Beijing boasts major attractions such as the Forbidden City, a majestic complex of imperial palaces; Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city center square; the Great Wall (e.g., Badaling Section), an awe-inspiring ancient military defense structure; the Summer Palace, an exquisite imperial garden renowned for its lakes and landscapes; and the Temple of Heaven, an ancient site for imperial sacrifices to Heaven, featuring solemn and ancient architecture. Each site embodies profound historical and cultural significance.

Beijing’s Main History
With a 3,060-year urban history, Beijing is one of China’s four great ancient capitals. It served as the imperial seat for the Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties and became the capital of the People’s Republic of China on 1 October 1949.

Beijing’s Latitude & Longitude
City center: 39°54′20″ N, 116°25′29″ E.

Beijing’s Total Area
16,410.54 km².

Beijing’s Permanent Resident Population
21.832 million (latest official figure, end-2024).

Number & Names of Beijing Airports
2 civil airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).

Number & Names of Beijing’s Main Railway Stations
5 main stations: Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West, Beijing South, Beijing North, and Beijing Chaoyang.

When Beijing Opened Its Metro & How Many Lines Exist
First metro line opened 1 October 1969; as of January 2025, the city operates 29 metro lines.

Beijing’s Geographic Position in China
Northern China, on the North China Plain, adjacent to the Bohai Sea; borders Tianjin to the east and is otherwise surrounded by Hebei Province.

Beijing’s Geographic Features
Terrain slopes from northwest (higher) to southeast (lower). The western hills are a branch of the Taihang Mountains; the northern Jundu range belongs to the Yanshan Mountains. The city is ringed by mountains on three sides, opening southeastward to the Bohai plain. Average elevation: 43.5 m.

Beijing’s Climate Characteristics
Warm-temperate semi-humid/semi-arid monsoon climate: hot, rainy summers; cold, dry winters; short, transitional springs and autumns.

Months of Beijing’s Four Seasons
Spring: March–May; Summer: June–August; Autumn: September–November; Winter: December–February.

Beijing’s Annual Average Temperature
≈ 12.5 °C (urban area).

Beijing’s Annual Average Precipitation
≈ 585 mm.

Best Times to Visit Beijing
Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).

Beijing’s Peak Tourist Seasons
Late April–late May and mid-September–late October (National Day “Golden Week” is busiest).

Major Tourist Attractions
Forbidden City, Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park, Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest & Water Cube).

Main Shopping Streets & Locations
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street (Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District) and Sanlitun Taikoo Li (Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District).

Signature Beijing Snacks
Peking Roast Duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean-meat sauce), Douzhi (fermented mung-bean milk), Lüdagun (rolling donkey glutinous roll), and Tanghulu (candied hawthorn skewers).

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, is the imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties, located at the center of Beijing's central axis. It is one of the largest and most intact ancient wooden structure architectural complexes in the world. Tiananmen Square, as the prelude to the Forbidden City, is a landmark location in China, where the morning flag-raising ceremony is solemn and reverent.

Tiananmen Square

Tian'anmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of the world's largest urban central squares. It is framed by Tian'anmen Gate to the north, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall to the south, the National Museum of China to the east, and the Great Hall of the People to the west. In the center stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. It is a significant venue for major national celebrations and public gatherings, witnessing China's historical changes and prosperity.

The Great Wall

The Great Wall, one of China's symbols, is one of the greatest architectural achievements in human history. Badaling Great Wall is the most famous segment of the Beijing section, with a total length of about 3,741 meters, renowned for its grandeur, magnificence, and good preservation. Standing on the Great Wall, one can overlook the rolling mountains and feel the vicissitudes and greatness of history.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is the most intact royal garden in China, known as the "Royal Garden Museum." The garden features a harmonious blend of landscapes and exquisite architecture, particularly famous for its Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, Corridor, and Stone Boat attractions. The Summer Palace after a snowfall is even more beautiful, resembling a fairyland with its red walls and white snow, serene and peaceful.

Bird's Nest

The Bird's Nest, officially known as the National Stadium, was the main stadium for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Its unique bird's nest design not only showcases the extraordinary creativity of modern architecture but has also become a new landmark in Beijing. The Bird's Nest at night, illuminated by lights, is even more splendid and a popular spot for tourists to take photos.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for good harvests, located on the east side of Beijing's central axis. With the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar as its core buildings, the Temple of Heaven has a rigorous layout and a magnificent atmosphere. It was not only an important venue for ancient royal sacrifices but also an excellent place to understand ancient Chinese astronomy, calendar, and architectural art.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are the cemetery complexes of 13 Ming dynasty emperors, located at the foot of Tianshou Mountain in Changping District, Beijing. The cemetery area is vast and well-preserved, serving as important physical materials for studying Ming dynasty history, culture, and architectural art. Visitors can experience the solemnity and mystery of the imperial tombs of the Ming dynasty here.

Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace was a large royal garden in the Qing dynasty, known as the "Garden of Gardens." Although it has undergone calamities, the ruins park still retains some exquisite buildings and garden landscapes. Walking through it, one can imagine the splendor and magnificence of the former royal garden.

Sanlitun (Bars Street)

Sanlitun is a famous fashionable landmark in Beijing, renowned for its bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and other entertainment venues. It brings together trendy cultures and fashion elements from around the world, making it the ultimate choice for experiencing Beijing's urban nightlife.

Wangfujing (Walking Street)

Wangfujing is one of Beijing's most prosperous commercial streets, with a long history and a concentration of merchants. It not only has various time-honored shops and specialty snacks but also modern shopping centers and entertainment venues, making it a great place for tourists to shop and relax.

Qianmen Street

Qianmen Street is a famous historical and cultural street in Beijing, with numerous time-honored shops and specialty snacks. The buildings on both sides of the street are quaint and full of the charm and flavor of old Beijing. Walking along Qianmen Street, one can feel the strong traditional cultural atmosphere.

Universal Studios

Beijing Universal Studios is a large theme park that integrates traditional elements and international entertainment, featuring many popular movie-themed rides and performances. It is an ideal choice for family trips and outings, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of movies and enjoy endless fun and excitement.

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