Zhoukoudian Site (Peking Man)

About 50 km southwest of Beijing, Zhoukoudian harbors the caves where remains of Homo erectus pekinensis were discovered. UNESCO site, renovated museum and 500,000 years of human history in half a day.

Houhai Lake

Houhai is the rear lake of the historic Shichahai district in Beijing. Surrounded by hutongs, weeping willows and bars, it offers an authentic glimpse of Beijing life, from tranquil mornings to lively evenings.

Guozijian (Imperial College of Beijing)

Guozijian is the imperial academy that trained China's highest officials for six centuries. Its serene courtyards, pavilion spanning a canal, and inscribed stelae make it a major historical site in Beijing.

Beijing National Swimming Centre (The Water Cube)

The Water Cube in Beijing, National Swimming Centre of the 2008 Olympics, captivates with its translucent facade of ETFE cushions mimicking bubbles. Visit, history and practical tips to explore this unique Olympic site.

Parc Zhongshan de Pékin

Zhongshan Park in Beijing

A former imperial park south of the Forbidden City, Zhongshan Park is home to the Altar of Earth and Harvests and a memorial dedicated to Sun Yat-sen.

Yandaixie Street

A historic hutong in Beijing near the Drum Tower, Yandaixie Street preserves the legacy of the Qing tobacco trade and houses shops and teahouses.

Beijing World Park

Southwest of Beijing, World Park assembles miniature reproductions of the emblematic monuments of five continents across 46.7 hectares.

Temple du Ciel

Temple of Heaven

UNESCO-listed imperial site south of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven brings together the Circular Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

Place Tian'anmen

Tiananmen Square

At the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square distills the imperial and political history of Chine. Practical guide: monuments, flag ceremony, access and tips.

Temple Tanzhe

Temple of the Pond and Wild Mulberries

Founded in 307 in the mountains west of Beijing, Tanzhe Temple is the region's oldest Buddhist temple, celebrated for its thousand-year-old ginkgos.

The Summer Palace

Former summer retreat of the Qing court 12 km from Beijing, the Summer Palace unfolds across 2.9 km² of lakes, hills and imperial pavilions listed by UNESCO.

Sanlitun District

A cosmopolitan quarter of Beijing, Sanlitun brings together embassies, shopping malls and bars. The go-to destination for international shopping and nightlife in Chaoyang District.

Qianmen Pedestrian Street

Historic pedestrian street in Beijing linking the Qianmen gate to the Temple of Heaven: century-old shops, Peking duck and a heritage tram in the heart of the Dashilan district.

Gong Prince's Palace

A Qing imperial residence among the best preserved in Chine, Gong Prince's Palace reveals in Beijing its Siheyuan architecture and the Shicha Lake garden.

Beijing Olympic Park

Built for the 2008 Olympics and reused for the 2022 Winter Games, Beijing Olympic Park brings together the Bird's Nest and Water Cube across 11 km².

Panjiayuan Antique Market

Beijing's largest antique market, Panjiayuan brings together 3,000 stalls of art objects, antique furniture and collectibles in Chaoyang District.

Niujie Street

The heart of Beijing's Muslim community, Niujie Street is home to the capital's oldest mosque, founded in 996, and a vibrant neighbourhood with halal flavours.

Nanluoguxiang Alley

In Beijing, Nanluoguxiang Alley runs through one of the oldest hutong quarters, blending Yuan architecture, boutiques and word-of-mouth dining spots.