A great place to visit in Beijing. It was built for the emperors & royals to stay during summer. Large man-made lake looked beautiful & the mountains made out of dug soil of lake were full of plants. Eastern side had beautiful looking royal palaces & buildings with long corridors, gardens & temple. A beautiful 150 meters long seventeen arched bridges led to the Dragon temple. Place had lot of pavilions, halls, gardens, bridges, Chinese traditional buildings with red walls & yellow roof.

Absolutely stunning. Not necessarily required to buy a ticket ahead of time but it’s nice to do it online and have a hassle free day. Cannot beat the views. I’d recommend either having a taxi app ready or have your hotel arrange one for you, the taxi drivers outside don’t go by meter but just name you a price.

It is a must-visit in Beijing. I went on a sunny warm day in early May. It was very full of locals as it was extended weekend of Labor Day. That made my visit a bit uncomfortable as they were thousands and thousands of people all around. Architecture of the Summer Palace is amazing and it is full of history. I used East and South-East entrance. Even in public holiday and nice weather, I didn’t have to wait more than 10 minutes to get tickets, which are affordable and worth the expense. There are nice paths and bridges to walk in quiet; also the lake is beautiful. I strongly suggest to pay the integrated ticket that allows you to see all attractions inside, as the Hall of the See of Wisdom and its Thousand-Hand Buddha Statue are amazing!!!

I swear may dwende talaga dito, got lost for four hours trying to find the exit.. 😂😂😂The place is beautiful, has a Spirited Away feel to it, but the vast expanse makes it easy for you to get confused with all the twists and turns around the hill, some paths lead to a dead end but it was an adventure I’ll never forget.

We went there on a very sunny day and the sky was blue. So landscape is breathtaking the architect is beautiful I like the colour of the architect so much. You can also take a walk here. It took about 2 to 3 hours to see everything. It’s always crowded from 10 o’clock in the morning, so it’s better if you could arrange to arrive at eight or 9 o’clock. You can easily purchase the ticket at the ticket office. We took subway from home there and on the way back, we took taxi.

Couldn’t see much unfortunately but it looked very good. Be aware though it is very crowded. Some of the buildings should be kept with a little more care in my opinion but overall the park is beautiful! Recommended if you couldn’t get the tickets for the forbidden city as they are almost impossible to get.

The place was so beautiful, during our visit it was really crowded (weekend) and hot Summer time in Beijing. There are so many sightseeing in this place, mostly related to the emperor's history, prepare yourself because the path is climbing the stairs until top level, on the top you can see the lake view, the bridge and city view. Bought the entrance fee through online around RMB 60.

Stunning palace with interesting history and lovely views. The boat ⛵ ride is fabulous ,you get to drive it yourself, and is definitely worth the price. Like the Forbidden city, this magnificent structure is also a hidden masterpiece of China 🇨🇳. I would recommend a visit.

This is a top attraction but a little bit of a let down after The Forbidden City. It's a pleasant park to explore, with plenty to see and do. You could spend a good half day here. It has one truly stunning view, across the lake to the Summer Palace, spoiled slightly by the regular heavy smog in the city. You need a ticket, of course. There's two kinds of tickets: one for the park and one that includes the park and the palace/museums. We bought the more expensive one, but didn't end of up going inside anywhere. The park is huge. We bought our tickets through trip dot com, which puts you in touch with third parties in China who can sort out the tickets for you. I wasn't sure if I could trust them, or that the email ticket they sent me would even work, but I was prepared to take a risk to reduce the hassle and learn more about what works and doesn't in China. And our tickets worked fine.

Exploring the Summer Palace in Beijing offers an incredible experience, immersing you in the grandeur of ancient Chinese architecture and serene natural beauty. Wander through this expansive imperial garden and be captivated by its picturesque landscape, tranquil lakes, and intricately designed pavilions and halls. Stroll along the Long Corridor, adorned with vibrant paintings, and admire the iconic Marble Boat floating on Kunming Lake. Climb to the top of Longevity Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Be sure to explore the various temples, bridges, and pagodas scattered throughout the palace grounds. Whether you're fascinated by history, seeking a peaceful escape, or want to admire stunning architecture, a visit to the Summer Palace is a must for any traveler in Beijing. by: dizzy traveler

Supremely beautiful place, basically a collection of palaces, lakes and parks. Bigger than the Forbidden Palace in size! It might take almost an entire day to explore the place completely. Highly accessible by metro and road, with very good connectivity. The tickets are fairly priced and one can choose the sections that one would want to visit if they are pressed for time, or take a combo ticket and explore the entire place if there is no time constraint. A must visit while in Beijing:)

One of my favorite spots to visit in the Beijing area! Truly a historical gem. It's definitely worth spending a day hiking around the hills overlooking the lake and walking on the paths and over the beautiful bridges. Of course, it can be very hot and crowded in the summer, so it's better to come in the spring or fall (although it will probably still be crowded - just less hot).

When it Beijing, your visit is not complete without visiting the Summer Palace. The place is 290 hectares and almost 270 years in existence…we went there past 5pm and we need to get a bike inside before it gets dark…it is a good place for walking, jogging and biking…next time I will visit, I will make sure to be there earlier to see more of its surroundings and history

A very elaborate and beautiful place. There is a lot to see and you can easily spend a day there. Might want to check the calendar and avoid visiting on a Chinese holiday as the crowds are huge.

Very beautiful ancient palace over 300 years old. Regardless of old sad stories, this place is worth visiting. The environment is so good and gave relaxing vibes. The lake was human made and it was so big.

Ticketing is done in 2 tiers - access to the park and lake; and then access to the palace buildings. There are loads of domestic tourists as you get nearer the palace buildings and things can get a bit rowdy. Otherwise the grounds itself are beautiful. Before exiting there are some buildings where Cixi used as offices and held court. Tickets can be bought right at the entrance, we did not find it necessary to prebook.

The summer palace is so incredibly beautiful. I could walk around the ground for hours!! There is an incredible view every corner you turn. I could not stop taking pictures!! Definitely worth a visit!

This is must see location if you ever visit Beijing, extraordinary and beautiful, there is a lot to walk and climb around, stairs and up and down, be careful and be prepared with good shoes! The Views are splendid and it’s worth the effort! To see things that they built so long ago still standing and how beautiful still are!!!You will have memories for ever!!!!

This was the garden for the mother of the emperor. The total size is even bigger than the forbidden city. The lake is connected to the forbidden city though It is advice you spend at least half day there as it is too big to finish all. If you want to take the boat to do a tour on the lake, you have to buy another ticket. It is very beautiful there however what you seen there might not be the original as some of it was damaged and recovered by the gov. Overall one of the must see places in Beijing. Recommended!!

This palace was built upon a hill facing a lake. Felt breeze while walking on the lawyers of buildings demonstrating their splendor, uniqueness and magnificence. It’s truly a summer palace for getaway. Come here early once door opened to avoid crowds. Order tickets online. We stopped by their restaurant for morning coffee tea break: delicious tea, desserts and various sweet soups. The lady even did a quick hairdo for our girls. We also saw an artist writing Chinese choreography on the floor.

Nestled in the heart of Beijing, the Summer Palace stands as a testament to China's rich history and architectural splendor. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a serene retreat from the bustling city, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of natural beauty and cultural significance. The Summer Palace is a picturesque landscape of tranquility and elegance. Its vast gardens, serene Kunming Lake, intricately designed pavilions, and ancient bridges create a mesmerizing panorama. Whether strolling along the Long Corridor adorned with vibrant paintings or admiring the views from the Marble Boat, every corner exudes a sense of timeless beauty. The Summer Palace is an enchanting haven that seamlessly intertwines natural beauty with historical grandeur. It's a place where one can appreciate the splendor of ancient China while finding solace amidst its breathtaking surroundings. A visit here is not just a sightseeing excursion but a profound journey through time and culture.

I recently visited this stunning place, and I must say, it's one of the most beautiful destinations I've ever experienced. The time spent here was absolutely worth it. To truly soak in the breathtaking views and scenery, I'd recommend allocating at least half a day. Yes, there are plenty of steps to climb, but the effort is handsomely rewarded by the unparalleled beauty awaiting at every turn. It's an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking natural splendor and tranquility.

Once upon a time in my life to go to this summer castle which is a lot of interesting historical stories. It fulfilled my dream so much particularly in dressing as Chinese cosplay which clicked for the Great Qing Dynasty who built this castle. Of course I'll go to visit again. Just when or next year? And you?

Beautiful place, and I saw some locals dressed up like characters from Empresses in the Palace! Some of the stone steps can be a little tricky, but it's in general a very easy walk as well. Careful not to be on a bridge as sun sets, though! The insects swarm a little.

A must visit for Beijing. It's located a bit out from the city centre, 1h commute on average but linked direclty with a subway line (Beihai). Prepare for a lot of walking and stairs. The palace and gardens are astounding, you need a separate ticket to visit the palace itself, which is not included in the park entrance, recommended to purchase online in advance. You can walk parts of it and take a boat across the lake, there are multiple routes operating on a fixed schedule, or small boats are available also for private hire. There are massive crowds post 10pm but as the complex is very large, it does not get that crowded outside tha palace area itself. As there are no restaurtants on the premises, only few minor shops selling coffee and small quick snacks, all visitors sit around the park with pots of noodles or anything else packed, many spots for a great picnic. Half a day is enough for exploring at leisure.

