I visited here 5 years ago. An old Soviet Air Craft Carrier is built as a museum, where you have chance to see how a giant ship look like. The Chinese government bought it for the purpose of building a museum, but they did not. They use it to duplicate a real warship, a real Aircraft carrier, Liaoning.

Definitely worth visiting while in Tian Jin. I have never been on an aircraft carrier before, and the experience is priceless. Since it's a soviet carrier, you also find many russian themed tourist shops.

It's like Russia but in China! Good and entertaining water action show and the action car show with excellent performers. There are dance shows and a parade as well. The price of admission is about 220rmb(about 34 USD) per person. Some say it's a bit pricey but you get the water show, car show, dance show, a parade, the aircraft carrier tour and get to hang out in a nice Russia inspired town with lots of food to choose from. I think it's worth the trip if you happen to be in the TEDA/Tianjin area.

I have never been on an Aircraft carrier before and this was amazing. Unfortunately they do not cater for non Chinese reading for their signage but this did not deminish the excitement of exploring such a huge vessel.

My father served on this ship from 1984 to 1987, and seeing it again filled him with memories and pride. So much has changed over the years — parts are now closed or completely remodeled — yet walking its decks brought back the spirit of those times. It was truly a moving and unforgettable visit.

Overpriced attraction. Suits military funs.

Really interesting place! Prices are little bit higher but worth to see and to experience the feeling.

Some stunning ancient pottery and very interesting history of European trading in the late 1800s. You might want a translation app as many of the descriptions are in Chinese only, though some are in English too.

Not a lot of stuff, but definitely worth a visit if you're in the area, especially since it's free. Go on a weekend, they'll have more services available then. Beautiful architecture. Don't forget to go to the art museum next to it! Some great works on display, especially oil paintings by Wang on the second floor.

Tianjin Museum is a master piece architecture to visit. Specially the atrium of the museum is remarkable and outstanding. Must visit place in Tianjin.

Exceptional!!! You need around 1,5 hours to go through it fast, and you will definitely need one hour for the shop.

Really good place to learn about Tianjin historical culture. Entrance fee was free so that's another good thing ABT it

The museum itself is just alright, but the whole street is lined with galleries and libraries which can easily take up half of your day. So it's a good place to visit.

It's only 2 hours and 45 minutes car ride from Beijing. The entrance fee is free. You need your ID card to change the free ticket.

Where British settlers to Tianjin lived in the 1800s and left behind much original Euro-styled architecture mixed with unique Chinese elements such as houses built with stunning porcelain mixtures and Colosseum-like football stadiums. Modern day Wudadao (Five Great Avenues) is filled with creative concept cafes, restaurants, bars. A foodie's paradise and where much of China's Western scenes are filmed as a result of rows upon rows of original European architecture. This is only one of the global ethnic settlements located in Tianjin.

Nice and peaceful place for a relaxing walk while enjoying the various architectural designs.

Great example of pre war European homes

The history of Huo Yuan Jia is here

It is really beautiful

Very interesting architectures.

This place is full of historical buildings from colony time, a popular travel destination where you can find some quiet spots as well.

Beautiful place

(Translated by Google) It's beautiful during the day, but the night view is even more beautiful. A place that is perfectly suited to being called the Europe of the East. Be sure to take a cruise (Original) 낮에도 멋지지만 야경은 훨씬 아름다워요 동양의 유럽이라는말이 딱 어울리는곳 유람선은 꼭타세요

(Translated by Google) Still ok (Original) 還ok

We did not try to ride the Ferris Wheel, but its view from the riverside is nice. There are also a lot other things you can do around the area: there are food stalls along the riverside; there is an artblock nearby; and an oldtown.

It is a nice point in the city. The whole city has a daily light show till 2230, just enjoy the lights.

Awsome experience The view at night is absolutely stunning, but for european tourists i highlight the information that the city light shows go off at around 21:00! The view is also amazing after this time. The queue for us was pretty long (1 hour) but it worth the waiting! You have to book tickets in advance! Recommend it for everyone!

The Tianjin Eye is an engineering marvel. It is a 120-meter-tall Ferris wheel constructed atop the Yongle Bridge over the Haihe River, making it the only one of its kind in the world! A full rotation takes about 30 minutes in one of the 48 air-conditioned,, 8 seater capsules. The ride is truly magical after sunset. The wheel itself is illuminated with a dazzling light display, and TianJin below transforms into a sparkling tapestry of gold and neon. It's my favorite spot for photography.

Very beautiful especially at night. It is supposed to be the biggest Ferris wheel over the bridge in the whole world. It costs $10 USD to take it. It moves slowly and you can see nearby landscapes once above. The waiting line is very short off season. The ride takes 45 minutes. It looks a lot nicer at night than during the day.

Huge Ferris wheel that is temperature controlled Not busy during the day

I visited this giant wheel during my weekend trip to Tianjin. You have to buy a ticket costing 70 Yuan for one trip. The wheel keeps on rotating with slow speed all the time and you need to get in quickly. It takes around 30 to 45 mins for one round. The city view from the top of the wheel is spectacular. Overall design and location of this world's 4th largest wheel is a true masterpiece. The wheel design is like an inverted bicycle wheel. In the evening you can see a pink colored image of the giant wheel in the river from bridge when whole of the Tianjin is illuminated with luminaries.

Very big outlet

(Translated by Google) Excellent Italian restaurant and pizzeria. (Original) Ottimo ristorante e pizzeria Italiano.

