Beijing

About this city

Beijing, the capital of China, blends imperial heritage such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall with a modern metropolis.

In winter start at Yongdingmen and follow the axis via Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and Bell-Drum Towers; book tickets in advance.

5 attractions

Asia's third Universal Studios park, where the Wizarding World of Harry Potter draws the biggest crowds.

Twenty-four emperors ruled from this vast red-and-gold palace, now one of the world's great museums.

The crowning achievement of Qing imperial garden design, where Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and the painted Long Corridor meet.

Where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests; its blue-tiled Hall of Prayer is a symbol of Beijing.

An ancient defensive line stretching thousands of kilometres from Shanhaiguan in the east to Jiayuguan in the west.