China travel guide: Essential attractions to visit in Beijing

Beijing is not just the capital of China; it is one of the most famous cities in the world!

Home to a rich history, the Great Wall of China and over 20 million permanent residents, it is a must-visit destination, but also an overwhelming one to tackle alone.

Travel News Blitz’s Zach Heynes takes you through the essential stops in Beijing, as explored in his China Travel YouTube series.

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a massive pavilion featuring palaces, gardens, hills, and lakes.

It was built by the Chinese Empress Cixi in 1886 as a destination of quiet retreat years after the old Summer Palace was destroyed by British and French troops. 

The scenic area houses features like Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, where you can seasonally experience boat rides to catch a stunning view.

Olympic Park

For anybody who was alive at the time, it’s difficult to forget the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

The Olympic Park offers a trip back in time where you can visit the iconic site as well as the Olympic Museum.

However, two gigantic attractions you have to explore are the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics centre; these will truly let you relive one of the world’s greatest global events.

Great Wall of China

Not much needs to be said to introduce this Wonder of the World.

For formality's sake, the Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications located towards the northern border. 

It was continuously built from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD and sits at an impressive length of 21,000km.

There are many sections to visit depending on what experience you are looking for, including unpreserved sections you can freely hike on.

The Badaling section is the most preserved and popular amongst tourists - but be sure to get there early to avoid the constant rush!

The tip of the iceberg

As incredible as these three major attractions are, Beijing offers so much more to explore.

Although it is known for its striking historical features, the city is also the home to hyper-modern architecture and massive malls, as well as the world-famous Peking Duck dish.

One of my personal highlights to explore was the 798 Art District - a repurposed industrial district used to display and celebrate modern art.

So for your trip to Beijing, try to visit as many of the greatest hits as you can, but don’t leave without doing something unfamiliar, too!

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