The Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Beijing

1.        The Forbidden City - best-preserved imperial palace, the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, more than a million rare and valuable works of art, witness the grand architecture, learn about China's royal culture, appreciate the precious treasures of the royal court - tickets

2.        The Great Wall of China - one of the greatest sights in the world, over 6,000 km long, most popular Great Wall sections are in the mountains north of Beijing, The Mutianyu Great Wall section, The Badaling Great Wall section, Jinshanling Great Wall section, Jiankou Great Wall section, Huanghuacheng Great Wall section – website – tickets

3.        The Temple of Heaven -   imperial worship site, emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties took part in annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest for the next year, learn about the culture of heaven worship, architectural geomancy, and the medieval China's sacrificial rite – website - tickets

4.        The Summer Palace - summer retreat for the royal family of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China, famous landscaped views and cultural points of interest, The  Long Corridor is the most notable sight – website - tickets

5.        The Hutongs - represent an important stage in the development and evolution of Beijing's history and culture, showcase the traditional daily life of ordinary people, give a glimpse of old Beijing as it was, Tobacco Pouch Street (烟袋斜街) and Nanlougu Hutong (南锣鼓巷) are two of the most famous

6.        Lama Temple - one of the most famous Tibetan Buddhist lamaseries outside Tibet, not only a museum of Tibetan Buddhism but also a functioning temple where people pray, wonderful architecture, a variety of Buddhist statues – website - tickets

7.        Gubei Water Town - large resort and town in traditional Chinese style, courtyard style, combination of mountain views, quaint waterways, and ancient village ambience, overnight stay in the water town is highly recommended - tickets

8.        Tian'anmen Square - the largest famous city square, very symbolic for Chinese people, site of several key events in Chinese history, such as the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949,  grand ceremonies and National Day anniversary parades are held, Each morning, the flag-raising ceremony is held at sunrise, which is open to the public most of the time - tickets

9.        The Ming Tombs - where 13 out of the 16 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1367–1644) were buried, he best-preserved Chinese imperial tombs complex and has been recognized by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage - Tickets

10. Jingshan Park - front gate faces the north gate of the Forbidden City, hill in the park is the highest point in Beijing City, panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing, may not be suitable for seniors or those who have difficulty with hundreds of steps, experience local culture – Tickets