Exploring Beijing

This covers some of the mus see attractions if you’re visiting Beijing. Everything covered is something not to be missed. 2-3 days are needed to cover everything featured on the list.

Day 1 – Discovering Beijing’s Imperial Majesty

Great wall of China

Start your journey with one of the most iconic landmarks on Earth, the Great Wall of China. Though not located directly in Beijing, it’s easily accessible from the city and absolutely worth the trip. The Mutianyu section is the best area to visit it’s less crowded and offers two distinct experiences: the Western section, which has been extensively restored, and the Eastern section, which remains less renovated and provides a more authentic glimpse of the Wall’s original state. The experience is truly breathtaking.

Travel Tip: Get there early to avoid crowds, and wear comfortable shoes there are plenty of steep steps and uneven surfaces!

Summer Palace

Next, head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Its a great way to slow down and soak in some history. You can purchase a ticket for boat which takes you around the lake where you can up close and personal with the sights.

Day 2 – Culture, Pandas & Imperial Grandeur

Beijing Zoo & The Panda House

Start your day with something a little more playful a visit to the Beijing Zoo, home to a wide range of animals, but most famous for its Panda House. Watching the pandas lounge around and munch on bamboo is a heartwarming experience. With only 1,900 pandas left in the world, seeing these rare animals up close is truly special.
Fun Fact: Giant pandas are considered a national treasure in China!

Forbidden kingdom

This massive palace complex served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years. It’s such an impressive infrastructure, another UNESCO Heritage site and one of the highlights of my time spent exploring Beijing, as it’s just filled with an abundance of history where you could spend hours exploring.

Temple of Heaven

Next, make your way to the Temple of Heaven, a serene complex of religious buildings set in a beautiful park. This is where emperors once prayed for good harvests.