(Translated by Google) Nice place (Original) Bel posto

This place has good scenery if you manage to get a good and stable boat to take you on a tour. Wetlands area is windy and pleasant. Beware in summer though. Once the boat stops, mosquitos will attack.

(Translated by Google) Super beautiful (Original) 超美的

(Translated by Google) A pearl of the north (Original) 北方的一颗明珠

(Translated by Google) The scenic area is quite large and you need to take a boat to get there. (Original) 景区蛮大，需要乘船去。

Very good experience from the great wall of China, in my opinion, much better than the mainstream one in Beijing. But also much more walking up and down hill, it's around 2.3 km. But really recommend to take the shuttle bus to the other side of the wall that is higher and start from there. The ticket to enter cost around 70 yuan and the shuttle bus 30 yuan per person. Very empty and very good to take good photos!

Two hour taxi from Tianjin, worth the long drive, 100RMB gets you entry plus a bus ride one way. Then a 2-3km walk back to the main visitor center. 40 degree day made the walk hard as there are a lot of uneven steps. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes for going up and down stairs. Water and refreshments are available to purchase along the walk.

A definite must for any visitor to China. How can one miss out on a visit to one of the 7 wonders of the world? Plan and time your travels carefully to avoid the usual massive crowds of the Chinese public holidays. Coming on the off season as I've did, rewarded me the whole of Huang Ya Pass to myself this wonderful chilly (-5C) day. Allowing me to take in the sight as well as take photographs of such breath taking pictures in peace.

Never imagine before that I would be able to come to China and even visiting this Greatwall. It was an amazing experience, the view is stunning, the air is so fresh. From center of Tianjin, it took around 2 hours by car to here Huangyaguan. I recommend to come here in the early morning around 9am, It won't be so crowded at this hour. September or October is perfect to go here, not too cold. The wall is well maintained, the facility quite good and clean. Anyway, there is OYO here, quite surprised me.

Entrance fee is 65RMB, over 60years old half-price, need to show passport. We stayed at Li Bo Farmhouse and they offer transportation to Taipingzhai village for 15RMB each. Go early, we got there at 8am and even the vendors is not yet open. There were no one and you get the walls to yourself. The walk from Taipingzhai to Huangyaguan pass is easier than the other way round, mostly downhill, esp the last part, took us almost 5hours with a senior citizen in thr group. In town, there is shop selling Lanzhou ramen and it was good. Accomodation nearby about 30USD per night without meals. Very small town, 20mins walk from one end to another.

Amazing!

Visited here as part of the Great Wall marathon 2025. The community all came out to support the local and international runners. This section of the Wall is well preserved and a section of 5000+ steps covered.

Rustic location. Majestic entrance. Resort feeling. Back to ancient days. Not your 5-Stars city type hotel but still a pretty decent hotel. Be prepared to transact using WeChat Pay or AliPay. Surroundings are restored or newly built buildings resembling the old town in ancient days. Many food options, desserts, coffee joints etc. Lots of activities. Climb the nearby 司马台长城. Must do activity. Great experience and fantastic scenery. Understand what ancient Chinese had to do to build the Great Wall. Not for faint hearted nor physically challenged. Hotel air conditioning (Cold) for the rooms is disabled during winter and early spring as weather is still consider cold. But the gap at the window is not barely sufficient to cool the room. So be prepared to have a warm night sleep.

This is a replica of an ancient water town! Most people stay til the evening to see the light show and drone. Also to see great wall with lights. Lots of food especially snacks to eat.

I am not a purist, it is not a real ancient place but it is modeled after many real water towns of China and they did a superb job. Modern amenities within old architecture models. Stone throw from the beautiful simatai Great Wall. Shops open till 10pm, free shuttle service to stops for hotel guests, drone shows, acrobatic performances, street acts, craft shops, amazing restaurant and street food choices, traditional wear photo shoots, luge ride, canal rides, onsen… the list goes on. It deserves a 6 star! Even Starbucks is there, lol.

2 hrs each direction to go from Dongzhimen bus station (48 bucks in cash each way unless you have the Yi Tong Ka which needed a mainland number). Not crowded when we were there and weather was great too. We only managed to finish the water town and walked to near the entrance for the Simatai Great Wall. Nice walk but we were tired after that.

A very relaxing place to chill... Nice cooling weather in mid Sept

Firstly why I did not rate this 5⭐️ is because I am not sure of its authenticity. My tour guide mentioned that the resort was built around 5 years back however websites are marketing it as if it’s real. Anyways Gubei Water Town apparently a real town in the past which housed the family and soldiers which guarded the Simatai section of the wall. Regardless of its authenticity, if your budget allows, stay a night in this resort because IT’S BEAUTIFUL. The entire place is designed and fashioned to resemble the buildings of the past giving you a taste of what it was like then. As you walk the streets of this resort you are kinda like in a period drama. i was here during winter but I was told the best time to be here is fall when the red leaves of fall blankets the entire village.

