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 .

The Forbidden City in Beijing, China is one of the most fascinating and historically rich places I have ever seen. It was once the royal palace where Chinese emperors lived and ruled for nearly 500 years, and today it stands as a grand reminder of China’s imperial past. The place is huge and majestic, with thousands of rooms, large courtyards, and traditional red-and-gold buildings that reflect perfect Chinese architecture and symmetry. Walking through its wide stone paths feels like stepping back in time — every wall, gate, and roof seems to carry a story from centuries ago.

We’ve all seen photos of this place countless times online, but nothing truly prepares you for the feeling of standing before these majestic, centuries-old walls. The scale, the details, and the atmosphere—it all hits differently when you’re there in person. We had planned to enter through Tiananmen Gate and reached just around the official opening hour. The queue was already a sea of people, nearly shoulder to shoulder, with little regard for personal space. The closer we got to the security checkpoint, the more chaotic it became—a mix of shoving and pushing. To make things trickier, the shorter lane near the gate was apparently only for visitors without bags. We only found out when reaching the security checkpoint, aftrr 45 minutes in that line, as there were no visible signs indicating the rule. By the time we were redirected to the other lane, we realized it would take at least another hour just to pass the checkpoint. That’s when we decided to change plans. Instead of entering through Tiananmen, we walked toward the Palace’s side entrance on the right—about a 30-minute walk, and easily the best decision of the day. The crowd was still there, but far more manageable—we could move at our own pace through a hutong and into lush greenery inside the compound. Way better than standing shoulder to shoulder for another hour just to get in. Stepping into the Palace Museum was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Vast open courtyards stretched in every direction, surrounded by grand, intricately detailed halls that seemed to whisper stories from another era. It’s one of those moments where you just stop, look around, and quietly take it all in. Reserve your tickets at least a week in advance via WeChat or the official website. Once you get your QR code, just keep it on your phone—no need to print it.

Very interesting and cool part of China's history. The city is very big and there's lots of explore. It can be very crowded so ordering tickets ahead of time and coming early is key! Many bathrooms and several food vendors but be wary that the cost is a bit more than elsewhere. You can bring food in so it's worth doing - just remember to take your trash with you. There is a bag/security check on the way in so it's faster to be without a personal bag. The detailing on the buildings and the roof charms were my favourite parts.

They told me I’d never be able to get a ticket but I did. There is a ticket by the south Meridian Entrance (40 Yuan) and you have to have your passport. They will check your ID before going in and your passport is your ticket. At 75 Donghuamen Street they also rent traditional Chinese attire if that’s something you want to do. The Forbidden city is huge, I would say at least 3 hours if you want to see the gardens and the various museums/ collections. There are clean bathrooms and souvenir shops throughout. As well as places to grab a drink or a snack. I was a little disappointed that there were not more rooms with typical furnishings of the era open to the public. Most palaces you can only look into from the main entry way, and through a concubines palace window you could see a sleeping area. The paintwork is pretty amazing. I was told that the Chinese people’s taxes tripled to pay for the palace so it is not appreciated by all. Though from the sheer volume of visitors you would never think this. Be aware that entering in from the south ( Tian’anmen Square you have to pass through security, which had a huge lineup of maybe 500 people at around 2:00 pm. There was also a large lineup up to get into the Tian’anmen square park once you’re in the Forbidden City Zone. I entered in from Donghuamen street in the morning and there was no line up to get into the zone.

While visiting Beijing, we booked a tour of the forbidden City for a Saturday morning. We were lucky that the weather was really nice and the group was pretty small, of around 30 people. The thing we were the luckiest about, though, was our guide, Maggie, who was a very good and experiences professional, fluent in English, with a clear pronunciation, and relentless in helping every member of the group with their individual needs. We were not aware that the tour only covers outdoor spaces of the forbidden City, which is huge in area. No indoor spaces were visited. Being a saturday, as expected, the place was crowded, mainly with Nationals that looked like they were visiting the place for the first time, sometimes in groups of around 100 people, many of whom were elderly and had some locomotion problems. The area is so large that even with the thousands of people around us I managed to make some photographs of some of the spaces with barely anyone in the picture. This place gives you an educative insight into what the past history of China and the roots of their culture are all about. It was a great experience. The lower points of the visit were: 1 - The security screening, made by machines, which was chaotic, with people screaming and pushing each other. I even dropped a case with one of my lens, without noticing, but some other visitor saw it happen and returned it to me, pronto. 2 - Especially if you take into consideration the size of the whole city, we found it strange that there was only one set of bathrooms available, and they were located at the far end of the visitedd area. Since my girlfriend needed to use the restroom only a few minutes after we passed the security screening and were walking towards the first pavilion, and with the careful help of Maggie we had to walk past the three main buildings close to where the tour would end use the bathroom, and return to the group. This took between 12 and 15 minutes using Maggie's wise advices and explanation on how to get there and back. We didn't feel like we lost an important part of the tour. It would be interesting, and helpful, if visitors could have access to a bilingual map of the whole visited area - for this kind of situation - that could be made accessible through a QR code read by our phones. At the end of the visit, Maggie was again very professional and helpful, by showing us out of the visited space and giving us information on how and where to go to grab a taxi. I made several hundreds of pictures with my camera and phone and finally enough, some of my favorite are the ones I took of the outside of the walls of the forbidden City by getting them in the sentinel Tower reflected on the outside moat. All in all the tour was a very positive and enjoyable experience, made possible by the nice weather with some sun but mainly cloudy sky which, and the cold air in beijing, which allowed us to spend so long outdoors without feeling either too warm or too cold. Kudos to Maggie who was one of the best guides I've ever experienced.

🏯 Explore the Forbidden City in 1 Hour The world’s largest ancient palace & if you only have an hour, here’s how to explore the place without missing the important parts! 👉 🕐 Express Route (Main Central Axis) Entrance: Meridian Gate (午门 / Wǔmén) Exit: Gate of Divine Prowess (神武门 / Shénwǔmén) ********** 1️⃣ Meridian Gate (午门) 🔸 Grand southern gate & main entrance 🔸 Used by emperors for important ceremonies ⏱️ 5 min — 📸 photo stop & 🧭orientation 2️⃣ Gate of Supreme Harmony (太和门) 🔸 Leads to the outer court with vast open courtyards — impressive scale! ⏱️ 5 min walk🚶‍♀️‍➡️ 3️⃣ Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) 🔸 Largest & most important hall — coronations & state ceremonies held here 🔸 Iconic yellow roofs & dragon throne inside ⏱️ 10–15 min — must-see 👀 & 📸photo spot 4️⃣ Hall of Central Harmony (中和殿) & Hall of Preserving Harmony (保和殿) 🔸 Smaller halls behind the main one for resting & rehearsal before ceremonies ⏱️ 5–10 min — quick walk🚶& 📸photos 5️⃣ Gate of Heavenly Purity (乾清门) → Inner Court 🔸 Transition to private palace area 🔸 Glimpse the emperor’s residence (Palace of Heavenly Purity) ⏱️ 10 min — walk-through & short stop 6️⃣ Imperial Garden (御花园) 🔸 Charming courtyard with ancient cypress trees & colorful pavilions ⏱️ 10 min — quick stroll 🏃‍♀️‍➡️ before exit 7️⃣ Exit via Gate of Divine Pro­wess (神武门) 🔸 Leads to Jingshan Park — climb for the classic Forbidden City skyline (add 15–20 min optional). ********** ✅ Tips for a Smooth Visit 🎟️ Buy tickets online in advance. On-site tickets often sell out. 🏃‍♀️ Enter south (Tiananmen → Meridian Gate) & exit north — one-way only. 👟 Wear comfortable shoes — expect ~2 km of walking. 📷 Focus on the central axis; skip side halls if short on time. ☕ If you finish early, grab a drink at the Forbidden City Café near the exit. 😉

You need to book tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. It took me 3 hours to pass security controls and reach the entrance so avoid the south entry at Tiananmen Square, as I think there are better entrances. The forbidden city is massive but it was a bit disappointing, as you cannot enter or see the main halls inside. Avoid weekends if you can.

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.

It is more famous for the corrupted & sumptuous lifestyle of the first owner He Shen. To get to know the history better, it is better to hire a guide, who charges around CN¥$ 40-60PP for 40-60min. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Beijing, all I can say is, it’s not well maintained as it should have been. The most disappointing part is the commercialisation of these heritage buildings, which has an irreversible impact to the heritage value. The surrounding around the mansion is even worse than a raw food market. If one comes in the afternoon, one may enjoy a bit peace & quite. BTW, one must book the tickets in advance to avoid the disappointment at the ticketing office.

Prince Gong Mansion is one of the most remarkable historic residences in Beijing, with a colorful past that reflects both grandeur and scandal. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty, it first belonged to Heshen, the infamous and notoriously corrupt minister who served under Emperor Qianlong. After Heshen’s downfall and confiscation of his vast wealth, the estate was granted to Prince Gong (Prince Kong), giving the mansion its present name. The complex is vast, featuring elegant courtyards, exquisite halls, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Walking through the residence, you can sense the extravagant lifestyle of its original owner—lavish details and grand architecture designed to impress. The garden is especially notable, with rockeries, pavilions, and quiet corners that contrast with the bustle of modern Beijing outside the gates

It is a shame that the exterior of many buildings is beautiful but you cannot go into many of them. The ticket price is high compared to the real value. Also, why did they hold irrelevant exhibitions in this mansion? Female's contemporary fashion, seriously?

