Things to Do in Beijing, China: Forbidden City, Great Wall and Temple of Heaven (2026 Guide)

Beijing is China’s capital, a city of imperial palaces, ancient temples and hutong alleys beside some of the boldest modern architecture on Earth. It is also the starting point for the Great Wall. The key to enjoying it is planning: the most famous sights need tickets booked in advance, often with your passport details. Here is how to see Beijing’s best attractions without stress.

Before you go: tickets, passports and payment

• Book major attractions in advance. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and Mutianyu all require advance reservations tied to a passport number. You cannot buy a Forbidden City ticket at the gate.
• Bring your original passport. It is checked against your booking at the entrance.
• Payment: cash is rarely used. Link an international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, or arrange transfers and entry through a guide.

The top attractions in Beijing

1. The Forbidden City

The world’s largest palace complex, home to twenty-four emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Tickets: about 60 yuan in high season (April to October) and 40 yuan in low season. Tickets are released about seven days ahead, typically at 8pm Beijing time on the official palace-museum booking site, and sell out within minutes on busy days, especially around Golden Week in October. A guide can secure entry in advance.
• Hours: roughly 8:30am to 5pm, closed on Mondays.
• Route: enter at the south (Meridian Gate) and walk north to exit by the Gate of Divine Might; it is a one-way route. Allow three to four hours.

2. The Great Wall at Mutianyu

Mutianyu is our favorite section for first-timers: restored, scenic, reachable by cable car and far less crowded than Badaling. Allow a full day, six to eight hours with transfers from the city. Tickets are tied to a passport, and cable car and toboggan tickets are usually sold separately. Visit in September and October for clear skies and fall colors.

3. Temple of Heaven

Where emperors prayed for good harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its blue-tiled triple roof, is among the most beautiful buildings in China. Do not arrive after 5pm if you want to enter the main hall. Locals fill the park at dawn with tai chi, calligraphy and singing.

4. The Summer Palace

The imperial retreat on the shore of Kunming Lake, with a Long Corridor of painted beams, a marble boat and temples on the hill. Spend a half day; take a boat across the lake.

5. Tiananmen Square

The world’s largest public square, flanked by the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum. Security checks are thorough and queues can be long; your guide will advise on current entry rules.

6. Hutongs and the Lama Temple

Explore the narrow lanes of the old city by rickshaw or bicycle, stop for tea in a courtyard house and visit the Lama Temple, one of the most active Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet.

7. 798 Art Zone and modern Beijing

Contemporary galleries in converted factories, plus Beijing’s striking Bird’s Nest stadium and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

8. Peking duck

Beijing’s signature dish: crisp-skinned duck carved at the table and rolled in thin pancakes with scallion and sweet bean sauce. Book a table at a well-regarded roast duck restaurant.

A three-day Beijing itinerary

1. Day 1: Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park for a view over the palace roofs at sunset.
2. Day 2: a full day at the Mutianyu Great Wall.
3. Day 3: Temple of Heaven in the morning, hutongs and the Lama Temple in the afternoon, Peking duck for dinner.

When to visit Beijing

September and October are the best months: clear blue skies and mild weather. April and May are pleasant too. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are cold and dry. Avoid China’s national holiday weeks (early October and Chinese New Year), when attractions are extremely crowded. See our best time to visit China guide.

Beijing on a private China tour

With a private guide, advance bookings, drivers and entry are handled for you, so you can focus on the sights. Explore our China tours and places to visit in China, then continue to Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors by high-speed train.

Beijing attractions: FAQ

How many days do you need in Beijing?

Three days covers the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven; four lets you add the Summer Palace and hutongs.

Can you buy Forbidden City tickets on the day?

No. Tickets must be reserved online in advance with your passport, and they sell out quickly on busy days.

Which part of the Great Wall is best to visit?

Mutianyu for most first-time visitors: restored, scenic and less crowded than Badaling.

What is the best time to visit Beijing?

September and October for clear skies and fall colors, or April and May.

Do I need cash in Beijing?

Very little. Most places use Alipay or WeChat Pay, so link an international card before you travel, or travel with a guide who handles payments.