Beijing attractions

10 top sights, in our order of priority for a first visit.

1. 1Forbidden CityMuseums & culture · Allow 3 h 30 minThe vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, with halls, courtyards and gardens covering 72 hectares.
2. 2Great Wall at MutianyuDay trips · Allow 6 hA well-restored section of the Great Wall about 70 km from Beijing, with watchtowers, a cable car and a toboggan descent.
3. 3Temple of HeavenMuseums & culture · Allow 2 h 30 minA 15th-century complex where emperors prayed for good harvests, set in a park where locals do tai chi and play cards each morning.
4. 4Summer PalaceMuseums & culture · Allow 3 hThe Qing dynasty's lakeside imperial garden, with the Long Corridor, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.
5. 5Hutong Rickshaw & WalkGuided tours · Allow 3 hTraditional alleyways around Houhai and the Drum and Bell Towers, visited on foot, by bike or by pedicab, often with a visit to a family home.
6. 6Peking Duck DinnerFood & drink · Allow 2 hBeijing's signature dish: crisp-skinned roast duck carved at the table with pancakes and sauce.
7. 7Jinshanling Great WallDay trips · Allow Full dayA quieter, more rugged section of the Great Wall with watchtowers and dramatic ridge walks.
8. 8Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)Museums & culture · Allow 1 h 30 minA working Tibetan Buddhist temple with incense, prayer halls and a giant wooden Buddha.
9. 9798 Art ZoneMuseums & culture · Allow 2 h 30 minA former factory district turned into galleries, cafés and studios.
10. 10Ming Tombs & Great WallDay trips · Allow Full dayThe burial grounds of 13 Ming emperors, often combined with a Great Wall section.