Beijing Municipality, China
Beijing
Ancient Heritage Meets Modern China
China's capital holds 800 years of imperial history alongside cutting-edge architecture. Home to the Forbidden City, sections of the Great Wall, and some of the country's best roast duck.
Best time to visit: April-May, September-October
Explore Beijing by theme
Highlights
- Peking Duck
Crispy-skinned roast duck carved tableside and wrapped in thin pancakes with scallion, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. The dish Beijing is most famous for worldwide.
- The Forbidden City
The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly 500 years, with almost 1,000 surviving buildings. The largest palace complex in the world.
- The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)
The best-preserved and most accessible section of the Great Wall near Beijing, with restored watchtowers and sweeping mountain views. Less crowded than Badaling.
- Hutong Alleyways
Narrow historic alleyways of traditional courtyard housing near the city center, best explored on foot or by rickshaw. A glimpse of pre-modern Beijing life.