Prepare for a long walk. Yes it's beautiful and worth the visit. The palace grounds are huge to see it all is quite a trek. Many of the buildings are closed and the upkeep is lacking in a lot of areas. The crowds can be intense even in winter. While we did not have a tour guide, I got a chance to listen to a few. Nothing I heard was very interesting and they seemed to distract from the environment more than benefit, so maybe skip one. Also this park was by far the dirtiest of the historic sites. I'm not sure why but there was a lot of trash scattered around especially in the water. The boats and the boathouses showed the most disrepair of the whole site. Go defiantly go but don't set your expectations too high.

Apart from visiting the Forbidden Palace, this place is definitely worth a visit when in Beijing. It’s the Chinese imperial family’s vacation location and the size of this place is just…jaw-dropping. A beautiful lake, even more scenic during the winter season as you can skate on the frozen lake. Lots and lots of temples and spots to visit!

The Summer Palace is a sprawling masterpiece of Chinese landscape design, offering a welcome escape from the bustling city. Its vast Kunming Lake shimmers like a mirror, reflecting the graceful willows and ornate pavilions that dot the shores. Longevity Hill, crowned by the iconic Hall of Harmony and Preservation, invites exploration with its winding paths and hidden courtyards. Every corner reveals a new detail, from intricate carvings on ancient bridges to vibrant blooms bursting from meticulously tended gardens. Whether you're seeking tranquility by the lake or marveling at the architectural splendor, the Summer Palace has something for everyone.

The Forbidden City of Beijing China. One of the coolest places I've ever been to. Full of history. Plenty of things to see. You can spend all day here if you wanted to. There is a really nice park located on the northern side after you exit. You'll have to climb a small mountain though to reach the top.

Really impressive. Its my second time here but I am still amazed at how big and beautiful this palace is. This historic place is unique, huge and beautiful. If you are into China History, it’s strongly recommended.

This castle is 1 of the most famous and full of Chinese historical stories you must visit. And you need to book a ticket before traveling otherwise you'll miss like me who couldn't enter inside because the ticket sold out. So I could watch and walk outside the castle that's why I decided to visit it again. Hopefully I'll travel to this beautiful castle again for the next year.

It's a very beautiful 😍 place . And too Big. You need some day to visit and shoot properly

. The Palace museum is a must-see location if you're in Beijing. Although congested, Beijing is what it is. . The building design is stunning. Every element showcases the rich culture and traditional elements of Chinese architecture. . Wonderful historical location should advise advance ticket purchases.

As a seasoned traveler and reviewer, I recently had the privilege of exploring the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, a historical treasure trove that served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries. Here, I share my unique perspective and offer some insights and tips for fellow adventurers. The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a time capsule that transports you to the opulent world of Chinese emperors. Its sheer size and architectural grandeur are awe-inspiring. Upon entering through the imposing gates, you step into a realm of emperors and dynasties. While wandering through its intricate maze of courtyards and palatial halls, allow serendipity to guide your journey. Each corner of this vast complex holds hidden stories and cultural gems waiting to be uncovered. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a local guide who can provide in-depth historical insights and reveal lesser-known facts about the Forbidden City. This will enhance your understanding of this imperial marvel. One of the highlights of my visit was the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a colossal structure that once hosted grand imperial ceremonies. Its intricate wooden architecture and intricate detailing are a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient China. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early or later in the day can help you avoid the busiest times. Don't forget to explore the beautiful Imperial Garden at the rear of the complex. It's a serene oasis within the bustling city. In conclusion, the Forbidden City is not just a historical site; it's a journey back in time. It invites you to delve into the world of emperors and experience the grandeur of ancient China. Embrace the unexpected, hire a guide for a deeper understanding, and let this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivate you with its rich history and architectural splendor.

Verify your reviewer people there are a lot of scam reviewers on here these days. The Forbidden City is big, REALLY big. Bring clothing that is seasonally appropriate for an outdoor hike. The crowds are huge even in freezing temperatures but the grounds are so big that mostly you have space. The exceptions are the entry lines and the smaller exhibits. We saw the treasury. It's a separate price you pay inside the palace. Those rooms are small. Everyone is pushing and shoving to get a look so if you can't handle those kinds of crowds beware. For us one of the big negatives is the distances you are from the actual sites. Many of the barriers are significant distances from the interior of the rooms. Not only does this make it hard to see anything, you might want to bring a telephoto lens if you want good pictures. All that said it's an incredible experience and I wouldn't miss it.

Definitely a place to visit if you are ever nearby. I learnt so much and saw so much amazing history.

The most impressive palace complex was built in 1420 by Ming emperor later used by Qing dynasty & was turned in nowadays The Palace Museum. There was a long queue & crowd at entrance, we had to undergo security checks. Nearly one thousand small & big traditional Chinese buildings with red walls & yellow roofs looked wonderful. A lot of wooden structures were used to build the buildings. Front side was used for ceremonies & state functions & backside was residency of royals. Security seemed very tight, palace was surrounded by 26 feet high huge walls, just outside the wall was a 20 feet deep & 170 feet wide ditch. Big courtyard, gardens, temples, halls & nearly ten thousand rooms in about one thousand building mase the palace complex a big city where ordinary people were not allowed hence forbidden city. A great place to visit while in Beijing.

The security level is so high in that area that it took us nearly an hour until we get into the Palace. I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see much of the inside of the buildings. I recall back 9 years ago, more buildings were opened for tourists to see. But still it is a great place to feel how life was like for the emperors and the people who lived inside. The souvenir shops are gorgeous, products are much more trendy than they used to be, I bought quite a few things that are unique and memorable. The map is great too. It was a cloudy day with a bit of rain at times, so the photos aren’t too nice. Anyway, it’s a must-go for Beijing tourists! Besides, we MUST make reservations before going, don’t forget!

Booking is required 7 days in advance. We used a travel agent, Klook, but you can also book directly through the government website. We took a taxi to the site, and the closest allowable drop off area (Nanheyyan Ave and East Changan Ave) was quite far from the Meridien Gate, around a 20min walk. If you take a subway to Tiananmen (exit A) it is closer around a 15 min walk. After you exit the subway, you will need to show your passport a few times to security. I had visited the Forbidden City over 20 years ago, and things have changed considerably. The crowds are ten times the size from my memory, and a few of the buildings were closed off. Despite the crowds and heavy rain, it was still an enjoyable visit, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendlly, explaining a lot of detail that is not found on the sign boards or audio guides. It took around 2-3 hours but easily could have lasted longer, but we were soaked and cold from the rain. The exit is north of the palace so plan your next site accordingly. Taxi pickups far from the gate exit, around a 15 min walk.

Definitely, that's the heart of Beijing City. A sample of World Heritage, preserved in a perfect shape as one of the best treasures of China legacies. If you can feel the spirit of this place, you can walk around the city, hidden in Forbidden City, in the era of Ming and Qing dynasties. A huge surface area, covered with buildings erected in a very particular and in the same time, traditional manner, extraordinary details and brilliant executed at their time. Unbelievable how they built a such big compound of building in a relatively few years. Definitely, this was an avant-garde complex at its time for entire world. Cannot miss this opportunity to visit this unique turistic spot. Tickets in advance and reservations are a must for your visit! Pay attention to this detail a couple of days before!

The palace is so big. I was so impressed how people in the past could create this amazing works. Not to mention about the king, people who made such afford to support their respect, trust and love were so respectful. The palaces in the front seemed to be more beautiful from renovation while the latter are relatively aged (which is right!) There are a bit messy from crown at the entrance. We must fight with Chinese tourists as well

Its magnificent and beautiful. Must sign up for a guided tour so all buildings make sense and learn abt the interesting history of this place. Ive visited during winter -12°..but it feels like more than -20° in the palace due to the wind and the snow on the ground in certain areas. Pls bring extra warm handgloves and socks. Wear comfortable insulated shoes..for a long walk.

The Forbidden City in Beijing is an awe-inspiring testament to China's imperial history. Its grand architecture, intricate details, and vast courtyards transport visitors to a bygone era. Navigating the imperial halls and gardens is a captivating journey through Chinese heritage. Despite the crowds, the sheer majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site makes it an unmissable cultural treasure.

The Forbidden City is huge at ground level, it looks large enough, viewed from Jingshan Park to the north you see how large an area it covers. The city is full of magnificent structures, expansive courtyards and immaculate gardens. As you enter you find yourself in the Outer Court section, the area has massive open courtyards with bridges over the river. Moving further in, you reach the Inner Court and Royal residential areas, the buildings become even more impressive the further you go. Finally emerging into the gardens, you can enjoy the much-needed shade of the trees and watch the fish swim round the ponds and streams. The scale of the city is such that you cannot explore everywhere in one go, realistically you'd need two or three long visits to really see every corner and building. We went in August during the holidays, in some areas the crowds were packed tightly, this made getting near some sections or buildings difficult. Make sure to dress and prepare according to the weather, in mid summer it's very hot and humid and there's a lot of walking, make sure to bring plenty of water. For non-Chinese tourists make sure to bring your Passport for ID as it's needed to get in.

Visited on weekday end Nov - not too crowded (as someone who hates crowded areas). The scale, magnificence and sense of grandeur is palpable - one has to be there to truly experience it. For best photos and even lesser crowds, walk / explore around the edges. Allocated full day - was rewarding to explore the different areas within palace at a fairly relaxed pace. Restaurant inside the compound was a model of efficiency in feeding the masses of tourists lined up. Queue was fast moving. Reserved via email but ticket admin advises “The ticketing website for international visitors has been opened (https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn ) and tickets can be booked here from now on”

We planned the day to view the Mao Zedong mausoleum, Tianeman Sq, and Forbidden City aka The Palace Museum. Before going to Mao Zedong, need to deposit bags in the opposite building 200 meters away. Must book via WeChat in advance. Booked admission in advance before heading to Forbidden City, Depsoit bags and tripod at the building 100 meters before the main entrance in the south. Can pickup at the North Exit. Heavy walking.. but it's worth if can do it.