Beautiful place with combination of mountains, water and ancient villages. The town is characterized by the northern architectural style, row upon row of houses, old quartzite streets and long Hutongs show the style and features of the old town. You can see beautiful lights at night..you can also see the place who produce chinese wines, and In the Yongshun Dye House, red, green, yellow and blue cloths hang flapping in the breeze. Some old-style looms and spinning machines are on display. Unfortunately it was raining when i was there so the roads were slippery..Good place to escape from the modern busy city in beijing and feel the real traditional old style chinese here..a must visit place

One of the steepest and dangerous Great wall among the four which opened to public. No boundaries wall beside. Cable car reach midway and need walk about 800m to reach the post on Great Wall

After visiting Badaling Great Wall last year, we went to Simatai this year. There is less to walk at Simatai, but the benefit is that the wall opens until the evening, meaning that you can witness an amazing sunset here. After sunset they turn the lights on which creates a magical atmosphere. Make sure to queue around 5PM to go up from the Watertown, as it is really busy. From the cable car it takes about 15 minutes walking to the actual wall.

When visiting the Great Wall, there are many places to choose from. This is one of the best. We went in May, so the evening lights were not turned on. Check with your tour or find out ahead to avoid disappointment. Less crowds, very warm and sunny. Bring your own lunch

Amazing Experience... Be ready to climb a bit... Has a little climb from the Cable to the Great Wall ... Suggestion to visit during the off-season to have the spot and village down below for all yourself!!!

Been to Mutianyu and Simatai. Both gives a different experience. If you liked a road less travelled, go for Simatai. It's the raw version of great wall. Only 10% restoration have been done which explains the low walls weathered down by the natural elements. Never regretted.

It does not get better than this. Less crowded, stunning, and the nearby Watertown is delightful. I would advise taking cable car one way up around 3pm, they will push you to start heading down by 430, but this allows u the perfect sunset view. Do not buy round-trip cable car if u want to see the sunset. It's easy coming down by hike. Don't miss this. Best stretch of great wall, better than badaling and mutianyu and much less crowded.

Great experience to visit the place. Wonder how our ancestors managed to build such a huge structure during the time when machinery was not available. We did the claim in the morning and took a cable car again to go up the Great Wall in the evening to catch the sunset view. Get ready a comfortable walking shoes, tracking wear, water and even cap if u are visiting the place.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Temple of Heaven – Beijing The Temple of Heaven is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places I’ve visited in Beijing. The architecture is truly iconic — full of history, colors, and traditional Chinese design. The surrounding park area is very clean and well-maintained, perfect for walking, relaxing, or watching locals practice Tai Chi and music. It’s a great place to learn about ancient Chinese culture and religion. The atmosphere feels calm and spiritual, especially early in the morning. The ticket price is reasonable, and the whole area is huge — you can easily spend a few hours exploring. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Beijing!

A truly magnificent and peaceful place full of history and symbolism. The architecture is breathtaking — the blue circular roofs and the layout of the park create a sense of harmony and balance. Walking through the vast green areas, you can feel the authentic atmosphere. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the highlight — stunning both outside and inside. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the calmness of the park. Definitely one of the must-see landmarks in Beijing.

Temple of Heaven built 1406-1420 visited by Ming & Qing Emperors for annual prayers and ceremonies for good harvest is a must visit for its UNESCO status. Do engage a guide (most of them hang around the Temple ground) to know more about what the history of the ancient architecture, what the colors of the roof meant, symbolic lucky mascots on top of roof. The Center pathway Emperors walked vs the smaller narrower parallel pathway for the officials etc. Look out for old trees (620 year old) descendants of imperial squirrels and birds that has been around since the old Ming and Qing dynasties. Awesome experience not to be missed. Remember to bring your passports for entry tickets.

Temple of Heaven is one of those places everyone tells you to visit in Beijing—and I can see why. Among all the grand sites in the city, this one has a special charm. The circular design, detailed walls, and beautifully layered rooftops are simply stunning. What I also loved was how the walkways and entrances are mostly sheltered, making it a pleasant visit even on a hot day. If you only have time for one historical site in Beijing, make it this one.

One of the go to places for historical landmarks in Beijing. Temple has a great history and it is huge monument containing several huge parks and flowers gardens as well as very serene resting spots. Normally one would require a good half day to enjoy the full scale historical descriptions and buildings and parks.

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of imperial Chinese architecture, where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors performed rituals to pray for good harvests. The architecture is very symbolic, with a round heaven and a square earth, with huge wooden pillars. The entire complex is very beautiful, should visit with a guide. The place is usually very crowded, but a must visit place in Beijing.

The Temple of Heaven is a famous historical site in Beijing. It was built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty and was used by emperors to pray for good harvests and peace. The design of the temple is very special. The buildings are round (like the sky) and the bases are square (like the earth), showing the ancient Chinese belief in harmony between heaven and earth. The temple is located in a big park with beautiful trees and gardens, and many locals go there in the to do tai chi, running, or play music.

Visited on the Oct 1st holiday — the square was very crowded but absolutely impressive. Its massive size, vibrant decorations and colorful flower displays made the visit unforgettable. A must-see landmark in Beijing!

Visiting Tiananmen Square is an absolute must for anyone traveling to Beijing. The sheer scale and magnitude of the square are breathtaking and truly overwhelming in person. It serves as the historic and political heart of China, making the experience deeply impactful. The square is impeccably maintained, and the surrounding structures—like the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum—are monumental, highlighting the country's rich history. Be sure to arrive early, as security checks can take time! The large crowds are amazing. and for the best experience, visit around sunrise or sunset to witness the flag-raising or flag-lowering ceremony. Allow plenty of time to walk the entire perimeter and appreciate the solemnity and grandeur of the location.

