Beijing China Attractions

When you visit Beijing, keep in mind that the city charges different prices for admission during the summer and winter months. The summer high season occurs from April 1 to October 31 and the winter low season occurs from November 1 to March 31. There are plenty of sights to see and places to visit while touring the city. If you are the outdoorsy type, you may want to consider taking a hike. Take the time to explore the Ming Tombs or the Eastern Qing Tombs by foot. For a romantic outing, enjoy a picnic lunch by the ruins. You can also pick up a nice boxed lunch at most upscale hotels.

Beijing Zoo
Phone: +86 10 6513-8866 ext. 867
There are 400-plus species of animals awaiting your attention. Take the kiddies to view the pandas - an experience they will never forget.

Ancient Observatory
Phone: +86 10-6524-2202
Come to the middle of this Beijing neighborhood, which offers an ancient observatory which dates back to the 15th century. This observatory was used by Kublai Khan and other Emperors. Here you can view old maps, as well as Ming astrology equipment.

Big Bell Temple
1 Beisanhuan Xi Lu
Come view these temple houses which boast the largest and heaviest bell in China measuring 22 feet (6.75 m) and weighing 101,411 pounds (46 tons). Here you can also view a small collection of bells from previous dynasties.

Ming Tombs
Shi San Ling Te Qu, Chang Ping District
Phone: +86 (0)10 60761423
Come see the tomb of Emperor Shen Zong, which is one of three excavated treasures. There are more than 3,000 archeological artifacts displayed within the vaulted stone halls.

Lama Temple
12 Yonghegong Dajie
Phone: +86 (0)10 6404 4499; +84 (0)10 6404 3769
Come and experience one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples in the country. This attraction has survived many changes throughout the country and still stands. As a guest, you will be able to tour well-tended gardens and exquisite arts and crafts.

Old Summer Palace
Phone: +86 10-6255-1488
When you visit the Old Summer Palace, you will be able to witness the damage caused by European soldiers during the Opium War of 1860. There are ruins scattered throughout the gardens, providing a beautiful place to visit.

Temple of Heaven
Tian Tan North Road
Phone: +86 (0)10 6702 2242
The Temple of Heaven (Tiantan) is considered one of Beijing's most prized tourist attractions. Here you will be able to enjoy temple grounds which were designed to represent the earth as square and the heaven as being circular. Some features to look into are the Round Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, as well as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

The Forbidden City
North of Tiananmen Square, Dong Cheng District
Phone: +86 (0)10 6512 2255; +86 (0)10 6513 2255
This is definitely a sight to see, with its endless stairs, tiled roofs and spacious courtyards. As a guest, you will enter vermilion gates, featuring ceilings painted in blue, gold, and emerald, as well as beautifully carved staircases.

Tiananmen Square
Chang An Avenue, Dong Cheng District
Come to this square to view Mao's Mausoleum, the Monument to the People's Heroes, as well as numerous souvenir and photography stands. On the western border of Tiananmen Square, you can enjoy Beijing's Great Hall of the People.