Beijing China: The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Great Wall, Forbidden City & Historic Landmarks

Beijing has always been one of the cities on my bucket list. I have known about China since I was young, and because my family has Chinese roots, stories about China, the wonder of the world known as the Great Wall of China, and Chinese history have been part of my life for as long as I can remember. So when I finally got to visit Beijing, the city connected to the Great Wall itself, it genuinely felt like one of those life moments coming full circle.

For this Beijing review, I have to say upfront that the whole trip feels almost like a deep dive into history. This is the capital of China, after all, and it is packed with some of the country’s most important landmarks, from Tiananmen Square to The Forbidden City. Since I finally had the chance to visit Beijing, I wanted to go all in and collect as many major landmarks as possible in one trip. So if you are reading this review, I am taking you along on a journey through Beijing, where ancient civilization, history, and modern city life blend together in such a satisfying way. Honestly, Beijing is wonderful, and I really think it is one of those cities everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Getting to Know Beijing

Beijing, the capital city of China, is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world. It is also known as the political, cultural, and educational center of the country. Historically, Beijing briefly lost its status as China’s capital in 1912, when Nanjing was appointed as the capital instead. Later, in 1949, Mao Zedong and the political leaders of that era established the People’s Republic of China and made Beijing the capital once again on October 1, 1949. It has remained the capital of China ever since.

Today, Beijing is already recognized as one of China’s leading cities for innovation, technology, and culture. It is also a major global financial center, home to many multinational companies and high-tech firms. With more than 21 million residents, Beijing is also one of the most densely populated major cities in the world. And that is not all. One of the most impressive things about Beijing is that it is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including The Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world; the world-famous Great Wall of China; and the Summer Palace. On top of all that, Beijing is also home to the central government and many of the country’s top universities.

And of course, one thing we absolutely have to talk about is Beijing’s world-famous Peking duck. The name already tells you where it belongs, and if you want to taste the original version of this legendary dish, there is really nowhere better than eating it right here in Beijing. In one city, you get to experience layers of history stretching back centuries, while also seeing Beijing’s present-day role as one of the world’s major powers. If you are traveling to China, visiting its capital at least once is a must. I can confidently say that Beijing is impressive in every square meter.

Where to Stay in Beijing

If you are looking for a place to stay in Beijing but still have no idea which neighborhood would suit your trip best, I will break down the main areas I recommend. Each neighborhood has its own strengths, convenience level, and hotel price range, so you can use this as a starting point before choosing where to book. I have tried to narrow everything down into the areas that make the most sense for sightseeing.

⚡️Read the full Beijing hotel and accommodation guide here

Let’s Explore Beijing 💖
Red Brick Art Museum

Red Brick Art Museum is where I started this Beijing trip, and for me, it is one of the coolest and most stylish museums in the city. If you are into art, this museum is excellent both for its exhibitions and for the exhibition spaces themselves. The architecture is beautifully designed, the building is photogenic from the moment you arrive, and the installations are thoughtfully done in a way that makes the whole place feel very well curated.

Red Brick Art Museum is especially known for its distinctive architectural design. It was founded in 2014 by well-known art collectors Yan Shijie and Cao Mei as a space for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural exchange between China and the rest of the world. Because of this, it has become a destination for art lovers who keep coming back to see what is on display. The museum admission fee is 150 yuan (around US$21) per person. Honestly, the entrance fee is quite high, so if you are planning to visit, I recommend buying tickets online in advance, as you may sometimes find a better deal than buying at the door.

🎫 Red Brick Art Museum Admission Ticket [Book via Trip.com]

The most distinctive feature of Red Brick Art Museum is, of course, its red-brick architecture, just as the name suggests. The stylish structure was designed by Dong Yugan, who blended modern architectural elements with traditional Chinese design influences inspired by classical Chinese gardens. As a result, the museum has exhibition areas, Chinese-style garden spaces, green trees, and large ponds that all sit together in a very harmonious way.

The exhibitions here are rotating exhibitions, with paintings, sculptures, videos, and installation art by both Chinese and international artists. This means that if you visit after me, you may not see the same works featured in this review. But from what I experienced, the artworks were genuinely excellent and left a strong impression.

Most of the works on display are contemporary art pieces that combine many different types of media. There are plenty of works, and the exhibitions are divided across several rooms for visitors to explore. I would honestly consider Red Brick Art Museum one of the best art museums in China. If you love art shown in a beautifully designed setting, this is a place you really should not miss.

After seeing the art, I also recommend walking outside the main building. You can pass through the back door of the museum and explore the outdoor architectural spaces made from red brick. There are raised structures with open rooftop areas where you can look out over the surroundings, as well as Chinese-style walls that play with curves, cutouts, and architectural depth. The result is a series of beautiful photo spots where simply standing and posing already looks great on camera. Young Chinese visitors even consider this one of the chicest Instagrammable spots in China. If you are visiting Beijing, this is definitely a place worth checking in.

798 Art District

798 Art District is the area I would personally crown as one of the chicest, coolest, and most artistic neighborhoods in Beijing. It is packed with art spaces, cafés, bars, galleries, stylish shops, street art, and all kinds of installation art. If you are an art person, you will definitely enjoy it here. For me, this is one of the most exciting creative districts in Beijing.

Before becoming 798 Art District, this area used to be a military electronics factory district developed through cooperation between China and the Soviet Union in the 1950s, before later shifting toward collaboration with East Germany. Because of that, many of the buildings in 798 Art District were influenced by German Bauhaus design, with spacious interiors and natural-light openings that make the buildings feel airy and open. As time passed, the factories moved out and closed down. Then, in the 1990s, artists, designers, and art organizations began moving into the area, turning old industrial spaces into galleries, art studios, shops, and restaurants. By the early 2000s, 798 Art District had evolved into the art district we see today. And let me say this first: 798 Art District is huge, with more than 400 shops and galleries inside. A single day may not be enough if you want to seriously explore the art, shop around, and eat your way through the area.

The atmosphere of 798 Art District today still preserves many of the old buildings, which have been renovated and maintained very well. The area is home to more than 200 art galleries showing works by both Chinese and international artists. Most of the art here is contemporary, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography, installation art, and multimedia works. Some of the must-visit galleries include UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Pace Beijing, and Gallery Yang. There are also plenty of other galleries, some free and some paid, so you can simply walk around and step into whichever spaces catch your eye.

