Travel to Beijing

Beijing is China’s storied capital. The city’s heart beats in its historic hutongs, echoing with the rhythm of daily life, while just steps away, the grandeur of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square tells tales of dynasties past. Towering business districts rise alongside imperial temples and leafy courtyards. Timeless yet ever-changing, it’s a city that never stops reinventing itself.

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👑 Best of Beijing

Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Beijing.

Top Family Attractions

A ranked list of must-see sights and experiences.
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📷 Beijing Through Travellers' Eyes

Explore Beijing through traveller photos, stories, and insights.

📍 This Qiuguo Hotel in Beijing, we stayed for three days and didn’t want to leave!

🛁 Perfect for cleanliness fanatics
The bathrobes are sealed in plastic packaging, and every item has a "Cleanliness Commitment" label. The toilet is equipped with a seat disinfectant, and the room also has ozone disinfection + fresh air system + humidifier. The attention to detail is really impressive!

❄️ The mini fridge uses a compressor cooling system, cooling down super fast! It offers 4 bottles of water + 3 bottles of drinks all for free, with unlimited refills!

🔇 The windows are made of thickened glass, providing excellent sound insulation! The whole room is controlled by Xiaodu smart system, so you can turn lights on/off and open/close curtains just by voice commands. Lazy people will be overjoyed～

🚗 Free parking + self-service laundry room, super friendly for self-driving guests! The location is also very convenient, just a ten-minute walk to Baiyun Temple. Take a morning stroll there, feel the ancient charm, and your mind will be at peace～

📌Yiheyuan Park, or the Summer Palace, is the largest imperial garden in Beijing and all of China that has survived to this day. The park covers nearly 300 hectares.

📌What to see?

• Renshoudian Pavilion, located at the east gate. It is the center of the complex. It was here that rulers conducted their affairs of state. The pavilion is surrounded by black stones, symbolizing guards.

• Long Gallery. It connects numerous buildings located on the northern shore of the lake.

• Foxiangge Temple. To reach it, climb either side of Paiyundian, pass through Dehuidian Temple, and climb about a hundred steps. This temple is a true symbol of the park. Its grounds offer a superb view of Zhunluncang Palace. You can also admire the stunning beauty of the Copper Pavilion, which required over 200 tons of metal to construct.

🎫Tickets: 60 RMB/adult
🕐Opening Hours: 6:30 AM - 6:00 PM. It's best to visit in the morning. Many tourists are still asleep at this time, and locals don't rush off to rest so early. #Beijing

Hello, adventurers! 👋 Planning a trip to Universal Beijing Resort? That's fantastic! To ensure you don't get lost amidst the magic of Harry Potter and the speed of 'Fast & Furious,' here's a cheat sheet of the main zones and the perfect itinerary.

🌎 7 magical worlds of the park:

1. Harry Potter — Hogwarts, Butterbeer, and 'Escape from Hogwarts.' The heart of the park!
2. Transformers — Tons of adrenaline in 3D battles alongside Optimus Prime.
3. Minions — Crazy fun and vibrant! Perfect for photos and lifting your spirits.
4. Jurassic World — Encounters with dinosaurs and an exhilarating water ride.
5. Kung Fu Panda — A colorful world of legends for the whole family, entirely indoors.
6. WaterWorld — An incredible stunt show on water. A must-see!
7. Hollywood — A parade of stars and meet-and-greets with your favorite characters right on the boulevard.

🚀 Perfect one-day itinerary:
Morning — Head straight to 'Harry Potter' or 'Transformers' (these have the longest lines).
Midday — Explore 'Jurassic World' and 'Minions.'
Afternoon — Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of 'Kung Fu Panda' and catch the 'WaterWorld' show as per the schedule.
Evening — Return to 'Harry Potter' to enjoy its magic under the night lights, and take a stroll through 'Hollywood.'

💡 Pro tip: Download the official 'Universal Beijing Resort' app! It features a map, real-time wait times for attractions, and show schedules — a lifesaver for planning your day.

Who has already been? Share your tips in the comments! ✨

Beijing Nangong Wuzhou Botanical Park｜A Magical Journey in an Urban Oasis

🌿 Highlights of the Park at a Glance

Nangong Wuzhou Botanical Park is not a traditional botanical garden—it’s a fairy tale kingdom inside a greenhouse, combining plant viewing, a children's playground, and animal interactions. It maintains a constant temperature year-round, making it especially suitable for families with children, couples, or anyone looking to escape the city hustle.

