviews of tourists, one of the most beautiful places in Beijing.

How to get there: Beihai North (Beijing Subway Line 6)

Opening hours and cost: open from 8.30 to 17.00, 40 yuan.

Temple of Confucius

If you love Chinese temples, you should like this place. Another fragment of the Ming Dynasty.

Schedule and price: from 8.30 to 18.00 (May - November), from 8.30 to 17.00 (November - end of April), 30 yuan.

Yonghegong Lama Temple

The Yonghegong Temple is beautiful, judging by the reviews of many tourists who visited this place. The advantage of the temple is its proximity to the Temple of Confucius and the Imperial Academy, so a reasonable solution would be to combine two attractions of Beijing at once.

Find: Lama Temple (intersection of metro lines 2 and 5).

Schedule and price: 9.00 - 16.00 (November - March), 9.00 - 16.30 (April - end of October), 25 yuan.

Yiheyuan Summer Palace

The next two attractions of Beijing are located at a distance from the center of the capital of China. In Yiheyuan Imperial Palace, in addition to the magnificent elements of Chinese architecture, you will find places with scenic views of the lake and park. If you believe the reviews of tourists, the imperial palace is worth the time spent visiting.

Find: Beigongmen (Line 4, exit D).

Schedule and price: from 8.30 to 17.00 from April to November (entrance 30 yuan), from November to the end of March from 9.00 to 16.00 (20 yuan).

Today, the former summer palace is only ruins, by which one can judge the greatness of China of yesteryear. Nevertheless, going to the palace and the palace park will be interesting, especially since you can combine visits to two places at once. The old and new palaces are located in close proximity to each other.

Find: Yuanmingyuan Park (Beijing Subway Line 4).

Schedule and price: from 7.00 to 19.00 from April to November, from November to the end of March from 8.00 to 17.30. Entrance fee 25 yuan.

In addition to the sights of Beijing, which clearly show the history of China's development, you can also visit modern attractions. For example, there is a good zoo in Beijing.

Find: Beijing Zoo (Beijing Subway Line 4).

Schedule and price: 7.30 to 18.00 (April - October), 7.30 to 17.00 (November - March), 15 yuan.

Water park in Beijing (Water Cube)

Another place in Beijing where it will be interesting to relax with the whole family. Judging by the reviews of tourists, the water park in Beijing is in no way inferior to the water parks of other Asian capitals.

Find: Olympic Sports Center (Beijing Subway Line 8).

Schedule and price: from 10.00 to 21.00 daily. Adult ticket 260 yuan, children 220.

Purple Bamboo Park (Zizhuyan Park)

If you find yourself in the Beijing Zoo, there is a nice park nearby where you can while away the hours of your stay in the capital of China.

Find: National Library (intersection of Beijing Subway Lines 4 and 9)

Schedule and price: daily from 10.30 to 16.30.

Beijing TV Tower

Don’t know where to go in Beijing to look at the capital of China from above? Beijing TV Tower will offer a good view of the city.

Find: Gongzhufen (intersection of Beijing Subway Lines 1 and 10).

Schedule and cost: daily from 8.30 to 22.00, 70 yuan.

The great Wall of China. Badaling Great Wall

Probably the main attraction in all of China and a great place to see the Beijing area. The most popular section of the Great Wall of China, open to tourists. Badaling is located about 75 kilometers from Beijing, and there are always many foreign and Chinese tourists here.

Find: a train ticket from the North Railway Station to Badaling costs 6 yuan. You can get to the station by metro, Xizhimen station (crossing Beijing metro lines 2 and 4).

Schedule and cost: from April to the end of October the site is open from 6.30 to 19.00, from November to the end of March from 7.00 to 18.00. Entrance fee 40 yuan.

Beijing Yabaolu Market (Shopping in Beijing)

If you come to Beijing not only for sightseeing, but also want to do some shopping, then you have a direct route to Yabaolu Market. There are a huge number of shopping centers concentrated here, the products of which are aimed at European buyers. Yabaolu Market may be the only place in Beijing where most of the sellers speak Russian. If you're interested in shopping in Beijing, you can buy almost anything at Yabaolu Market. There is a particularly wide selection of clothing, including large European sizes.

Find Yabaolu Market: Jianguomen (intersection of Beijing Subway Lines 1 and 2).

Beijing visa for Russians

If you are in China for an extended period of time to travel, you will need to obtain a tourist visa. As a rule, it is issued for a period of 30 days, but there are also longer ones. If Beijing is only a transit city on the way to a third country, you can use the right of 72 hour air transit. In this case, you can go into the city and stay in Beijing for no more than 72 hours, after which you can fly from the same airport you arrived at. In the case of Beijing, this is Capital International Airport. All the nuances of obtaining a visa to China are in the corresponding article.

How to get to the city from the airport

I wrote in detail about all the possible options for leaving the airport and getting to the city in an article about Beijing airport. You can also find a lot of useful tips there. Where the luggage storage is located, what the map of Beijing airport terminals looks like, what hotels are nearby and you can even check the online arrival flight board.

Transport in Beijing (subway, buses, taxis)

Beijing is one of the largest cities in Asia and it is very important to quickly figure out which transport to use upon arrival. Let's look at the three main types of transport in the capital of China.

Beijing Metro

In the Beijing metro map below you can see how extensive the network of metro lines is in the city. There are 17 metro lines in Beijing, as can be clearly seen in the diagram. The fare ranges from two to ten yuan, depending on the distance. The Beijing metro map clearly shows that using this type of transport, you can get to almost any attraction in the city.

"Beijing subway map"

Buses and trolleybuses

Also very popular modes of transport, but due to high traffic congestion, they are not the most reliable. Beijing has huge problems with traffic jams and when traveling by bus or trolleybus, you can lose a lot of time. The fare is usually 1-2 yuan.

Taxi in Beijing

In the capital of China, you will constantly see many taxi drivers. A taxi in Beijing is not expensive; you will pay 10 yuan for boarding and the first three kilometers, and three yuan will be added to the meter for each subsequent kilometer. Be sure to tell the driver that you want to use the meter.

Beijing Hotels

There is a separate article on the blog about hotels in Beijing. It listed specific places where you can stay upon arrival in Beijing. Both the most budget hostels and 3-5 star hotels were considered.

Weather in Beijing

The weather in China's capital varies greatly throughout the year. A detailed review for each individual month is also included in a separate article. Read about the weather in Beijing.