China's sprawling capital blending ancient imperial history with modern skyscrapers. Discover an ancient imperial capital where dynastic grandeur meets timeless alleyway life.
Say it: Beijing — “bay-jing” (北京).
📍 WhereNorthern China, inland and about 1,200 km north of Shanghai.
🚄 Getting thereShanghai · High-speed train ~4.5 h Hong Kong · Direct flight ~3.5 h
Every place below is a real, verified spot — follow a story you love and save it to your trip.
🏛️ History · Ming and Qing dynasties · 1420–1912
🌍 While Columbus sailed the ocean, emperors ruled from these golden roofs.
Heart of the Dragon
Step into the vast expanse of the Forbidden City (the imperial palace complex) to witness the throne rooms of China's final dynasties. Wander through the grand halls and courtyards where emperors once commanded half the world.
The Forbidden City故宫Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)Closed Monday
WF CENTRAL王府中環
Nestled right in the beating heart of Beijing along the historic Wangfujing shopping street, WF CENTRAL is a breath of ultra-luxe, contemporary air. Developed by Hongkong Land, thi
🏮 Culture · Since the Yuan dynasty
Labyrinth of the Alleyways
Lose yourself in the network of hutongs (traditional narrow alleyways) flanked by gray-brick siheyuan (traditional courtyard residences). This is where the true heartbeat of old Beijing still echoes through daily neighborhood chatter.
Hutongs in Beijing北京胡同
Nanluoguxiang南锣鼓巷
Private Chef Cooking Experience in Beijing's Hutongs
Learn to cook authentic Chinese dishes with a local chef in a courtyard home near the Forbidden City.
Stand where cinematic masterpieces captured the bittersweet transformation of modern China. Walk the grounds that bore witness to the twilight of empires and the raw passions of youth.
🎬 The Last Emperor (末代皇帝) · 1987🎬 Farewell My Concubine (霸王别姬) · 1993🎬 In the Heat of the Sun (阳光灿烂的日子) · 1994
The Forbidden City故宫Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)Closed Monday
Shichahai Scenic Area什刹海风
Shichahai is the beating cultural and historical heart of Old Beijing, composed of three interconnected scenic lakes: Qianhai (Front Lake), Houhai (Rear Lake), and Xihai (West Lake
🥢 Food · Imperial dining traditions
Rituals of the Bronze Pot
Gather around a smoking copper hotpot to cook sliced mutton dipped in rich fermented sesame paste. It is a comforting ritual perfected across centuries of northern winters.
If you are wandering down the bustling Wangfujing Pedestrian Street looking for the ultimate soul-warming culinary ritual, Donglaishun is an absolute must-visit. Established in 190
Wangfujing Street王府井大街
Wangfujing Street is a famous commercial street in Beijing. It is filled with a wide variety of shops, from high - end brands to local handicrafts. There are also numerous restaura
⛰️ Nature · Qing dynasty · 1750
The Imperial Garden Realm
Drift across rippling waters on traditional wooden boats at the Summer Palace, a vast masterpiece of lakes and pavilions. Here, emperors escaped the summer heat within manicured landscapes of hills and willow-lined shores.
Summer Palace颐和园
The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and a perfect place to enjoy nature and history.
Bring your passport (real-name entry)Closed Monday (inner attractions only)
Houhai Lake (Shichahai)什刹海后海
Houhai is the vibrant beating heart of old Beijing, nestled within the scenic Shichahai lake district. Flanked by weeping willows, ancient courtyard houses (siheyuan), and historic
✂️ Crafts · Millennia-old tradition
The Mastery of the Brush
Embrace Chinese culture through the delicate art of ink and brush calligraphy. Learn how disciplined strokes transform simple black ink onto rice paper into living poetry.
Calligraphy Experience: The Joy of Ink and Brush
Embrace Chinese culture through the wisdom and beauty of calligraphy
Beijing Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum孔庙和国子监博物馆
Tucked away along one of Beijing's most picturesque tree-lined hutongs, this historic complex is a hidden gem that combines the second-largest Confucius Temple in China with Guozij
First time in China? Four things to sort out
🛂 Visa
Many passports can now enter China visa-free for short stays, and many nationalities can transit visa-free for up to 240 hours when flying on to a third country. Rules depend on your passport — check yours before you book.
📱 Paying
China runs on Alipay and WeChat Pay. Both accept foreign Visa and Mastercard after a passport check — set one up before you fly, and carry a little cash as backup.
🎫 Booking sights
Many major sights must be booked in advance under your real name. Foreigners book with their passport number and must show the same passport at the gate. Popular ones sell out.
🌐 Internet
Google, WhatsApp and Instagram don't work on Chinese networks. Most visitors use their home roaming or a travel eSIM.
Turn Beijing into a trip that actually works
Pick the stories you love and we'll build a day-by-day route — with opening days, passport bookings and transit checked — plus local experiences you can book in one place.
The Forbidden City 故宫Book ahead — tickets open 7 days beforeBring your passport (real-name entry)Closed Monday
WF CENTRAL 王府中環Nestled right in the beating heart of Beijing along the historic Wangfujing shopping street, WF CENTRAL is a breath of ultra-luxe, contemporary air. Developed by Hongkong Land, thi