Prince Gong Mansion is a hidden gem in Beijing that offers a rich glimpse into Qing Dynasty history. Once the lavish home of a powerful prince, the mansion features beautifully preserved architecture, elegant gardens, and intricate cultural details that history lovers will truly appreciate. Unlike the often-crowded Forbidden City, this site is much more peaceful, making it easier to explore at your own pace and absorb the atmosphere. Be sure to leave time to stroll through the surrounding hutong neighborhood. The narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard homes offer a unique contrast to Beijing’s modern skyline and give you a deeper sense of the city’s layered past and present. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a quieter cultural experience, Prince Gong Mansion is well worth a visit. .

Very crowded but nice palace, good to have a tour guide.

Lovey it! Went at 9:20 on Saturday without guide, or prio booking, place is stunning

It's a beautiful mansion complex, very big however there are no English translations of the descriptions on anything. Something to keep in mind, as it's not quite foreigner friendly. There are a few exhibitions which are a bit random and unrelated which does feel a bit forced at times. However, still enjoyed it overall.

The restaurant is in a new location: No. 25, Dafosi East Street, Dongcheng District 2nd floor, Zhao Jun Sheng Market, Beijing 100010. We only found it because a local helped us. The restaurant is inside Zhao Jun Sheng Market, an 8-minute walk from the address that is mentioned on Google.

Some of the best food I had in Beijing, it was so delicious. NOTE: the Google maps location is wrong so make sure to look up on another map software to find this place. We probably ordered everything on the menu. It was all terrific. Highly recommend!!!

Good food, nice restaurants But the location is wrong. They moved 300m away from the old one. It’s located in the market area now . It’s upstairs. updated: There is another brunch at Nanluoguxiang station , it’s on the main road 200m away from exit E. very easy to find.

Very nicely decorated place. Food was good and kinda Yun Nan with modern fusion dishes was very special, ingredients fresh. Staff was attentive and friendly.

The service was excellent! Most food were delicious with some minor exceptions. The atmosphere is great with glass roof in the rooms.

Very tasty food and drinks. The waiters don’t speak English, but do the very best to help you the best they can. With a little bit of patience you get served just the way you’re used to it. Menu varies from different vegan and fish dishes to quite the choice in meat options. All the food tasted great and we had a great night. The airconditioning was a bit could though.

This hidden gen is located just a short walk from the north gate of the Forbidden City, and is well worth it! The menu was easy to navigate, the service was surprisingly attentive, and the value is phenomenal. Every dish our group ordered, from toasted goat cheese to perfectly cooked whole fish, was flavorful and fresh. The ambiance is that of a cozy cafe with exposed brick boasting handwritten messages from a global range of diners. This was one of the best meals we had during our recent travel through China, and highly recommend to anyone in search of an authentic local meal.

Some of the best duck I have ever had. Da Dong is good too but this one might be better. I went alone and ordered the half duck and was easily able to eat the whole thing. Staff is super nice and helpful. Highly recommend this spot.

Siji Minfu (Peking Chamber) was hands down the best Peking duck we had out of the 4–5 places we tried during our one-week stay in Beijing. The duck was the clear highlight — freshly carved and beautifully plated right in front of us. The skin was perfectly crispy with just the right amount of fat, and the meat was tender and flavorful without any gamey smell. The staff even showed us how to wrap and enjoy it with the different condiments — a nice touch. We also tried the duck liver paste served with small toast slices — surprisingly one of our favorite dishes. Everything else we ordered was equally good and reasonably priced, especially for a restaurant with such a premium ambience (the exterior doesn’t fully give that away!). In short: amazing Peking duck, great service, and solid value for money. We came early for lunch with no queue, but by the time we left, it was full and a line had already formed—definitely worth planning ahead!

Great Peking duck, highly recommend. Tips for queueing: I suggest picking up a number / ticket in person (simpler), and reserving the ducks you're looking to order. Afterwards, you can track your position in the queue via the QR code on your ticket, this will require WeChat. You can wander around until your queue number hits 20/30, after which you should return to the shop to continue waiting. This will hopefully save you from waiting the entire 2/3 hours at the restaurant.

Great place with amazing food and service! We didn’t have a reservation, so we had to wait about 45 minutes outside — which the friendly staff member sitting at the entrance informed us about right away. Inside, the atmosphere is lively and authentic. There’s a chef who carves the roast ducks right in the middle of the restaurant, making it perfect for photos or videos. Our waiter kindly showed us how to make small wraps with the duck meat, vegetables, and sauces — a really fun and tasty experience. Definitely worth the wait!

The highlight is definitely the Peking duck , absolutely worth the 1 to 3-hour wait! I’d recommend getting a queue number first and coming back later. The dou miao cold salad was equally delicious. Probably the best spot for Peking duck besides Da Dong.

Duck was great. Definitely one of the best I've had. Moist, skin a bit fatty, good ratio of meat to skin. 3 star comes from the remainder of dishes. Deep fried lamb was tasteless fat, corn patty was the worst, beansprouts was very good. 3 hour wait is definitely not worth it. Perhaps 30 min wait max.

Siji Minfu serves the best Peking duck I’ve ever had — crispy skin, tender meat, and perfect pancakes. The side dishes and duck bone soup were excellent too. Friendly service and a warm atmosphere make it worth the wait. A must-try in Beijing!

was invited to one of the most famous and historic Peking duck restaurants in Beijing — the food was amazing! The place is large and lively, with a cute mascot, souvenir area, and even a view of the chefs roasting the duck. The restrooms are clean, and there are many travelers dining here. The staff were polite and professional. I came from Japan, and the warm pear juice was surprisingly delicious! In addition to the Peking duck, there are many other delicious dishes — not too spicy and very suitable for Japanese palates.

If you're in Beijing and craving the real deal Peking Duck, Quanjude is the place to be. I went in trusting the glowing reviews, and judging by the queue, I wasn’t the only one. A solid 30-minute wait for a table, but hey, good things come to those who wait. The menu is a duck lover’s dream. Duck soup, duck pâté, duck slices, duck skin… you name it. Sure, they have non-duck dishes too, but honestly, why would you come here and skip the star of the show? I went for the tasting menu to try a bit of everything. I’d read the portions were generous, but that was an understatement. Even after a light lunch, the duck won the battle. First came a duck broth with rice—served in a bowl that could double as a birdbath. Then, duck pâté topped with crispy skin. Absolutely delicious. And then, the main event: the live carving show. The chef slices the duck with surgical precision, crafting a flower out of the meat. It’s theatrical, it’s beautiful, and then they hand you about half a kilo of duck. You wrap it all up in delicate pancakes (Sorry, I forgot the real name) with sweet sauce, scallions, and cucumber. Classic, satisfying, and dangerously addictive. The restaurant itself is elegant and refined, with a touch of old Beijing charm. It’s not just a meal. It’s an experience. And yes, it totally deserves the queue.

Beijing is always well known for its roasted duck, and Quanjude is one of the most popular franchise spots to try it. The duck lives up to its reputation — crispy skin and tender meat. It’s definitely worth trying at least once. The price is quite expensive. Other dishes on the menu are moderate, nothing particularly memorable. As for the desserts, very well present but the taste is very disappointing, so I’d suggest skipping it.

Peking Duck is nice but everything else is not that tasty. My recommendation would be to just order that plus rice and drinks. Go elsewhere to eat other things if you need more food.

The food was fairly good and served as a set menu. For two people, it cost 400 yuan and included six dishes, one of which was Peking duck. The restaurant is located in the heart of Wangfujing.

The best Peking duck i ever tasted. Went in with 10pax and order their set meal. Paying premium for their duck, skin is sliced by dedicated skillful staff. We were lucky enough to skip the queue. As we are walking in, the waiting area are still filled with customers queuing. The first round of skins as appetizer, savoring it with sugar. Juicy oil oozing out in your mouth with a woody after taste from their unique procedure of roasting their duck with wood from various fruit trees make you crave for more. A must try in my opinion despite plenty of other options available. Its too delicious to the point that i totally forgot to take pic and video.

Bucket list kinda place. Lots of people, bunch of queuing and all that. Price is a little on the high side, but the service is great. They lowkey try to convince you to eat Peking duck the local way, but I guess that’s fine. Food is overrated tbh. The Peking duck is nice but the soup is bland imo. The sweet and sour duck is hard and dry so we complained about it and the restaurant waived it for us.

Found out about this place through Google and came in for lunch. They have a cute backyard that you can sit in and an inside area. We ordered fried dumplings, salad and lamb skewers. Overall tasted good and decent but not mind blowing. Good place to eat but I wouldn’t crave to come back for it.

Very tasty dumplings and good service. Like most places in China, the staff don’t speak English, but there is an English menu available. The walls are covered with handwritten notes from tourists from all over the world, which adds a nice touch. A great spot for dinner or a quick lunch after a long stroll through the nearby hutongs. Highly recommended.

