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.

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