Besides galleries and exhibition spaces, 798 Art District also has many other zones, so you do not have to worry about running out of things to do. There are offices, souvenir shops, and art product stores throughout the area. If you want to shop for cute, design-focused items with a unique style, I recommend browsing the shops here. You will find home décor, clothes, accessories, handmade goods, and all kinds of creative items. Many art shops also bring together adorable products from different artists, making it easy to shop for artistic pieces at prices that are still approachable.

If you get tired from walking and need to refuel, 798 Art District also has plenty of food and drink options. There are several bubble tea shops here too. I even stopped by Hey Tea, a popular Chinese tea brand that once opened in Thailand but has since closed there. In short, 798 Art District has so much more than just art. It feels like a creative hub where both tourists and Beijing locals come to hang out and do activities together. I even saw people playing sepak takraw there. If you are looking for a place where you can walk, chat, relax, and enjoy art at the same time, 798 Art District is hard to beat.

Universal Studios Beijing

If you come to Beijing and do not visit Universal Studios Beijing to enjoy its rides and attractions, I would honestly say you are missing out. This is the largest Universal Studios theme park in Asia, and it also comes with a special Kung Fu Panda land that you can only find here. Universal Studios Beijing is the fifth Universal Studios theme park in the world and the third in Asia. Construction began in 2016, with an investment of more than US$6.5 billion.

At the time, Universal Studios Beijing was considered the largest Universal Studios theme park in the world, covering approximately 4 square kilometers (about 1,000 acres). The park is divided into seven themed lands: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers Metrobase, Hollywood, WaterWorld, Minion Land, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness. The special land that exists only at Universal Studios Beijing is, of course, Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, inspired by the animated film series with Chinese cultural elements.

Because Universal Studios Beijing has so many details, from ticket options and must-ride attractions to shows and planning tips, I have written a separate full review dedicated to the park. If you want to read the full Universal Studios Beijing review, click here.

Where Should You Buy Universal Studios Beijing Tickets, and What Ticket Types Are Available?

Buy through OTAs like Klook or KKday (⭐️ Recommended): The easiest, most convenient, and often best-priced option, in my opinion, is buying tickets through Klook or KKday. These OTA platforms usually open ticket sales around two months in advance. After purchasing, you will receive a QR code that can be scanned at the park entrance, so there is no need to print any ticket. For me, this is one of the most convenient ways to visit Universal Beijing Resort.

For Universal Studios Beijing, tickets are available in several options, including 1-day, 1.5-day, and 2-day tickets. These durations refer to how long you can enter and enjoy the park.

🎫 Check prices and book Universal Beijing Resort tickets [Book via Klook] / [Book via KKday]

For must-ride attractions at Universal Studios Beijing, thrill seekers and roller coaster fans should try Decepticoaster, a high-speed coaster themed around the Decepticons that recreates an intense chase inside the Transformers universe. Another must-ride is the one-of-a-kind Kung Fu Panda Journey of the Dragon Warrior, found only at Universal Studios Beijing. This Chinese-themed boat ride takes you through scenes inspired by the Kung Fu Panda films, where you meet Po, the big panda obsessed with kung fu, along with characters like Tigress, Tai Lung, Master Shifu, and many more. There is also Jurassic World Adventure, an attraction based on the Jurassic Park / Jurassic World universe that brings you into the chaos of Isla Nublar as dinosaurs break free. And beyond these rides, the rest of the park is full of fun attractions across different themed lands. Honestly, every ride is worth checking out.

Overall, Universal Studios Beijing is another theme park that left a strong impression on me. First of all, the park is massive, the kind of place where you keep walking until your legs are exhausted right up until closing time. Each themed land is also incredibly detailed, from the sets and props to the photo spots. Everything feels so faithfully recreated from the movies that I almost felt like I had stepped into one of the stories myself. The rides are also varied and suit visitors of different ages and interests. I would definitely consider this one of those theme parks that almost everyone can enjoy.

Click here to read the full Universal Studios Beijing review

Great Wall of China

Since Beijing is the capital city where the Great Wall of China is located, there was no way I could miss it. First of all, the Great Wall of China is divided into several major sections, and each one has its own character, landscape, and view. The scale of the Great Wall of China is honestly massive, and if you want to collect every section properly, you would need to come back several times. For this review, I visited two sections: the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China and the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. I will take you through them one by one. Just to be clear, these two sections were not visited on the same day, because each section takes quite a lot of time to explore, usually anywhere from half a day to almost a full day.

The history of the Great Wall of China goes back more than 2,300 years. In the pre-Qin era, China was made up of many states, both large and small, living side by side. Each state built its own walls to defend itself against enemies. Later, when Qin Shi Huang of the Qin state conquered and unified the different states into China, he declared himself the first emperor and ordered the existing walls of the former states to be connected into one long defensive system stretching more than 5,000 kilometers. This became known as the “Wan-Li Changcheng” (万里长城), or the “Ten-Thousand-Li Long Wall,” a name many of us are familiar with. The word “li” refers to a traditional Chinese unit of distance, so the name reflected the immense scale of the wall at that time.

From the time of Qin Shi Huang onward, the wall continued to be built, expanded, and restored for more than 2,000 years. The Ming Dynasty, in particular, was responsible for building and reinforcing many of the most famous sections of the Great Wall that travelers visit today. This includes Badaling, Mutianyu, which we will explore in this review, and even Jinshanling, another popular section among travelers. All of these are part of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.

Great Wall of China – Mutianyu

Let’s start with the first section: the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. The reason I chose this section is because the wall here is very well preserved, and it also receives far fewer tourists than Badaling. If you want the easiest option and do not mind spending a bit more, I recommend calling a taxi through Didi. But if you want to come by public transportation, be prepared for a longer and slightly more complicated journey.

The basic entrance fee for the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China is 45 yuan (around US$6) per person. You can technically hike up to the wall by yourself, but if you feel a little lazy like I did, you can buy an additional cable car ticket. A one-way cable car ticket costs 100 yuan (around US$14), while a round-trip ticket costs 140 yuan (around US$19). Alternatively, if you want something more fun, you can take the chairlift up and ride the toboggan down for the same price. Of course, with my slightly adventurous spirit, I had to choose the chairlift up and the toboggan down.

Once we got on the chairlift and started heading up toward the Great Wall, we could already see the wall stretching along the layers of mountains in the distance. The view from above was honestly stunning. The ride itself did not take long before we arrived at the upper station. My first plan was to walk to the right side first and climb toward the far end of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, then walk back toward the left side to reach the toboggan station and slide down from there. I will admit, though, I did not walk all the way to the end because it was tiring. The wall is seriously long.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China is absolutely beautiful. When I visited, it was not very crowded either. Most visitors I saw were foreigners rather than large tour groups. In terms of restoration and maintenance, Mutianyu is considered one of the most fully restored sections of the Great Wall. The walkway is wide and very easy to walk on, although there are a few steep stair sections that can make you slightly out of breath because the steps are both high and steep. Overall, I personally loved this section. The fact that there are cable cars and chairlifts also makes the visit much easier and saves a lot of time.

