Beijing

Beijing, the capital of China, is renowned for its eclectic diversity and cultural richness, combining imperial history with vibrant street attractions that draw millions of visitors annually.

A visit to China is not fully realized without exploring Beijing, particularly if you intend to delve into the nation’s rich history, culture, and lively streets. There exists a myriad of remarkable activities to experience in Beijing, especially for those eager to discover both the city and its broader surroundings.

Beijing, the capital city of China, is one of the best capitals in the world in terms of development and attracting a multitude of tourists. One of the best parts about visiting Beijing is that you don’t have to spend a fortune. There are numerous tourist attractions in and around Beijing that you can enjoy, creating unforgettable memories—all at a fraction of the prices found in the West.

With a population just shy of 22 million (and fast-rising), one can be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by the idea of navigating a city the size of Beijing. The sheer magnitude and chaos can be challenging, especially with the language barrier making it tricky for non-Chinese speakers to find their way. However, rest assured, Beijing is a safe and tourist-friendly city.

It’s incredible to think that a little over a century ago, Beijing was a kind of low-rise walled fortress, its nine humongous gates locked shut every night. Today, it’s the epitome of a modern megacity, hurtling toward a brave new future while keeping one foot planted firmly in the past. To put it simply, Beijing is a city of 9 million gig-economy e-bikes and about as many tech workers, with historic hutong lanes intertwined with everyday life.

Beijing offers a dizzying number of things to see and do, but its appeal extends well beyond the confines of the city. Within easy reach are Ming dynasty tombs, ancient villages, the Great Wall, and even enthralling glass-bottom bridges dangling over a gorge – all memorable ways to spend a day.

Beijing, brimming with people, bikes, pollution, and culture, offers visitors a sense of the grandeur of both ancient and modern China. Huge and imperialist, China’s capital entertains many kinds of travelers. The Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, and Summer Palace can keep history buffs occupied for days. The unrestored parts of the Great Wall await for epic adventures to hike them. Lovers of beauty and art can see tea ceremonies and Chinese acrobatics shows. Businessmen breezing through get foot massages at its 24-hour spas. There is something for everyone in Beijing, regardless of your interests. To figure out what it is, start with our sampling of some of the city’s most famous, enduring, and characteristic sites and activities.