Beijing Attractions 2026: Top Places to Vist

Planning your trip to Beijing from Singapore? You're in for an incredible journey through time, where ancient imperial power meets modern creative energy. Our curated list is designed to help you navigate the Beijing attractions with ease. This guide provides essential details on booking links, transport, and opening hours to simplify your planning.

Beijing's Top Attractions at a Glance

1. The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 600 years of history, it stands as one of the largest and best-preserved palace complexes in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a powerful symbol of ancient Chinese imperial power.

✨ Why we recommend: Its sheer scale and historical significance make it an unmissable landmark. The intricate architecture and vast collections provide a deep dive into China's imperial past.

• 👥 Best for: History and culture fans, first-time visitors, and photographers.
• 📍 Address / Area: No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 08:30–16:30 (Latest entry time:15:30); Monday: Closed
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East or West Station, enter through the Meridian Gate after passing Tiananmen Square.

✅ Best things to do here

• Explore the main palace halls and courtyards
• Learn about emperors and royal life
• Take photos of iconic red walls and golden roofs

🗺️ Nearby places

• Tiananmen Square
• Jingshan Park
• National Museum of China

2. Badaling Great Wall

The Badaling section is the most famous and best-preserved part of the Great Wall of China. Primarily built during the Ming Dynasty, it features restored stone paths that are accessible for walking. The site offers breathtaking, wide views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

✨ Why we recommend: Its excellent preservation and accessibility make it the ideal choice for visitors wanting to experience the grandeur of the Great Wall without overly strenuous hiking.

• 👥 Best for: Hikers, photographers, and anyone looking to see a world wonder.
• 📍 Address / Area: Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 07:30–16:00(Latest entry time:16:00)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take high-speed train from Beijing North Railway Station to Badaling Great Wall Station, or join a guided day tour from downtown Beijing.

✅ Best things to do here

• Walk along watchtowers and walls
• Take panoramic mountain photos
• Experience one of China's most iconic landmarks

🗺️ Nearby places

• Great Wall Museum
• Badaling Bear Park
• Yanqing District

3. National Museum of China

Located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is one of the largest museums in the world. Its extensive collections cover the vast expanse of Chinese history, from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The museum showcases national treasures and regularly hosts impressive rotating exhibitions.

✨ Why we recommend: It's an essential stop for understanding China's deep history and cultural evolution, and its free admission makes it an incredible value.

• 👥 Best for: Museum lovers, budget travellers, and history buffs.
• 📍 Address / Area: East side of Tiananmen Square, No. 16 Dongchang'an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 09:00–17:00(Latest entry time:16:00); Monday: Closed
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station and walk directly to the museum entrance.

✅ Best things to do here

• Explore permanent history galleries
• Learn about Chinese civilization and culture
• Visit special and temporary exhibitions

🗺️ Nearby places

• Tiananmen Square
• The Palace Museum
• Qianmen Street

4. Universal Beijing Resort

Universal Beijing Resort is a world-class, movie-themed amusement park that brings Hollywood magic to life. It features a wide array of attractions based on popular films and animations, designed to entertain both families and thrill-seekers. The park offers a full day of excitement and adventure across its different movie-themed zones.

✨ Why we recommend: It delivers a high-energy, entertaining experience for all ages, making it a perfect break from historical sightseeing.

• 👥 Best for: Families, thrill-seekers, and movie fans.
• 📍 Address / Area: Universal Beijing Resort, Tongzhou District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 09:00–20:00
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 7 or Batong Line to Universal Resort Station. Park shuttles or taxis are also available for direct access.

✅ Best things to do here

• Enjoy immersive themed rides
• Watch live performances and shows
• Explore different movie-themed zones

🗺️ Nearby places

• Universal CityWalk
• Tongzhou District
• Beijing Grand Canal Park

5. Prince Kung's Palace Museum

This large Qing Dynasty palace complex was once the residence of royal princes and is famous for its elegant courtyards and classical gardens. Prince Kung's Palace Museum offers a fascinating look into the aristocratic life of ancient Beijing. The well-preserved historical residences, halls, and traditional Chinese gardens reflect the opulence and refined tastes of Qing Dynasty nobility.