⚡️ If you want to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China during its most beautiful seasons, I recommend coming in spring or autumn. In spring, the trees across the mountains bloom with flowers, while in autumn, the landscape turns orange and red. If you visit in summer like I did, the view will be green, hot, and very sunny, but still beautiful in its own way.

After walking around and getting plenty of photos, it was time to ride the toboggan down from the Great Wall to the lower area. Looking at the photos, you might think it looks scary, but in reality it was not that intense at all. It was actually really fun. The toboggan has a lever that you can use to control the speed and brake comfortably. The track curves gently and does not feel dangerous. If you still have that youthful, playful energy and want to add a bit of fun to your Great Wall visit, I definitely recommend going down this way.

Great Wall of China – Badaling

Next, let’s continue to the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, one of the most popular sections among both international tourists and Chinese travelers. Apart from being the closest major Great Wall section to downtown Beijing, Badaling is also extremely popular with Chinese visitors, especially during holidays when it can get incredibly packed.

For the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, transportation is very convenient because there is a high-speed rail station, Badaling Changcheng Railway Station, located right near the entrance. For my visit to Badaling Great Wall, I took the cable car up and walked back down. Based on my actual experience, you do not need to worry too much about the route being difficult. The route I took starts with the cable car up to a higher point of the wall, then gradually walks downhill toward another gate. So there is no need to be afraid of getting too tired. You can walk slowly, enjoy the view, and take your time.

The entrance fee for the Great Wall here is 40 yuan (around US$6) per person. This does not include the cable car, which costs 140 yuan (around US$19) for a round trip or 100 yuan (around US$14) one way. The cable car ticket is separate from the Great Wall entrance ticket.

The cable car ride up to the Great Wall was very fast. It felt like I had barely sat down and had not even had time to take out my camera properly to capture the surrounding scenery or the trees along the wall before we had already reached the upper station. It only took a few minutes. So if you are hoping to take nice photos from the cable car, get your camera ready and shoot quickly, because the ride is seriously short.

For my walking route at the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, I started around Tower 8 and then slowly walked back down toward Tower 1. When buying the ticket, they said the walk would take around two hours. But if you are someone who loves content creation and taking photos like I do, you may need a little longer. When I stepped out of the cable car station and arrived at Tower 8, the crowd was enormous. My suggestion is not to rush to take photos right there, because along the walking route there are still plenty of beautiful views of trees, mountains, and the Great Wall where you can take much better photos. The path includes both sloped sections and flatter areas. Personally, I did not find it too difficult, but if you are afraid of heights, your legs might shake a little in some spots.

The grandeur of the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China comes from the sweeping views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The wall rises and falls along the mountain ridges and remains in very good condition. I slowly walked down along the route, passing both flat and sloped sections along the mountain. Along the way, you can stop and take photos at whichever spots you like. Another great thing is that there are watchtowers along the route, and some are set slightly higher than the main walkway. You can climb the stairs to the top for a higher angle and panoramic views.

During the Ming Dynasty, the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China served as one of the major watchtower and defense points on the Great Wall. It was built for observing enemies and storing weapons. The reason the Badaling Great Wall looks larger and more imposing than some other sections is because it sits in a strategic location, making it easier to monitor approaching enemies. Because of this, the structure was built on a grand scale and earned the nickname “the Great Wall in eight directions.”

I continued walking down slowly, stopping along the way to take photos and absorb the massive scale of the wall, which seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance. I was genuinely amazed by the skill of the people who built it in the past. Not only does the wall sit high up in the mountains, but even after so many centuries, the structure we see today remains incredibly well preserved. It is not hard to understand why the Great Wall of China is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Standing there in front of the real thing, it truly feels extraordinary, and it is something I genuinely think everyone should see with their own eyes at least once.

After walking for a little over two hours, I made it back down to Tower 1. That marked the end of my visit to the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, and I have to say it was just as impressive as Mutianyu. If you are planning to conquer the Great Wall for the first time and cannot decide which section to visit first, I personally recommend Badaling. It is easy to reach, with a high-speed rail station right near the entrance, and the walking route is not too difficult. I think older travelers could manage it comfortably too. Of course, if you want to choose another section, you can pick whichever one suits your style, because each section has its own beauty. But one thing is certain: they are all charming and incredibly grand.

Tiantan Temple of Heaven

Another extremely famous landmark in Beijing, after the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, is the Tiantan Temple of Heaven. Many people have probably seen photos of its iconic circular hall before, and yes, this is the place.

The Tiantan Temple of Heaven was built in 1406 by the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty as a place for imperial ceremonies and prayers to Heaven. Interestingly, it was built in the exact same year as the Forbidden City. But in terms of overall size, the Temple of Heaven is actually four times larger than the Forbidden City, covering more than 2.7 million square meters. Today, the Tiantan Temple of Heaven is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To enter the Tiantan Temple of Heaven, you need to buy a ticket at the entrance. I recommend buying the combo ticket for 34 yuan (around US$5) so you do not have to buy separate tickets inside. This ticket includes access to the three main highlights: the Qinian Pavilion (祈年殿), the Huangqiongyu Pavilion (皇穹宇), and the Huanqiu Altar (圜丘). Once we had the ticket, we started walking in. When I visited, the atmosphere was very leafy and peaceful. After entering, we came across a long walkway leading deeper into the complex, lined on both sides with lawns and large trees that provided plenty of shade. There were also older local Chinese visitors sitting around, resting, or quietly sipping tea.

• 🎫 Book Tiantan Temple of Heaven tickets [via Klook] / [via Trip.com]

The first area I entered was the Guardroom zone, which was once used by important figures in the imperial era. Inside, the area is divided into several smaller sections, including the main building known as the Beamless Hall. This hall is notable for its beamless structure and was built in the 18th year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign, around 1420. Yongle was the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and this building is said to have been used as a venue whenever the emperor came here. Today, the main building is no longer used for its original purpose and has been turned into an exhibition space displaying furniture and the emperor’s throne, allowing visitors to see these objects up close.

Around the main hall is the Living Hall zone, which was once used by the emperor as a fasting hall. Inside, it is divided into five rooms, including the emperor’s bedroom, winter bedroom, living room, and study. The buildings are surrounded by lawns and trees, creating a shaded and peaceful atmosphere that really feels like a place for rest and retreat.