It has moved to No.88, few doors down (walk against traffic) from Google map location. Food was excellent, local dumplings and taste of Beijing. Cosy eatery.

We were here after visiting the Confucius Temple and ate such delicious dumplings fresh and there was also a good beer. It was a cozy atmosphere in the sunshine in the courtyard. The service staff were very nice and I don't think I've ever had such fresh dumplings. We paid 135 CNY.

It’s a good place. Nice dumplings, but nothing special.

Everything was delicious from the start till the end! English menu also available!

Very nice place with very tasty dumplings. You can choose different types. The personal don't speak English, but they have an English menu and it's enough to order the food.

The Summer Palace is huge — about 2.9 sq km in size! If you’re short on time, start from the East Palace Gate & walk through Leshou Hall to see the famous Qingzhixiu stone, then head up toward the Tower of Buddhist Incense for the best lake view. After that, stroll along the Long Corridor beside Kunming Lake & exit at the North Ruyi Gate. Whole walk takes around 1.5 hours, enough to feel the beauty of this imperial garden.

The Summer Palace is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places to visit in Beijing. The combination of traditional Chinese architecture, peaceful lakes, and lush gardens makes it perfect for a long walk or boat ride. I especially enjoyed the view from the Longevity Hill — it gives you a stunning panorama of Kunming Lake and the entire complex.

Summer Palace 頣和园 yiheyuan Beijing is a UNESCO world heritage site built around Longevity Hill and Kuming Lake. The Longevity hill 60 metres (200 ft) high have steep rocks as steps and might be strenuous for some others to climb up.( ✌︎'ω')✌︎ Summer Palace is a place of retreat for the Qing Dynasty Royal family. Once up the Longevity Hill, you will see the Tower of Fragrance of Buddha, Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, the massive man-made Kunming lake where the excavated soil was used to built the Longevity Hill. A must visit scenic spot in Beijing for its history, culture and breathtaking scenery.

Imagine a massive park with a huge lake in the middle, surrounded by temples, bridges, and these beautiful old pavilions that look like they’re straight out of a kung fu movie. It’s peaceful, green, and full of history. One of the coolest things is how the whole place is designed around the themes of longevity and harmony. The main hill is literally called Longevity Hill, and the lake – Kunming Lake – was man-made to symbolize the sea, with the palace representing a mythical island of immortality. Even the decorations, like the cranes and pine trees, are symbols of long life and good fortune. It’s like the whole place is whispering, “Take it easy, live long, be kind.” The Summer Palace was basically the playground of Empress Dowager Cixi, also known as the Dragon Lady. She was one of the most powerful women in Chinese history, ruled from behind the scenes for decades during the late Qing Dynasty. There’s even this long corridor – the Long Gallery – that stretches forever (okay, it’s like 728 meters, but still). It’s covered in thousands of paintings, and rumor has it Cixi used to stroll there to enjoy the lake breeze and keep an eye on things. She even used funds meant for the navy to renovate the palac. All in all, the Summer Palace is a must-see. It’s like a mix of nature, art, and drama – with a bit of imperial gossip thrown in. Just wear comfy shoes. It’s huge.

Summer Palace is enormous! There is simply no way you can see it all in one day so my advice is, do a little research, find out what you want to see there and stick to the plan. Sure there is one "must" the central pagoda of the "Buddhist Incense" but other than that the place is just so large, you simply won't be able to walk it all, so pick your poison or come back for day two

Visited on 28/10 It was nice to see and experience the rich history of China at the Summer Palace. This a a must see tourist attraction. Recommendation: The place attracts a large number of Western, Asian, and European tourists. It would be great if they could increase the number of seated toilet facilities. #SummerPalace #Beijing #ChinaTravel #ChineseHistory #CulturalHeritage #TravelExperience #WorldTour #TravelTips #TouristAttractions

The Summer Palace of Qing dynasty is absolute epic and gorgeous. The palatial buildings are by the Kunming lake and each place has its own tales of the imperial family. The place is vast and takes a full day to visit

It seems like 100 years ago but in the 1990's I live at 101 middle school. I could go into this park after hours in the evening through a small "secret" gate. There were times I was the only person there. This young American having this huge park all to myself. I'd ride my bike around or just sit next to the lake while the sun sat. I can hardly believe that it I lived that experience. I recall during several months the park was being renovated and the lake was drained. I simply walked out to the island and looked at the old structure standing there. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

Old Summer Palace. Historical park featuring old ruins and shattered monuments from what was once a formidable imperial dynasty - rich in architecture and beautiful gardens.

Big park! Lots of historical ruins. Would be great if you have a guide to explain its significance. Not easy to get around with kids as it’s impossible to cover everything in a day. To save your legs, you could take a boat ride. There was quite a queue for the boat ride, however I came on a weekend so that is to be expected. If you only have limited time and have to choose between this and summer palace I would choose summer place anytime.

great park with a lot of historical ruins there is a big lake and u can take a boat across it price:35 yuan per person

This park is especially beautiful in autumn. It’s very close to the subway. But normally in autumn when is the leaves turn yellow it will be full of people. So if you want to go here and take beautiful pictures you should go before 8 o’clock in the morning. Normally in high season, they would ask you to book ticket one day before you go. It’s always check this problem before you decide to visit how this park.

Although most of the structures have been destroyed, but this is a place that everyone should visit. Looking at the ruins, you can only imagine how glorious this place was and see the brilliance of the architect, engineer and the workmanship. There's nothing we can do about it being destroyed by the war, we can only hope the stolen artifices will be returned to where it belongs. Hopefully one day, we don't have to see those items in another country's museum. For those who are planning to visit this amazing park, please be prepared to walk for long hours. If you can, spend some fun time in the maze. My kids really enjoyed it. There is no restaurant in the park, but you can get some snacks and instant noodles in the souvenior shop. The park operates until quite late at night, but I won't advise to stay on unless you are familiar with the places, equipped with GPS or have a torch light with you. The last time I visited this park was in 2015. Lucky me, I saw black swans back then. This time I was not so lucky; perhaps there were too many motor boats operating on the lake. Nevertheless, Yuan Ming Yuan will always had a place in my memories due to its imperfection. Maybe we all need to lose sometime before we know how to appreciate it.

Really Big Park, pay to enter. Worth visiting in both summer and winter.Remember to visit the runes of the Xiyanglou runes as it is the highlight pf the park. Many activities are held there, you can check them out.

Very easy to get into the zoo only 19 yen for the zoo entrance and panda House can buy it in person or scan the QR code and add in passport number and details Foreign children at the age of 6 - free admission Foreign senior citizens at the age of 60 and above get - free admission with their passport Downside is that to go visit Meng Lan panda you have to wait until he wake up to go view and there’s no rough time for it. - Panda Ice cream with green tea cookie - 2/10 - Panda Ice cream - 1/10 vanilla flavoured and not nice and very artificial vanilla taste. Looks nice 10 yen to go on the buggy

Pandas sleep for 22 hours a day, they are often more active in the morning and you have a higher likelihood of seeing them then. We went mid morning and 3 were awake - great experience Clean and tidy, easy to navigate as an English speaker

Loved seeing the pandas but hated the poor conditions that the animals are kept in. Many of them just lie listlessly on the ground, as if they have no energy to move. I hope they're at least being fed properly. A huge, spread out site meant I wasn't able to see all the animals I wanted/planned to see.

I had a wonderful time at the Beijing Zoo! It’s such a treat to see so many animals, especially the giant pandas—absolutely adorable! The zoo is well laid out, so it’s easy to stroll around and take in the sights. I loved the lush gardens and shady spots to rest. The staff was really friendly and shared some cool facts about the animals, which added to the experience. Just a heads up, it’s a pretty big place, so wear comfortable shoes! Overall, it’s a fantastic day out for families and anyone who loves wildlife. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

Amazing! We came on September 2nd the day before the military parade and the place was dead quiet! Definitely recommended it regardless but having the place to ourselves was incredible!

1. Prepare your wechat pay, scan&pay to buy entry tickets skipping que. 2. Go for the olympic panda first before anywhere ; que will get really long. 3. Hop on the buggy for 10rmb/person (wechatpay only) quick tour around the zoo. 4. Visit the aquarium for dolphin show.

The Pandas are incredible - active, climbing, clean and young. Go early in the day to avoid a long line. There are other endangered species worth visiting also. It's a lovely place to visit and needs more investment - seems underfunded with some animal cages closed.

Beautiful architecture in the form of a Bird's nest for swimming pool. The street opposite has a lot of eateries and shows with activities for adults and kids. A very happening and colorful place bustling with activities

Olympic park Well recreation park for jogging, running, kids and family park. Well running track with one rope 10Km, if plus north Olympic park will be more than 15KM. Every morning, evening will be a lot of running partner run and jog there. Will running on the natural track, will can explore the greeness of the city. Convenience to reach the park. 2-3 MRT station in between the park and national stadium. Many bike share also can cycle to here, but u can’t cycle inside the running track, only can explore outside the park and nearby national stadium.

U must go and walk around it’s beautiful and if u do go after dark u will see a different side of China and the colours the atmosphere it’s so amazing , ppl dance , play games , sing and more . It was my favourite part of the city, start from the Olympic tower and just walk down to the nest , water cube . Beautiful! Must experience.