Tickets are free but reservations are required. Behold President Mao. The night view is better than the day. There are also musical fountain show which starts around 8pm.

Tiananmen Square is a place of great historical and cultural significance. The vast, clean, and well-maintained space creates a solemn and impressive atmosphere. Guides and security staff are friendly and helpful, ensuring a smooth visit. The layout is organized, making it easy to explore different areas. Watching the morning flag-raising ceremony is especially moving and unforgettable. This is a must-visit destination in Beijing to gain deeper insight into China’s history and national pride. A bit crowded, with long queues for several hours.

Massive square, crowds and security! We eventually got through security checks after completely emptying our bags and the officers checking each and every item from sweets to spare batteries. Our selfie stick proved to be a thing of great interest and went through the scanner several times. Once inside the square is immense, even with all the cranes and other stuff in preparation for the golden week celebrations. Considering this has been the site of many a protest, the name Tiananmen or Gate of Heavenly Peace seems to be contradictory. The square also houses attractions such as the Peoples Heros monument, the Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum and the National Museum.

More a drive by experience as the area was closed due to the massive military parade preparations for 80 years victory (over japan) celebrations. Security was very very serious for all. Traffic was rerouted on lots of nights for practice parades. A demonstration of military might for the west to take note of no doubt. Be sure to watch on tv early Sept. Even the locals can't go in person.

Huge. Free to enter but the entrance is heavily guarded. There’s security checks at the underground passes, hundreds of cameras, bag check, passport check and reservation time slot check. Finally when you walk around 500m to get to the entrance, it is another 500m+ to get to the main areas so plan ahead if you want to visit the museum/mausoleum.

Only good for beginners, more advanced skiers should go to the ski resorts in the mountains. The equipment here is as bad as it gets, and is included in the standard entry ticket fee. If you want better equipment there are shops inside that offer rental for a price (120-200 yuan). The quality of the snow here is decent given thats its fake and the routes are well maintained. If you come during weekends expect to see crowds of people and wait times for the ski lifts can go up to 20 minutes. Price guide so you dont get scammed (in chinese yuan): <Can buy from hotels and shops nearby> Entry for the morning + afternoon - 350 Night ski - 165 <Can buy from shops outside the ski area> Ski jacket and ski pants - 30 Ski glass - 10 Ski gloves - 5 Ski helmet - 15

nice place for skiing with your family, however just besure that you are already prepare the outfit to save time and go out asap to have fun.

Good place..nice view.they have english instructor if you want to learn skiing/snow board

Been here twice. Slope is quite short and not for people who want to do one long continuous ski. Nanshan has a lot of magic carpet for beginners to learn and practise their skills. Snow is abit rough in the mornings and can cause people to fall. The new introduction of night ski is pretty great. Equipments are quite old and of inferior quality. Improvements can be made but overall , it’s not a bad ski resort.

NanShan Ski resort is only one hour drive from Beijing. We lived in Beijing between 1998 and 2015, and visited Nanshan every winter. It is perfect for kids to learn slalom or Snowboard. And me i liked going to the highest top, and doing the top slope again and again.

Nice ski resort and home of the infamous 'Nanshan Open', the longest running snowboard contest in China, happening every year in January. If you happen to be there around mid January, you shouldn't miss it. If you have a chance, go to the top station, you have a great view up there over the whole resort & to Miyun town. You might even witness a wedding fireworks from up there in a distance! Another great way to go downhill is the toboggan run, but I'm not sure if its open the whole year thru. Skiing/Snowboarding is surprisingly good, since the show is very dry and the slopes are always in a good condition. Mind unexperienced skiers though :)

We have a great family time here💓💓

Very interesting historic place. It tells the Royal history of the Chinese for about five centuries. The architectural structure is wonderful and are well preserved. It is advisable to be prepared for a long walk as the museum is vast.

Must, must visit place in Beijing. Very very big area. You should plan for one day tour here. If you are in a hurry, difficult to see all. Just run and take pictures. So, many buildings, so nice environment, so many colorful trees. Local people taking pictures in ancient Chinese dress - that looks great. Museum of clock- I have given some pictures. Museum of treasure - I have given some pictures. If you feel tired on your way, sit down, take rest. Better to bring your food during visit - if you are not local. Thanks at last

Amazing experience and great management if all your papers are in order. The place is very well preserved and the energy in the youth to visit this place and take photos in royal outfits is too high. I had a great experience visiting this place. It would help immensely of you have someone local to take you around the place as you may forget your way around it.

If you are in Beijing, this place is a must visit. Make sure to book tickets at least a week in advance. You need a good 6-8 hrs to see the whole place properly. So be prepared to spend most of one day there.

This is the largest palace in the world, no doubt. The construction is gigantic and vast and filled with thousands of visitors each day. You can be lost from your group easily since it’s like a labyrinth. Most of the buildings are replicas because original constructions were damaged as time went on and historic incidents.

Definitely on the Must watch list. Prepare at least a whole day for this. The Chinese government has very friendly policy to foreigners, which is you can purchase the same day tickets at the gate. My kids love here.

Too crowded , many buildings are off limit for visitors, so , can just see the exterior walls which appeared all similar. Some buildings which are partially open will require purchase of additional tickets . Just a remark : most of the valuable items are actually in Taipei .