Qinian Pavilion / 祈年殿

Next, we continue to the highlight pavilion that I had seen so often on Instagram: the Qinian Pavilion / 祈年殿. In Instagram photos, it often looks peaceful and almost empty, but in reality, the place was packed with people. Still, the grandeur and beauty of the building make it absolutely worth seeing. This circular wooden hall was built for imperial ceremonies and rises three levels high. Its blue-tiled roof is striking from a distance. What is fascinating about this pavilion is that no matter which direction you view it from, the circular structure looks perfectly symmetrical. Even more impressive, the wooden interior was built without beams and without using a single nail. In 1998, the Qinian Pavilion / 祈年殿 was inscribed as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A small piece of knowledge I want to share is that in traditional Chinese belief, Heaven was seen as round and curved, which is why the Qinian Pavilion / 祈年殿 has this circular form. The earth, meanwhile, was believed to be square. The Qinian Pavilion was built for the emperor to perform ceremonies worshipping Heaven and the celestial deities, praying for abundant harvests and seasonal rainfall.

Huangqiongyu Pavilion / 皇穹宇

Next is the Huangqiongyu Pavilion / 皇穹宇, a hall used to store the divine tablets for ceremonies worshipping Heaven and the celestial deities. What makes this pavilion especially interesting is the wall surrounding it, known as the Echo Wall. It is said that two people can whisper from opposite sides of the wall and still hear each other. When I went in, there were many Chinese visitors standing around, speaking and calling out loudly to test the echo. I tried it too, and yes, you can actually hear the sound reflecting back.

The final zone I visited was the Huanqiu Altar / 圜丘, also known as the Circular Mound Altar. This marble altar was used by the emperor for ceremonies worshipping Heaven. At the center of the altar is a raised circular stone called Tianxin Shi (天心石), or the Heart of Heaven Stone. If you speak from this stone, your voice is said to resonate and be amplified so everyone can hear it. When I visited, no one was really shouting or testing the sound. Most Chinese visitors simply stood on the stone, faced toward the Qinian Pavilion / 祈年殿, and looked as if they were quietly making a wish. It was another spot where people lined up heavily to stand on the stone. After I stepped onto it, I walked back down, took a few more photos around the altar, and then headed out.

And that was my visit to the Tiantan Temple of Heaven. Some people might wonder whether a place this large can be explored completely in one visit. From my experience, it actually did not take that long because the main highlights are essentially these three key spots, and most visitors go straight to them. If you have extra time and want to wander further into other areas not covered in this review, you can definitely do that too. Personally, I found the Tiantan Temple of Heaven to be another seriously grand and impressive landmark. The architecture remains in excellent condition, and in terms of beauty, I would give it a perfect ten out of ten.

Nanluoguxiang Market

Nanluoguxiang Market is perfect for anyone who wants to shop for Chinese-style souvenirs at friendly prices while walking through an atmosphere that almost feels like stepping into an old Chinese town. This is one of the oldest and most famous hutong alleys in Beijing, and it is a place where people love to come for food, shopping, and casual exploring.

Nanluoguxiang Market stretches about 800 meters from north to south and was built during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368), which means this street is more than 740 years old. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Nanluoguxiang Market was once home to many officials and important figures in the city. The houses and buildings along this street are traditional siheyuan (四合院) courtyard residences, a classic form of old Chinese architecture often seen in Beijing, where buildings are arranged around a central courtyard on all four sides. Even after so many years, many of these old-style houses are still in fairly good condition, so the moment you step into Nanluoguxiang Market, you can still feel that strong sense of old Beijing.

By the time I arrived at Nanluoguxiang Market, it was already late afternoon, and the weather was just right with soft sunlight and a pleasant breeze. The street was full of shops selling everything from cute little trinkets to souvenirs and keepsakes. There were also Chinese restaurants and traditional snack shops lined up on both sides of the street, so there was always something to taste along the way. On top of that, the area also has cafés that blend the old charm of the neighborhood with a more modern style really well. Basically, walking along this street, there is no need to worry about getting hungry. You can just keep strolling and eating as you go.

Overall, Nanluoguxiang Market is ideal for anyone who wants an easygoing walk, some shopping, food, and sightseeing without having to think too much. It has that feeling of coming to look for original Chinese snacks and souvenirs to bring home. The whole route is fairly lively, and once the sun goes down, the crowds get even heavier. So if you want to experience Beijing through old architecture and preserved local culture, I really recommend taking a walk through Nanluoguxiang Market. I do not think you will be disappointed.

Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing

From Nanluoguxiang Market, walk about another 1 kilometer and you will reach another must-visit spot, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing. What makes these two towers so impressive is that, in the past, they served as Beijing’s official timekeeping center. Today, they are no longer used for that purpose, but the Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing still remain important historical landmarks, standing beautifully and prominently in the middle of the city.

The Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing were first built in 1272 during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The Drum Tower is a 46.7-meter-tall wooden structure. In the past, the drums inside were used to mark time at night. The Bell Tower, meanwhile, is a 47.9-meter-tall gray brick structure. In the past, people would ring the bell inside this tower to tell the time during the day for the people of the city.

For my walking route, after leaving Nanluoguxiang Market from the north side, I turned left and continued walking along the road. The first thing I came across was the Drum Tower, a large red wooden building standing gracefully at the corner of the street. Since I arrived quite late in the evening and the tower was already closed, I could only walk around and take in the atmosphere from outside the walls. Even though I missed the chance to go inside, the building itself looked incredibly well preserved from the outside, from the structure and roof to the decorative details around the building. Even after standing in the city for hundreds of years, it still looked beautiful. It really is one of Beijing’s grand historic structures.

Looking across from the Drum Tower, you will see the Bell Tower standing as its companion. It is a grand gray brick building surrounded by tall walls, and even from the outside, you can still see how beautiful and well preserved the structure is, as if time has not been able to touch it. As I mentioned, I arrived quite late, so I could not go inside. Still, the open square in front of the Drum Tower was full of local life, with people walking around, chatting, exercising, and doing different activities. It felt like a community plaza for people in the city.

There is also a legend about the Bell Tower that I want to share. This is only a story that has been passed down over time, so I recommend reading it simply as something that adds flavor to the visit. The story is about a great sacrifice that took place during the casting of the giant bell inside this tower. Going back to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the Yongle Emperor ordered a giant bell to be created for the Bell Tower of Beijing as a symbol of power and as a tool for marking time in the city. The master craftsman assigned to the task was Wang Zhi, a famous bellmaker whose skill was highly respected at the time. He was in charge of casting the bell.