Attended a concert at the Bird’s Nest — the venue is huge and it takes quite a bit of walking to locate the correct entrance, so do plan extra time to get around. The lifts to the booth rooms were very slow, and I ended up missing the start of the show. If you’re a foreigner attending an event here, make sure to arrive early. Security checks are thorough — you’ll need to show your ID or passport, and there are multiple body and bag scans. The terrace seats outside the booth area were not well maintained, and many seat numbers were faded or missing. I eventually had to sit on the dusty steps as I couldn't locate my seat and someone else had taken it. The atmosphere and energy of the concert were still amazing once it started, but the venue management could improve on signage, seating upkeep, and overall crowd flow.

"Beijing Olympic Park is located at the northern end of Beijing's extended central axis, covering an area of 11.59 square kilometres. It served as the primary venue for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, as well as the 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, including the opening and closing ceremonies. This distinction makes it the world's first "Dual-Olympic Park." The park is home to numerous national landmark facilities, including the National Stadium ("Bird's Nest"), the National Aquatics Center ("Water Cube"/"Ice Cube"), the National Indoor Stadium, the National Speed Skating Oval ("Ice Ribbon"), and the National Tennis Centre. It also houses cultural institutions such as the Museum of the Communist Party of China, the China Science and Technology Museum, the National Communication Centre for Science and Technology, Cast, the Chinese Academy of History and Chinese Archaeological Museum, the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum (CTCM) and the Beijing Olympic Tower. Additionally, the park features commercial and financial centres such as the headquarters of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, the China National Convention Centre, and the Beijing Olympic Forest Park. Since the 2008 Olympics, the park has received numerous accolades including "National 5A Tourist Attraction," "National Sports Industry Demonstration Base," "Central Urban Leisure Area," and "Future Cultural Heritage Demonstration Unit." Moreover, by leveraging its world-class venues, the park has successfully hosted numerous major sports events, performances, and high-end conferences, gradually cementing its status as Beijing's premier destination for tourism, international competitions, performances, and global exchanges. This unique appeal continues to attract visitors from across the nation and around the world, whether for business exhibitions, conferences, or leisure tourism. Beijing Olympic Park, which aims to be an "unbounded, all-hours open central park of the capital," has entered a new phase of high-quality development, driven by its dual Olympic legacy. "

A stroll around Beijing Olympic Park is an impressive experience filled with the grandeur and memories of the 2008 Olympics. The spacious area is perfect for a leisurely walk or taking photos. The highlights are the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube, which remain stunning and iconic, especially in the evening when they are beautifully illuminated. The park also features clean and shaded walkways, along with various amenities such as shops, restaurants, and seating areas. The relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families or photography enthusiasts. This location is not only a symbol of sportsmanship but also a reflection of Beijing’s modern development and innovative design.

The park is huge, as are the buildings. A very pleasant place to walk, sightsee and shop.

Beijing National Stadium or fondly known as Bird Nest Stadium. It was designed for 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. This stadium has hosted many international and national events as well as concerts since. The stadium is spacious and beautifully decorated with commemorative plaque and pictures. Ticket can be purchased at the booth just outside the stadium or online. Visitors have the chance to climb to the top of the stadium and get a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The National Stadium in Beijing also called the Bird’s Nest is an engineering marvel.  It covers an area of 204,000 square meters and has a capacity of 91,000. It costed USD 428M and  was officially completed in June 2008. It is owned and operated by a partnership company between Beijing Municipal State-and CITIC Group. It was used for Olymics in 2008 for Summer Olympics and for winter Olympics in 2022. Though you have to buy a ticket to enter, when we visited, we were allowed to go in free as Senior Citizens. We are really very thankful for the sweet gesture.

It's easier to access from the left side (coming from the city center). If you like running, you can run outside the stadium easily, and you have a long straight peatonal street to run near the stadium.

Oh yes. This is absolutely a beautiful place. The architecture of the stadium is amazing. Even the whole area is wide and open so it's easy to walk around. If there is an event, obviously there a many people but except for road crossing is everything smooth. There are also some small food and vendors so no need to worry about your stomach. Thank you🤩

Visited at night when the stadium is lit up and looks beautiful. There are many shops and small eateries open at night and is a good way place to bring the family for a stroll after dinner. About 30mins subway ride from Wang Fu Jing station.

Easy access via Beijing Subway. Free and easy to walk up to the Olympic Stadium, walk around the huge avenues. Even walk up to the indoor stadium. Nice views in the evening the sunset was beautiful. If you like you could pay to ride the tourist trams but you could just walk around there. More relaxed environment.

Amazing place to visit, especially at night. It is a marvel of modern architecture and construction, which you can see up close! You can use staircase to get to the roof can and have a walk with an amazing view!

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.

Extremely large museum with huge complex and ridiculously large collection of artifacts you’ll never finish in one day. Other than the permanent exhibitions, there’s also some paid exhibitions such as the Respin Russian art exhibition. The basement one history of china permanent exhibition is the highlight. If you can, just visit this exhibition. Complex is huge, be prepared to walk a lot, children might not enjoy it, so I think kids above 12 years old is better. Bring some snacks as it’s very crowded and tiring. Everyone just rests at the steps and have some snacks. Exhibits are great but the toilets are not. So minus stars for the insufficiency of toilets plus strong urine smell in every toilet. That’s unacceptable for such a large government institution. Possibly toilets only make up for 1% of the building size. Very strange ratio since toilets are a basic human need. It’s also close to Tiananmen Square, you can enjoy museum until closing time then head across the road to Tiananmen square for the flag descending ceremony. But there’s always so many people, so you might see more heads and phones than anything.

A must-go-to Museum, as it houses huge collections of cultural relics from beginning of China history to the later Qing dynasty. Extremely large and it took at least three hours to complete a single floor. The Museum is located opposite the Great Hall of People, which is also near to Tiananmen Square. Secure your timeslot a week before your intended visit through the Museum website and. Drop off at 贵实楼饭店 or Grand Hotel Beijing, and walk about 10 minutes to reach the security entry of the Museum.

Huge and wide-ranging museum, front ancient history to modern technologies and even some CCP artifacts. Book tickets on the website or WeChat 7 days before at 8pm Beijing time exactly. Tickets book out in minutes. Enter at the north side of the museum, DO NOT enter Tiananmen square security as it's a separate entrance. You'll exit the museum directly into Tiananmen square, so see that (or the forbidden City) after your museum visit. There's a few vending machines and cafes inside, the one in the basement is the cheapest. There's also filtered water dispensers for bottles only. I spent 6 hours here, could have spent much more!

To visit any government museums and other points of interest, you need to download WeChat and most of the institutions have something called mini programs in WeChat where you can check the activities and buy ticket We got lucky and came to know tickets are available 7 days in advance around 5 PM every day so be ready to book It is opposite the Tiananmen Square and be prepared to stand in line for the visit as they check tickets and for foreigners visitors you need to carry a passport Musuem has good layout and to understand the rich history of China be prepared to spend 2 to 3 hours in Musuem Lot of Buddhist artifacts are placed in top floor and calligraphy details are showcased to describe how it’s important to Chinese culture It can get busy so plan ahead and the Musuem is well maintained In most places I did find English translation or use Audio guide along with phone translator

National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆) A China SIM card is required to book a visiting slot. On-site booking is not available. Advance reservations can be made 1–7 days in advance & admission is free. Online booking opens daily from 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays. Bring passport for ID verification when collecting tickets.

There's just too much to see here in this museum, in a good way. Unfortunate for me, many things were in Chinese. Of course, a short description might be available, but the actual juicy details would have been better if these had been available in English as well. What I furthermore disliked was the way in which communism was portrayed positively (as expected) and how other things were (such as poverty) not shown. However, as for cultural aspects, such as food and traditional Chinese medicine, there are so many maquettes, which are really fun to look at. It wasn't crowded at all, and even if it were, the space is huge. Beautiful building (on the inside). Be forewarned that it is quite a distance walking to it. It's better to take the subway by the way, because taxis aren't allowed to stop near it. Also, the coffee is really expensive there, but that taste is good.

You'll need to reserve tickets via their official website or via trip.com. foc. Tickets open 7 days before the day of visit. At around 5pm. There are security checks so add about 15mins for that. Head to B1 for the history of china. The exit is in the middle of level 1.

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.

This is one of Beijing bustling and vibrant pedestrian street in Dongcheng district. The street is easily accessible by the subway and there are plenty of hotels in the nearby hutongs. Along the street, you will find varoius shops and malls from traditional to high street brands. In terms of food and tea, there is also great diversity of bubble tea, supermarkets and restaurants including halal one. During evenings, you will also see some free dancing shows from local people which is very nice to watch and sit there and have short chats with other fellow travelers after a long day of sightseeing.

Wangfujing Street is one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets. It’s a lively area with shops and plenty of activities especially at night. The brightly lit signs and bustling atmosphere make it especially beautiful in the evening. It’s a great place for a casual walk and enjoying the city’s vibrant energy — just be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.