🎡 Zone Guide

1. Plant Wonderland Zone

· Parrot Garden Greenhouse: Thousands of tropical plants form a jungle, with hundreds of colorful parrots flying freely. You can buy food to interact closely with them.
· Greenhouse Park: Includes Butterfly Spring (live butterfly house), Desert Oasis (succulent plant area), Rainforest Exploration (realistic dinosaurs hidden in the forest).
· Feature: Cleverly designed walkways with many photo spots, as if you’ve traveled to the Amazon.

2. Children's Playground Zone

· Naughty Rainforest: Large indoor climbing nets and slide sets, safe and soft.
· Jungle Coaster: A gentle roller coaster weaving through the plants.
· Sand Playground: Extra-large sandpit with excavators and other toys.
· Suitable Age: Facilities for children aged 1-12.

3. Waterfowl Interaction Zone

· Fishing Area: Rent fishing rods to catch small goldfish (which you can take home).
· Swan Lake: Black swans, mandarin ducks, koi fish, all can be fed.
· Animal House: Gentle animals like alpacas, miniature horses, rabbits, etc.

🎫 Practical Information

Opening Hours:

· Peak Season (April-October) 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
· Off-Season (November-March) 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
· Closed Monday mornings (opens at 1:00 PM in the afternoon), except holidays.

Ticket Prices (please confirm latest prices before visiting):

· Adult Pass: About ¥150 (includes most attractions)
· Child Ticket (1.2-1.4 meters tall): About ¥80
· Free for children under 1.2 meters
· Money-saving Tip: Online advance tickets usually offer 10-20% discounts.

Transportation:

· By Car: Navigate to “Nangong Wuzhou Botanical Park,” parking available at the north gate (¥10/day).
· Subway + Bus: Take Fangshan Line to “Daotian Station,” transfer to Bus 830 to “Nangong Station.”
· Shuttle Bus: Sometimes available from Qianmen during peak tourist seasons.

🍽️ Food and Rest

· Inside the Park: Greenhouse restaurant offers simple meals (around ¥40-60 per person), surrounded by plants.
· Recommendation: Bring your own picnic mat and rest in designated lawn areas.
· Nearby: At the exit, Nangong Hot Spring Resort Hotel restaurant offers good quality dining.

📅 Best Route for a One-Day Visit

```
9:30 AM Arrival → Feed parrots in Parrot Garden → Take photos at Butterfly Spring → Visit Desert Area
12:00 PM Lunch at Greenhouse Restaurant or picnic on the lawn
1:30 PM Children’s Playground (choose 2-3 attractions based on kids’ interests)
3:00 PM Waterfowl Interaction Zone → Animal House
4:00 PM Free time for more photos
5:00 PM End of visit
```

💡 Insider Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded; animals are more active in the morning.
2. Dress Code: Indoor temperature is around 25°C, wear easily removable jackets.
3. Must-Bring Items: Water bottle, wet wipes, spare socks (for kids after playing in sand), camera.
4. Hidden Activities: Follow the official WeChat account for occasional night light shows or themed events.
5. Combo Trips: Pair with nearby Nangong Hot Springs or World Geothermal Expo Park for a two-day trip.

🌟 Real Experience Sharing

“I thought it was just an ordinary botanical garden, but it turned out to be a paradise for kids. My daughter loved feeding the parrots—they would fly right onto her hand. The greenhouse is warm like spring, especially comfortable in winter. Although the ticket isn’t cheap, spending a whole day there is very fulfilling, perfect for a weekend trip without traveling far.” — Mom with a 5-year-old child

📍 Final Thoughts

Nangong Wuzhou Botanical Park feels more like an urban eco-micro-vacation spot, especially suitable for:

· Families with young children
· Visitors wanting to experience nature in winter without the cold
· Couples looking for a relaxed date spot
· Photography enthusiasts (excellent greenhouse lighting)

Here, plants are not just the backdrop but your playmates. Whether it’s freezing cold or blazing hot outside, this place is always a vibrant green oasis.

Set off now and let an adventure inside the greenhouse become a refreshing chapter in your city life.

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Why Chinese cosmetics are popular

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Chinese skincare isn't about skimping on quality; it's about finding truly effective products at a fair price.

