Overview
Beijing is No. 42 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. China's capital has been the seat of emperors for centuries, and it has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and sections of the Great Wall.
Alongside its imperial monuments, Beijing has traditional hutong lanes, a lively contemporary art scene and famous food, from Peking duck to street snacks.
Best time to go
September and October are the best months, with clear skies and mild temperatures. April and May are also pleasant, though spring can be windy.
Summer is hot and rainy, and winter is cold and dry. Avoid national holidays, when sights are extremely crowded.
Top sights
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1
Forbidden City
The vast imperial palace, now the Palace Museum. Tickets must be booked online in advance with your passport, and it is closed on most Mondays.
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2
Temple of Heaven
The Ming-dynasty temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests, set in a park full of locals exercising in the morning.
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3
Summer Palace
An imperial garden of lakes, pavilions and covered walkways in the north-west of the city.
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4
Great Wall
Mutianyu, about 70 km from the city, is a well-restored section with a cable car and fewer crowds than Badaling.
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5
Hutongs and Shichahai
Explore the old lanes and courtyard houses around the Shichahai lakes and the Drum and Bell Towers.
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6
Jingshan Park
The hill north of the Forbidden City gives the best view over its golden roofs.
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7
798 Art District In our Top 100 Museums
Former factories turned into galleries, including the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art.
Getting there
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is linked to the city by the Airport Express. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), about 46 km south, has its own fast metro line.
High-speed trains link Beijing with Shanghai in about 4.5 hours, and with most major Chinese cities.
Getting around
The metro is extensive, cheap and signed in English; expect bag checks at stations. Pay with a QR code in Alipay or WeChat Pay or with a transport card.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are inexpensive; have your destination written in Chinese.
Practical tips
- Currency
- Chinese yuan (CNY). Most payments are made by phone with Alipay or WeChat Pay, both of which accept foreign cards; set one up before you travel and carry some cash as a back-up.
- Language
- Mandarin Chinese. English is limited outside hotels and major sights.
- Bookings
- Many major sights, including the Forbidden City, need advance online booking with your passport number, and you show your passport on entry.
- Apps & internet
- Many international apps and websites, including Google services, do not work in mainland China. Download offline maps and a translation app before you travel.
- Safety
- Beijing is generally very safe. The police emergency number is 110.
- Visa & entry
- Citizens of many countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries, can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under a policy that runs until 31 December 2026. US citizens need a visa, or can use the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme with an onward ticket to a third country. Rules change often, so check with a Chinese embassy before you travel.
- Power
- 220 V, 50 Hz; plug types A, C and I.
Official information: Visit Beijing (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.
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