This place is great for a walk — Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is lively and full of energy. There are many famous brands. The lights at night are beautiful, and the whole street blends modern style with traditional Beijing charm. You can even find some of the most famous Peking duck restaurants here. It’s also nice that there aren’t any messy street stalls — the whole area feels clean and well-organized.

A busy pedestrian street with plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants, best visited in the evening when the summer temperature is cooler. We enjoyed the illuminations and the 3D screens, also the people were very friendly and helpful. Nice area to relax and watch the Mahjong players and the dance groups practicing, everyone seemed very happy!

A very nice walking street that is lined by shops and malls. Very interesting to just walk and see the vibrancy if not buying. There is a robot cafe kiosk too, display of latest cars etc. heavy crowd during weekends

Nothing special in this pedestrian street except for the nice small walk you can make. Don't look for some "local colors", you will find more international brand names. Everything else has been said in the numerous rewiews about it.

Wangfujing is a necessary stop on any Beijing itinerary, and my visit in September was timed perfectly. The weather was fantastic—that ideal late-summer crispness without the oppressive humidity—making the long, wide pedestrian street a pleasure to walk, especially in the late afternoon and evening. This street is a total sensory overload, It’s less "historic hutong" and more "vibrant commercial artery." I appreciated the blend of modern flagship stores for international brands and the more local, century-old shops like the famous hat and tea houses. The evening is when it truly comes alive—the neon signs, the sheer volume of people, and the buzz is electric. It felt safe, clean, and genuinely central to the city's energy. It has major high-end international brands and I did enjoy browsing the Gongmei Mansion for unique Chinese handicrafts and silks. However, don't expect "local market" bargain prices; this is a prime commercial area, so things are priced accordingly, but the selection is outstanding. Finally, be adventurous with the food, but if the bugs are too much, there are plenty of safe and delicious options nearby in the various malls and side streets. Check out St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Wangfujing Church) near the north end—it offers a beautiful, peaceful contrast to the consumer frenzy, especially when lit up at night.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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.

Good place to buy things like bags, cloths, electronics and some jewelries. However you need to have an effective bargaining skills to get the things at right price.

They have five floors.. best for. Foreigners who likes to do window shopping… one has to bargain every single shop for the best price… initial price which they say will be very huge

Modern market place with air conditioning. Multiple floors selling eveything. Pearls, clothing and jewelry on upper floors. Food market below ground. Rooftop has a bar and cafe with views of Temple of Heaven.

Best market for shopping and be prepared to bargain A LOT on 1st and 2nd floor (mainly electronics) : from 1000 to 150 is sometimes realistic ! A special thanks to Ann on the third floor for pearls and jade jewellery. She has been here for 29 years and she is a very nice lady, not agressive and very reliable . Of course you have to bargain ! Her shop is number 132 (see picture) . I do recommend

This is a good market to buy souvenirs and gifts. The market closes at 7:00 PM so inconvenient to visit during weekdays for people on business trip/official trip

I bought some phone cases there. If you’re looking for plagiarized items, it’s better to go to Silk Market. If you want to buy clothing, suits, backpacks, or electronics like power banks, this is your go-to spot.

It was great, but you have ro bargain. Electronic was super cheap. Suitcases as well. But you really need to bargain.

Was introduced by our driver to try this local restaurant for its Peking Duck. Must said it was a good recommendation indeed. The duck skin was crispy, meat juicy. The wraps were also nicely warmed up before been served to us. We added 2 additional dishes of sweet sour brinjal which was lightly fried and a spicy sour soup. Overall a great authentic Beijing meal in a local eats. Strong recommend if one is at the 天坛 park area.

I think I have found the best Peking Duck restaurant in Beijing. 我觉得这就是北京最好吃的北京烤鸭了。 It’s located in the Hutongs, no queue when we came and although at the entrance you can see a lot of pictures of high profile people who have dined here, the atmosphere here was very authentic and simple. Initially I thought I came to the wrong place because all the Peking Duck restaurants we went were full of people and had a lot of staffs, wearing nice uniform, huge led screens etc at the shop front. This don’t look like a Michelin restaurant at all to me 😅. When we arrived at around 11am, we were ushered to a small room with 3 tables and were told that the first batch of roasted duck will be ready by 11.30am. No wonder no queue yet as people start coming in around 11.30am. The roasted duck aroma filled the room when the chef brought it into our room and he wasted no time to carve it. The duck was so thick and juicy, so pang pang and the fat is not jelak at all. Minimum portion here is own duck. The remaining not so meaty part we requested it 盐酥. The corn dish was also very good, even now I also think about it. I will be back ! #hungryrayshoots #北京 #北京美食 #大众点评 #吃货 #beijing #michelinbeijing #bibgourmand #michelinrestaurants #北京烤鸭 #烤鸭 #roastduck #beijingchina #foodstagram #foodies #foodie #ilovebj

I got hooked on my first trip to Beijing and had to come back again. Liqun is often listed as a top 10 Peking Duck restaurant in Beijing according to various Chinese websites, and rightfully so. Founded in 1864 and located in a residential area, it gives a local, authentic type of experience. In the hall to the dining area, you pass a the chef who is roasting all of the ducks in a brick oven. The smell is amazing. The duck is flavorful, rich and oily. They have 3 different sets to choose from, we got the one that included fried duck as well. It feeds 2 very well, it's almost too much. We ordered a couple more dishes and overate. Stick with the duck, you can’t go wrong.

Visited in February 2025. Fantastic experience. Boss lady was very helpful and assertive in helping me order. Duck was delicious, crispy and fatty. I was the only obvious tourist in the restaurant that night but staff and other patrons were very friendly and helpful. Definitely a place I will go back to if I'm ever in Beijing again.

The food was nice, but for us the most important part was that we were taught how to become Picasso, essentially how to eat the food the right way

This is my review for my dinner back in June 2009. Had an amazing time back than. Love to go back and so glad it still exists, 16 years later.

Recommended by a local friend. They do not sell less than one duck portion and better to come with a partner to finish it else you will be too full. Skin is really crispy and it’s more oily than the ones I had in SG or MY. The meat is not so savory like I had in SG or MY. I paid RMB288 for this meal. Location is not convenient if you take the subway.

We had Peking duck, and it was absolutely delicious. They carved the duck right in front of us, which made the whole experience quite a show. Prices are high by Beijing standards but still much more affordable compared to similar restaurants in the West. We ordered two additional side dishes to go with the duck—one of them featured truffles—and both were incredible. Although we had a reservation, we still waited about 30 minutes. The staff were very apologetic for the delay and offered us a snack while we waited.

Upon entry you think you're in a beauty salon or a cosmetics clinic. The lighting, the decor, the setup. Their menu is long but their speciality is the pecking duck. We tried the suckling and it was v good and lean. We also tried the antartic toothfish on a sizzling bed of garlic which was tasty and soft. The bitter melon and sautéed mushrooms - not nice. The cabbage noodles - ok The operation is more surgical than gastronomy - see picture. But the duck is very nice. Doesn't look authentic but it's definitely clean and tasty.

I give them a 5 star because the Peking duck is the best I’ve ever had. Something about their duck has a special flavor and smokiness that you don’t find anywhere else. No other duck comes close. Their duck is also the cheapest and they serve it to you first which is how your want it. Eat the duck before anything else. The only downside is their other dishes are not all that special. Service is great. This is located in a mall. It is strange but it is what it is.

When we arrived in Beijing, we went there since it was just an 8-minute walk from our hotel. The ambiance was nice. At first, we were surprised by the price—¥398 for a whole roast duck. We ordered two roast ducks and two other dishes. The roast duck was beyond our expectations. The skin was crispy, and the meat was so tender it melted in our mouths. They used the duck bones to make a delicious collagen soup. We tried roast duck at other restaurants, but we ended up coming back here before leaving Beijing.

Beautiful modern chic restaurant for Peking Duck Experience. Lovely service with demonstration on how to properly eat the crispy duck. The BEST crispy duck we had in Beijing. Perfect for tourists. Inside a mall, on 5F using the elevator.

Not to be missed! Excellent food, service and environment. Very good and attentive service especially from our table's waiter, Michael. Try their other dishes too, especially the braised brinjal which was absolutely delicious. Their street deserts were good, quite fine. The best restaurant we had in Beijing.

Had the Peking duck here and it was absolutely amazing - the skin melted on the mouth! Our waitress, Grace, was kind enough to also give us some background on the recent renovations and how the artist: 关晶晶 was responsible for the soft porcelain colours in the restaurant. Really appreciated her explanation and kind attitude - suffice to say this made the atmosphere nicer than it already is. Would definitely come again

Got here on Saturday around 5pm. Our party got seated right away as there was no queue. Not long after we ordered, the duck arrived all sliced up already. They don't cut the duck at your table but at the front of the dining area. The skin was crispy and thin. The meat was tasty. We also tried the tiered dessert, but it was not great. It's just pretty to look at. It had no flavour, mostly made of different beans. Just order the savoury items. The overall meal was delicious, but in comparison to the food back home, it's about the same. The only difference is that the peking duck is cheaper. I couldn't see the Michelin star quality of it.