Best hotel near Universal Beijing Resort, Wanli Nuo Lan Resort experience without any pitfalls 👏

Just checked in at the newly opened Wanli Nuo Lan Hotel in Beijing, the location is amazing! No. 66 Yirui East Road, Building 2, just a 10-minute walk to Universal Beijing Resort, and some rooms even have a direct view of the castle light show at Universal✨ Staying here makes visiting Universal super convenient~

🌟360° Experience Report:

1️⃣ Location is legendary
• 10-minute walk straight to the Universal Beijing Resort entrance, saving you 1 hour of commuting compared to staying downtown
• Free shuttle bus available on demand (especially great for families with kids)
• Very quiet on Yirui East Road, no worries about noise from the theme park

2️⃣ Full of artistic vibe
The entire building looks like an art museum! The lobby’s spiral staircase has become a popular photo spot, and modern artworks are everywhere. My favorite is the floor-to-ceiling window design in the rooms; on sunny days, the sunlight streaming in gives photos a natural filter effect 📸

3️⃣ Top-notch service
The front desk ladies proactively help with luggage and offer welcome fruit 🍇 The guest relations team is super thoughtful; we forgot our charging cable and they delivered a spare within 5 minutes! When they did the turndown service at night, the staff even left a handwritten weather tip card—love the attention to detail~

4️⃣ Dining surprises
The buffet breakfast even has freshly pan-seared foie gras and Eggs Benedict! The restaurant terrace offers views of the Universal Beijing Resort roller coaster 🎢 Highly recommend trying their "Jing A" craft beer paired with German sausages (remember to reserve a window seat in advance)

💡 Hidden perks:
• Stay includes early entry to Universal Beijing Resort 1 hour before official opening (can save 2 hours of queuing during peak season!)
• Executive room guests get free access to the rooftop starry sky pool
• Children’s playground is supervised, freeing parents’ hands

⚠️ Notes:
• Weekends are very popular, book at least 2 weeks in advance
• To see the castle light show, choose a high-floor north-facing room
• Shuttle bus requires scanning a QR code at the front desk to book a time slot

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Ladies coming to Beijing, here’s a hotel recommendation for you!
✔️ City center ✔️ Lie back and watch the Forbidden City ✔️ Step outside to Wangfujing ✔️ 5 minutes to the subway station
The most important thing is the excellent value for money, perfect for traveling with the whole family during the Spring Festival~~~
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How great is the location? Just a 5-minute walk to the subway entrance, within walking distance to Wangfujing Street, the Meridian Gate of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Nanluoguxiang... perfect for sightseeing, eating, shopping, and getting around~
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Highly recommend the Forbidden City view room! A spacious 45㎡ with floor-to-ceiling windows, open your eyes to the glazed tile roofs of the Forbidden City. At sunset, warm light spills over the rooftops, making for amazing photos. The bedding is super comfortable down material, just the right firmness without sagging. The bathroom has a thorough wet and dry separation, with an LED-lit makeup mirror and a comfortable makeup chair that won’t tire you out. The minibar includes capsule coffee and self-service snacks~
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Breakfast at the Ran Restaurant on the first floor features an open kitchen where you can watch chefs cook live, with views of old Beijing hutongs outside the window. The 17th-floor executive lounge offers panoramic views of the Forbidden City. Afternoon tea is themed around the central axis, featuring roast duck with caviar bread and persimmon foie gras jelly—both visually stunning and delicious~
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There’s so much to explore nearby!
✔️ 10-minute walk to the National Art Museum of China for exhibitions;
✔️ 5 minutes to Lao She Teahouse for traditional opera, and Wangfujing Snack Street and the Gongmei Building are right outside the door.
✔️ Want to stroll through hutongs? Dongsi Hutong Museum and Shijia Hutong are both within a 20-minute walk;
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The service is also super thoughtful. The front desk proactively helps plan routes, luggage storage is very convenient, and there are absolutely no disappointments staying here. If you want to stay in Beijing’s core area and save budget, just book this place with confidence!