A must visit attraction in Beijing, as it is the palace, center of China’s capital. There you can see the home that belonged to generations of emperors, its astonishing architecture and culture. Though, keep in mind that it is usually crowded inside, cling to your relatives/friends or you might get lost.

An absolute must go for your first visit to Beijing. To navigate the legions of local tourists and numerous entrances and checkpoints you should engage a tour guide through one of the online companies. A guide is also essential to understanding more of the history. We catered about 4hours walking tour and covered about 60% of the grounds, starting at Tiananmen and ending up at Jingshan Park (take the underpass, and pay for the separate entrance fee of 2 Chinese yuan)

My recent trip to the Palace Museum in Beijing was an imperial odyssey through time. Stepping through the Meridian Gate, the Forbidden City unfolded like a majestic dreamscape. Golden roofs shimmered beneath the azure sky, each tile whispering tales of dynasties past. I wandered through courtyards bathed in the hushed reverence of ancient guardians, their stone faces weathered by centuries of silent observation. Inside, throne rooms echoed with the phantom footsteps of emperors, their opulent décor a testament to vanished grandeur. My eyes feasted on exquisite porcelain treasures, intricate jade carvings, and vibrant silk tapestries, each brushstroke a brush with history. As the sun dipped behind the Jade Mountain, casting long shadows across the Forbidden City, I knew I had walked not just through a palace, but through a portal to a bygone era, leaving me forever enchanted by its splendor.

Built by Ming dynasty Emperor in AD 1420, a sacred temple to pray for good harvest. Temple looked massive & beautiful with three tiers of blue circular roofs; temple was also circular nearly 120 feet in diameter & 125 feet tall. Roof was supported with inner four huge round & wooden pillars, outer 12 & outermost 12 pillars constructed without using any nails. Roof & ceiling were painted in blue- the color of heaven & huge wooden pillars was in red. Temple was built on three decks of marble stone platform; southern side was single tiered rounded temple called Emperor Vault. Premises of the temple was large with good parking area. Renovation & cleanliness was excellent.

Still my favourite spot in Beijing. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is probably one of the most perfect buildings in the world, just looking at it will give you a sense of calm, even though there will likely be thousands of people around. But then if you wander out to the more remote corners of the park, the crowds will suddenly disappear and you can enjoy the atmosphere, maybe watching some locals playing games.

The Temple of Heaven is one of the top tourist attractions in Beijing, and a very popular destination for the local people. It is situated two to three km south of Tienanmen Square. The temple complex is huge. Including park, it is around three km square. Apart from the surrounding park, the temple has three parts, the main temple, the imperial vault and a sacred mound altar. The temple is initially constructed at the beginning of 14th century by Ming Dynasty for conducting worship by the royal court. Later on, Qing Dynasty also continued praying here for a good harvest. The architecture of this place has a resounding influence on Chinese architectural pattern. The square was the symbol of earth, and circle for heaven. It is visited by thousands of people each hour round the year.

On the south side of forbidden city, this temple was a place for emperor annual worship to heaven. The temple itself is the focal point, surrounding and back buildings are painted with traditional royal colors blue, gold and red. Enjoy the awe and solitude while walking along the corridors.

An iconic memory of Beijing. The whole temple is made is wooden pieces riveted together. There is absolutely no nail maintaining the whole structure... The colors are vivid, sacred. The place is busy as lots of people flock from all around China and the rest of the world to see this one in a lifetime edifice... I visited this place in September 2011

This place is huge . Always packed with people . Its very sacred place for Chinese . Very interesting history. Great architecture. Details Are very amazing in temples . Colours are very vibrant. This place is situated in the center of Beijing . Easily reachable from Beijing subway metro . You will meet people here from all around the world . Need full day to explore this whole place . Wile exploring this whole place in walked about 22 km in a day .

The Temple of Heaven, also known as the Tiantan Park, is an iconic religious complex located in Beijing, China. It is one of the most significant and well-preserved imperial temples in the country. The temple was originally constructed in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty and underwent expansions and renovations during subsequent dynasties. The Temple of Heaven was built as a place of worship where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties would perform solemn rituals and offer sacrifices to ensure good harvests and blessings for the Chinese people. The layout of the complex reflects the belief in the connection between heaven and earth in Chinese cosmology. The temple complex covers an area of approximately 273 hectares (675 acres) and consists of various structures and architectural marvels. The main structures within the Temple of Heaven include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. These buildings are characterized by their unique architectural style, intricate decorations, and use of vibrant colors. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the most recognizable structure within the complex. It features a triple-gabled circular design with a blue roof and stands on a three-tiered white marble terrace. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a smaller building located to the south of the Hall of Prayer and served as the storage place for the ceremonial tablets. The Circular Mound Altar is an open-air platform composed of three circular stone tiers, representing the heavens, earth, and humanity. The Temple of Heaven is not only a religious site but also a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Chinese culture and history. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998 and continues to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire its architectural splendor and explore the beautiful park surrounding the temple. In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Temple of Heaven Park is a recreational area where locals gather for various activities such as tai chi, dancing, and kite flying. The park provides a serene and tranquil environment for people to relax and engage in traditional pastimes. Visiting the Temple of Heaven offers a glimpse into China's rich imperial past, architectural prowess, and traditional practices. It stands as a testament to the country's cultural heritage and remains an important symbol of Beijing and Chinese civilization as a whole. Overall, the experience was so wonderful.

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of ritual buildings that served as the site of imperial sacrifices to the heaven god in ancient China. The temple was constructed in 1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty and is considered a masterpiece of Chinese architectural design. The temple covers an area of 2.73 square kilometers and includes three main structures: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar. The temple reflects the cosmological worldview of the Chinese people, who believed that heaven was round and earth was square. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is a circular wooden structure with three tiers of roofs supported by 28 huge pillars representing the 12 months, the 12 divisions of the day, and the four seasons. The hall was used by the Ming and Qing emperors to offer prayers and sacrifices to the heaven god for bountiful crops. The Imperial Vault of Heaven is a smaller circular building that houses the tablets of the heaven god and his ancestors. The Circular Mound Altar is an open-air platform with three levels of marble stones arranged in a circular pattern. The altar was used by the emperors to perform ceremonies on the winter solstice, when they would kneel on the central stone and communicate with the heaven god.

This place is huge . Always packed with people .it’s really interesting history. Great architecture. Details Are very amazing in temples . This place is situated in the center of Beijing . You will meet people here from all around the world.

The King worshiped for good harvest that the Temple of heaven reflects the old culture of Chinese. Good place to vijit in Beijing with kids and family. The flower garden inside it is the most beautiful and you should not miss the same.

Thought the temple only has the central structure and allocated 2h for visit. Ended up spending an entire day exploring the entire park facilities, garden and snapping the temple from different angles, at different timing. Truly enjoyed my day! Presumably more enjoyable than Forbidden City itself given the lesser crowd! Oh yes, advance booking needed. Do purchase digital ticket in advance!

This Temple, Tian Tan PinYin! Or simply, Temple of Heaven. This is a religious Imperial Building in the Southwestern part of Central Beijing. Emperors from Qing and Ming Dynasties do come here for a good harvest prayer.

The huge temple grounds are wonderful to walk around. The main buildings are all under renovation, and the effect of the original setting is totally lost right now. The lower half of the temples are covered by screens that are painted to look like the real thing. The side buildings are completely covered by metal screening so their exteriors are not seen at all. It will be a huge disappointment if you're expecting to see the real buildings. You can still enjoy the wonderful grounds and the setting though.

The Temple of Heaven 天壇 、。。 The Temple of Heaven: 天壇 .. is a complex of imperial religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing .. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest .. The Temple of Heaven was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1998 and was described as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations ..." as the "symbolic layout and design of the Temple of Heaven had a profound influence on architecture and planning in the Far East over many centuries" 、。。 So Great Place 、。。

This is one of my favorite places that I had the possibility to visit across my trip in China, It is so wonderfully and magnificently designed that it seems out of this world. And it was probably even more many years ago when it wasn't crowded with tourists. It looks unreal from outside and inside and resembles a vessel taking you directly to or communicating with Heaven or wherever whichever dimension or space time. This art and display of timeless imagination seems to have been lost many decades ago. And it is beatifully conserve so that we can see this wonder and wonder about it.

Temple of Heaven is within the Park of Temple of Heaven, the park is open early till late night for people taking strolls, however the Temple of Heaven is open only till 17.30, so be aware of the time. It took us 20 mins for a very quick walk from the west entrance to the ticket gate of Temple of Heaven. The lights will be lit on Friday and Saturday evening so it is really recommended to visit during late afternoon so you can get a glimp of it when it is on light. Beautiful.

The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is a top site to visit when in Beijing. In the summertime it may be very hot but luckily you will also be able to find shade along your way around in this beautiful park. No matter what, you will for sure enjoy this beautiful park and when you get to the temple it will not disappoint as it is very beautiful. This location is definitely worth a visit, but remember to either buy or bring a lot of water, if you come in the summertime 🙂👍 .

Temple of Heaven is located in a public park and it should be noted that all public parks have a small fee to enter. Truly, such a minuscule amount from like $1-$3 at most. What I love is that elder individuals usually spend their time performing at parks and either singing, playing music, or both. It's fun just to spend a day and taking a lunch to watch them perform while also visiting some pretty amazing and historical temples and buildings.

