Are you having trouble planning your trip to Beijing?
I have an answer.
If you want to see China’s beautiful capital, Beijing, get ready for a cultural whirlwind, timeless beauty, and vistas you’ll never forget. This Beijing Reviews guide will take you on a thorough dive inside one of Beijing’s most famous tourist attractions, the Forbidden City. We’ll also include several adjacent gems to make your trip even better.
Quick Facts and Overview of Beijing
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) is the name.
Built between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty
Size: 180 acres and 980 structures
Did you know that this is the biggest ancient palace in the world?
UNESCO Status: World Heritage Site (1987)
Over the course of 500 years, 24 monarchs lived in this huge palace complex. It’s more than simply a monument; it’s a way to get into imperial China.
Where it is and how to get Beijing
📍 Location: North of Tiananmen Square, in the middle of Beijing. Take Line 1 to Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West Station to get there by subway. Go outside and walk for 5 to 10 minutes.
🚗 If you want to take a taxi, just say “故宫” (Gùgōng) to the driver and they’ll know.
💡 If you’re taking public transportation, try to avoid peak hours (7–9 AM and 5–7 PM).
Main Attractions of Beijing
The magnificent gateway is called Meridian Gate (Wu Men).
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the biggest and most famous hall.
Imperial Garden: A peaceful place full with meaning.
Treasure Gallery: Where imperial artifacts are kept.
Clocks Gallery: Old timepieces that are quite lovely.
Five Things You Shouldn’t Miss When Visiting Beijing
For a comprehensive perspective, climb Jingshan Park, which is right behind the palace.
The Nine-Dragon Screen is one of just three in all of China!
Golden Water Bridges are great places to take beautiful pictures.
The palace halls have very detailed ceilings.
The Hidden Garden, also known as the Imperial Garden, is a hidden gem!
Unique Features or Special Attractions of Beijing
A layout that is symmetrical and follows Confucian ideas.
No Nails Used: Traditional Chinese woodworking techniques are the height of architectural skill!
There is purpose behind every animal statue, path, and color.
Who Beijing Is Great for
People Who Love History: Get to know imperial life in depth.
Photographers and content creators: This is the perfect background!
Families: museums with hands-on activities and open areas.
Couples: Walks that are romantic, especially around sunset.
Travelers Alone: Safe and easy to get around.
Where to Stay Close By
Budget: 365 Inn Beijing Novotel Peace Hotel is in the middle price range. For luxury, choose the Peninsula Beijing or the Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
All of these places are within 15 minutes of the Forbidden City.
What and where to eat in Beijing🍜 Dishes You Have to Try:
Peking Duck (You have to try it at Quanjude or Da Dong)
Zhajiangmian (noodles made from soybeans)
Street skewers from the Wangfujing Night Market 🥢 Nearby Places to Eat: Siji Minfu (cheap and tasty duck!)
Café Zarah is a great place for coffee enthusiasts and people who work from home.
Hutong noodle stalls for a local feel
Best places to take pictures and post on Instagram, Best Shots:
From Jingshan Park at sunset
Red doors and gold knobs on the courtyard gates
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony
The dragon-carved marble steps
Imperial golden tiles on the roof against the blue sky. Tip: In the morning (8–9 AM), the light is softer and there are fewer tourists.
What locals say / Local Insight About Beijing
People from Beijing often say, “You haven’t been to Beijing if you haven’t been to the Forbidden City.”
Tip: Go on weekdays and in late fall (October to November) for the best weather and less people.
Things Tourists Do Wrong (and How to Avoid Them)
❌ Not getting tickets ahead of time.
✔️ Make a reservation online via the Palace Museum’s official website or app.
❌ Putting on shoes that hurt.
✔️ It’s a marathon on foot. Pick sneakers with padding!
❌ Not going to the galleries. ✔️ Some of the best gems are hidden in side halls.
Tips for smart budgeting for Beijing 💸 Tickets cost between 60 and 80 RMB (around $8 to $11).
🎧 40 RMB (5 USD) for the audio guide
📱 Get a map app or a museum app to save money on guides. Bring your own food and drinks because the ones inside are too expensive.
Packing Tips for Beijing 🎒 Things you need:
Shoes that are comfortable
Power bank (for all those pictures!)
Water container that can be refilled
In the summer, use sunscreen and a hat.
In the winter, wear a scarf or mask (Beijing can get dusty).
Friendliness for remote work and content creators
Do you have WiFi? Not all the time. But the surrounding cafes, such Café Zarah or Moka Bros, are good places to work from home.
📸 Makers: Get there early for clean shots. Don’t go on weekends. The place fills up quickly.
🎥 Bring a gimbal to make your castle walk-through videos seamless.
Add-On Experiences Nearby
🕌 5-minute walk south to Tiananmen Square 15-minute drive to the Temple of Heaven
🌿 Beihai Park is great for boating and wildlife, and Wangfujing Street Market is a great place to eat at night. Hutong tour: ancient streets with a lot of history
Respect Checklist (Cultural and Environmental Etiquette)
Don’t climb on or touch ancient stone carvings. Don’t shout or film loudly in prayer places or solemn rooms. No trash—Beijing is keeping this place clean. Dress modestly, especially if you’re going to surrounding temples. No taking pictures using drones without a permit
How Beijing Has Changed Over the Years
The Forbidden City has changed from a hidden imperial world that was walled off to the public to a global cultural icon. It’s more tourist-friendly than ever, with new halls, updated exhibits, and signs in two languages.
The soul stays the same, but what about the experience? It is sharper, smoother, and sticks in your mind.
My own experience and final thoughts About Beijing
Walking through the Forbidden City was like being in a museum that was alive. Every stone and artwork made the layers of history feel real. I took more than 300 pictures and barely scraped the surface!
If you like history, culture, and beautiful places, you have to see Beijing’s Forbidden City. Plan ahead, get there early, and let the history happen around you.
More reviews of Beijing are on the way! Want to learn more about the Summer Palace, the Great Wall, or secret hutongs? Stay tuned!
One thought on “Beijing Reviews: The Best Guide to Tourist Spots You Can’t Miss!”
Comments are closed.