Summer Palace (53% recommend)
Walk through the gate and the lake opens up in front of you—that first hit of space is unforgettable. Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill set the scene; follow the Long Corridor or climb to the Tower of Buddhist Incense, with stone underfoot and water stretching out ahead. I found it more relaxing than expected—you can linger at the Seventeen-Arch Bridge and Suzhou Street without rushing. Come back after a winter snowfall and the whole place looks like an ink wash painting; if the ice rink on Kunming Lake is open, a quick skate is magic. Budget at least half a day; enter from the East Palace Gate or North Palace Gate, and wander the lake or hike as you like.
Tiananmen Square (47% recommend)
Get there early and grab a spot—when the flag-raising guard marches out, the crowd goes quiet. That moment of solemnity hits harder in person than any video. Come back for the lowering at dusk, or at night when the lights come on and the red walls and gate tower take on a different weight. Free to visit, but bring your passport; security is strict, so travel light.
Forbidden City (45% recommend)
Walk under the red walls, look up at the golden tiles and sweeping eaves—the light shifts with the season and time of day, and you'll get why the imperial aesthetic still lands. The central axis with the Three Great Halls, the Inner Palaces, and the Imperial Garden feels massive; the Treasure Gallery and Clock Gallery are worth squeezing in. Budget at least half a day. Book ahead on the Palace Museum WeChat mini-program (tickets drop 7 days in advance). Enter at Meridian Gate, exit via Shenwu Gate or Donghua Gate.
Badaling Great Wall (43% recommend)
The climb will leave you breathless, but once you hit the watchtower it's worth it—the wall snakes along the ridge, stone underfoot, mountains and passes all around, and the wind feels incredible. The "He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man" stele and North Tower 8 are both here. Save your legs with the cable car or toboggan. In peak season, book tickets ahead on the Badaling Great Wall WeChat account. You can drive, take a bus, or a tourist shuttle. Plan for most of a day.
Shichahai (39% recommend)
Stroll the lake at dusk—willows, red walls, and water blend together, and Yinding Bridge is the spot for sunset. For a slower vibe, hop on a boat. The surrounding hutongs and courtyard houses lead into Yandai Xiejie, bars, and street snacks; the old-Beijing atmosphere hits different here, especially in the evening. Free to enter; boats and some courtyards charge separately.
Old Summer Palace (38% recommend)
Walk along the ruins of the European Palaces and the Great Fountains, then contrast that with the water and gardens of Fuhai and Changchun Garden—there's a quiet heaviness to it. Ruins, lake, history, and nature sit side by side; it's a place to slow down and reflect. Spring brings peach blossoms; in autumn the reeds turn gold. Book tickets ahead; Line 4 goes straight to Yuanmingyuan station. Pair with the Summer Palace in a day—order doesn't matter—and allow 2–3 hours each.
Jingshan Park (32% recommend)
The climb is easy, but the payoff from Wanchun Pavilion is huge—the whole Forbidden City spreads out below, red walls and golden tiles in one sweep. You only really feel the scale of the central axis from up here. Perfect right after the Palace; late-afternoon light makes for great photos. Cheap entrance, but you need a reservation; pair with the Forbidden City and Beihai in one day.
Temple of Heaven (32% recommend)
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—blue tiles and gold spire—sticks in your mind. It's a different vibe from the Forbidden City's red and gold. Stand in the right spot at the Echo Wall and shout; the way the sound comes back is surprisingly fun. Ancient cypresses fill the grounds; autumn ginkgo season is ideal for a stroll and photos. Get the combo ticket to see the main buildings; book on the Temple of Heaven WeChat account and allow 2–3 hours.
Olympic Park (28% recommend)
Best from dusk into night—once the Bird's Nest and Water Cube light up, a shot from the plaza captures that modern-Olympic vibe. You can buy separate tickets to go inside either venue, but the exterior alone is enough for most. Park entry is free; take Line 8 to Olympic Park station. Easy to combine with dinner or an evening stroll in the surrounding malls.
798 Art District (26% recommend)
Old factories turned into galleries, cafes, and murals—low-pressure wandering. See an exhibition, take photos, or just stroll; no "must-check-in" pressure. Half a day is enough; an afternoon coffee and a couple of galleries hits the right pace. No admission fee; some exhibits charge. Metro Line 14 to Wangjing South or Ji Tai, then a short walk. Pairs well with the Summer Palace or Olympic Park on the same day, different times.