Located in the middle of a big park, this place is great for a visit. The huge walking area makes it a suitable attraction to visit on a weekend. Even though the crowd is much larger, but it's size meant that you're not overwhelmed by crowd size and there's enough space for your own photos. I've attached a picture of the forbidden city taken on Friday morning for comparison. The pictures of the temple of heaven were taken the next day on Saturday morning.

Another popular spot in Beijing with historic significance like the Summer Palace. Gets a bit crowded as the day passes by. Expect to spend a few hours exploring this place! Prepare your passport and a form of payment such as AliPay or WeChat Pay. Short video to get an idea of what to expect starting at 2:14 - 4:41. https://youtu.be/hZ9MHLyjuoQ

Stepping into the Temple of Heaven in Beijing is like entering a serene sanctuary carved from time itself. Imposing vermilion walls and jade-tiled roofs, bathed in the glow of the morning sun, whisper tales of ancient emperors and celestial harmonies. Heavenly Highlights: * **Echo Wall:** Whisper a secret into the curved wall, and hear it echo back across the vast square - a playful nod to the emperor's "conversations" with the heavens. * **Hall of Prayer for Abundant Harvests:** Imposing and circular, this masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture embodies harmony between heaven and earth. Imagine emperors humbly kneeling here, praying for bountiful harvests for their people. * **Heavenly Vault:** Its azure-tiled dome, dotted with golden stars, mirrors the celestial sphere, reminding us of the vastness and beauty of the universe. Take a moment to breathe in the scent of incense carried on the breeze, listen to the rhythmic chanting of monks, and observe locals practicing tai chi amidst the ancient trees. It's a place to not just see, but to feel and connect with the soul of Beijing. The Temple of Heaven is more than just a historical landmark; it's a spiritual oasis in the heart of the city. While not as extravagant as the Forbidden City, it offers a deeper sense of tranquility and connection to the past. A must-visit for anyone seeking a glimpse into Beijing's rich heritage and a moment of inner peace.

Really cool place to visit but get there early. The crowds can be crazy and you can pretty much get crushed trying to actually see the temple itself. There's only two or three viewing ports open so everybody tries to cram in.

Badaling Great Wall is easily accessible and has easy walking conditions. It is the earliest Ming Great Wall opening to tourists, and attracts the most famous people. It fits for all visitors (wheelchair- friendly).

Words can't describe the feeling I had when I went here. I was truly besides myself. The Great Wall of China was always a childhood dream of mine to visit and till this day, I can't believe I came here. Personal feelings aside, its totally worth coming. And between us, you can go beyond the perimeters and go to the "Wild Great Wall" but that's a hint for you to figure out. I will say I came here in the very beginning of 2020 and came SUPER early. I was one of the first people there and THANK GOD. Because despite it being cold as can be, many people and school children came out. I highly recommend coming super early, spend some time and leave a little after the crowds have settled in. Regardless though, its truly amazing. I will also say, prepared to get in some cardio because some of the incline can be STEEP and there's lots of walking to do. Absolutely recommend coming here whether its touristic or not. PROS: -Amazing, surreal -The scale and history is wild -There is a train from Beijing that can get you to Baldaling very fast CONS: -Can get SUPER crowded so if you can't handle crowds, be prepared. Chinese crowds are DIFFERENT. -If you're not physically fit, you may have a difficult time and may not be so fun for you

A must visit historical spot for every tourist to Beijing. We planned the visit during the off peak season, thus everything was smooth and easy. Taking the car from Beijing to the Badaling took us about 90 minutes, it all depends on the traffic condition. Although it is during winter, we were so lucky to have sunny weather. For visitors with elderly and kids, or health disabilities, it is advised to take the cable car. There is still a short climb to the peak of Badaling Great wall but it was manageable for most healthy people. It is a very steep climb. It is very crowded at the peak, but worth it to pay a visit. You can have a nice view of the surrounding and see the Great wall extend far into the mountainous area. It is a magnificent view and touched to realize that the ancient Chinese spent thousands of years building this wall preventing the intruder from the north. The best photo spot isn't at the peak but a trench of a great wall nearby. It has a great view under the morning sun. Taking the cable car will help to save you a lot of time and you will be able to complete the visit to the top within an hour or less. But if you would like to enjoy the full experience of Great wall climb, I believe you can enjoy more on foot.

We were there before sunrise on a 1st of January. If you are lucky and early rise, you may have a couple of hours to enjoy the beautiful sight. But once the tour bus start pouring their crowd, you will not even see your feet. The path become as packed as Tokyo subway during rush hours. So go early and enjoy from 5 to 7am. You will need to hire a car to be there early. It is not very far from the City center.

De Chinese muur is vanaf de maan te zien, wordt gezegd. Je moet hem gewoon zien op aarde. De muur glooit door het landschap en is vijfduizend kilometer lang. Ik raad stevige schoenen aan, want na vele eeuwen is de muur wel hier en daar flink in elkaar gestort. Het eerste stuk in Badalin is wat touristisch, maar ga een eindje verder en je loopt ineens alleen. De toegang tot de muur is rond de tien euro. (Translated by Google) The Great Wall of China can be seen from the moon, it is said. You just have to see him on Earth. The wall slopes through the landscape and is five thousand kilometers long. I recommend sturdy shoes, because after many centuries the wall has collapsed here and there. The first part in Badalin is a bit touristy, but go a little further and you suddenly walk alone. The entrance to the wall is around ten euros.

Amazing sight to see but be prepared to ascend and descend very steep steps and slopes, but it’ll be all worth it. “Highly recommend to bring your own water and food as it costs 3x the usual price”. We traveled there on Monday and it was packed with people so I cannot imagine how it is on the weekends. If you want some good photos you will need to walk a fair bit as the area around the entrance is always full of people and the people will constantly walk through and get into your photos. Travelled there with a tour group where they organised my entry ticket (ID required to enter). 140rmb/pp for return tickets on the Gondola and 130rmb/pp for the bus (Pick up from accommodation + bus to Great Wall, Summer Palace & Olympic Park)

Badaling is well developed for tourists. You may take any of the convenient transportations like high speed rail, train or tour bus from city. Pay extra at entrance for cable car to get up to the Great Wall platform #4, west side to stations # 2 & #3 gives you a flavor of hiking; east side to stations #7 are flat, easy walks.

Probably the most well preserved part of the Great Wall, for this reason it is also the busiest part to visit - breath taking views all around. Compared to other sections of the Great Wall is also very easy to walk but does have some steep inclines/declines - other part of the wall are worth visit ahead of this but this is certainly one of the easiest parts to get to without having to hire a car

Perhaps the easily accessible and most well-preserved section of the Great Wall. You go go up by foot as well as cable car, and enjoy the wall and the scenic valley.

I get to Badaling by highspeed train. Indeed, this solution is very conveninent. Only 20_30 minutes by train from Beijing North train station or from Qinghe Train station (but you have to come to Train station to buy ticket directly, no only purchase. You should buy a little bit in advance to secure your seat cause many tourists). When you get our of Badaling station, you see a parking for big buses along a hill. Up of Hill is Cable Cars, Down of Hill is Ground Cars (its a cable cars as well, but for 40_50 people by cable). For tickets, its a separated tickets of 2 entry (entry of great wall and entry of cable-ground cars) you can purchase directly in the ticket offices, so no need to book in advance (like KLook, its very difficult to exchange the e-confirmation to physical ticket, nobody speaks english). For cable cars, it could suspend when there is windy (not stable journey of cars). Great wall is pretty amazing as you already know. But there are many winds as well, so if temparature is low, you should bring extra clothes. There are almost no restaurant out of cable stations, prepare some food and drinks. For my experience, it is very crowded in the morning till noon (many local tourist comes by group with big buses), so it could be smart if you visit it after 1pm. Indeed, its not as complicated as Beijing tourist points where you have to book.

I visited the place in October 2023, with amazing views and a few tourists. I took the subway from Lama temple station to Jishuitan station and followed the signs to bus 877 that took me to the main entrance in Badaling. The bus is 12 yuan one way with cash and 6 with Alipay. I walked 15-20 minutes from the entrance and followed the sign for funicular, not the cable car( most tourists go up with the cable car and that section is packed). There was no line, they accepted all kinds of payments, passport required, 140 yuan both ways for funicular and 40 yuan for entrance. When you get up walk first to the right up to the seventh tower where the wall ends for tourists. Then walk back as much as you want, This section was not touristy at all, I have pictures that just 3 tourists are on the long stretch of the wall😊

This 2000 plus year old world heritage sight leaves you wondering how this mighty wall was built so long ago. It’s one thing to see the wall in pictures or videos, but it’s a completely different feeling when you’re standing on history itself. It’s not an easy climb with super steep slopes and staircases. For those who don’t want to start from the beginning of the wall, you can choose to take the cable car up to the middle of the wall and continue making your way up or back down the hill. Going down the wall, there’s the choice to take the somewhat old but very fun toboggan ride!

The Great Wall at Badaling gets 3 stars only because you need to visit this place once you are in Beijing. That's all. The Great Wall or Tourism authorities should really rethink the whole layout and process flow for the convenience of the tourists. Ticket booths should be manned fully, flow of the tourists should be more streamlined, sale of food and places to sit down and enjoy your food should be increased. The best way to get there is by bullet train from either Qinghe or Xixinshemen (I hope I spelled this correctly) station... To get there by taxi or bus is expensive and slow respectively. There were too many tourists due to the Cheng Beng prayers... as it is a 3 day holiday here ... But shouldn't all the Chinese be at their ancestral graves now? Anyway the addition of the cable car or tram is a novelty and eases access to the top tiers of the wall... Most important thing to comment is the photo booth... it is so chaotic and placed in a very narrow path to the cable car, thus the chaos just to print your photos, laminate them and pay for them is ridiculous. The authorities should really learn from Singapore 🇸🇬 or even Malaysia (Genting Highlands Resort World) on how to manage theme parks and tourist attractions.