7-Day Beijing Travel Guide
Day 1: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Morning:

Tiananmen Square: Arrive in the morning and watch the flag-raising ceremony (if time permits)
Mao Zedong Memorial Hall (limited opening hours, check in advance)
Noon:

Have lunch near Wangfujing, try Peking Duck or other Beijing specialties
Afternoon:

The Forbidden City (Imperial Palace): It is recommended to book tickets in advance, plan 3-4 hours for the visit
Highlights: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Imperial Garden
Evening:

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street: Shopping and tasting snacks (such as candied hawthorn, zhajiang noodles)
Day 2: Temple of Heaven and Qianmen Street
Morning:

Temple of Heaven Park: Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar, experience ancient sacrificial culture
Noon:

Enjoy traditional Beijing snacks like fermented mung bean juice and fried dough rings
Afternoon:

Qianmen Street: Experience old Beijing style, visit Dashilan, Catholic Church, Dashiqiao Bridge
Evening:

Donglaishun hotpot or other time-honored restaurants
Day 3: Summer Palace and Old Summer Palace
Morning:

Summer Palace: Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake, admire the Long Corridor and Tower of Buddhist Incense
Noon:

Have lunch near the Summer Palace
Afternoon:

Old Summer Palace (optional visit): Learn about the historical ruins of the "Garden of Gardens"
Evening:

Return to the city, relax in Sanlitun or Houhai area
Day 4: Great Wall Day Trip (Badaling or Mutianyu Section)
All day:

Early departure, join a day tour or drive to the Great Wall
Recommended: Badaling Great Wall (convenient transportation, spectacular views)
Tour time: 3-4 hours, wear comfortable shoes
Evening:

Return to the city, rest or dine at nearby restaurants
Day 5: Beijing Zoo and Haidian Park
Morning:

Beijing Zoo: Giant Panda House, animal exhibits
Noon:

Have lunch near the zoo
Afternoon:

Haidian Park or Zhongguancun Science Park: Experience the modern tech atmosphere of Beijing
Evening:

Restaurants or shopping areas near the Summer Palace
Day 6: 798 Art District and Nanluoguxiang
Morning:

798 Art District: Enjoy modern art and independent design shops
Noon:

Have lunch inside or near the art district
Afternoon:

Nanluoguxiang: Experience hutong culture, buy unique handicrafts
Evening:

Enjoy nightlife and food in Sanlitun or Guijie (Ghost Street)
Day 7: Free Activities and Shopping
Choose based on interest: shopping (Silk Street, Wangfujing), museums (National Museum of China, Capital Museum)
Or revisit any favorite spots
In the afternoon, prepare for departure at the airport or train station
Transportation Tips
Subway: Beijing’s subway system is extensive; using the subway is recommended
Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient and fast, especially for distant attractions
Book Great Wall day tours or guide services in advance to save time
Food Recommendations
Peking Duck: Quanjude, Bianyifang
Snacks: fermented mung bean juice, fried dough rings, candied hawthorn, zhajiang noodles
Time-honored brands: Donglaishun hotpot, Quanjude Peking Duck

Hutongs are ancient neighborhoods where ordinary people lived around the Forbidden City. This particular one dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Unlike many other hutongs in Beijing, locals still reside here.

Gray walls made of old bricks, curved roof tiles, carved stones at the gates, and dense tree canopies emerging from the inner courtyards of siheyuan.

It's delightful to get lost here and then find yourself on the most beautiful street with small shops and cafes:

📍Wu Dao Ying Hu Tong

This street is rightfully the most beautiful of all. It is located near the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, making it convenient to visit them together.

A bit of history:
The name itself preserves the memory of the past.
"Wu Dao Ying" translates to "Fifth Road Camp" and traces its history back to the Ming Dynasty when barracks of the capital garrison were located here.
Later, during the Qing Dynasty, it became a district where noble families of Manchu origin settled.

Spending the Spring Festival in Beijing, I discovered the secret to escaping the crowds is to see the city from a different angle. I’ve gathered 12 lesser-known photo spots tucked away in modern buildings, ancient alleys, and airport terminals—each feels like opening a portal to a different dimension. If you come across this, consider yourself lucky. Keep this city exploration map handy.

📍 12 hidden photo spots unlocking 12 sides of Beijing

I roughly categorized them so you can plan your exploration route by theme:

🔮 Futuristic Architecture & Fantastical Spaces

These places create surreal visual experiences with extreme design.

1. Phoenix Center: A giant pure white Möbius strip. You need to follow their official WeChat account to book a visit, usually open on weekends. Inside, pure white curves intertwine—wear solid colors to capture striking structural shots.
2. Lize SOHO: Another masterpiece by Zaha Hadid, featuring the world’s tallest atrium. The spiraling ascending DNA double helix structure bursts with futuristic vibes. Entry requires reservation; it looks even more magical when lit up at night.
3. China Zun Tower (Cheng’ao Building): Stepping inside feels like falling into Inception. Symmetrical staircases and mirrored ceilings create an infinite loop illusion. Free entry, perfect for creative portraits.
4. Daxing Airport: A work of art itself. Recommended to shoot from the 4th-floor departure hall, capturing the giant C-shaped columns and the “phoenix spreading wings” roof lines. Use a wide-angle lens to include more stunning details.