✨ Why we recommend: It provides a more intimate and tranquil alternative to the Forbidden City, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese architecture and garden design.

• 👥 Best for: Garden lovers, history buffs, and those interested in architecture.
• 📍 Address / Area: No.14, Liuyin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 08:30–17:00(Latest entry time:16:10); Monday: Closed
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 6 to Beihai North Station and walk through the nearby hutongs to the palace.

✅ Best things to do here

• Visit historical residences and halls
• Walk through traditional Chinese gardens
• Learn about Qing Dynasty nobility

🗺️ Nearby places

• Shichahai Scenic Area
• Houhai Lake
• Nanluogu Xiang

6. Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent imperial complex where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. The site is renowned for its symbolic architecture and precise, harmonious layout. Surrounded by one of Beijing's largest and most vibrant city parks, it's a place where history and local life converge, with residents often practicing tai chi and other activities on the grounds.

✨ Why we recommend: The architectural masterpiece of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a must-see, and the surrounding park offers a wonderful glimpse into modern Beijing life.

• 👥 Best for: Architecture and culture enthusiasts, photographers, and people-watchers.
• 📍 Address / Area: No.1, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 06:30–22:00(Latest entry time:21:00)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station and enter the park from the east gate.

✅ Best things to do here

• Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
• Walk through ancient ceremonial grounds
• Watch locals practicing tai chi

🗺️ Nearby places

• Tiantan Park
• Hongqiao Pearl Market
• Qianmen Area

7. Summer Palace

A vast and stunning imperial garden, the Summer Palace masterfully combines natural landscapes with exquisite architecture. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its key features, including the serene Kunming Lake, the dominant Longevity Hill, and the intricately decorated Long Corridor. It served as a summer retreat for royalty and remains a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.

✨ Why we recommend: Its beautiful scenery offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Boating on the lake and admiring the painted ceilings of the Long Corridor are unforgettable experiences.

• 👥 Best for: Nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a relaxing day out.
• 📍 Address / Area: No. 19, Gongmeng Road, Haidian District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 06:30–19:00(Latest entry time:18:00)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and walk directly to the main entrance.

✅ Best things to do here

• Boat on Kunming Lake
• Walk along the Long Corridor with painted ceilings
• Enjoy lake and mountain scenery

🗺️ Nearby places

• Old Summer Palace
• Fragrant Hills Park
• Peking University

8. Shichahai Scenic Area

Shichahai is a historic area comprising three lakes, surrounded by traditional hutongs (narrow alleyways) and courtyard homes. It preserves the authentic lifestyle of old Beijing while also being a popular modern leisure and nightlife district. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil lakeside scenery by day and the lively atmosphere of its cafes and bars by night.

✨ Why we recommend: It offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, where you can experience the charm of old Beijing's hutong culture right next to a scenic lake.

• 👥 Best for: Relaxed explorers, nightlife fans, and cyclists.
• 📍 Address / Area: Beijing Xicheng District, the north side of the Anmenwai Street, the south to the Xinjiekou North Street, the west to the Xinjiekou, the mouth, the north to the bell, the drum tower area
• 🕒 Opening hours: 24h
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 8 to Shichahai Station and walk to the lakeside area.

✅ Best things to do here

• Walk or cycle around the lakes
• Relax at lakeside cafes and bars
• Explore nearby hutong streets

🗺️ Nearby places

• Houhai Lake
• Prince Kung's Palace
• Yandai Xiejie

9. POPMART City Park

POPMART City Park is a creative cultural space where art, designer toys, and pop culture collide. The park features large-scale installations of POP MART's famous characters, making it a vibrant and photogenic destination. It's especially popular with young visitors and collectors looking to shop for limited-edition toys or attend pop-up events and exhibitions.