Breathtaking! A must-see at least once in a life time. In my opinion, the condition is still so hard to climb nowadays, let alone climb hundreds of years ago. You can take the cable car to North 7 Building and walk to “HaoHanPo” at North 8 Building. However, the famous Stone Tablet is not located at the North 8 Building anymore, they moved it to the South 1 Building. (There is another one at the South 4 Building).

A must visit for any tourist in China, it is one of the marvelous feat of the mankind. It really is so wonderful and splendid. And since I went in the final week of December, it was freezing cold with gusty winds. So if you’re going during the winter months, make sure you’re well prepared with warm clothes, cap, gloves and good shoes. There are various points from where you can ascend the Great Wall and badaling was one of the best as I heard.

A must visit 7 wonder that i want to visit since many years ago. Iam glad to pay a visit here with my wife. Great architecture and wisdom of ancient people. Everything is perfect, BUT. The worst thing is still the quality of the people. The whole place mentioned no graffiti and sculpture so mean it allow them to shout, throw rubbish and non stop spitting along the way… the sound is too disgusting and they just spit every where. Really really memorable. Oh ya, pushing you and cutting queue is normal also.

Visiting the Great Wall of China is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our visit on February 29th, 2024, took place amidst extremely cold temperatures, around minus 10 degrees, accompanied by strong winds. We accessed the vicinity of the wall via train and cable car. The wall itself is a testament to centuries of hard work, artistry, and stunning beauty. It's truly awe-inspiring to contemplate the level of architectural ingenuity required to construct such a marvel at such a height. I strongly recommend that everyone take the opportunity to witness the historic and grandeur of the Great Wall of China firsthand.

I really enjoyed my time in the rectangular place. I do wonder, what might have happened on June 4, 1989? It seems like it could have been a very mysterious and important event!

Massive flipping place. Genuinely could spend all day walking around it. Really interesting sight to see though. Lots of unique history around and many story to hear about this place. Would definitely recommend going

After reading some of these reviews I'm starting to get the" impression" that some of these reviewers have not actually been here. If they look like stock photos they probably are. You need tickets and expect long lines for everything. Mao's tomb is impossible unless you plan a whole day just for that so I skipped it. It is the same for the museum. Otherwise the square is exactly what it says in the name, a big open square with lots of people. You can see it on your way to any of the other local sites. We hit it on the way to the palace. But, definitely don't plan a trip just for the square there isn't much to see or do. Expect a lot of looks from the locals and folks who point at you and say "look a foreigner". They aren't being rude, you just aren't a normal site.

I love China and Chinese people. Very safe country. You can feel safe anywhere. China the whole country it has lovely community, respectful and I really enjoyed the whole experience. Definitely I will go back there. Tiananmen Square is a really beautiful place. So big so nice!

Very busy, make sure you carry your passport as you may need to to prove your identity as I need to when I was here. The history in this area is crazy to think about and see.

Tiananmen Square, often referred to simply as "Tiananmen," is one of the most famous public squares in the world, located in the heart of Beijing, China. It holds great historical, cultural, and political significance and is an iconic landmark of the country. Key features and information about Tiananmen Square include: 1. Size: Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares globally, covering an area of approximately 44 hectares (109 acres). It can accommodate a vast number of people and has been the site of many significant events and gatherings throughout Chinese history. 2. Historical Significance: Tiananmen Square has played a central role in Chinese history and politics. It was the site of several important events, including the May Fourth Movement in 1919 and the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949, when Chairman Mao Zedong declared the establishment of the new Chinese government. 3. Monument to the People's Heroes: At the center of Tiananmen Square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes, a large obelisk dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives for the revolutionary struggles in China. 4. The Great Hall of the People: Located on the western side of the square, the Great Hall of the People is a grand government building used for legislative and ceremonial purposes. It is where China's National People's Congress meets. 5. The National Museum of China: Situated on the eastern side of the square, this museum is one of the largest in the world and houses an extensive collection of Chinese historical artifacts and art. 6. Chairman Mao's Mausoleum: Located at the southern end of the square, this imposing structure houses the preserved body of Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People's Republic of China. It is a site of reverence for many Chinese citizens and tourists. 7. Flag-raising Ceremony: Every day at sunrise and sunset, a flag-raising and lowering ceremony takes place at Tiananmen Square. It is a solemn and patriotic event and attracts many visitors. Tiananmen Square is not only a symbol of China's political and historical identity but also serves as a gathering place for both tourists and locals. It offers a unique blend of monumental architecture, history, and culture and is an essential destination for anyone visiting Beijing. However, it's important to note that the square has also been the site of political protests and significant events in Chinese history, which should be considered when visiting.

Ok you will need to book your time to visit. You have to do this on an app like WeChat the day before you visit. Then the experience is very nice. A big square. So much history. A museum a mausoleum and the flag. Great photo oops and excellent toilet facilities. Get there early as many things close earlier that you would think.

Visited it as part of a Palace Museum tour. Understood from our guide that sometimes it may be closed (without prior warning) for parades and visits by foreign dignitaries.

Visited Nov 2015 Tiananmen Square is a city square in the city center of Beijing, China. The square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China in the square on October 1, 1949; the anniversary of this event is observed. The size of Tiananmen Square is 765 x 282 meters (215,730 m2 or 53.31 acres). It is the site of several important events in Chinese history. Outside China, the square is best known for the 1989 protests and massacre that ended with a military crackdown.

A huge ancient place with lots of history and lots of corners to visit and observe. I visited this place as part of a tour with a tourist agency, and so cannot talk much about tickets and bookings. The tour was well organized, and I believe we visited the entire place. There are restrooms and kiosks to buy snacks and drinks, but not widely available. Expect to spend 2 hours here.

One of the must visit places in Beijing, it requires quite a task. They have quite a thorough security checking at the entrance, requiring you to stay in queue for at least 40-45 mins (and they said the people visiting were less as it is winter). So make yourself prepared for the long wait and the queue if you’re planning to go there.

Amazing place! Great tank performances to show china's superiority done every so few years. Interesting decorations and remnants left over from when NOTHING happened in 1989. Friendly community and free transport to "reeducation centers" should you wrongfully call our great leader Xi Jinping a certain fictional Disney character or call Taiwan a country, which is utter blasphemy. [+1500 social credit] Overall, 10/10. Would recommend!

Interesting place and nothing happened here on June 4, 1989 or 6489 according to social media. I have no idea why the Chinese generation X keep implying that their youth and innocence died when the 1980s ended and why many foreign people left China near around 1989 after complaining about seeing too much of China. In the present day you need to move through the security checks and keep moving or else some plain clothes police will randomly confront you about randomly stopping on the way to the square.

Lots of check points to go through. You have to book an appointment on WeChat app at least the day before. 4 times available 1, Flag raising ceremony 2, morning, 3 afternoon 4 flag lowering ceremony. 1 and 4 are sun rise and sunset times. Huge place, many Goverment buildings around. Definitely worth a visit. If your non- Asian be prepared to appear in other peoples photos, videos and films. 😃. At flag low lowering ceremony all the lights come on across the road at Forbidden Palace which looks great.

Most important and historic place for China. You can easily spend a day here. In 1949 Chairman mao declared independence of PR China here. This is also the place of yearly parade and celebration. Evening atmosphere is so great.

Lots of crowd control restrictions. Have to register through wechat mini app to enter tianamen sq, unlike previous years where one can walk through. Still crowded.

Square of absurd dimensions. Very accurate security checks, but still relatively fast. Advice, if you go in winter, cover yourself well because it is really very cold. And once in the center of the square, it takes a while to reach a bar or a hot place.

C'est la place principale de Beijing et c'est ici que le lever de drapeau a lieu. Elle est entourée de beaux bâtiments qui arborent tous le drapeau de la Chine. Pour y accéder, on doit passer par des contrôles semblables à ceux d'un aéroport, et des militaires sont présents de place en place. (Translated by Google) This is the main square in Beijing and is where the flag raising takes place. It is surrounded by beautiful buildings which all display the flag of China. To access it, you have to go through controls similar to those at an airport, and soldiers are present from place to place.

The place is very iconic and a must have when visiting Beijing, but come with time because there is many security checkouts around the square, and it’s likely that you will find long queues, but after this the square is huge and very beautiful.

Tiananmen Square, an expansive area facing the main gate to the Forbidden City, is perpetually bustling with tourists capturing memories through photographs before embarking on their journey into the historical heart of Beijing. This iconic square also plays a significant role as it houses both the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Was following local tour to witness China flag raising at 5:47am Bus fetch is at 4am from hotel, walked few km b4 enter this place, need to go through police security checked & scans b4 able to enter. As foreigner we need to show passport b4 enter. Please do online ticket purchase b4 heading to any Beijing tourist hot spot, it's better to book 10days b4 going, plan your visit & NO walk in..... Once in my lifetime is more than enough to me 😝

Another quick stop while you're in Beijing. Security is extremely strict here! Reserve your spot in advance (QR code outside the gate). Early morning was extremely crowded; wait until the afternoon instead. There isn't too much to do there as it's just an open space to walk a bit. Prepare your passport for security checks. Short video to get an idea of what to expect starting at 9:03 - 10:05. https://youtu.be/hZ9MHLyjuoQ

I have went to Beijing Tian An men square and it was very fun and big. The forbidden city is behind this building

This large open square is one of the highlights that should be on anybody's list that is visiting China. A piece of ancient history which I visited during my grouptour. You are in need for tickets to enter but the visit itself is free of charge. Be aware that people speak very few words of English and Wechat is used for payment so getting a hold of some can be difficult.