🌆 Urban Landscapes & Dialogue Between Old and New

Here, you can witness Beijing’s conversation across time.

5. Left Wing Gate of the Forbidden City: A classic “old meets new” photo spot. Stand under the archway and use a telephoto lens to capture the distant China Zun Tower—history and future on one screen. Best visited in the afternoon for softer light.
6. Alley opposite Galaxy SOHO: Navigate to “Nanzhugan Hutong.” In this lively hutong, look up to see the sci-fi Galaxy SOHO complex—strong contrasts make for great shots.
7. North Area of China World Mall: At the passageway by the LV store, flip your phone upside down to shoot an inverted CBD skyline—very creative.

🚇 Transport Hubs & Public Art

Don’t miss these everyday scenes you might overlook.

8. Olympic Park Subway Station: Bright red escalators in a symmetrical pure white space create a striking visual, like an art installation. Avoid rush hours for clean shots.
9. Super Heshenghui: The mall’s giant “steel crown” dome. Shooting from above or looking up from the ground yields photos full of structure and tension.

📚 Indoor Secrets & Halls of Knowledge

Hide indoors to find a different kind of calm and magic.

10. Zhongshuge Bookstore at Rongke Information Center: A magical space created with mirrors and books. Though small, mirror reflections allow for “Inception”-style photos. Please keep quiet.
11. Sunken Plaza at Zhongguancun SOHO: A ceiling made of colored glass that casts kaleidoscopic light patterns on the floor when sunlight passes through—easy to capture an artsy vibe.

🏮 A Quiet Corner Deep in History

Find echoes of history amid the hustle and bustle.

12. Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum (Xiannongtan): The exquisite “starry sky caisson ceiling” here is a relocated and preserved piece from Longfu Temple. Few visitors and peaceful, perfect for quietly appreciating the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture.

🗺️ Suggested Exploration Routes

If your time is limited, try these combinations:

* Half-day Architectural Aesthetics Route: Phoenix Center → Lize SOHO → China Zun Tower. Experience top-tier architectural design.
* Full-day Old & New Journey: Morning at Left Wing Gate of the Forbidden City for old-meets-new shots → afternoon at Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum → evening at Galaxy SOHO Hutong for old-new contrast.
* Half-day Indoor Adventure Route: Zhongshuge Bookstore → Super Heshenghui → Zhongguancun SOHO. Great for bad weather or a leisurely stroll.

💡 Practical Shooting & Travel Tips

1. Opening Info: Some office buildings (like Phoenix Center, Lize SOHO) require advance booking. Be sure to check their official platforms for the latest visiting policies before you go.
2. Best Time: For shooting building exteriors and cityscapes, clear days during the blue hour (around sunset) offer the best light. Indoor spaces are good to shoot anytime.
3. Equipment Suggestions: Most scenes can be captured with a phone. For Forbidden City old-new shots or interior architectural details, a camera or phone with a wide-angle lens is advantageous.
4. Getting Around: These spots are scattered; a combination of subway + shared bike + taxi is most convenient. Mark your destinations on a map app and plan your route wisely.

Beijing’s charm goes far beyond its famous landmarks. Next time you visit, bring this list and explore like a treasure hunt to discover its more dimensional and unexpected sides.

Beijing Photography

FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Beijing?
Singapore passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. For longer stays or multiple entries, a visa is required.
What’s the best time to visit Beijing?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) have the best weather—cool, clear, and comfortable. Summer is hot and humid; winter is cold and dry.
How do I get around Beijing?
The Beijing Subway is fast, cheap, and covers most tourist spots. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also widely used.
Can I use mobile payments in Beijing?
Yes. Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted, and foreigners can now link international credit cards to both apps.
What local foods should I try in Beijing?
Must-tries include Peking duck, zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), jianbing, and street snacks like tanghulu (candied hawthorn).

Leona

Traveller, Writer, Cat Lover, Sea Lover

Always on the hunt for smart travel! I love exploring new places, testing out travel products, and finding little hacks that make every trip smoother.

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