Beautiful view and relaxing place! I visited Jingshan Park in the evening and it was quite crowded, but totally worth it. The walk up the hill isn’t too steep, and once you reach the top, the view is absolutely stunning — you can see the entire Forbidden City stretched out right in front of you. The golden sunset over the rooftops makes it even more magical. It’s a perfect spot for photos, relaxing, or just taking a quiet moment above the busy city. Even with many visitors, the park still feels peaceful and full of history. Highly recommend visiting around sunset for the best atmosphere!

🌸 Peaceful Escape in the Heart of Beijing — Jingshan Park (景山公园) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) I recently visited Jingshan Park in Beijing, China — and absolutely loved the place! 🌿 🏞️ Beautiful Scenery: The park is surrounded by green trees, colorful flowers, and traditional Chinese pavilions. It’s clean, calm, and full of natural beauty. ⏰ Short but Sweet Visit: Our tour company allowed only a short stay, so we couldn’t climb to the top of the hill. Still, even from the lower level, the park looked amazing and offered great photo spots. 💭 Impression: It’s peaceful, well-maintained, and perfect for a relaxing walk or photography. The atmosphere is truly refreshing — you can feel both nature and culture blending together. 📸 Photos: I’ve uploaded some of my favorite pictures — hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed the visit! ✨ Next Time: I’ll definitely hike up to the hilltop to see the panoramic view of Beijing city. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Beijing!

Great park on a hill overlooking the Forbidden City, the best views are from highest point in the park. There are quite a few steps to reach the top, and there are several rest points along the way. Depending on the weather the views are good, and surprisingly the Forbidden City has many trees among the orange tiled roofs. There are a few snack/drink vendors and a couple of cafes in the park. We visited mid morning and the crowds were small, no queueing or pushing required! 1 to 2 hours should be enough time for most visits.

Jingshan Park is one of Beijing’s most historic and scenic spots. Famous as the site where the last Ming emperor tragically ended his life, the park today is a peaceful green space that offers some of the best panoramic views of the Forbidden City. Climbing the hill is not difficult, and from the top pavilion you’re rewarded with a sweeping perspective of the imperial palace’s golden rooftops stretching out in perfect symmetry. On clear days, the view is truly breathtaking and one of the best places to capture the scale of old Beijing.

I arrived 5ish, getting tickets on the spot is a breeze. Crowded but not as bad as other touristy spots. With patience and persistence you will surely get a spot to take scenic pics. I’m short in statute so can’t say my vantage point is ideal. Spotted two resident cat, one of which seemed to be zzz on the job 😂 all in all I spent 20 mins or so in the park as it was getting dark. All in all, it’s a Rmb2 well spent

A well maintained, beautiful park right outside of the forbidden city the artificial hill is both the geographic center of imperial Beijing and an excellent place for views of the forbidden city there is a nominal fee to enter the grounds that amounts to less than one dollar.

Lovely park with lots of walking paths. Take the one "uphill" and it will take you to the Wanchun Pavilion (c. 1750) at the top. Great views in all directions and a great place to see the size of the Forbidden City.

September 2025 5* If you visiting Beijing this is must visit place. One of the only Lama Temple in Beijing and you can see different form of Buddha. There is an entry ticket of RMB 50 for two people. It was worth visiting the temple. You can get complimentary incense with the ticket which you need to collect after entry. There are 5 gates and at each gate you can offer your prayer. It was great to see large number of people coming and praying at this place.

The Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) is one of the most impressive and serene places to visit in Beijing. A beautifully preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery, it offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle. The complex is full of intricate details—brightly painted wooden halls, golden statues, and the scent of incense filling the air. The highlight is the towering 18-meter statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, which is both awe-inspiring and humbling.

The Lama Temple, known locally as Yonghe Gong (雍和宫), stands as one of Beijing's most magnificent and culturally significant Buddhist monasteries. Located in the northeastern part of the city, this active Tibetan Buddhist temple offers visitors a rare glimpse into both imperial Chinese history and living religious practice. The temple's origins are deeply intertwined with China's imperial past. Built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, it originally served as the residence of Prince Yong, who would later become the Yongzheng Emperor. After his ascension to the throne in 1722, the complex was converted into a lamasery in 1744 by his son, the Qianlong Emperor. This transformation made it one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. The temple complex exemplifies traditional Chinese palatial architecture combined with Tibetan Buddhist influences. Its layout follows a traditional north-south axis, with five main halls connected by courtyards. The buildings feature the characteristic yellow roof tiles reserved for imperial structures, while the interiors showcase intricate Tibetan-style decorations, thangka paintings, and Buddhist statuary. The most famous treasure is the towering 18-meter (59-foot) statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of white sandalwood, housed in the Wanfu Pavilion. This impressive sculpture is a gift from the seventh Dalai Lama and remains one of the temple's most photographed features. Unlike many historical sites in Beijing, Lama Temple remains an active place of worship. Monks in traditional robes can be seen throughout the complex, and the air is thick with incense smoke from devotees' offerings. This living quality gives the temple an authentic spiritual atmosphere that purely historical sites cannot match. Visitors should be respectful of worshippers and observe proper temple etiquette. The temple is remarkably accessible for tourists while maintaining its religious function. English signage helps explain the significance of different halls and artifacts, though the explanations can be somewhat brief. The complex takes about 1-2 hours to explore thoroughly, though those interested in Buddhist art and architecture could easily spend longer. The surrounding Yonghe Lamasery Street has developed into a charming area with shops selling Buddhist items, traditional crafts, and local snacks, adding to the overall cultural experience. The temple can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and Buddhist holidays. Early morning visits offer a more peaceful experience and better photo opportunities. The entrance fee is modest, and the location is easily accessible via Beijing's subway system (Yonghe Gong station on Line 2 and Line 5). Lama Temple successfully bridges the gap between museum and sanctuary, offering cultural tourists meaningful insights into Tibetan Buddhism while serving as a genuine place of worship. Its combination of imperial grandeur, religious authenticity, and cultural accessibility makes it an essential stop for anyone interested in understanding Beijing's diverse spiritual heritage. Whether you're drawn by history, architecture, or spirituality, Yonghe Temple delivers a memorable and enriching experience.