However, when Wang Zhi tried to cast the bell, each attempt ended with cracks, and the project repeatedly failed. The emperor became increasingly displeased and eventually declared that if Wang Zhi could not successfully complete the bell, he would be executed. When this news reached Wang Zhi’s daughter, Niulang, she became deeply worried and went to seek advice from a Taoist priest. The priest told her that for the bell to be cast successfully without cracks, something sacred and pure had to be fused into the metal. So on the day the bell was recast, Niulang decided to sacrifice herself by jumping into the furnace. When Wang Zhi saw what happened, he was devastated. But unexpectedly, the bell cast that day came out perfectly, without a single crack. People say that whenever this bell was struck, no matter how beautiful the sound was, it always carried a deep sadness, as if Niulang’s spirit still remained inside the bell.

Today, even though the Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing are no longer used to tell time for the city, Beijing has opened both towers to the public and tourists. Visitors can go up to the top for a high-angle view of Beijing. In the evening, the open square in front of the Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing is also filled with people walking, exercising, and doing activities, making it feel like a gathering place for locals. It is another historic landmark that is absolutely worth checking in at when visiting Beijing.

Lake Houhai

After walking around the Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing, I recommend continuing on foot to Lake Houhai, a large lake in central Beijing located nearby. The area around Lake Houhai is a lively neighborhood for eating, shopping, and strolling, and a lot of people come here to walk around. If you enjoy the atmosphere of walking along a lake while watching people paddle boats, this place is lovely. And if you come in the evening, the atmosphere becomes incredibly romantic.

Lake Houhai was excavated during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and is located north of the Forbidden City. It is one of Beijing’s three connected lakes, along with Qianhai, the Front Lake, and Xihai, the West Lake. Together, these three lakes are known as Shichahai. They are important historically, culturally, and in terms of everyday Beijing life because the three lakes once served as a water transportation hub for the city in ancient times. Houhai was dug to help transport goods into the Forbidden City. Back then, the area surrounding the lake was a commercial district with wine, food, workshops, and many opera stages. All of this made the lake lively and colorful, and it has continued to be a popular place where people gather and explore up to today.

If you visit Lake Houhai in summer, the lake has gentle flowing water, and people walk back and forth along both sides. Some stop to take photos around the lake, while others simply stand and enjoy the view. The mood is very chill and slow-life. But if you come here in winter, the cold weather can turn the lake into ice, and people often come here to skate on it. That is another beautiful season too. Personally, I think Houhai is another place worth visiting. If you like the feeling of walking beside a lake surrounded by old Chinese-style houses and buildings, I think you will definitely enjoy this area.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

Next, let’s go shopping and spend some money at Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. I would honestly rank this as Beijing’s number one shopping street because the entire road is packed with malls and brand-name stores. Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is one of Beijing’s main commercial areas, with origins dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1279–1368). It later became known as Wangfujing during the Ming Dynasty more than 500 years ago. The name means “the well of the prince’s mansion.”

Along both sides of Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, shops and stores line up one after another. There is an Apple Store, a LEGO flagship store decorated in a Chinese style, and Wangfujing Bookstore, a six-story bookstore packed with Chinese books to bring home. On top of that, there is apm Beijing, a mall filled with famous global brands, plus many popular stores along the street. If you love luxury shopping, hold on to your wallet, because Wangfujing Pedestrian Street also has major malls worth walking into, especially Wangfujing Mall, which is full of luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Hermès, and Dolce & Gabbana. There are also plenty of other shops to browse. If you are coming here to shop, I recommend making a list in advance of what you want to buy. Once you arrive, head straight to those stores so you do not waste too much time.

The atmosphere of Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is lively and full of tourists and Chinese shoppers out spending money. After walking around and exploring for a while, I can say that the shops and brands here are very complete, and the prices really are cheaper than in Thailand. What I especially liked was that there are several small alleys branching off from the main street. The one I visited was Wangfujing Snack Street, which is basically heaven for food lovers because it is full of local dishes and snacks. If you are worried about not finding it, just look for the dramatic Chinese-style gate that stands out from far away. Inside that alley, food stalls line both sides of the path, selling everything from popular Chinese snacks like roasted chestnuts and steamed buns to all sorts of unusual creatures, including scorpions, snakes, starfish, and seahorses cooked and sold as food. There are also plenty of Chinese-style souvenirs. If you want a fun shopping walk with bold local flavors, definitely step into this alley.

For anyone who wants a proper meal, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street also has a food court. The atmosphere inside feels like a large, energetic cafeteria filled with people, with dozens of restaurants and street food stalls gathered in one place so you can choose what you want to eat. On top of that, if you have arrived in Beijing and want to try Peking duck, this street is home to Quanjude, a world-famous historic Peking duck restaurant founded in 1864. It has been around for well over a century, so coming here means you can be confident you are tasting the classic original flavor of Peking duck.

Overall, I spent several hours walking around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. Besides stopping for a meal, I also kept going in and out of shops, buying clothes, bags, shoes, and plenty of souvenirs to bring back to Thailand. A little warning: if you love shopping and there is no one around to stop you, this place can seriously destroy your budget.

Yonghe Temple

Next, let’s visit Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple. This is one of the most beautiful temples in Beijing and the only Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city. The temple has a very long history, dating back to 1694. At that time, this area was originally the residence of Prince Yongzheng, the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor. Later, in 1744, after Prince Yongzheng ascended the throne as the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty, the site was converted into a Gelug school Tibetan Buddhist temple. Since then, it has remained an important center of Tibetan Buddhism.

To enter the temple, there is an admission fee of 25 yuan (around US$4) per person. After buying the ticket and walking through the gate, you can continue straight ahead. Inside the temple grounds, there are several halls that you can walk through one after another, and you can pay respects in each hall.

What makes visiting this temple easy is its rectangular layout, which allows you to walk through the halls layer by layer. These include Yonghemen Hall (雍和门大殿, Yōnghémén Dàdià), Yongyou Hall (永佑殿, Yōngyòu Diàn), Falun Hall (法轮殿, Fălún Diàn), and the innermost Wanfuge Pavilion (万福阁, Wànfú Gé). I have to say that exploring all of these takes quite a bit of time because once you get inside, you realize how spacious the temple grounds really are. The area covers more than 60,000 square meters, so I spent quite a while walking around. The atmosphere inside is lined with different halls, with trees planted throughout the grounds in a way that blends very naturally into the space. That greenery keeps the temple from feeling too dry or empty, and the whole place feels very calm and peaceful once you step inside.