China is the first country I have visited without a religion .. it is a strange feeling I can not explain so amongst this to find a temple was like a breath of fresh air so had to visit you get to pray and light incense sticks . The temple is also housing a very tall buddha statue as you can see in pictures I'm not very religious but it felt good just outside the temple there is a good shot to pick up things to bring back

A really worth visit place. It will be perfect if all the trees along the way are blooming. Too bad i visited at a non peak season. Besides this is one of the few place i think that ppl will automatically keep there clean

The Yonghe Temple also known as the Yonghe Lamasery, or popularly as the Lama Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located on 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. The building and artwork of the temple is a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. This building is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China proper. The current abbot is Lama Hu Xuefeng.

i visited in 2008,architecture is excellent, must visit place in beijing

The most important Buddhist temple outside the Tibet. Its very well preserved and its impressive to see it in use with the monks praying. At the entrance they give free incense, and the idea is to put three sticks in front of the different Buddhas. It’s very crowded, so it’s hard to appreciate or take pictures without people. There is a huge line in the morning to go in, better go later in the day. There is a ticket office next to the entrance you don’t need to buy them in advance.

Outside of Tibet this is probably one of the most important of the Tibetan Buddhist temples. It is well worth seen and is easily access via the subway. Entrance price is not very expensive. Make sure you pick up the incense on your way in which they give you for free. Then you will have multiple opportunities to join the people who are burning incense at the various devotional sites in the temple. The giant carved sandalwood Buddhist statue is really amazing!

Lama Temple 雍和宫 .、。。 The Yonghe Temple 雍和宫, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery, or popularly as the Lama Temple .. is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located on 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China .. The building and artwork of the temple is a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles .. This building is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in China proper .. The current abbot is Lama Hu Xuefeng 、。。 Yonghe Temple, because Emperor Qianlong was born here, there were two emperors in Yonghe Temple .. It became the center of the Qing government in charge of Tibetan Buddhism affairs across the country ..Yonghe Temple is the highest Buddhist temple in the country in the middle and late Qing dynasty 、。。 So Great Temple in Beijing 、。。

an extraordinary temple in heart of Beijing situated next to the Confucius temple. I liked walking in entrance narrow road which is covered by beautiful colored trees. there are 7 temples there and in each temples there's an Idol. in 7th temple you see a huge standing Idol which height is equal to 5th floor building.

The Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple (雍和宫), is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in China. When we visited, we saw many devotees praying and offering incense sticks, which are available for free at the temple. The incense sticks are used to create a sacred and serene atmosphere, as well as to honor the deities and ancestors.

Ticket can be purchase on the day at the tickering office in the front and the line is short. The very long lines are for the temple souvenirs shop. Yonghe temple or Lama temple is a beautiful temple. On the day I went they did not allow the burning of incense or candles which make it easy to walk around.

Lama Temple is the household name of Yonghe Temple. It is a Tibetan Buddhist Temple, and the largest among such temples in Central China. Initially, during the Ming Dynasty it was a part of the Royal Court as court eunuchs used to live there. Later on, even emperor lived there. At the end of sixteenth-century it became a place for worship. It is so historic that during the civil war, it had a prominent role. It sheltered many. It is now one of the major tourist attractions, as well as functional temple, particularly popular with younger Chinese population. There is a sandalwood sculpture of Matreyi Buddha whose name is entered in Guiness Book of Records as the largest such a sculpture. The temple complex is more than half kilometer long. There are five courtyards one after another. There are halls in between. The Buddha images are restored inside the hall. The devotees pray facing these halls. The authority supplies incense sticks.

YONGHEGONG (Lama Temple) situated up north of Beijing, once you arrived the yonghegong station take exit C/B then walks around the temple to the entrance. All tickets can be pre-book or buy at the front of the gate. Once purchase the security will scan your passport, so make sure you bring your passport with you all the time. Inside the temple is very breathtaking. All historical buildings are well preserved. Make sure to visit the mini museums within one of the room to learn more about Buddhism and the history of Lama Temple 🛕

Had a long layover at Beijing airport and decided to visit Lama temple. Great place to visit and pray!

Deep Cultural & Historical experience, entry into the temple was quick and you can collect incense as you walk in. Very beautiful and well maintained considering how many people there were. Definitely recommend a tour guide to understand the history and architecture. It’s an amazing Buddhist Temple which I highly recommend to go, the surrounding neighbourhood is also great for a walk with some culturally themed restaurants nearby.

The long corridor in the Summer Palace is an architectural marvel that captivates visitors with its grandeur and history. Stretching over 700 meters along the picturesque Kunming Lake, this corridor boasts intricately painted ceilings and vibrant hand-painted panels depicting Chinese mythology, landscapes, and historical events. As you stroll through, the cool breeze from the lake complements the tranquil ambiance, offering a serene escape from the bustling city. It's a must-visit destination for those seeking beauty, culture, and a glimpse into China's imperial past.

A long covered walkway with over 8000 intricate paintings depicting scenes from Chinese literary classics and old fables. There are also four octagonal pavilions connected by the corridor, each one with a theme and more elaborate artwork (don't miss the ceilings). Worth taking a stroll through.

Old architecture, must see the ancient china.

Follow the crowd... Well worth the visit despite the swarm/hordes of tourists! One of the sights that should definitely not be missed. Take a look around and try to relax but crowds can become manic... All part of the experience.

Long Corridor beside the big lake.

This is behind Summer Palace in Beijing China a very beautiful place and huge area, We walked for 2 hours and still could not cover the entire park.

Great view of Beijing. Unmissable visit to do !

Nice gives you a good idea of what it was like in old China

Relatively small but impressive park tucked behind the Forbidden City - giving the best views of that, and of north Beijing.

This was my first stop of the day as I wanted to catch sunrise from here. Sunrise was estimated to be at 7.30am as advised by google, so I made my way up the park at about 7am. It is a short but steep climb up the small hill to reach the vantage point. I recommend coming here for sunrise as compared to sunset as there is significantly lesser people here. In the evenings, the whole place will be flooded with hundreds of photographers and you will find it difficult to take any photographers. Fruthermore its a healthy activity to wake up early and start your day. You are on holiday, so grab the opportunity to start early and visit more attractions. The view is nice and you are able to look down at the entire forbidden palace. The sun rises slightly to the left of the forbidden palace so it may not produce the most spectacular picture, but then again that really depends on the time of the year that you are visiting. Below are some of the pictures that I was able to take when I was here. You are required to purchase a ticket here in order to enter. Unfortunately when I was there, they were not excepting cash. Thankful I had Alipay set up and was able to purchase a ticket that way.

This was a really cool park. I remember the ticket teller being very rude (threw our tickets at us for some reason) but otherwise we had a good experience here!

Beautiful area with great over looking views of the forbidden city. Well worth a visit and it wasn't busy when I was there. There is a lot of small up hill climbs and stairs so might not be the easiest for people with limited mobility.

After visiting the Forbidden City this is the perfect end to the day - walking up the slight hill to look back on the wonder you have just experienced. Like everything in Beijing you need a ticket, but it's cheap and amazingly you can buy it at the gate. There may be several gates, but we entered from the east side, about halfway up Jingshan East street. The park is nice to wander, but you'll want to head up the path to the viewing area. It's not too hard, but after miles of walking already you might struggle. There's not much space at the top, so be prepared to wait and then rugby scrum your way into any spot to get a view. Despite the usual terrible Chinese queuing etiquette, I was floored here by kindness. I asked a Chinese lady, who had somehow nabbed the perfect spot, if she minded me standing nearby to take a picture. She'd probably waited all day to get the spot, but she got up and offered me the seat! I gave it back immediately after taking a few photographs, of course. Obviously the big draw for this park are the views of the forbidden city, but the hillside park also has other great vistas, like the capital city's grand skyscrapers.

A beautiful park in the standard Chinese park style. As opposed to European parks a Chinese Park doesn't have straight paths and curves around natural formations, even when the formations aren't natural! This is essentially the mound of dirt and rock from the excavation of the Forbidden City moat. And how glad I am that it exists because the views are amazing. Remember not to be annoying and get in others pictures, take your pictures and leave quickly! It's a quick "hike" (up paved steps) and the view of Beijing and the Forbidden City is well worth it, I recommend a visit after seeing the Forbidden City the same day.

A great park worth visiting. you don't need to pay anything. Also you will have a great view of the forbidden city

You can enjoy the whole incredible view of forbidden city from above.

Beautiful garden and fantastic view over the Forbidden City

I thought this place was a hidden gem but I was surprised to see it has more reviews then the Forbidden City. And I can see why, its absolutely beautiful park. An oasis in the hectic mega city of Beijing. Its serene, tranquil and has one of the best views of Beijing when you make the slight trek to the peak of the park. There also seems to be an orchestra of elderly folk who meet here to sing some songs. Its wonderful. I would say this is the top park to visit in Beijing, for sure.

Nice and scenic park with lots of ginkgo trees by the side. It is a short climb up the hill for excellent views of the Palace grounds. To access the park from the Palace Museum, take the underground pedestrian pass and enter through a ticketing counter. We didn’t have to get tickets to Jingshan Park in advance, and they cost just about 2 Chinese yuan.

One of my favorite parks in Beijing. Like most parks in Beijing, you just pay 2 yuans per person to enter. You’re going to get a great viewpoint of the Forbidden City in this park. Some tour groups skip this park so it’s less crowded compared to the Forbidden City and Beihai park. The best time to go is when the air quality is good in the city, so make sure to check the weather if you want the best experience. When it’s a clear day you can see very far out and it’s so beautiful.