✨ Why we recommend: It's a unique and modern attraction that offers a fun, colourful contrast to Beijing's historical sites, perfect for fans of contemporary art and pop culture.

• 👥 Best for: Pop culture fans, collectors, and young travellers.
• 📍 Address / Area: Building 40, No.1 Chaoyang Park South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 10:00–20:00(Latest entry time:19:00)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 3 or 10 to Agricultural Exhibition Center Station, followed by a short taxi ride.

✅ Best things to do here

• Take photos with art installations
• Shop limited-edition designer toys
• Attend pop-up events and exhibitions

🗺️ Nearby places

• Sanlitun
• Taikoo Li
• Workers' Stadium

10. Lama Temple

Also known as Yonghe Temple, the Lama Temple is the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Its architecture is a stunning combination of Han and Tibetan styles. The temple is an active place of worship and is famous for housing a magnificent 18-metre-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.

✨ Why we recommend: It offers a serene and spiritual experience, providing insight into Tibetan Buddhist culture through its beautiful art, architecture, and the devotion of its worshippers.

• 👥 Best for: Spiritual seekers, culture vultures, and architecture admirers.
• 📍 Address / Area: No. 12, Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 09:00–16:30(Latest entry time:16:00; Tickets available until:16:00)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 2 or 5 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station and exit directly at the temple entrance.

✅ Best things to do here

• Visit main prayer halls
• Experience traditional incense offering
• Learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture

🗺️ Nearby places

• Confucius Temple
• Guozijian Street
• Nanluogu Xiang

11. Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is a former imperial garden situated directly north of the Forbidden City. Its central feature is an artificial hill, constructed from soil excavated to create the palace's moats. A climb to the hilltop pavilion rewards visitors with one of the best panoramic views of Beijing, offering a stunning, symmetrical overlook of the entire Forbidden City complex.

✨ Why we recommend: The unparalleled view of the Forbidden City's golden roofs is an iconic photo opportunity, especially at sunrise or sunset.

• 👥 Best for: Photographers, city explorers, and anyone visiting the Palace Museum.
• 📍 Address / Area: Jingshan Park, Jingshan Qianjie, Xicheng District, Beijing
• 🕒 Opening hours: 06:30–20:00(Latest entry time:19:30)
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 8 to Shichahai Station and walk south to the park entrance.

✅ Best things to do here

• Climb to the hilltop pavilion
• Overlook the entire Forbidden City
• Watch sunset over central Beijing

🗺️ Nearby places

• The Palace Museum
• Beihai Park
• Shichahai Scenic Area

12. Nanluogu Xiang

With a history spanning over 700 years, Nanluogu Xiang is one of Beijing's oldest and most famous hutong streets. Today, it's a lively cultural and shopping area where traditional courtyard houses have been transformed into modern shops, cafes, and snack stalls. It offers a vibrant atmosphere that perfectly blends old-world charm with contemporary energy.

✨ Why we recommend: It's the perfect place to wander, shop for unique souvenirs, and sample delicious Beijing-style snacks in a historic setting.

• 👥 Best for: Shoppers, foodies, and those looking to experience hutong life.
• 📍 Address / Area: Square area of ??Dongcheng District, Beijing to Gulou East Street, south to Di'anmen East Street, west to Di'anmenwai Street, and east to Jiaodaokou South Street
• 🕒 Opening hours: 24h
• 🚆 How to get there: Take Metro Line 6 or 8 to Nanluoguxiang Station and exit directly onto the street.

✅ Best things to do here

• Walk through historic hutongs
• Try Beijing-style snacks and desserts
• Shop for souvenirs and handicrafts

🗺️ Nearby places

• Shichahai Scenic Area
• Lama Temple
• Drum and Bell Towers

Plan Your Perfect Beijing Itinerary

Beijing offers a remarkable journey through centuries of history and into the heart of modern culture. We hope this guide helps you choose the perfect spots for your adventure, ensuring your trip from Singapore is both memorable and easy to plan. This list of Beijing attractions is just the beginning of what this incredible city has to offer