When it comes to Beijing, the solemnity of the Forbidden City, the grandeur of the Great Wall, the urban atmosphere of the hutongs, and the artistic atmosphere of the 798 Fangcaodi are all fascinating. This city harbors countless historical and artistic treasures worth exploring and cherishing. Here, we have selected 20 must see attractions in Beijing for you, and attached a route guide to help you explore the unique charm of Beijing that you have never seen before!

1. The Forbidden City

On your journey to Beijing, we recommend visiting the Forbidden City as your first stop. This magnificent palace witnessed the glorious history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Strolling through it, you seem to hear the echoes of history and feel the vicissitudes and charm of a thousand years. Here, every brick and every wall tells an ancient story, waiting for you to savor it carefully.

The Forbidden City, a magnificent palace built in 1420, has stood tall on the city's central axis after more than 600 years of wind and rain, showcasing the nobility and glory of the imperial families of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As a treasure of ancient Chinese palace architecture, it is known as the "head of the world's five major palaces", with millions of cultural relics collected inside, accounting for one sixth of the total number of cultural relics in the country. It may take a day and a half to explore the truth.

2. Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, as the core area in front of the Forbidden City, carries profound historical significance. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, this place has been a venue for major national celebrations and events, witnessing countless historical moments. On the north and south sides of the square, there stands the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Heroes, which together tell the story of the vicissitudes of the Chinese nation. In the center of the square, the five-star red flag flutters in the wind, which inspires the patriotism of every Chinese person.

Tiananmen Square not only carries profound historical significance, but is also a must visit destination for tourism in Beijing. A solemn flag raising ceremony is held here every day, attracting countless tourists to come and watch. I remember getting up in the early morning and rushing to Tiananmen Square to watch the flag raising ceremony. And during this year's 70th National Day celebration, the world-renowned five-star red flag was raised here, and its spectacular scene still lingers in my memory.

3. At the top of the Great Wall, the magnificent Badaling Mountains

Being at the Badaling Great Wall feels like touching the pulse of history. This Great Wall, known as the "tip of the Great Wall", blends its magnificent scenery with profound historical heritage, allowing people to appreciate the natural scenery while also feeling the weight of history. Whether it's the splendor of sunrise or the afterglow of sunset, they leave people lingering and reluctant to leave, as if they are immersed in a flowing historical painting.

The inscription 'Not a hero without reaching the Great Wall' stands tall on the Badaling Great Wall, attracting tourists from all over the world to come and witness its magnificence. Despite the crowds on the city walls during holidays, this precisely proves the strength and extraordinary charm of ancient architecture. The Badaling Great Wall, as the most well preserved section of the Ming Great Wall, is breathtaking for its treacherous terrain and sturdy city gates.

4. Visit Nanluogu Lane

Nanluoguxiang, a hutong full of ancient charm, is located in the bustling area of Beijing. It carries the vicissitudes of history and witnesses the changes of time. Strolling through it, one can hear the echoes of history and feel its unique charm. Nowadays, this place is still a popular spot for tourists to check in, allowing people to taste the ancient charm while also experiencing the prosperity of modern cities.

Nanluoguxiang, as one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing, still preserves the grand and extraordinary traditional Yuan Dynasty hutong residential area in a checkerboard style. This ancient charm block was later ingeniously developed into a commercial street, and its profound historical heritage blended with modern culture, making it a new landmark in Beijing and attracting countless tourists to visit.

5. Exploring the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, as another historical landmark in Beijing, carries a profound cultural heritage. It is not only a place for royal worship in ancient China, but also a model for showcasing traditional Chinese architectural art and spirit. Tourists can experience the ancient and solemn atmosphere here, and explore the mysterious veil of ancient royal worship.

The Temple of Heaven, built specifically for the emperor to worship and pray for blessings, carries profound royal culture. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Hill inside exude an ancient and solemn atmosphere, attracting countless tourists to visit. On this land with a long history, there are still many elderly people strolling and exercising here, weaving together a picture of a happy old age life.

6. The quiet time of the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace, this historic royal garden, exudes a unique sense of tranquility. Strolling through it, one can hear the echoes of history and feel the ancient and solemn charm. Tourists here either leisurely stroll or stop to admire, fully enjoying this rare tranquility and harmony.

The Summer Palace, a royal garden carefully built by Emperor Qianlong to show filial piety to the Holy Empress, not only attracts tourists with its unique serene atmosphere, but also cleverly integrates the charm of West Lake in its layout, while imitating many famous gardens and scenic spots in Jiangnan. For example, Phoenix Pier is an ingenious imitation of the Taihu Lake Lake, Jingming Tower and Yueyang Tower complement each other, and Wangchan Pavilion is a replica of Yellow Crane Tower. In addition, the buying and selling streets of Houxi Lake and Xisuo respectively make people feel like they are in the water streets of Suzhou and the twenty-four bridges of Yangzhou.

7. The Mystery of the Bird's Nest

Immersed in the tranquility of the Summer Palace, a unique sight catches one's attention - the Bird's Nest. The bird's nest here is not an ordinary habitat for birds, but a landscape carefully crafted by ingenious garden designers. They are either hidden in dense forests or situated by the lakeside, harmoniously blending with the surrounding natural environment. Each bird's nest contains the designer's clever ideas and endless creativity, allowing people to appreciate it while also feeling the unique charm of the Summer Palace.

As the main stadium of the 2008 Olympic Games, the cost of the Bird's Nest was as high as 2.267 billion yuan. Its unique appearance and structure, as well as the strong visual impact it brings, fully demonstrate the harmonious beauty of nature and architecture. Tourists can spend 50 yuan to purchase regular tickets and experience the charm of this magnificent landscape up close.

8. Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park, located within the city of Beijing, is a park with a long history. This place offers a panoramic view of the entire Beijing city and is a great place to admire the Forbidden City. Tourists can stroll along the paths in the park, experience the charm of the ancient capital, and enjoy the surrounding natural scenery.

For many tourists, the charm of Jingshan Park is mainly reflected in its unique perspective overlooking the Forbidden City. In addition, this park also carries profound historical significance. In 1644, Li Zicheng captured the city of Beijing, and Emperor Chongzhen chose to commit suicide. This historical event also occurred in Jingshan, adding a touch of vicissitudes and weight to this place.

9. The Charm of Beihai Park

Beihai Park, similar to Jingshan Park, also has its unique charm. It attracts countless tourists to visit with its peaceful lake surface, exquisite garden landscape, and profound historical heritage. On this ancient land, tourists can enjoy the tranquility of nature and the weight of history, and feel the unique charm of Beihai Park.

To the northwest of the Forbidden City, Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai together form the Three Seas landscape. Among them, Beihai Park, as the earliest established, best preserved, and culturally rich classical royal garden in Chinese history, attracts countless tourists to appreciate its unique charm. Tourists can enjoy the magnificence of Beihai White Pagoda, the delicacy of Jiulong Wall, and the antiquity of Wulong Pavilion here.

10. Shichahai

Standing on the northwest side of Beihai Park, Shichahai catches the eye with its unique charm. This water area, together with the North Sea, the Central Sea, and the South China Sea, weaves the beautiful scenery of the three seas, becoming another popular destination for tourists to linger and forget. Here, tourists can feel the tranquility and profundity of Shichahai, experiencing another classical charm that is completely different from Beihai Park.