Central Radio & TV Tower City View of Beijing City
Gugong Beijing
Atmosphere of Beijing City
Road in Beijing City
Photo icon 3

Beijing City

北京 1166
Type
Capital City
Weather
3.1°CWeather Icon
Share
A capital city that represents both China's thousand-year history and modern development

Beijing is the capital of China and served as the capital for the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. With a history of over 3,000 years, it’s home to many historical sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.


In daily life, Beijing blends traditional and modern culture. The old Beijing lifestyle in the hutongs coexists with the fast-paced modern CBD. Here you’ll find the atmosphere of siheyuan courtyards alongside skyscrapers symbolizing China’s rapid development.


As a travel destination, Beijing is a city admired by both domestic and international tourists. Whether you're looking at China’s past or present, this city holds a central place. For historical landmarks, there’s the Great Wall—one of the world’s great wonders—the world-famous Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square, which marks the founding of modern China. For a look at modern China, there’s the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the Olympics, and international commercial districts like Guomao CBD and Sanlitun.


Beijing is a diverse city. It carries the weight of 5,000 years of Chinese history, while also standing as a symbol of modernization and global connectivity. Whether you’re here to explore ancient Chinese culture or to experience the energy and convenience of a modern metropolis, Beijing is a city worth visiting.


Destination Insights

  • Subways and buses are extremely crowded during rush hours (7:00–9:00 and 17:00–19:00), so try to avoid traveling at those times.
  • Occasional smog occurs, so bring a mask.
  • Many attractions require advance online reservations and checking their opening hours.
  • Beijing gets very crowded during public holidays, so plan your entire itinerary in advance if visiting during that period.

Things to Do

  • Visit the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven, National Museum of China, Old Summer Palace, and Lama Temple.
  • Experience the nightlife in Sanlitun.
  • Try local foods like Peking duck, fermented mung bean juice (douzhi'er), fried dough rings (jiaoquan), and zhajiang noodles.
  • Watch a Peking opera performance(京剧)

Information

Landmarks

  • The Forbidden City (故宫)
  • Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
  • The Great Wall (长城)

Cost of Living

¥¥¥¥¥¥

Airports

  • Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
  • Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)

Train Stations

  • Beijing West Railway Station (北京西站)
  • Beijing South Railway Station (北京南站)
  • Beijing Railway Station (北京站)
  • Beijing North Railway Station (北京北站)
  • Beijing Fengtai Railway Station (北京丰台站)
  • Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station (北京朝阳站)
  • Beijing Daxing International Airport Railway Station (北京大兴国际机场站)

Public Transportations

  • Subways (27 lines)
  • Commuter Rail
  • Airport Express (2 lines serving each airport)
  • Buses

Best Time to Visit

  • Autumn (September to November) is the best time to visit, with cool weather and beautiful scenery like the red leaves at Fragrant Hills, autumn views at the Summer Palace, and the golden ginkgo trees at the Forbidden City.
  • Spring (April to May) is also a good time, as temperatures warm up and flowers bloom — perfect for flower viewing and visiting historical sites.
  • Winter (late November to February) in Beijing is cold, but it’s a good time to experience snow and ice activities.

Location

Beijing is the capital of China and serves as the political, cultural, and international exchange center of the country. Located in northern China, it is an important hub connecting Northeast, Northwest, and North China. Because of its unique geographical position, Beijing has long been the nation’s capital, carrying a rich history as well as modern development.

Open in

:
UnseenChina Logo Loading

Posts

Write a Post
Empty IconNo Post

Questions & Answers of Beijing City

Empty IconThere are no questions yet, you can ask your question.

Got question about Beijing City? *

Question description

Add Photos

Your Name*

Reload

Your question is subject to review before publication.

Login before asking to receive reply notifications, or ask directly without logging in
UnseenChina Logo

UnseenChina

is your go-to resource for exploring China beyond the tourist trail. Discover authentic local experiences, insider tips, and personalized travel services designed for foreign adventurers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of this fascinating country. Let us help you create unforgettable memories in China.
Follow Us

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved.