Forbidden City Roofline, Beijing, China

Beijing

Beijing is China’s capital city, located in the North of the country it is a veritable metropolis of epic proportions and offers more than just the entrance to The Great Wall and the Forbidden City, although these are magnificent sights in themselves.

Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China
Beijing, China

A little more about Beijing

Although Beijing has many sites to warrant a short visit in its own right, most people combine it with a longer tour of the country. An elaborate display of Chinese architecture at its best, and worth its title as one of the seven wonders of the medieval world, the city is a historian’s delight and a fascinating insight to the bygone era of China.

Forbidden City in Beijing, China
Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Tian'anmen Square

At the centre of Beijing is Tiananmen Square, (one of the largest in the world) the scene of many political rallies, where Mao’s Mausoleum is located. Continue into the Forbidden City, the former residence of the 24 Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties who lived in this self-contained enclave. Additional sites are the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Lama Temple, the Ancient Observatory, the Great Hall of the People as well as museums, markets and shops, all of which combine to make it a place that appeals to everyone. Travel by motorbike sidecar or rickshaw for a different experience of the Hutongs (the old residential district).

Great Wall of China, Jinshanling, Near Beijing, China
Beijing, China

The Great Wall

Not be missed is the spectacular wonder of China’s Great Wall that starts east of the capital and then snakes its way west. The sections at Mutianyu and Badaling are most usually visited, although the section at Simatai and Jinshanling located 60 miles north of the city, are far less visited.

The wall itself is a truly remarkable feat of engineering. The views at Simatai and Jinshanling are stunning and it is well worth the time to get beyond the restored sections to see the ancient crumbling parts. This is also a chance to see some of rural China at close hand.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Tai Chi, China

Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven

Learn Tai Chi from a Master at the Temple of Heaven while locals engage in activities ranging from fan dancing to singing, calligraphy and hackisack.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Aman at Summer Palace, Aerial View, Beijing, China

Stay at Aman Summer Palace

Stay amidst luxury and history and gain privileged access to the Summer Palace when no one else is around.

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Green building, Beijing, District 798, China

Visit District 798

Explore the heart of the growing art and culture scene in Beijing.

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China, Opera, Actress

Peking Opera Experience

See a traditional Peking Opera in Beijing, followed by a traditional meal of Peking Duck.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

The Forbidden City

Follow in the footsteps of Emperors past amidst the palaces and terraces of Beijing’s Forbidden City.

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Great Wall of China, Jinshanling, Near Beijing, China

The Great Wall

Escape the crowds and trek across a remote section of the Great Wall of China.

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Beijing Hutong street and bike, Beijing, China

Explore Beijing’s Hutongs

Spend a day exploring the hutongs or traditional courtyard residences of Beijing.

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Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

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Need Holiday Inspiration?
Browse our China holiday ideas.

Our China experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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Clare Higginson

It was my passion for languages that first encouraged me to leave the UK behind and grab my rucksack. Since then, it’s been a mixture of intriguing cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes and the wonder of seeing animals in their natural habitat that sees me continuously extending my travel wish list.

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