If you are looking for a unique and breathtaking perspective of the Forbidden City, you might want to check out the man-made hill behind it. This artificial mound, known as Jingshan Park, was built from the soil excavated during the construction of the imperial palace. It offers a vantage point to have an unobstructed view of the magnificent complex and its surroundings.

It is just next to the Forbidden City, and you should definitely visit here. The ticket is so cheap, something like 2 or 3 RMB. Local people would come here singing after dinner, and it sounds fantastic. 🤩 such a unique experience. Climb on the top of the mountain; you will see the Forbidden City from the perfect spot! So lovely to visit during the golden hour.

The main point of Jingshan Park is to get a glimpse from afar of the Forbidden City. The trail would be an incline to reach the viewpoint. Prepare your passport and a form of payment such as AliPay or WeChat Pay. Short video to get an idea of what to expect starting at 4:43 - 5.23. https://youtu.be/hZ9MHLyjuoQ

Almost all the tourist places in Beijing are super crowded this one is one of them. When you reached the top you will see the entire Forbidden City but you only need few seconds to see it because many people are waiting to see it too!

I loved climbing on the Great Wall. There were a lot of people there that day. School children and tourists trying to make sense of the world. The girl that sat thinking on the steps of the great wall probably had the greatest enlightenment. The main thing I thought about as I climbed higher and higher along the wall was: how many people died building this wall? And how long did the wall protect the people that ordered it being built? Such a great sacrifice by so many. For what? I hope the workers found purpose in their lives. I am still thinking about these things. Cold and Wintery day Hiking along the Great Wall Warmed my heart and soul

Quite a scenic hike but the height and steps are punishment. The gift shops are reasonably priced as well.

Absolutely incredible experience, so worth it, even though a 38°C day. A not to be missed destination.

No Wonder! It is one of the 7 wonders of the world! Great place that everyone should visit once in their lifetime. It's mighty and beautiful to see.

I visited this section of the wall in March 2018. It was cold and it had snowed the day before but by the time we climbed up the very very steep and uneven steps to the top of Fortress 12, we shed our jumpers and jackets. Make sure you wear comfortable and supportive sneakers and sunglasses or a hat. The climb is pretty difficult and most people don’t make it up all of the way but no matter how far up you climb, you will see spectacular views of the mountains and the wall. It’s definitely one for the bucket list. If you get to Fortress 10, I think, you will see a little gift store selling gold medals saying you climbed the Great Wall. They can also engrave your name and date onto the medal.

Beautiful on a rainy day. This section of the Great Wall is spectacular. Scroll to the last 3 pictures to read the Juyongguan info board.

This is very good places but need some stand who sell drinks because the weather is a little bit unstable and if we walk until the mid / top we will need some drinks.

Brutal hike to the top lookout point but worth it. Will take maybe an house for those of medium to low physical ability. The first stretch in the hardest with no breaks and some steps over a foot tall. The views are incredible and there is a store near the stop with refreshments. There are also Chinese style toilets at the top and western at the bottom. On the day I went, smog was minimal. It can be crowded and with the pathway being narrow, you will need to wait at times.

I visited this zoo seven years ago, I remember it was my first time to see zebras, giraffe, .... I liked it then Although I disagree visiting any zoo at the moment.

Amazing Experience!!!! Never been to such a large Zoo in my life, many animals, big parc with garden to walk around! I’ve spent more than 3 Hours around ! Loved it fully!! Do I have to say the Panda were awesome!!!!🤩 So many animals, they looked very well cared!!!

PANDAS!!!! Walking around. Chilling out. Playing. Eating bamboo - pandas!! I was thrilled. Went at feeding time. Saw one guy munch on a bamboo stick. The wholesomeness of it 🥰

Enjoyed the panda enclosure. The rest of the zoo is nothing special. The worst is the elephants enclosure. Our hearts were broken because of the elephants enclosure. The elephants were all in distress. Some were banging at the door/fence, and some were going in circles in the tiny enclosure. Very very poor things. There were no photos taken as we were rushing out. It's just too unbearable to watch the poor elephants. We dare not step into the giraffe enclosure as the building looked similar to the elephants' enclosure building structure. Sigh. Hope the animals are locked in the building due to cold weather (early December) and not animal abuse.

This is a huge zoo. The main attraction ofcourse are the pandas though i found the polar bear also very interesting. There is a shuttle available inside which is a waste. Don't take it. Its better to walk the entire zoo. We went in the winters. A lot of animals are kept indoors due to the cold so not the best time to go.

Right, to start off with the Zoo has some amazing sights and enclosures like the Panda enclosure which seems to be the most looked after and constructed with the animal's welfare in mind. This is a big zoo and offers plenty of activities and places to sit down for a picnic. Not not very central so it might take you some time to get there depending on which part of the city you're staying in. Prices were reasonable and overall the zoo seemed clean and quite popular. However, when it comes down to animal welfare this zoo fails in so many cases. Most of which are the elephant enclosures which are way too small and the elephants themselves seemed stressed and in poor shape. Most of the enclosures are basically concrete rooms with little to no resemblance to whatever environment the animals should be living in. I understand that Chinese culture is different, however compared to the Panda enclosure (which is terrific and well done) nearly every other enclosure seems well bellow standards. Beijing is a beautiful city and this zoo just does not cut it. Whomever is in charge of it should put a bit more effort in providing proper conditions for the rest of the animals and make sure that people behave well within the grounds. Far too many times I've seen children tapping on enclosure windows or throwing plastic bottles within the enclosures. Other enclosure which were way way too bad were the Polar Bear enclosure, the Tigers enclosure and other big cats and, although not obvious at first sight, the monkeys enclosure (quite a few of the little fellas had injured limbs or seemed to have some skin disease). Overall the zoo looks beautiful and it's floral arrangement is on par with other Chinese parks, well looked after and giving out a relaxing atmosphere. I docked two stars purely because of the poor conditions some animals have. It would be unfair to give it a complete negative review as the zoo it's quite a sight to see. I do hope officials will work harder to bring this zoo to proper standards.

Like most Zoos it's a mixed bag. Some of the animals, such as the Pandas, are well looked after but the Grizzly Bear and white tiger show signs of distress. One of the pandas was clearly playing to the camera, it was hilarious. The aquarium is spectacular. The displays are enormous. There's a wide variety of marine line, including some gigantic fish and weird dolphins that I've never seen before. Unlike the zoo, all the animals were in immaculate condition. They do seem happy. Seeing a shark up close was an incredible experience.

You don't need any reservation to go to the zoo and can buy tickets right there. They are rather cheap, but don't include access to the aquarium and panda's house. For them, you'll have to queue and buy rather expensive tickets

The Beijing Zoo is a zoological park in Xizhimen, Xicheng District, Beijing, the capital of the China.[1] Founded in 1906 during the late Qing dynasty, it is the oldest zoo in china and oldest public park in northern China.[2] The zoo is also a center of zoological research that studies and breeds rare animals from various continents. Beijing Zoo Front gate  Wikimedia | © OpenStreetMap 39°56′19″N 116°20′00″EDate opened19 July 1907LocationXicheng District, Beijing, ChinaLand areaBeijing 89 ha (220 acres)No. of animals14,500No. of species950MembershipsChinese Association of Zoological Gardens (CAZG)Websitewww.beijingzoo.comBeijing ZooSimplified Chinese北京动物园Traditional Chinese北京動物園TranscriptionsStandard MandarinHanyu PinyinBěijīng DòngwùyuánWade–GilesPei-ching Tung-wu-yüanother MandarinXiao'erjingﺑُﻮِٔ دٍ دْﻮ ءُ ﻳُﻮًا The zoo occupies an area of 89 hectares (220 acres), including 5.6 hectares (14 acres) of lakes and ponds in Xicheng District.[2] It has one of the largest animal collections in the country. The zoo and its aquarium have over 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals; in all, it is home to 14,500 animals.[when?][3] More than five million people visit the zoo each year.[2] Like many of Beijing's parks, the zoo's grounds resemble classical Chinese gardens, with flower beds amidst natural scenery, including dense groves of trees, stretches of meadows, small streams and rivers, lotus pools, and hills dotted with pavilions and historical buildings.[2] The Beijing Zoo is well known for its collection of rare animals endemic to China including the giant pandas, which are zoo's most popular animals, the red panda (Ailurus fulgens), native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China, the golden snub-nosed monkey, South China tiger, white-lipped deer, Pere David's deer, crested ibis, Chinese alligator, and Chinese giant salamander. Other endangered or threatened species housed there include a Siberian tiger, yak, Przewalski's horse, snow leopard, Tibetan gazelle, and kiang. The zoo also has a broad collection of megafauna such as addax, Asian black bears, Asian and African elephants, bats, beluga whales, chimpanzees, clouded leopards, flamingos, gorillas, hippopotamuses, jaguars, kangaroos, lemurs, lions, muntjac, otters, penguins, polar bears, rhinoceroses, sea turtles, tapirs, giraffes and zebras, as well as 13 of the world's 15 species of cranes

Its ok to sett pandas and aquarium. You have to pay extra for the pandabears. I see a few red fox some really had a small area, so i did not see much more of the parc. I hope They modernize it a little in the future.

Went on Saturday which is probably a mistake on my part but I hated every second of it. The amount of people in there trying to see pandas and pushing themselves forward was giving me great anxiety. Lack of organisation just allows this stampede and people skipping each other. Not enjoyable. Another thing is the navigation in the zoo. The info boards with map are so hard to follow. It took me almost an hour to figure out how to actually get to the panda entrance as the map just is not clear enough. 2 stars for the panda animals themselves but rest of the zoo is just a disaster to be honest 😢

One of the interesting Zoo I have been able to see) Huge area for walking and a lot of interesting places to see, not only panda but also other animals.

