Top Attractions You Can’t Miss in Beijing
![The Great Wall, near Beijing in Hebei Province, China](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/e64936.webp)
There are some things you just can’t miss when visiting Beijing. Here are the Chinese capital’s most impressive attractions.
1. The Great Wall of China
Architectural Landmark
![Great Wall of China at the Jinshanling section](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ew6bxe.webp)
2. Summer Palace
Building
![Roofs in the Summer Palace Beijing](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/m87540.webp)
3. Temple of Heaven
Building, Hindu Temple, Park, Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark
![Beijing, China at the historic Temple of Heaven.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/pekj1r-1.webp)
4. Forbidden City
Building, Monastery, Museum, Art Gallery, Architectural Landmark
![Beijing, China city skyline at the Forbidden City.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/eex8d7.webp)
5. Tiananmen Square
Park, Building
![Guard on duty at the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Tiananmen Square, which serves as entrance to the Forbidden City in central Beijin](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/b5p6ga.webp)
Tiananmen Square is located right beside the Forbidden City, known for its incredible political significance. This huge space is home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, but the highlight is undoubtedly the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which houses the former leader’s embalmed body in its crystal coffin. Admission is free (though bear in mind no bags or cameras are permitted inside), but long queues form very quickly each day, so aim to get there early.
6. Panjiayuan Antique Market
Market, Shop
![Panjiayuan antique market, Beijing](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cxk1r4.webp)
7. Nanluoguxiang
Architectural Landmark
![Nanluoguxiang Beijing Hutong.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/e610p6.webp)
Nanluoguxiang is one of the most well-restored hutongs in Beijing. Even with the sea of tourists flooding its narrow alleyways, the area has still managed to preserve its old-school charms. The main walking path is lined with hundreds of bars, restaurants, clothing stores and souvenir shops. Culture Trip recommends branching off to check out some of the quieter alleys to discover pockets of local culture.
8. Wudaoying
Market
9. Wangfujing Snack Street
Market, Chinese
![The stalls on Wangfujing Snack Street sell food such as scorpions, silkworms and wasp larvae](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/d84wj2-1.webp)
This bustling street stretches across 2,000 square metres, offering over 500 different types of snacks from all over China. Some are sweet (candied hawthorns), others are savoury (deep-fried spiralled potato on a stick), and others appeal to tourists’ sense of shock value (snakes on a stick, spiders, starfish). Lots of small restaurants and stalls are also here for bigger, sit-down meals.