Best places to see in Beijing in 3-4 days trip

What to see in Beijing: the ancient Chinese capital

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital of China and one of the most important cities in the world in terms of history, culture, and politics. Located in the north of the country, Beijing is one of China’s largest cities and boasts a history that stretches back thousands of years. Here, I share my experience in the Chinese capital and provide a Basic Guide with the best places to see in Beijing.

With a history spanning 3 millennia, Beijing is estimated to have a population of 22 million people. The city is known for its blend of modern architecture and historic landmarks, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

There is so much to see that even a 3-day visit might not be enough. How much you can explore will depend on the time you have and your priorities when deciding what to see in China. Luckily, most of the city’s main attractions are concentrated in the center. Let’s begin:

Travel from Kunming to Beijing by train

After 7 months living in Kunming, I decided to return to Spain, but not without first taking a 4-day trip to Beijing. From Kunming, the best connections to fly to Barcelona are through Hong Kong or Beijing. Out of curiosity, I chose to travel from Kunming to Beijing by train. I was about to cross China from end to end by train.

The ticket cost me 320 RMB (approximately 40 euros), and I had 38 hours of travel ahead of me! To make it even more challenging, I had a seat rather than a sleeper berth, as all the beds were fully booked. It was definitely going to be an experience.

And it truly was. Upon boarding the train, I immediately realized two things: first, I was probably the only foreigner in the seated compartments; and second, they had clearly sold far more tickets than there were seats. People were cramming into the spaces between the carriages or sitting in the middle of the aisles. It was absolute chaos.

What is it like to go from Kunming to Beijing by train?

To use the bathroom, I had to perform acrobatics to avoid stepping on anyone, and taking a stroll through the train was out of the question—completely impossible! However, the trip didn’t feel as exhausting as it could have, thanks to the occasional visits from curious Chinese passengers who stopped by my seat to chat. I even had a few laughs with them. Some got a bit persistent, trying to get me drunk by offering me Baijiu (China’s most typical alcoholic drink, usually around 52% alcohol). They drank it almost like water!

What also helped was that the journey included one night, a full day, and another night, giving me the chance to sleep quite a bit across the two nights. Still, by the time I arrived in Beijing a day and a half later, my feet were swollen from sitting for so long without being able to move much. Although my curiosity had been satisfied, I knew for certain that it was an experience I wouldn’t repeat.

Now, here’s a list of the top places worth visiting in Beijing, so you can decide for yourself which spots interest you the most.

Best places to see in Beijing:

1. The famous Tiananmen Square

At the heart of the city lies the iconic Forbidden City, with Tiananmen Square located right in front of it. Both sites are must-see landmarks, renowned for their historical significance and stunning architecture.

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and has been the stage for many pivotal events in China’s modern history. The square is entirely fenced off (a measure reportedly in place since the 1989 protests) and can only be accessed through two guarded entry points.

The square holds great political importance, serving as the venue for official events like parades, ceremonies, and National Day celebrations. On the southern side of the square is the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, which houses the body of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China. Visitors can view his body preserved in a glass coffin, making the mausoleum a significant site for those wishing to pay their respects to the late leader.

2. Visit the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, just north of Tiananmen Square, is one of the largest and best-preserved palaces in the world. It was the imperial residence of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties and has been a symbol of China’s imperial authority and power for over 500 years.

The ticket to this vast and impressive complex costs only 80 RMB (around 10 euros). For this price, you can spend a couple of hours exploring what was once the imperial palace and the home of China’s ancient dynasties. The Forbidden City was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987 due to its historical and cultural significance, as well as its stunning architecture.

Once you exit, just across from the Forbidden City, on a hill, you’ll find Jingshan Park. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Forbidden City from above. It’s one of those must-see places during your 3-day trip to Beijing. An unmissable visit!

3. The peaceful Beihai Park

Beihai Park is one of the most iconic and historic imperial gardens in Beijing, located in the heart of the city, to the northwest of the Forbidden City. Covering an area of approximately 69 hectares, nearly half of which is occupied by Beihai Lake, this park is a magnificent example of traditional Chinese garden design, blending natural landscapes with traditional architecture and cultural elements.

It is one of the many parks surrounding the Forbidden City, where visitors can stroll peacefully and enjoy the views as well as the water canals. Some of these parks require an entrance ticket, though they are usually not very expensive. Of all the parks, my favorite was Beihai Park. This park features a small island at the center of the lake, crowned by an imposing white stupa. The island is accessible via a beautiful stone bridge that connects it to the rest of the park.

4. The beautiful Temple of Heaven

Another famous site in Beijing that is worth a visit is the Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, this religious complex was used by emperors to perform ceremonies and prayers to the Heaven, seeking good harvests and harmony for the empire. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most beautiful temples I’ve seen in China. It’s a bit farther from the city center, but the trip is well worth it.

It has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. It is generally open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM (hours may vary depending on the season). There are different tickets available for access to the park and main areas, with prices ranging from ¥15 to ¥35. And remember, Chinese people usually don’t like waking up early, so if you visit the most famous sites, it’s best to go early in the morning to enjoy their tranquility.

5. The amazing Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, the largest fortification ever built by humankind and the most famous and most visited monument in all of China, is certainly worth a visit.

Built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect against rivals, the wall stretches across nine provinces of China, from Liaoning in the northeast to Gansu in the northwest, with an estimated total length of about 21,000 kilometers. On average, it stands 6 to 7 meters tall and is 4 to 5 meters wide.

Some of the most famous and accessible sections are Badaling and Mutianyu, near Beijing, where tourists can walk along the wall and get a close look at its features. There are also more remote and less restored sections, such as Jiayuguan in the northwest or Simatai, which are less crowded but equally stunning.

6. Beijing Neighborhoods and Hutongs

The hutongs, ancient neighborhoods of low houses and narrow alleys, make Beijing sometimes feel like a small village. Of course, it’s always a village bustling with people everywhere. Today, the hutongs are filled with food stalls and souvenir shops, and although they have become a tourist hotspot, they still retain some of their charm.

The shopping street Wangfujing, one of the most visited by tourists, is also worth a stroll to experience the everyday life of the capital. If you still have time, I also recommend checking out the Summer Palace and the Silk Market.

For a night out or to grab a drink, head to Sanlitun and Wudakou. Sanlitun is closer to the city center, while Wudakou, located on the outskirts in the university district, is where all the university students in Beijing go out.

7. The historic Confucius Temple

The Confucius Temple is dedicated to the most famous Chinese philosopher in history. You can take this visit as an opportunity to learn about Chinese culture and his teachings, many of which are still applied today in China’s education system and throughout society.

Built in 1302, it is the second-largest Confucius temple in China, after the one in Qufu, Shandong Province. This temple is an ideal place to enjoy a bit of tranquility and spirituality, which can be hard to find in Beijing. In Jianshui, a city in Yunnan Province, you can also find one of the most important Confucius temples.

More information about China

In my opinion, as long as you don’t encounter a day with heavy pollution where you can’t see beyond 50 meters, have patience with some aspects of Chinese culture, and avoid crowded places, anyone traveling to Beijing will be able to enjoy its charms peacefully.

If you’re thinking of traveling to China, you can take a look at our Guide to Traveling in China and the 5 Things That Impacted Me Most About Living in China. We also organize tours to China, such as the Yunnan organized Tour.

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