Pretty cool place to check out! Lots of ancient architecture that seems to be Tibetan moreover and lots of scenic areas to take photos at, that is if you can get the peeps here to stop walking in your photo. Definitely recommend!

Very beautiful Tibetan Buddhist temple. I went on a weekend and it was very busy. Inside you will find a 54-foot-high Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Really impressive! You can get free incense before the main hall to do some worshiping, generally burning it in groups of three.

Good Tibetan temple in the middle of Beijing! Be sure to come early to have this place less crowded. Tickets are 25RMB/person. I managed to get a student discount with my digital ISIC.

Walking the Lama temple (Yonghe Lamasery) is like walking in history, with its many statues of Buddha and the smell of burning incense filling the air. You can buy incense at various points around the temple and are encouraged to burn it between halls. You’ll be rewarded by seeing the Lamas go about their daily lives and watch them worship.

Good Park, Very cool in the summer and autumn, many Tibet Buddhist statues and very nice view when you are on a boat. I recommend that you ride the boats. It is a really beautiful view even though it is expensive. If you want to enter the park, it’s about ¥20 or $3 dollars. It is tricky to navigate without a map and there aren’t any so I recommend that you ask directions to staff. The park is good if you want to go for a little jog or if you want to just look at the statues and learn history.

So unbelievably beautiful at Beihai Park. If you are looking for a chill walk, this park is full of amazing views and hikes or even a boat ride.

Pretty park in the middle of Beijing with a big lake. Entry fee is very cheap and can be paid directly at one of the cashiers. Highlight is the white pagoda and the large areas with lotus. Worth a visit to escape the tourist masses around the forbidden city and to enjoy a bit off calm in the middle of the city centre.

A popular recreation spot for both locals and tourists. Beihai Park epitomises the typical elements of Chinese landscape design - careful composition of water bodies, rocks, "mountains", plants, bridges, pavilions. There are also other attractions dotted around the Lake - amongst them is the impressive nine-dragon wall -tucked away in a secluded corner.

Beihai Park is one of Beijing’s oldest and most enchanting gardens, with origins that can be traced back as far as the Liao Dynasty. The centerpiece of the park is the vast artificial lake, dug by hand centuries ago, with the soil used to create the hill where the White Dagoba pagoda now stands. This brilliant feat of landscape design reflects the ingenuity of imperial garden planning in ancient China. Walking through the grounds, you get a sense of layered history—emperors once enjoyed these same lake views, shaded corridors, and pavilions. The glistening waters, willow-lined paths, and island temples make it an oasis of calm in the middle of modern Beijing. The White Dagoba on Qionghua Island remains the park’s iconic landmark, visible from many angles and especially beautiful at sunset.

It’s a lovely park for a leisurely stroll, with beautiful scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. However, be mindful if you’re visiting on a windy day — the wind tends to be much stronger here due to the open lake and lack of shelter. It can feel quite cold, even in late March. And there would be no boat if it’s windy days…

We went to Beihai Park the day after visiting the Forbidden City. The perfect contrast, as the sweeping park vistas were as welcomed as the buildings and temples the day earlier. The White Dagoba (a stupa) on Jade Flower Island is a moderate hike up a gently sloped hill, and worth the views of the surrounding area as well as the stupa itself. The park's visitors were receptive and welcoming.

If you’re planning a trip to the Great Wall, skip the crowded touristy spots and find one of the quieter sections—you won’t regret it. I had this stunning stretch of the Wall almost entirely to myself, with epic mountain views and total peace. It felt like I had discovered a hidden gem. Perfect for photos, peaceful hikes, and just soaking in the history without the crowds!

One of the quieter parts of the great wall in the Beijing area. It's about two hours from downtown and never crowded. Some sections are unrestored, showing great insights on how the wall was built. Except for one cable car you have to use stairs to get from the valley to the wall on top of the hills. It is an exhausting hike, but absolutely worth it. The scenery is stunning, views are great.

Without a doubt, this is a phenomenal spot to enjoy the Great Wall! What an unforgettable experience—both breathtaking and amazing. This section is beautifully accessible and lovingly restored, yet it still keeps its authentic charm. The panoramic views stretch endlessly into the horizon, giving you a true sense of the scale and magnificence of the Great Wall. Unlike the busier sections, it wasn’t too crowded when we visited, which made it even more special—we could really pause, take it all in, and marvel at its reach across the mountains. Walking here is both inspiring and humbling. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to appreciate the Great Wall in all its glory!

