Explore Beijing’s Top Attractions 2025
Discover Beijing attractions near Qianmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen, Wangfujing & Dashilan, with courtyard dining and concierge tours.
Planning a day around Beijing’s historic core? This guide maps six essential stops—easy tips, photo moments, and a refined dining pause at the hotel’s courtyard restaurant between sights. Stay steps from it all at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing.
Table of Contents
Beijing Attractions Within Easy Reach:
Qianmen Street
This Ming–Qing avenue is a living stage set: trolley cars glide past restored façades, time-honoured pharmacies, and century-old snack shops. Come early for soft light on the gate towers, or after dusk when lanterns glow and street performers appear. Detour into the hutongs for teahouses and intimate cafés; many keep vintage interiors that photograph beautifully. If you’re shopping, look for traditional cloth shoes and Beijing pastries to take home. It’s one of the most atmospheric Beijing attractions to start or end your day.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Beijing’s imperial heart rewards planning. Secure timed tickets in advance, enter via the Meridian Gate, and trace the central axis through grand halls before veering into quieter side courtyards for carved beams and ruby door-studs. Finish at Shenwumen (north gate), then climb Jingshan Park for the classic panoramic roofline at golden hour. Travel light, security checks are thorough, and wear comfortable shoes. For art lovers, schedule an extra hour in the Treasure Gallery; it’s a highlight among beijing attractions.
Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park)
At dawn, locals practice tai chi, play shuttlecock, and sing in shady groves—join respectfully or simply observe. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests glows blue in morning light; walk the Long Corridor to the Echo Wall and the Circular Mound Altar for symmetry-rich photos. The park’s scale makes it ideal for an unhurried loop before breakfast. If you enjoy urban nature within Beijing attractions, this is the gentle, contemplative counterpoint to the Forbidden City’s grandeur.
Tiananmen Square
A vast ceremonial plaza framed by monumental architecture, Tiananmen is best at sunrise or sunset for the flag-raising/lowering ritual. Arrive 20–30 minutes early, carry your passport for the checkpoints, and keep belongings minimal. The square pairs naturally with the National Museum of China across the boulevard—reserve time for ancient bronzes and Silk Road galleries. Wide sightlines and formal axes make it one of the most photographed Beijing attractions; mind the rules about tripods and restricted zones.
Wangfujing
After dark, Wangfujing becomes a ribbon of neon with bookshops, department stores, and snack alleys. Sample candied hawthorns, handmade noodles, or sesame sweets; if you prefer sit-down dining, choose a modern bistro on a side street to escape the crowds. Daytime is for shopping flagships; evenings are for street food and people-watching. It’s an easy add-on to your beijing attractions circuit when you want lively energy before retreating to courtyard quiet.
Dashilan (Dazhalan)
One of Beijing’s oldest commercial lanes, Dashilan mixes historic shop signs, silk merchants, hatmakers, and small theatres for shadow-play and opera snippets. Slip into side alleys for hidden cafés and craft studios; many storefronts carry “laozihao” (time-honoured brand) plaques with fascinating backstories. Photographers will find carved eaves, lattice windows, and weathered textures at every turn. Together with Qianmen Street, Dashilan forms a walkable duet within the core Beijing attractions.
Dining at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing
Return to a serene courtyard setting crafted for every part of your day.
- All-day restaurant: Seasonal Chinese favourites and international plates in a calm, sun-washed room.
- À la carte breakfast: Nourishing starts for museum mornings and park walks.
- Courtyard tables: Tea service and light bites outdoors (weather permitting).
- Bar & lounge: Classic cocktails, Chinese teas, and elegant small plates—perfect pre- or post-stroll.
- In-room dining: Private meals when you want a quiet evening in.
- Dietary care: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available on request.
Book Your Stay
Reserve your courtyard room or suite at Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing for best available rates, 24-hour reception, priority luxury dining, curated hutong tours, and smooth private transfers. The concierge handles tickets, timings, and tailored routes so your stay flows from check-in to sunset.
Reserve now at VIP Tables Mykonos.