We dined at Quanjude (Qianmen branch, 全聚德前门店) for dinner. We arrived around 5pm, and the restaurant was already packed. We had to wait about 30 minutes to be seated. This branch is known for its Michelin-recognised Peking duck, so it is understandably popular. We ordered half a duck along with the bing pi (pancakes), condiments, and the vegetables to go with the duck. We also got a bowl of soup and rice. The soup was served first, followed by the condiments and vegetables. The duck skin came a little later, and then the rest of the duck. However, we had to keep chasing for the rice, which never came. The waiters were clearly overwhelmed—many were serving, taking orders, clearing the table and even doing cashier duties. In the end, we just finished our meal without the rice, paid, and left. It was quite disappointing, especially since rice is the simplest thing to serve. Overall, the food was good, especially the duck, but the service could definitely be improved.

I did not have high expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. The QJD back home in Toronto simply cannot compare to the taste and grandeur of the restaurant in Qianmen. This is not a meal you eat every day, it’s definitely a once in a while treat. I was happy to enjoy this meal when visiting my grandpa as it really felt special. Some people may say they don’t see the appeal of QJD, and I agree that a lot of places can cook up a great Peking Duck that can rival theirs. But the price is actually quite reasonable (398 for the set) considering the central location and history of the restaurant. If you have a group that does not eat a lot, the Peking duck set will be enough. It comes with several plates of meat, in addition to the flower arrangement. We added a vegetable as we were worried it wouldn’t be enough but we could have done without it for our group of 4.

We had an early dinner here, they have 2 diff duck. It came with 2 diff wrappers. Food was really good, service is excellent. By the time we were leaving there was a long line. Come early on the weekends.

The best Peking duck restaurant I have ever tried. The roasted duck is fabulous. Cooked over hot coals to perfection and carved and served spectacularly. This restaurant has earned Michelin stars several years, and theynarenwell deserved. Service was also very good. If you like a little more scallions and plum sauce with your duck, like I do, you may want to order an extra side of those. There never seems to be enough.

Went there for the roasted peking duck and surprised that their dim sum was very good. The peking duck was just ok, nothing to shout about actually.

A must-visit for Beijing roast duck lovers! The crispy skin and juicy meat are absolutely delicious. A legendary place with a long history—worth trying at least once

Just perfect! They got a fixed menu, and it’s delicious. It’s a little hidden, but everything worth it. English speaking.

Relaxing Beijing courtyard restaurant with fusion Yunan Dali cuisine.

Super cute courtyard restaurant, hidden gem. Fixed menu course meal was delicious. Perhaps not aggressively local, aka very “accessible” Chinese food. Tasty, great service, English spoken, good wine selection. Oh, and did I mention—super CUTE courtyard with candle-light both indoor and outdoor seating. Cute!!

We were a bit confused from our visit. The restaurant has received a lot of good reviews from reviewers here and elsewhere, however, when me and a friend visited, we were met with disinterested waiters and bland food. The fish were even overcooked. I think this place is fine for tourists that don't want the hassle of ordering from menus, however if you want really good food, you can go elsewhere.

Very bad experience. We as a family of four visited this restaurant in November 2016. The price was at the top end of a good courtyard restaurant but the food quality was below average. We stayed in Beijing for 10 days for our holiday and we tried many different restaurants. This is the worst experience we had. The atmosphere and quality of their food do not justify their price.

Exceptional food. One of the best restaurant experiences I've had in China. Western level quality, atmosphere, and service. So nice to have such a diverse assortment of food too! Highly recommend for 150RMB per person.

Beautiful location with carefully prepared food using the freshest ingredients. A delicious variety of dishes, varying according to seasonal availability. Set menu only but well thought out.

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.

The Beijing Temple of Confucius is a quiet and culturally rich site, often overlooked compared to the more famous attractions in the city. Built in 1302, it is the second largest Confucian temple in China and offers a calm, reflective atmosphere surrounded by centuries of history. The temple grounds are shaded by ancient cypress trees, some said to be hundreds of years old, adding to the sense of timelessness. The halls and stone steles are beautifully preserved, with many carved inscriptions honoring Confucius and his teachings. The Dacheng Hall, the main hall, stands out with its traditional architecture and solemn ambiance. Unlike busier temples in Beijing, this one feels more serene, making it a good place to slow down and appreciate the cultural legacy of Confucianism. Located right next to the Lama Temple, it’s easy to combine the two visits. If you are interested in Chinese philosophy, education, and history, this temple is well worth a stop.

It was interesting to learn that foreign european countries in the past were very inspired by Confucianism too, especially France. Tickets cost rmb 30 on wechat. It was also interesting that the Qianlong Emperor loved this place alot and kept putting edicts here, or that edicts look like words carved on the statue of giant tortoises

Very beautiful place with lovely beautiful and information boards with English explanation describing the history of the place and the philosophy and teachings of confucius. The imperial college is right next door and the entrance fee is included in the price of the confucius temple ticket. It was very interesting to me the history about how they selected the scholars and the exams they took. If you want to waltz through and just take some pics then an hour is probably enough, otherwise I'd recommend at least two to three hours.

Very nice and quiet spot. Very touristy..how every many people are taking pictures in traditional dresses which looked very pretty and offered a nice atmosphere. Minimum text is translated. So if you are in search for knowledge. Dig online and be amazed by the old ground :)

A beautiful temple, but not a must-see. Entrance fee is 3.50$.

Beautiful, historic temple in Beijing, it is very big compared to the many other Confucius Temples in China. There is a ton of history here and it retains much of its old splendor, with many of the original stela from China's history still scattered throughout the grounds. The crowds here are a bit of a bummer (it's really difficult to get a picture without tour group flags and throngs of tourists in it) but it is still certainly worth visiting. Combine it with the even more impressive Lama Temple right across the street and you will be glad you did

Beautiful temple, very close to the more popular Lama temple. It wasn't too peaceful or quiet when we visited, but it wasn't too crowded either. The entry ticket gives access to the temple and the Imperial college and the two places are next to each other, separated by a wall. We almost missed the college and got there by chance by going through the steles room.

Great spot for a casual and tasty Peking duck experience near Sanlitun. The restaurant has a welcoming and low-key vibe with menus that are easy for non-Chinese speakers to navigate. The Peking duck was flavorful with crispy skin, and the portion size was generous. Beyond the duck, there's a wide range of other classic Beijing dishes to choose from, making it a good choice for groups or anyone wanting to try a bit of everything. Service was quick and efficient, though not overly warm.

This restaurant serves the best pecking duck I've tried in my life, but that's not all. This duck is probably one of the best foods I've tried in my life too and that's not an exaggeration. It's cooked in heaven, i have no idea how it's done but it is the experience that will leave with you forever.

Introduced to this place by the Swissotel concierge . It’s good that you don’t need to Q for a table and the price is reasonable . The fish is half the price compare to SiJi but different fish may be used . Will definitely eat again if I am back to Beijing

Jīngzūn (金樽), a Beijing Duck restaurant on Chun Xiu Road is known for its wood fired crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat, making it a worthwhile option for trying this famous dish. Not frequented by tourists as staff has limited English but the menu has English translations, and it appears to be a popular spot with mostly local customers. The restaurant also serves other local dishes like Kung Pao chicken etc.

The Beijing duck and duck sushi were delicious! The staff spoke English. The decor isn't the newest, but it's atmospheric. I recommend it.

It's worthy to pay for food. We were going to order Beijing Duck, but Waitress let us sit inside the first floor, so we ended up having to see the chef's Beijing Duck cutting performance from afar. It didn't look great. I wish they had given us a good seat. The Beijing Duck was delicious, but it was half left with so much oil. Despite all this experience, this place is worth it.

Restaurant was just opposite our hotel. Very impressed with the quality of the food n services. Ordered one Peking duck which the chef will carve in front of you. Duck meat was juicy and crispy skin which melt in your mouth. It came with a plate of sushi with crispy duck skin and a basket of sesame bun (soft n fragrant) to eat with the slice duck meat. These 2 dishes were never serve in Michelin restaurant (which we tried n can compared the quality of food). We top up small amt to have the soup cooked from the roasted duck bones… the hot peppery soup was so good to have during the cold winter. Another amazing dish was the ‘rice with sweet n sour shrimps’… it turns out to be rice crackers with the sauce on it… very unique n delicious. We will come back to Beijing for this roast duck again in near future!

IMPORTANT: if you are without kids, probably I don’t suggest buy some tickets, There are inside different tickets to buy, the main science and technology museum and another called children museum, the main museum is for both, second one only for kids from 1 to 10 years. Both tickets you can buy online but you need local sim. If you arrive at the entrance without you can buy but remember you need to Brent picture of your passport and have a little bit patience for the time that you will spend (also they don’t explain the different of the tickets). Inside is huge but in my opinion not wonderful, is nice but not fantastic.

Very interactive museum that can keep the young and old engage. Entrance tickets give access to the main exhibits which span 4 floors. One can expect to spend at least half a day to meaningfully cover the main exhibits!

This is tech-paradice for children and grown up children. Imagen that children play knowledge for the furure and better life. Get loose on the playground for Cinas future and be impressed.