Jinshanling listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 is also rated as a National 5A Scenic Area. It has 5 passes, 67 watchtowers, 3 beacon towers with rare blocking walls, barrier walls, inscribed brick walls, shadow walls and storehouse towers. Stunning wide view! Authentic rare landscape! Unique watchtowers! Fine military defense architecture system! Definitely one of the most magnificent section of the Great Wall of China not to be missed. Had the opportunity to go walked this beautiful part of the great wall away from the hustle and bustle of the famous modernised Mutianyu and Badaling sections. Just slightly further by around half hour you will get to enjoy Jingsanling with your own space instead of being pushed and rushed in others Great Wall sections. Fresh crisp air, good visibility perfectly clear view far and wide resulted in a very pleasant hike experience.

This place is the best location to climb the great wall for scenic views in a non crowded place. We went in August and weather was warm and a little humid, 25-27 degrees with clouds. Perfect actually. We had the wall all to ourselves and only met the odd family climbing. We took a didi cab from near forbidden city in Beijing for 360 yen, we also stayed the night at jinshaling great wall hotel which we recommend if you want 2 days. The first day we walked in the afternoon to West 5 gate and then came down via the cable car as it started to rain. The next day we went up after breakfast and again walked to west 5 gat then all the way to east gate. There are peiple selling water and snack so you don't have to carry a lot with you. We loved this quiet and peaceful part of the wall. We did struggle getting a didi cab back to Beijing centre. Instead we took a local cab to a subway station near beijing which was 500 yen then took the subway. They can of course make up the prices as that is your last resort. We also went on a Tuesday and Wednesday. There is local busses which only run weekends.

Good place to check out the Wall without getting crushed by tourists. A 2-3 hour drive outside of Beijing. I went in the middle of the day on a weekday and had an entire section of the Wall to myself. The vendors are ruthless though, especially if you’re a foreigner, and especially if they see that you made a previous purchase.

‘A must visit if you want peace and quietness while exploring the great wall’ After considering many parts of the Chinese Wall, I decided to go the Jinshangling part. Getting there is confusing. I took a bus from Beijing to Luanping and then a taxi (DiDi). Be careful to check the destination. I accidentally put the destination at Jinshanling highway resting area and lost almost 1 hour searching for the main entrance….I got to the entrance at around 230PM. Which made me decide to not take the last bus back to Beijing (at Luanping terminal at around 3PM) Fortunately this did mean I had most parts of the wall for myself since most visitors go there during the morning ! The weather was amazing with clear skies and sunny weather. The Jinshaling was the highlight of my China trip! Be mindful that if you miss the last bus from Luanping to Beijing, you need to get a taxi to the nearest train station (Miyun) instead of Beijing. You can then take a train or another taxi back to Beijing. It took me some time to get a taxi (30minutes), so patience is required 😝

The Great Wall—one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Truly an unforgettable experience. We recommend starting early (around 7:30 AM) to beat the crowds. By the time we finished around 11:30, it was packed and hard to get clear photos—so the earlier, the better! We had hoped to catch the sunrise, but the site only opens at 7:30, so that’s good to know in advance. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and there’s a small market area with basic coffee (don’t expect too much!) and plenty of vendors along the way—feel free to browse and negotiate prices. Traveling with three kids and three tired broken legs(ours), we took it easy—rode the cable car up and the toboggan down, which the kids absolutely loved! In between, we walked, laughed, ate and took lots of photos, soaking in every moment of this incredible place. Tip: bring water, good shoes, and patience—it’s a climb worth every step. A once-in-a-lifetime family experience—absolutely must-do! 🏯✨ It’s my second - highly suggest to climb a different part every time. 🤨

The Great Wall of China is an amazing destination, not only for its majestic beauty but also for its excellent service. The staff are friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist visitors. The area is clean, safe, and well-organized. From transportation and ticketing to sightseeing, everything is smooth and enjoyable. It was truly a memorable journey that allowed me to appreciate China’s rich history and culture. Highly recommended and worth visiting again!

One of the seven wonders of the world. I visited the Great Wall on a rainy day, clouds hanging low over the hills, difficult to see and enjoy the view. The stairs can be steep on some parts. The cable car ride takes about five minutes. Buy your tickets in advance, gets very crowded.

Greatest place on earth to be here ! One of the Recognised Seventh Wonders ! A fabrastic place. Strongly suggest that If you are alone and still can walk and climb, then start early morning from Beijing. It will take you roughly two hours to Myank Great Wall of China. From Shuutle BUS to Cable Car Region, you must use these. But You can skip the cable car part and climb/trek all the way up to the Wall if there is no older family with you. A Must-Go place for every people.

Visiting the Great Wall of China 08 November 2025 The Great Wall is truly breathtaking — an iconic place that gives you a sense of scale, history, and pure wonder. But it’s important to know that the climb can be very steep and physically demanding. I wouldn’t recommend going up with young children or for anyone who has back problems — it may be too challenging and exhausting. For everyone else, it’s absolutely worth it: the views are unforgettable, and the experience stays with you long after you leave.

Absolutely stunning. We were lucky to have the place almost to ourselves. A couple hours north of Beijing, very early in the morning. It was a difficult climb—the steps are uneven and vary greatly in height. Go slow, pace yourself & enjoy the experience of a lifetime. 🥰

We visited the Juyong section of the Great Wall on a rainy day, with clouds hanging low over the hills. The mist gave everything a mysterious, timeless feeling — as if history was being obscured and we felt privileged to see glimpses of the past. We walked carefully because the ancient stones were wet, the steps uneven and the handrails were cold and wet. but the misty views we got were still incredible. Even in the rain, or maybe because of it, it was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to China.