The most important hall that should not be missed is Wanfuge Pavilion (万福阁, Wànfú Gé) at the very back. Inside stands a 26-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood from Nepal, which the 7th Dalai Lama presented to the Qianlong Emperor in 1753. This immense Maitreya statue is considered the tallest wooden Buddha statue carved from a single piece of wood in the world, and it has also been recorded in the Guinness Book. Seeing it in person, it is truly beautiful and grand. The craftsmanship is incredible, and no matter which part of the statue I looked up at, every detail felt magnificent.

If you enjoy visiting temples, love history, and are fascinated by grand architecture, Yonghe Temple is incredibly fulfilling. Every direction you look, there is something beautiful to see. The temple has a strong sense of age blended with sacred atmosphere, and it really calms the mind. I would definitely count this as one of the places you should not miss when visiting Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

If someone asks what the largest public square in the world is, the answer has to be Tiananmen Square. This massive square is said to be able to hold more than one million people, and it is also one of the busiest squares in the world. What makes it even more impressive is that the area around the square is surrounded by many important Chinese government and national landmarks, including the Forbidden City, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, Qianmen Gate, and the National Museum of China. This entire area has witnessed many major events in Chinese history, especially the Tiananmen events of 1989, when Chinese students gathered to call for democracy and were dispersed by the government, resulting in many deaths.

Tiananmen Square began construction in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, when it was originally used as the entrance area to the Forbidden City. The square is named after Tiananmen Gate, which stands to the north in front of the Forbidden City. Visiting Tiananmen Square is not complicated. The main experience is to walk around, take in the atmosphere, and capture the surrounding landmarks. To the south stands the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, a large building with a two-tiered roof positioned prominently in the middle of the square. Opposite it is the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a 37.94-meter-tall marble obelisk engraved with the names of heroes who played important roles in Chinese history. This monument was built to commemorate those who fought and died during revolutionary movements in China during the 19th and 20th centuries.

The main highlight, of course, has to be Tiananmen Gate. Everyone comes to take photos here because of the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong hanging at the center of the gate leading toward the Forbidden City, which stands opposite Tiananmen Square. The atmosphere around this spot was packed with Chinese visitors. The lines were so long that the end was almost impossible to see. Many people took photos here before crossing the road into the Forbidden City. Of course, I also could not miss taking a photo from this classic angle.

The Forbidden City

Now we arrive at The Forbidden City, one of Beijing’s grandest landmarks and a place that anyone visiting the city should experience at least once in person. The architecture of this historic palace is truly priceless. Admission depends on the season: during the peak season from April 1 to October 31, tickets are 60 yuan (around US$8) per person, while during the low season from November 1 to March 31, tickets are 40 yuan (around US$6) per person. You can buy tickets at the entrance or online through the links below. If you want to explore more deeply, especially the architecture and historical stories of The Forbidden City, I recommend renting an audio guide while walking through the different areas. The great thing is that Thai audio is available too, which makes the visit very convenient.

• 🎫 Check prices and book Forbidden City tickets [via Klook] / [via Trip.com]

The Forbidden City is considered the largest palace complex in the world, covering more than 720,000 square meters. Inside are more than 980 buildings and 8,728 rooms. If you are wondering whether one day is enough to see everything, I can say right away that there is no way to fully cover it in a single day because the area is enormous. My route was mostly a long, straight walk through the most important halls, with a bit of extra wandering into other sections along the way. Even though it may sound like a simple walk, it still took up half a day.

The Forbidden City, which I was exploring on this visit, was built beginning in 1406 by the Yongle Emperor during the Ming Dynasty. It is divided into the Outer Court, which contains three important halls used when the emperor handled state affairs and major court ceremonies, and the Inner Court, which served as the private residence of the emperor and empress. One thing I want you to notice is that the Outer Court has no trees at all. Because this was the area used for official court functions, the emperor had to appear as majestic as possible. People believed the emperor was the Son of Heaven, and nothing should be allowed to obscure his presence, which is why there are no trees in this area. The Inner Court, on the other hand, feels much more shaded and lively, with trees covering the surroundings and creating a softer atmosphere.

Hall of Supreme Harmony / Taihedian

Let’s start with the first major stop, the Hall of Supreme Harmony / Taihedian. This is the most important hall in the Forbidden City and was the tallest building in imperial China at that time. It is said that no other building was allowed to be taller than this hall because it was the center of state affairs and major imperial ceremonies, including coronations, imperial birthdays, and royal weddings.

Hall of Central Harmony / Zhonghedian

Continuing onward, we reach the Hall of Central Harmony / Zhonghedian. This is the smallest hall in the Outer Court and served as a resting place for the emperor before he went to conduct state affairs at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which we had just passed. Around the hall, there are several areas where you can look inside and get a sense of the interior atmosphere. It gives you a chance to take in the grandeur of the hall, which is richly decorated, while being surrounded by crowds of visitors moving through the palace grounds.

Hall of Preserved Harmony / Baohedian

The last hall in the Outer Court that I visited was the Hall of Preserved Harmony / Baohedian. This hall was used for celebratory banquets and was also the place where the final imperial examinations were held, with the emperor personally setting and overseeing the exam. The top ten candidates who achieved the highest scores would have their names announced by the emperor to the public, which was considered one of the highest honors in life at that time. The hall itself is a large building with a wide courtyard in front, and in the middle of the courtyard is a pathway reserved for the emperor, leading up to the hall. If you visit in summer, I recommend bringing an umbrella because this area has no trees for shade at all.

Palace of Heavenly Purity / Qianqinggong

From the Outer Court, I walked into the Inner Court and arrived at the first major hall, the Palace of Heavenly Purity / Qianqinggong. This was where the emperor signed and reviewed documents, and it was also used for various celebrations and ceremonial occasions. In addition, this hall served as a place for imperial funerals. In the past, an emperor’s coffin would be placed here for mourning before the body was moved to Jingshan Hill for religious rites.

And these are the main halls I explored and captured during this visit. The Forbidden City can truly be considered one of the most important palaces in the world. For more than 500 years, this palace was continuously used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Then, in 1911, the Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing Dynasty, and Emperor Puyi became the last emperor to use this palace. That moment also marked the end of China’s absolute monarchy and imperial system, which had lasted for more than 2,000 years. So this place is not just a palace. It is a site filled with history and immeasurable value to the city. If you love old palaces and enjoy diving into history, this is absolutely not to be missed.