A good place for kids, not that informative for adults but you should take your children to this place as they will enjoy a lot. It's a multi storey building with each floor dedicated to some particular field of science and technology. Also, at ground floor there is a place for very small kids, not sure but may be kids upto 6 years can go in there. Furthermore, there is a 4D cinema that you can enjoy at this museum with a separate ticket

What a wonderful museum. Loved the exhibits. Wish we could have spent more time

Super cool. But you need to reserve tickets in advance!

They make it essentially impossible for a foreigner without a Chinese number to get in. Don't waste your time

Nice enough tourist area with art exhibits, shops. It's a large area often difficult to navigate, but the concept is sound. Further development with a focus on art could benefit the area.

One of my favorite experience in Beijing! Love the industrial revamp art space with a curation of artists and unique souvenir to bring home. It’s quite a large area so come early to explore. Lots of great dining options as well.

Such a wonderful and peaceful place in Beijing 😀 If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle this is a great place. A lot of coffee places and beautiful cozy shops!

One of the best areas in Beijing, in my opinion, definitely worth a visit, you can spend the night there and grab lunch in one of the many cute food spots. If you're into contemporary art it's even better since there are plenty of museums (some of which are free entry).

Hub of contemporary art in Beijing, center of the cultural creative industry

A unique experience full of character. The art that litters the streets is fun and modern. The various galleries are of artists that are living, giving the art a quality of life. The various shops range from kitchy to artsy, giving you various options to choose from and the restaurants give many options for food. Plan for an entire day, there is plenty to see

Omg this place was so awesome! Although it was freezing this time of year and some places were closed due to the New Year we still were in awe! Took some awesome pictures too! Found a nice place for authentic Chinese soup.

‘A surprising art section in Beijing’ Without any expectations, I decided to visit 798 Art zone. I was positively surprised how spacious it was and how many art galleries you could find. You can feel the influence on the architecture from post war Europe in the art zone. I definitely enjoyed feeling like I was walking in Europe. The only thing to keep in mind that it is not east to reach by public transportation and it can take a long time to find a taxi!

The place is large and well-organized, with many artworks displayed. Some of them required payment for entrance. The atmosphere was nice. It was one of my favorite places during this visit.

Great place . Loads of interesting contemporary Art and industrial grunge. Go there. It's really big so pre plan

Great spot for vintage shopping, coffee, and craft beer. There’s a very cool NBeer pub in a train car.

Reasonably quiet trending location situated on the outskirts of Beijing. There’s a lot of art studios here, and the location itself is like an art museum.

Overall a positive experience but some areas could see some improvements. 1. Bathrooms should have more western style toilets 2. Better maps and road signage for the area district. We like the variety of shopping and exhibitions. We were a bit disappointed when some of the exhibits were closed. We did enjoy the Jingdong soap museum.

Old factory and facilities converted to contemporary art and dining area. Beautiful local art, museums, souvenir and coffee shops, fancy restaurants and more inside. A must-visit in Beijing.

As a vegetarian restaurant, this place is bound to have polarizing reviews. Personally, I really enjoyed it—the dishes were light and flavorful, and the tableware was beautifully curated with great taste. However, my friend wasn’t a fan, finding the food bland and lacking flavor. Food is always a matter of personal preference, but this spot is definitely worth a try to form your own opinion!

Summary: Phenomenal 2 star Michelin now (previously 3) that is a bit underwhelming IF you’re not a vegetarian (and this is me being critical). The food was incredibly delicious using cooking styles to mimic protein dishes. Creative visual and presentation methods were used to display food. Praise is deserved for being able to create such complex flavors with vegetarian ingredients. However, a lot is left to be desired for non-vegetarians who eat beef, seafood, and poultry. So if you’re a vegetarian, Kings Joy will be one of the best restaurants that exist for you. If you’re like me, Kings Joy is worth visiting to experience once (to see what it’s like), but be aware that you may leave feeling that you didn’t get your moneys worth (but this is not their fault!). Ultimately a great meal during lunch after touring the nearby temples. The meal is light, but filling. It’s not heavy and you leave feeling a sense of refreshment.

My dinner here is one of the best meals I've ever had. Each dish is rich, flavorful, and delicious, awakening my palette. King's Joy has my favorite way of eating - small dishes of variety. Plus the service is simply impeccable. Our head waiter (Romas) did a wonderful job providing professional attention and great details. I am looking forward to coming back next time I'll be in Beijing.

For a 3 star michelin restaurant, I was extremely dissapointed with the food! Nothing was terribly bad, but for $350 AUD per person, it was NOT WORTH IT! Nothing tasted amazing, and you could easily get food just as good at any other vegetarian restaurant. Positives should also be noted: 1) service was impeccable. 2) atmosphere was really good. Unfortunately though, I cannot recommend this restaurant. Save your money for somewhere else.

The first vegetarian tasting menu I've had where I enjoyed every single course. Really delicious food in a classy setting, and pretty good value for the amount of food that was served. Highly recommended.

🌿 A perfect place to unwind after visiting the Lama Temple — elegant, peaceful & deliciously vegetarian. Located just across the road from the Lama Temple, this is a convenient & memorable way to end a day of sightseeing. The restaurant features a beautiful courtyard setting & fine-dining vegetarian cuisine — dishes are creative, delicious & artfully presented. Service is attentive, with live harp music adding to the atmosphere. A popular spot, so advance reservations are highly recommended (check their website for details).

Do not trust the 5 star reviews. This restaurant is an absolute scam. For their seasonal menu, they serve you raw vegetables on top of dry ice and present it as a dish. They give you some sauces that you can easily get from any local supermarket. Next are some incredibly bland foods which are so mediocre for the price and high review this restaurant constantly gets. Now the service, the staff were constantly looking and whispering (this I don’t mind) but the one specifically assigned to our table looked extremely distracted and annoyed. The only positive aspect was the atmosphere, mostly because of the beautiful live harp music. Honestly this is the worst Beijing and Michelin starred restaurant I’ve dined in. Save the money, go somewhere else.

This is NOT Din Tai Fung. It used to be about 2 yrs ago but lost their licence. Actually all Din Tai Fungs in China are no more. Owner said same menu and they kept the same staff. Food was good but was excited about Din Tai Fung, so that let down soured my experience. Don’t be fooled. If I knew it wasn’t DTF I would not have taken time out of vacation to go here.

Din tai fung is quite consistent in there service and food quality. This branch also kept up with that tradition. super tasty dumplings served quick and fast, steaming. Really good experience and meal.

The place that could never be wrong when you're in a delicacy hunger. Their services staff are at least 4 levels/types and the food is typical Cantonese cuisine. The crab one is a can't miss, seasonal seafood is a nice surprise.

Love the place, great food. I recommend the noodles with peanut sauce for sure and all dim sum was great overall.

Loved the Xiao long bao (plain pork) ! Very delicious, especially the chocolate ones, which I highly recommend!

Wrong info on the web. Restaurant is closed during lunch hours. no English communication. Not helpful. Not interested in the customers

Great place for Chinese dumplings and other dishes. The restaurant is on the expensive side as for Chinese pricing but it is well worth it. The management speaks English also so it is easy to communicate. Menu's are clear and with pictures so you can also pick and choose what to eat. Great for both locals and foreigners.

An outstanding minimalistic hotel which surpassed expectations. Highly recommended. Positives - Comfortable bed - Premium sheets - Brita filtered water tap located by the bathroom sink - Next to shopping centre (Indigo) - Blackout blinds - Toiletry bag provided containing quality items relative to other hotels - 3-in-1 Charging cable available in the room - Friendly, helpful staff Negatives - Charging ports are hidden behind the drawer which needs to be opened up to plug in. This isn’t toddler friendly due to the sharp corners - Was a little noisy on some days due to the construction site next to the hotel

I had a wonderful stay with my friend at the East Beijing. The room was spacious, and the beds were very comfortable. The service was outstanding, from the front desk to the concierge and restaurant staff. I highly recommend this hotel! Its location is also very convenient, right next to a metro station and a shopping mall with premium brands.

Exceptional Service and Unbeatable Location! ​My stay at the East Beijing Hotel was absolutely amazing! The location is incredibly convenient, situated right next to a major shopping mall and a Metro station, making travel effortless. ​The room itself was spacious and very comfortable. ​What truly made the experience exceptional was the staff. They do speak English and offered an extended level of helpfulness. The team even went above and beyond, leaving a personalized birthday cake and a thoughtful note in my room. ​Though this was a business trip, the level of comfort and service guarantees that I will absolutely go back again with my family. Highly recommended!

Service was excellent, there was a problem with my heating and then fixed it before I was back end of day. The cleaning lady was nice enough to update me and told me their engineers are working on it. Location wise, because this was a work trip and I had to be near 798 Art District, it was perfect for me. Rooms were spacious, facilities were also great for leisure and work spaces outside the cafe, with work pods for booking if needed.

We’re currently staying at East Beijing, and I have to say, so far the experience has been excellent! Had a wonderful swim in their beautiful pool yesterday, and had pavlova for breakfast (in bed) this morning. I love a good pavlova - so I’m really happy!

My room is very clean and quiet. The shower is very powerful. Staff is very friendly and helpful. Location is good and convenient because the hotel is connected with the shopping centre, Indigo.