Grass Land is lush green area in North China ...Mongolian Side

Maybe not the right time to be there, it seems to be a little boring.

(Translated by Google) Today's Inner Mongolia Bashang grassland is almost full of cattle, horses and sheep... and it also provides many performances for tourists. After excluding these man-made activities, Inner Mongolia still has many beautiful scenery in autumn! (Original) 現今的內蒙古壩上草原幾乎都是牛馬羊.. 而且還是為了遊客帶來許多的演出方式，扣除這些人為活動其實秋季時節的內蒙古還是有很多美麗的風景！

(Translated by Google) The endless prairie, riding horses galloping on the prairie. (Original) 一望無際的大草原，騎著馬在大草原上奔騰。

(Translated by Google) 1. From Beijing to Bashang, there are buses in Wangjing, and you can change buses in Fengning County. 2. When you arrive at Bashang, you can choose to stay in a farmhouse and eat roast mutton. 3. The green grassland is very beautiful and has a different flavor in autumn. 4. There is a fresh smell of horse manure on the dam. (Original) 1、从北京去坝上，在望京有公交车，到丰宁县城换车 2、到了坝上，可以选择住农家院，吃烤羊肉 3、绿色的草原很漂亮，秋天的时候有另一番风味 4、坝上有新鲜的马粪味

(Translated by Google) Bashang Grassland is an endless stretch of small turf.... (Original) 壩上草原 一望無際的小草皮....

(Translated by Google) Went on National Day and it was quite cold. (Original) 国庆去的，冷的一逼。

This extraordinary temple is located on the west side of Cuiping Peak in the Ciyao Gorge of Hengshan Mountain. Also known as the Hanging Temple. the temple appears to hanging from the side of the mountain, 60 metres above ground. Besides being architecturally stunning, the temple is also unusual as it integrated Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. There is a quota of 1000 visitors daily and tickets are by ballot in the morning. I was not fortunate enough to enter the temple as I did not manage to secure a ticket :(

Another impressive ancient architecture and engineering by the mountain... it houses many Buddha and Taoism statues 🙏 RECOMMENDED TO VISIT at the end of October... low season, less crowded

This place is incredible and magnificent. A place not to be missed if you are in Datong. The architecture from thousand years ago is able to withstand the test of natural elements and time. Reach here at 8.30am with no crowds.

Built and hang on the mountains with the height 75m from ground. The temple is up to 1,500 years old, built during the Northern Wei period and underwent many renovations during the Later Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. The last time the temple was restored was in 1990.

In the visitor centre you buy a ticket( is actually two tickets one to the temple and another to the scenic area. If you dont want to enter inside you just need one ticket. No tickets. An be bought in advance as there is daily limit. You also need yo buy a ticket for the bus from the visitor centre to the temple in another counter just few meters away. I have a bit of vertigo so i left in the middle. The problem is that is quite narrow and there were too many people so I ended up stuck long time in the corridors.

Too crowded. The wait can be long. Foreign visitors could buy passes at the spot while Chinese will have to reserve in advance.

Get there as early as possible aim to arrive for 8 and there was few people. When I came down it was packed. I took the 901 coach from Datong south rail station which arrives to Hunyuan station where it’s easy to take a shuttle straight there

This pagoda was constructed under the rule of Emperor Daozong of Liao dynasty in 1056 in Ying County, Shanxi province. It is a beautiful and magnificent architecture standing at 67 metres, the oldest fully wooden pagoda still standing in China. The 9 stories tall pagoda housing the Buddhist temple is legendary as it survived seven earthquakes as well as the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Breathtaking piece of art work. The oldest structure in the world that’s completely held together by wood only. I could sit here and watch the pagoda for hours

The oldest and tallest wooden pagoda. It was built in 1056 in the Liao dynasty. On the ground floor of the pagoda stands a statue of Sakaymuni Buddha of 11 meters high. Apparently you cannot go up the pagoda, beyond the ground floor as during a renovation they removed part of the structure making it more unstable.

The oldest and tallest wooden pagoda. Nothing much accept for the pagoda. There are some local delights not to be missed. 二女凉粉， recommended by our local guide

The wooden pagoda may be known to every visitor as one of the oldest wooden pagodas if not the oldest in the world. However, it’s only when one stands right beneath it that one starts to appreciate the ingenuity of the pagoda’s designers. Each of its levels may look similar yet so different - feeding the eyes of the visitor with varying proportions and intricate craftsmanship. On different levels are horizontal placards on which are written words of wisdom or blessing. The big tall wooden pillars surrounding the tower also caught my eyes. Its coat of paint has blistered and flaked; the wood on every square inch of the pillar has cracked. The closer I looked (see photos), the more I wondered how much longer these pillars could do the job of supporting such a huge structure. But then they have been for hundreds of years and are likely to continue for many more. They are after all the integral part of a holy place and are protected by a mighty force which in turn is protected by the tower. The tower is primarily built to protect a gigantic Buddha right beneath its roof. Standing at the feet of the Buddha and looking upwards, I quickly felt the majestic and imposing aura radiating from its torso all the way to its head. One marvels at this pagoda more when it is made known that the structure has remained intact through several earthquakes and after being hit by cannon balls during war time.

An impressive ancient architecture and engineering... a holistic place too 😊 RECOMMENDED TO VISIT in the end of October... low season, less crowded

Amazing wooden structure tower with long and rich history