Jingshan Park

After walking out from the north gate of The Forbidden City, I honestly feel like the visit does not feel complete unless you cross the road and continue to Jingshan Park as well. The reason is that this park has Jingshan Hill, where we can climb up to see the grand view of The Forbidden City from above in one sweeping panorama. The time I would recommend coming here is in the late afternoon, close to sunset, because this is when you get to soak in the final light of the day, and the view can be incredibly beautiful.

In the past, Jingshan Park served as a private leisure space for the imperial family, so ordinary people could not enter. Later, the Chinese authorities opened it as a public park where people could come to travel, relax, and enjoy the scenery. The highlight here is the artificial hill built from the soil excavated while digging the moat around the palace. That soil was used to create five hills in total. The highest point for seeing the view of The Forbidden City is the middle hill, where Wanchun Pavilion sits at the top.

The atmosphere while I was walking around at the lower part of the park was quite relaxed because there were not too many people. But once I reached the pavilion at the top of the hill, I was genuinely surprised because the crowd was massive. Luckily, there were some seats where people could sit and rest, so it did not feel too packed. From up here, the view of The Forbidden City is honestly spectacular. You can capture an elevated view of the palace complex almost in its entirety. The only thing I regret is that I did not stay until sunset because I arrived a little too early, and there were still many hours before the sun would actually go down. So I decided to walk back down and use the time to continue exploring other places instead. But if anyone wants to see a beautiful sunset with nature and the view of The Forbidden City, I definitely recommend following this route and coming here.

Summer Palace

Summer Palace is another must-visit attraction in Beijing, and it is one of the most beautiful imperial gardens in China. It is also incredibly old and historically valuable, to the point that it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Summer Palace, an Imperial Garden in Beijing” in 1998. If you love historic palaces that have stood alongside a city for centuries, you absolutely should not miss Summer Palace when visiting Beijing.

To visit Summer Palace, we need to buy an admission ticket. There are several ticket types. A basic entrance ticket that does not include entry to the main landmarks inside costs 30 yuan (around US$4), while during the low season it drops to 20 yuan (around US$3). There is also a combo ticket that allows access to everything inside for 60 yuan (around US$8), and during the low season it costs 50 yuan (around US$7). Personally, I think buying the regular 30 yuan ticket and then purchasing separate tickets for specific attractions inside might be enough, because the palace grounds are extremely large and require a lot of walking. If we buy a combo ticket, we might not even have time to visit every paid area. For me, I only managed to enter two places: Suzhou Market Street and Tower of Buddhist Incense. After that, time ran out and I could not go into the others.

• 🎫 Buy Summer Palace tickets [via Klook] / [via Trip.com]

As for the history of Summer Palace, also known as Yiheyuan, it goes back more than 800 years to the Jin dynasty. It began as an area with beautiful scenery located not too far from Beijing. Over time, the place became increasingly important as members of the imperial family and the upper class came here to relax. Then, in 1750, Emperor Qianlong expanded the area on a grand scale by digging out a lake, now known as Kunming Lake, and using the excavated soil to build Longevity Hill or Wanshou Shan (万寿山), which means “Mountain of Ten Thousand Years.” This hill became a prominent feature and the site of palaces and gardens, helping Summer Palace become widely known and admired.

As time passed, in 1860, during the period when Western powers invaded China, British and French allied forces entered and burned parts of the palace, causing major damage. Later, in 1866, Empress Dowager Cixi ordered the palace to be restored. But it was burned and damaged again by forces from imperialist powers in 1900. Three years later, Summer Palace was restored once more. Its imperial history eventually came to an end after the Xinhai Revolution and the fall of the Qing dynasty. China later declared the area a public park, and UNESCO eventually listed it as a World Heritage Site. Seeing all of this, Summer Palace is truly one of China’s important historical places that has been through so many major events.

Suzhou Market Street

For my route through Summer Palace, after entering through the north gate, the first place I stopped at was Suzhou Market Street, a recreated shopping street inspired by the city of Suzhou. I have to say this place is very photogenic. It has the beautiful mood of a Chinese market, and while it may not be exactly the same as an ancient market from the past, the photos come out beautifully from every angle. The atmosphere really gives the feeling of traveling back in time.

Some people reading this might wonder why there is a Suzhou Market Street inside Summer Palace. The story goes that in the past, Emperor Qianlong traveled far to Suzhou and met a beautiful nun who captivated him. He wanted to bring her back to Beijing, but it would have been inappropriate to make a nun one of his consorts. So he built a new temple for her in Beijing, so he could visit her more conveniently. Later, when she began missing her hometown, the emperor had Suzhou Market Street recreated near the palace and brought her here as a surprise, making it feel as if she had returned to her hometown again.

Four Great Regions

Then I came to the Four Great Regions inside Summer Palace, which is considered the largest Tibetan Buddhist-style site in Beijing. What makes this Tibetan-style temple area interesting is that the northern side features Tibetan-style buildings, while the southern side features Han-style architecture. If you follow this route, I recommend paying attention to this contrast. It is a beautiful example of how different architectural styles can be brought together within one place. From here, I walked across the Tibetan temple area to continue toward the next highlight, Tower of Buddhist Incense.

Tower of Buddhist Incense + The Hall of Dispelling Clouds

Tower of Buddhist Incense has practically become the symbol of Summer Palace. The tower sits in the middle of Longevity Hill and can be seen clearly from almost anywhere within the palace grounds. Inside the Tower of Buddhist Incense is a thousand-armed Guanyin statue standing on a lotus base with 999 petals. This Guanyin statue is almost 450 years old, making it one of the oldest of its kind in China.

For the most beautiful view of Summer Palace, I personally give it to the area in front of the gate at Tower of Buddhist Incense. From here, you can see Kunming Lake stretching far into the distance. I was seriously impressed while walking around this area. So if you come here and skip Tower of Buddhist Incense, I honestly think you would be missing out. The entrance fee is also very affordable at only 10 yuan (around US$1.40) per person.

After enjoying the view to my heart’s content, I walked down the stairs to the base of the Tower of Buddhist Incense. This area is called The Hall of Dispelling Clouds, a name that can be interpreted as “clouds being swept away,” poetically suggesting that the hall is as magnificent as a heavenly palace. It is said that this place was once used as the sleeping quarters of Empress Dowager Cixi. But after she moved in, she suddenly became ill for unknown reasons. She believed that a bedroom should not be built too close to a sacred area where the Guanyin statue at the Tower of Buddhist Incense was enshrined. So she moved her sleeping quarters elsewhere and turned the Hall of Dispelling Clouds into a place for celebrating her birthday instead.

