Beijing

The imperial palace of the Ming and Qing. From Jingshan Park, its golden roofs merge into one.

Suggested time

4 hours

Opening hours

Apr–Oct 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00); Nov–Mar 8:30–16:30 (last entry 15:30). Closed Mondays except public holidays.

Tickets & booking

¥60 Apr–Oct, ¥40 Nov–Mar. No same-day tickets: book on the official site with your passport number. Each day opens for booking at 20:00 seven days before.

Getting there

Metro Line 1 to Tian'anmen East or Tian'anmen West, then walk north to the Meridian Gate. Exit by the Gate of Divine Prowess or the East Prosperity Gate.

Checked 2026-10-06

Where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. The triple-roofed Hall of Prayer is its emblem.

Suggested time

3 hours

Opening hours

Park 6:00–22:00 (last entry 21:00). The Hall of Prayer and other sights 8:00–18:00 (last entry 17:30), closed Mondays except public holidays.

Tickets & booking

Combo ticket ¥34 and entry ¥15 Apr–Oct; ¥28 and ¥10 Nov–Mar. Book 1–7 days ahead on the “Temple of Heaven” WeChat account; foreign visitors can book with a passport.

Getting there

Metro Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen, Exit A, then about five minutes on foot to the East Gate.

Checked 2026-10-06

An imperial garden of lake and hill. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge links the shore to South Lake Island.

Suggested time

3 hours

Opening hours

Apr–Oct 6:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00), inner sights 8:00–18:00. Nov–Mar 6:30–19:00 (last entry 18:00), inner sights 8:30–17:00 and closed Mondays.

Tickets & booking

¥30 Apr–Oct, ¥20 Nov–Mar; some inner sights cost extra. Book 1–7 days ahead on the official WeChat account and enter with your passport, or buy at the service window by the gate.

Getting there

Metro Line 4 to Beigongmen for the North Palace Gate, or to Xiyuan (Exit C2) and a 10-minute walk to the East Palace Gate.

Checked 2026-10-06

A restored Ming section of the Wall along wooded ridges that change color in autumn.

Suggested time

3.5 hours

Opening hours

Mar 16–Nov 15: 7:30–18:00 on weekdays, to 18:30 at weekends; the rest of the year 8:00–17:30. Hours run later in summer; check the official site.

Tickets & booking

Entry ¥45, shuttle bus ¥15, cable car ¥140 return or ¥100 one way. Tickets are in your name, on sale 15 days ahead on the official site; passports accepted.

Getting there

A tourist bus leaves Dongzhimen metro station, Exit B1 (book by phone in advance). Or take bus 916 Express to Huairou North Avenue and change to h23, h24, h35 or h36.

Checked 2026-10-06

An imperial garden beside the Forbidden City, with the White Dagoba on Jade Flower Island.

Suggested time

2 hours

Opening hours

Apr–Oct 6:00–21:00 (last entry 20:30); Nov–Mar 6:30–20:00 (last entry 19:30).

Tickets & booking

Entry ¥10 Apr–Oct, ¥5 Nov–Mar; combo ticket ¥20 / ¥15. Sold at the park ticket offices. Booking online with a passport: not yet tested.

Getting there

Metro Line 6 to Beihai North, Exit B, then about five minutes east to the North Gate.

Checked 2026-10-06