Very nice hotel with spacious rooms. There is shopping mall nearby and lot of eateries as well. Location is also good

Happy Valley in Beijing is an absolute paradise for thrill-seekers! If you love roller coasters, dizzying rides, and adrenaline-pumping attractions, this park is perfect for you. The biggest advantage? Minimal crowds and almost no queues, making your visit exceptionally enjoyable. The park is vast and thoughtfully designed – even in hot weather, it remains comfortable thanks to cooling systems and mist fans placed throughout. Food options are affordable with plenty of cafes and snack stands, and prices are noticeably lower than at other similar parks. Don’t miss the incredible live shows featuring stunning special effects and talented performers. There’s also a fantastic petting zoo where you can interact with and feed animals – ideal for families with kids! Overall, Happy Valley delivers an outstanding mix of excitement, comfort, great food, and entertainment for all ages. Highly recommended!

We chose Happy Valley over Universal Studios for a more local experience—plus, Universal is available in many places, and the Beijing one offers similar attractions to others we’ve visited. We arrived around opening time, but found that rides start operating in phases, so not everything opens right away. The park is huge, with at least one roller coaster in every zone—there is even a small zoo inside! The rides were fun but felt a bit rougher than in other parks—I started feeling dizzy after just two or three. My 11-year-old, however, was perfectly fine, so maybe I just needed more breakfast! Queues for the popular rides were short, and we managed to go on most roller coasters at least twice. There were also several shows throughout the day, though we skipped them to make the most of our time on the rides. While the merchandise isn’t as premium or recognizable as Universal’s, the park definitely offers better value for money. The only downside is the layout—there aren’t many shortcuts between zones, so we had to walk all the way back to the entrance just to reach KFC. Speaking of KFC, ordering was tricky. They don’t take counter orders or have digital kiosks; you must order via the local KFC app, which requires a local phone number. Thankfully, the manager kindly helped us order through his app and even paid first—we repaid him via Alipay. After lunch, we rented a buggy cart, which saved us tons of time and energy for the rest of the day.

If you want some adrenaline rush... this the perfect place. A lot of roller-coaster rides.. Try to plan visit in summers... couple of rides closed during winter. KFC and other fast food stalls inside. No worries about in-house food or lunch

The show is a great experience with even live animals coming on stage.

Golden mask dynasty show was awesome. A dance drama love story of king and queen is beautifully portrayed in this show. Queen’s sacrifice to save the country and people makes it fascinating. The sound, lights, costumes, acting, dances and water flow effects are beyond words. If you visit Beijing, don’t miss this epic show.

Temu workers did a good job. Visiting from Russia it shows the quality in an alliance. My son almost fell of but he hanged on with his tip. Crazy experience. 20/0

Awesome Stuff & Place .. Love it so much I spend all the day and not finishing all Games but some games the Line very long but Great waiting with Chinese people Love them

A very big mall. They have south mall, Central mall, and north mall. You can find almost all brands you can think of. The bad thing is that it is a bit confusing to get around inside the mall. Many choices for foods, also. You can visit 6th floor outside terrace on the north mall for a good view of the iconic CCTV headquarters building.

it’s an ok place the usual boring overpriced. rands now on 3rd level a tax refund counter if course no staff so you probably cans refund buts china, noteworthy level B1 GaGa restaurant food is decent portions a bit small but taste good staff not hygienic manners and nearby Ralph Lauren coffe shop nice to hang out good cakes

China World Mall is one of the most beautiful and upscale shopping centers in Beijing, combining luxury shopping and entertainment in one place. The mall is huge, with several floors and more than 300 stores featuring top international and local brands—from high-end fashion and accessories to electronics and home products. What makes this mall special is that it’s not only for shopping but a complete experience. In the basement, there is an ice-skating rink and entertainment facilities, along with a wide range of dining options, from fine restaurants and cafés to quick bites for all tastes. The upper floors are filled with elegant fashion boutiques and stylish lounges. The décor is modern and elegant, with spacious, comfortable areas for walking around. The atmosphere is classy and enjoyable, and the layout is well-organized with clear signage that makes it easy to navigate between levels. One of the highlights is the outdoor terrace on the 6th floor, offering a stunning view of Beijing’s skyline, including the iconic CCTV Tower. Access is very convenient through the Guomao subway station, with direct entrances from the metro. Opening hours are from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and while it can get crowded on weekends, it is absolutely worth visiting. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a premium and complete shopping experience in the heart of Beijing

Nice, big & spacious shopping centre in the Guomao CBD area. Clean, peaceful & not as crowded as the malls along Wangfujing Avenue. Part of the China World Trade Center complex, it’s connected to hotels, offices & residences. Inside are luxury brands like LV, Dior & Gucci alongside cafés, restaurants & even an ice-skating rink. Bright modern design, easy to walk around & great for a relaxed shopping experience away from the tourist rush.

Very big mall with branded fashion, speciality stores, cafes to spend a day. Enjoyed sipping Chinese wine at Baker & Spice, enjoy Chinese desserts from Tangsuo and a must visit to TO SUMMER perfume shop for the Chinese limited edition perfume oils made from Chinese tea essence, tangerine peels is rare and a is a must.

A very large shopping mall with all kinds of brands and restaurants you can think of. Very big you will get lost. Give yourself time to shop about, get lost and find your exit when you need to. There’s nice Peking duck in the B1 if you can find the shop in this maze of a mall. But it’s amazing and fun for the whole family.

Massive and different - worth a visit. There are many of the common lux brand stores, but also plenty of unique shops for arts, crafts, clothes and kids stuff. The atmosphere is quite different to a typical 'western' mall, it's very wide, not crowded and spotless. The 7th floor has a row of great restaurants with a view of the CCTV tower, as well as a large terrace with the same view.

Nice park to walk with a small shops area that provides some interesting local foods. Supposedly a lovely evening walk with pubs and restaurants.

This is one of the best areas for tourists to come get a drink. There are many bars for you to choose from and there is a wide variety of music, so you may select the one with the most suitable genre to you. The bar is next to the lake which can be nice to take a stroll around especially in the evening as the sun is slowly setting. There are also some food streets that are located in the area, but you will find better food streets else where.

One of the best nightlife tourist area with lots of locals and a younger crowd. Live music in many bars, scenic lake, lanterns and street food. Lots of shops with fair prices.

One of my favorite spots in Beijing. Take a relaxing walk around the lake, enjoy the views, food, and the calm of daily local life.

Nightlife and bars of Beijing. Plenty of food options also to choose from. You can come here at night after forbidden palace and jingshan park. Worth it to drop by to take a look!

Houhai (后海) is a great place to take a casual stroll by a body of water in the middle of Beijing. Start from any end of it and loop around for a complete view. Its proximity to various other tourist attractions, such as Prince Gong’s Mansion (恭王府) and the former residence of Soong Ching Ling (wife of Dr Sun Yat Sen) makes it a good in between stop for a change of scenery. Houhai is also known for its bar street where there are dozens of bars offering live music and cozy seats. Many of these bars also double as cafes in the afternoons as business is slow these days - they serve overpriced drinks and finger food but are nice for having a place to sit down and warm up, especially on a snowy day.

This is simply a lake in the middle of Beijing, although the day I went is very hot, there's a lot of people crowded on the street, however, the view is still stunning. In my opinion, the best season to be here is not Summer, is Spring, not as hot as summer, but the trees are still green, so the view is the same as in the summer time.

Nice architecture. The mosques was under some renovation but it still looks beautiful.

The area around the mosque is an Islamic quarter with a lot of Islamic shops, restaurants , eateries, bakeries, supermarkets etc. very unique and good for the Islamic community, or tourists. There’s many long Q for the shops and have long history. So I think it’s very popular even for the locals. The mosque itself is adjacent to the popular shops. But unfortunately it’s closed for 3 years renovation from Feb 2025. There’s an ancient boundary wall still left behind. Interesting stuff. Hope I can see inside.

Main gate is closed for renovation, but we can enter from the side gate in Shuru Hutong. The congregational prayer usually starts quite a while after the actual adhan time.

Niujie Mosque is the oldest and largest mosque in Beijing, and a key symbol of Islam in China. It was established over 1,000 years ago during the Liao Dynasty. Several Chinese dynasties later helped restore and expand it. The mosque looks like a traditional Chinese temple from the outside — with curved roofs and red wooden pillars — but inside, it has clear Islamic features like Arabic calligraphy and the qibla (direction of prayer). Located in the Niujie (Ox Street) area, which is home to many Muslims (especially from the Hui ethnic group). You’ll also find halal restaurants, butchers, and Islamic schools nearby. The mosque is still used daily for prayers, including Friday prayers, and welcomes Muslim visitors from around the world. Nearest stations: Taoranting or Caishikou Station (short taxi or walk from there)

A small mosque, maybe can cater for 200- 300 jemaah or maybe more. The mosque also have a room for ladies, toilet with bidet, and ablution. The mosque have a main hall and also open space. The entrance would be at the side of the area facing the main road, I am not sure the road name , but once i got the name, insyaAllah will edit my posting. This mosque also available for kumaat prayer and khutbah, in mandarin.

The mosque is currently undergoing a 3-year long renovation since mid 2024. FYI there is a small prayer hall at the back that is open to public for prayer.

Amazing mosque! North west gate is open if you look straight at main gate