Kunming Lake

The final stop on my Summer Palace route was Kunming Lake, where we can walk around the lakeside and enjoy the view of the palace with the Tower of Buddhist Incense standing beautifully in the background, which is one of the most iconic angles here. Seeing how huge Kunming Lake is, it is interesting to know that this lake is actually man-made, and it is only about 1.5 meters deep.

Personally, I recommend walking over to the small island opposite the palace. Once you get to this little island, you can enjoy the view of the grand bronze ox statue, beautiful pavilions, and marble bridges that are still impressively well preserved. All of this comes with the scenery of Summer Palace surrounded by water. I arrived right around sunset, and the surface of the lake was sparkling beautifully across the entire area. It was an incredibly beautiful view and the perfect way to complete my visit to Summer Palace.

Qianmen Street

To wrap up the sightseeing part, I am taking you to another very popular shopping street: Qianmen Street. It is located next to Qianmen Gate Tower, south of Tiananmen Square. Getting here is not difficult at all. You can take subway Line 2 and get off at Qianmen Station.

If I had to describe Qianmen Street simply, it is basically a shopping street. If anyone still has not had enough shopping after walking around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, you can continue here. Personally, I think if you want to shop seriously, especially for fashion, Wangfujing is probably the better choice because there are more options and more familiar brands. But if you want an old-town atmosphere surrounded by buildings from the Qing dynasty era, Qianmen Street will not disappoint. It feels like stepping into an old-style market selling very Chinese-style goods, from souvenirs and snacks to everyday items, and even prayer beads. If you are looking for souvenirs that feel truly Chinese, this is a good place to shop. And if you have enough time, you can walk both streets.

For me, I came here more to walk around and enjoy the city atmosphere. Since I arrived quite late in the evening, many shops had already started closing. But there was one alley off the main street that I came across called Dashilan Commercial Street. You can walk into it and find another world filled with shops and street food. The crowd was huge and lively, so I kept walking around and hunting for something to eat. If you visit Qianmen Street, do not forget to stop by this area as well.

Where to Stay in BeijingHoward Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing

First of all, hotels in Beijing can be quite expensive. The hotel I chose was considered not too pricey and still perfectly decent. The first place was Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel, which feels like one of Beijing’s older hotels. It is located opposite Beijing Railway Station and is also right next to a subway station, so the location is actually not bad at all. Around the front of the hotel, there are KFC, Mr. Lee, and 2–3 supermarkets. These are the little things that matter a lot when choosing a hotel because at least we can be sure we will not starve.

As for the hotel and room at Howard Johnson Paragon Hotel Beijing, I have to be honest and say it is a little old. But it is old in the style of a hotel that was once quite luxurious, not old in a scary or uncomfortable way. If you ask whether it is good, I personally think it is worth the price. The room is spacious, the bed is comfortable, and the amenities are complete. It is an easy and comfortable place to stay. If you do not want to spend too much time looking for a hotel yourself, this is also a good option.

Bolly Wood Hotel

The final hotel I stayed at was Bolly Wood Hotel, a 3-star hotel with a friendly price but surprisingly good quality and service. The hotel has 86 rooms and is located in a convenient area, not far from Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, within an easy walking distance. If you want to stay in a lively neighborhood, I would recommend this place.

The hotel is decorated in a modern style and offers several room types. I stayed in a Featured Room with two beds and complete amenities, including a small minibar area, refrigerator, TV, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. The bathroom has clearly separated wet and dry zones, and there is also a hairdryer available as usual.

For breakfast, the hotel has a restaurant where we can fill up before heading out. The breakfast is mostly Chinese food, but there are also fried eggs, fresh vegetables, fruit, drinks, and cereal to choose from. Overall, it helps save one breakfast meal easily. If anyone is looking for a hotel that is not too expensive, convenient for getting around, and good value for money, staying here is honestly a solid choice.

The Universal Studios Grand Hotel

Now let’s move on to The Universal Studios Grand Hotel, a luxurious hotel located right at the entrance of Universal Beijing Resort. The hotel is inspired by the elegance and classic charm of Hollywood’s golden age in the 1920s and 1930s, with Art Deco architecture and interiors inspired by Universal films.

The atmosphere of The Universal Studios Grand Hotel begins right at the front of the hotel, where a fountain stands elegantly in the distance, surrounded by colorful rose gardens that make everything feel refreshing from the moment you step out of the car. Once inside, the lobby and common areas are decorated with refined yet classic furniture and color tones. Along the hotel walls, there are artworks related to movies, large film posters, and studio-inspired design elements that make you feel like you have entered the world of cinema, almost as if you are walking through the glamorous golden age of Hollywood.

The rooms at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel come in many different types, including themed rooms inspired by Universal films, such as Minions rooms and Kung Fu Panda rooms. The room I stayed in was the “Deluxe Twin Room with Two Beds and Window,” which already included breakfast. The 30-square-meter room came with a window that offered a small view of the park and some attractions, two large thick and soft beds that I can confirm were very comfortable, and movie posters placed around the room in line with the hotel concept. A lovely touch was the cute cartoon-style macarons and a bowl of fresh fruit prepared as a welcome gift. The bathroom clearly separates the wet and dry zones, with a good-sized washbasin area in the middle. The room also comes with complete amenities, including toiletries, a small refrigerator, air conditioning, a minibar, and free Wi-Fi.

One thing I really liked was the breakfast. At The Universal Studios Grand Hotel, the breakfast spread is genuinely impressive. The restaurant here is called The Lotus Garden, and it is a large dining room that is especially suitable for families staying at the hotel. The food stations are arranged in the center of the room, and when I say the selection is extensive, I really mean it. There is everything from Chinese food and Western dishes to a drinks bar.

By this point, you might already think the hotel is excellent, but there is still more. Guests staying at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel receive plenty of special perks, including the chance to take photos with characters who come to the restaurant early in the morning, benefits for shopping at the store downstairs, and the special privilege of entering the theme park one hour early through the Universal Studios Beijing VIP Experience entrance. I can honestly say that staying at The Universal Studios Grand Hotel is one of the happiest and most convenient ways to experience Universal Beijing Resort.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Beijing

And that wraps up my entire Beijing trip. If you are visiting China and want to explore its capital, I genuinely recommend following this itinerary because the places I went to cover almost all of the city’s major landmarks. It really feels complete. What impressed me most about Beijing is the atmosphere of an ancient city that has beautifully preserved so many important historical sites. The city may not feel as flashy as Shanghai, but it has its own unique identity and a well-balanced charm that feels unlike anywhere else. If you love old cities filled with World Heritage Sites, pin Beijing on your map. I am quite sure you will return home with a very full heart.

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