Walk along the world's largest man-made structure, in beautiful countryside. There are 8 sections to explore near Beijing

Explore the world's largest imperial palace complex, with massive courtyards and magnificent architecture

With interconnected lakes and many pavilions, bridges and halls. A showcase of the art of Chinese gardens

This exquisitely beautiful and iconic temple is situated in large, liberally forested gardens

One of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in China, with a Tibetan style white dagoba on the hill in the lake. Plus many other scenic spots

The world's largest plaza. TianAnMen Gate connects the square to the Forbidden City. On the rostrum of this gate Mao ZeDong declared the People's Republic of China on October 1st 1949

Has a large collection of species from around the world. Set in a rich landscape of trees, hills and lakes with 30 large halls and one of the world's largest sea-life centers

The 'Old Summer Palace' has several lakes and rich landscaping. It once had more than 150 scenic spots until destroyed by invaders in 1860 and 1900. Some structures have now been restored.

Look out over Beijing from the beautiful Fragrant Hills that rise to 1,600m west of Beijing. Has a cable car for the ascent or decsent

See the wonderfully varied architecture, dance and culture of China's ethnic minorities

Badachu (8 Great Sites) Park

Temples and nunneries on a zigzag path up part of the Western Fragrant Hills. A nice mix of history, culture and the great outdoors

With lakes, streams, large musical fountain, a giant glasshouse and also the Wofosi (Sleeping Buddha) Temple

Explore the hutongs (ancient alleys) and the bars and cafes suround these peaceful lakes, by foot or by ricksaw. HouHai is at the heart of the tradional hutong area of central Beijing

Prince Gong's Mansion

An elaborate and exquisite example of a grand courtyards and garden residence from imperial days

ZhongShan Park

In honor of Sun YatSen, who helped create China's first republic, this delightful park lies between TianAnMen and the Forbidden City (on the west side)

One of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The building and artworks of YongHeGong combine Han Chinese and Tibetan styles

LongTan Park

'Dragon Park'. A beautiful and fascinating park with a large lake, rock gardens, boating and exercise areas

WangFuJing

Popular shopping district with 2 large malls and pedestrianised street. With WangFuJing Bookstore and a large Arts and Crafts store to its right

ChaoYang Park

'Rising Sun Park' has large lakes, a funfair area, hosts outdoor concerts and sport, and is also a great location for a walk. The surround is becoming a new nightlife area

JingShan Park

Directly north of the Forbidden City, it features the only hill in Beijing city. Like Tiantan, a popular place for locals who gather to exercise, sing and dance

Confucian Temple

Confucious was perhaps the greatest single influence on chinese thinking. Here is now housed 139 tablets inscribed with the '13 Classics'

Delightful small park between WangFuJing and TianAnMen Square on the north side of Chang'An Avenue

Yuan Dynasty Park

This new and very long park has a multitude of interesting sculptures and other features. A great place to take a relaxing stroll

Imperial City Wall Park

This new park follows part of the old city wall and is a lovely retreat from the bustle of nearby WangFuJing

'White Cloud' Taoist Temple

An important temple for taoism; a tranquil place to visit

Drum and Bell Towers

These towers are a common feature of chinese cities (and temples), used to announce the time during the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties

White Dagoba Buddhist Temple

The larger companion of the dagoba in Beihai Park is the centerpiece of this peaceful Buddhist temple

PanJiaYuan

A huge and lively semi-open market full of a wide variety of antiques, arts and and crafts, especially popular at weekends

'Grand View Garden'

Filled with archetypal chinese scenery : rocky hills and tunnels, bridges, courtyards, pavilions, a Buddhist temple, corridors and more, all set in a lush landscape with a lake, streams and trees

LianHuaChi Lotus Park

This quite new park is peaceful and offers exercise, fun and a relaxing stroll. And lots of lotus flowers, June to September (best: July & August)

YuYuanTan Park

A huge park with a large lake, famous for cherry blossom trees, and with many other features

Workers Cultural Palace

This peaceful park contains the beautiful Imperial Ancestral Temple

Purple Bamboo Park

Three connected lakes with two islands, lotus flowers, small hills, streams, bridges, pavilions, rock gardens and about 50 varieties of bamboo

798 Art Factory Zone

An old industrial park reborn as a thriving art district, with much of the old preserved by the new inhabitants. Galleries, workshops, cafes and bars

TV Tower

Golden dragons guard the tower that provides wonderful views of the city, with a viewing platform 250 meters high. Fast elevator and rotating restaurant

World Park

See many sites from around the world in miniature. In attractive gardens and with some fun rides

Ditan Park

The Temple of Earth is a 40 acre site with towering pine and cypress trees and a large square altar

TanZheSi and JieTaiSi

Set in forested mountains to the west of Beijing, these are tranquil retreats in fresh mountain air, scented with burning incence. Charming and hardly changed for centuries

LongQing Gorge

90km northwest of Beijing, this is a great day out with opportunities for boating and hiking. Within the gorge is the largest dam in northern China, more than 70 meters high

Ming Tombs

Giant statues line the Spirit Ways to underground tombs of emperors from the Ming Dynasty

LiuLiChang Market Street

Explore shops specialising in traditional chinese arts and crafts

'The Place'

(Almost) the world's largest LED screen runs though this high-end shopping and bars street. European classical style meets the ultra modern

'Happy Valley'

The latest stomach churning funfair rides set in 'mysterious ancient civilisations' themed areas

Ming Dynasty City Wall Park

A small open park along a remnant of the old city wall near ChongWenMen subway station