Don't go there! You would be supporting the sickening conditions of this zoo, even with the little entrance fee you pay. I visited in 2011 and am horrified to see that the horrible situation did not change a bit. Skinny, distressed animals making their endless rounds through tiny painted concrete cages instead of appropriate greenery, no water holes, plastic rubbish everywhere, dirty glass walls and noisy people. It's a shame!

The part of panda are great. Really super but the rest of zoo is really Sade. Not clean, look empty not restored, not a lot of green for the animals, plenty of rost, please zoo give your wunderfull animals some grass, herb, the animals don’t look healthy. But the panda is great, I stayed one hour.

We enjoyed our visit seeing then pandas and the entrance price was very reasonable. Most of the cages were smaller, but others were more adequate. It could use a little sprucing up. The children's area inside where the playground is costs an additional fee. Glad we visited, but would not go back.

Nice park in the heart of the city, with a huge lake. It used to be thr imperial garden (located just North of the Forbidden City). The nearest subway station is Line 6 (Beihai Bei).

beautiful Park, nice cosplay girl with my nièce 😆 so many people waiting boat 😭

Great Park with not a lot of people. Beautiful in all seasons!

Another large and popular spot in Beijing to wander around for hours! Stunning views throughout the park! Prepare your passport and a form of payment such as AliPay or WeChat Pay. Short video to get an idea of what to expect starting at 5:25 - 6:50. https://youtu.be/hZ9MHLyjuoQ

Wanna be an emperor? Try out the costume rental service in Beijing and bring yourself back to the Qing or Ming Dynasty 😅 Excellent photo shoot site at Beijing Beihai Park. Beijing Beihai Park is a tranquil oasis nestled in the heart of China's bustling capital. The park's historic significance and scenic beauty make it a must-visit destination. The sprawling grounds are adorned with ancient architecture, including the iconic White Pagoda, offering a glimpse into China's rich cultural heritage. Serene lakes and well-manicured gardens provide a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to stroll leisurely or take a boat ride. The blend of history, nature, and architecture makes Beihai Park a captivating experience for both locals and tourists alike.

The entrance fee for the park is 5rmb. You can pay an extra fee to enter the White Dagoba and the other temple. It’s worth a short visit 😊 (visited on 9Nov, noon)

Such a beautiful park to visit, with lots of historic sides. A must see in Beijing.

Lovely park with 20 yuan entrance fee for a half Day walk and lunch

This is a very pretty view, clean and the locals are kind. Great for photos. I give this 4/5 because I didn’t feel that it was culturally enriching. It feels customized for tourists. Our rickshaw riders had to stop a lot for traffic, since they’re providing a “tour” it’s best to tip them. We couldn’t understand him, but he tried. The bathrooms are decent, hidden in different places and hard to find.

Beihai park is a big park with some local historic architectures and suitable for a walk of 4-5 hours. Friendly for children. Beautiful park.

Really pretty park! Definitely has some of the most beautiful views you'll see in a Beijing park. The white tower costs extra to be admitted to, and, in my opinion, you don't really need to bother with it. The park is plenty enjoyable without the extra.

Absolutely authentic place for China. A huge territory with lots of shops, art galleries, cafes. Best place for creative people to get some inspiration, community and take a lot of pictures. That’s definitely a place for many video and photo shootings.

Amazing place, must visit again. It is a great idea of the concept of using old buildings from some factory or whatever and making it an art district

The entire art district spans over a really large plot of land. For those of you that may enjoy visiting galleries here, there are a very large number of galleries available. Most are free to visit so you may take the time to slowly browse the location. For those of us that are not so interested in art, there are also alot of cafe's and restaurants that you are able to visit. Furthermore, the grungy vibe that the location has, would provide a good variety of instagrammable backdrops for you to take some photos. I would give myself at least 1.5 hours here.

Perfect area to spend a day. Multiple restaurants and also you can find cuisines from different nations. Walls with graffiti, structure is like an abandoned industrial area which was later converted to commercialisation. You can go there in groups but must go at-least once.

Visited this Artistic area during Winter. Definitely a place people shouldn’t give a miss when in Beijing!

Recommended, probably one of the coolest places to visit in the "new" Beijing. Plenty of Art galleries, nice restaurants and street art

I would give Zero star if I can. I was threatened by a soap shop owner inside 798 Art zone. The owner wasn’t happy that HK people went inside her shop, then she call her husband and brother to come. I had been put under home arrested. When her brother arrived, he chokehold me. I was scared and couldn’t breathed then I bite his arm and he said, “she hurts me now, call police.” When the police arrived, I request to go hospital and have assessment because of chokehold, but police refused and said, “they report you hurt them, perpetrator can’t request anything.” When I arrived police station, I was asked to pay USD$900 by a China police sergeant. I was shocked of the corruption between the shop and police and I refused to pay any money. Luckily, some of friends were lawyers and reporters in Beijing. I called them secretly for help. The police kept me for 1 night 2 days detention and threatened me “no pay no release”. Finally, the police didn’t charge me any crime and released me. It’s terrible experience in 798 Art zone.

A nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. The area is free to access and is dotted with beautiful wall art, graffiti, and modern art museums. Most of the museums are free while some require a small entrance fee. Although it takes about an hour to get to from the city center, it's a breath of fresh air to see a blend of Western and Chinese artwork and decor. There are little handicraft, DIY shops, and a plethora of modern cafes for you to sit and enjoy a tea or coffee in. Make sure to take the time to explore the area thoroughly as it's broken up into multiple art zones and doesn't just consist of the 798.

This is an abandoned industrial area that is now converted into an art district. There are murals, wall arts, sculptures, graffiti all over this area. The eateries and small coffee shops make this place unique and happening that any art lover will love to visit and experience the atmosphere. I spent several hours appreciating the art and had pizza at Lakers Pizza which was delicious. An enchanting place that every art lover should not miss if in Beijing.

Tight security to enter, however a must see location to start day for a tour of The Forbidden City. Wake up nice and early to see the Flag Raising, and walk through the gates to enter The Palace Museum. When entering The Palace Museum there was a long line, so for timing wise make sure you go early. We found a tour guide that offered 100rmb per person (Chinese Guide) or 800rmb for 4 people person (English Guide).

Iconic landmark facade known by the world over. Main entrance as well into the Forbidden City. Open to public. Welcomes upwards of 50,000 visitors daily, 19,000,000 annually and with numbers still growing. A definite must stop spot of any foreign tourist to Beijing.

I recommended to visit it , one of the largest square in the world and it is very famous worldwide but the square always crowded.

If you are in beijing, this is a place you should not miss it.

Woke up bright and early to see the first flag raising ceremony of the month. It was a little hard to see with how many people there were, especially with everyone holding up their phones to record. Nevertheless, highly recommend going if you're able to wake up that early. Bring your passport - there are a LOT of checkpoints.

a must visit when you in Bejing , Highly recomended

The trip has to be planned. Very busy. No entry without I'd and tickets.

Walking around that area is forbidden in the evening, only bicycle or vehicles are allowed to pass by. Definately not a place for tourist after sunset, stay away or grab a shared bike. P.s. You will need to book in advance on the internet to visit inside the palace in daytime.

Advanced booking via wechat needed, passport needed, all bags and waters need to be stored in the Bag Deposit first. We'll, let's don't talk about politics, this is just someplace that holds my breath when I went up there and took the view.... anything else's were suddenly so tiny in view... and for one second, I could have been brainwashed by the redness/goldeneye up there. Entrance fee: 10 RMB.

This is the gateway to the Forbidden City! Walk under Mao's portrait and you are through. The building itself is iconic and unmistakeable, dominating the square and famous the world over. But it is also your guide to the incredible Forbidden City.

Beautiful square and a historical site that is a must-see if or when in Beijing. This is also the area to pass before passing the gates to The Forbidden City.

One will need to walk through the famous front gate and two other gates to reach the palace. Strict security and every little extra visit such as going up to the terrace will require an additional reservation. Opposite the front gate is the Tiananmen Square. If you just want to take a close look at the front entrance with the portrait of Mao, take a bus that rides alongside the front gate.

Very crowded busy area lots of police present you will need your passport. The forbidden city is here and some great museums. If you love your history then this are is the place to go.

Super busy with thousands of people viewing Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. You will need your passport when going to the square otherwise no entry allowed. Spectacular place to visit and behold the antique and old China. Beautiful gardens and monuments inside that is just rich with Chinese history and heritage. A true once in a lifetime experience.

The Forbidden City of Beijing China. One of the coolest places I've ever been to. Full of history. Plenty of things to see. You can spend all day here if you wanted to. There is a really nice park located on the northern side after you exit. You'll have to climb a small mountain though to reach the top.

Really impressive. Its my second time here but I am still amazed at how big and beautiful this palace is. This historic place is unique, huge and beautiful. If you are into China History, it’s strongly recommended.

This castle is 1 of the most famous and full of Chinese historical stories you must visit. And you need to book a ticket before traveling otherwise you'll miss like me who couldn't enter inside because the ticket sold out. So I could watch and walk outside the castle that's why I decided to visit it again. Hopefully I'll travel to this beautiful castle again for the next year.

It's a very beautiful 😍 place . And too Big. You need some day to visit and shoot properly

. The Palace museum is a must-see location if you're in Beijing. Although congested, Beijing is what it is. . The building design is stunning. Every element showcases the rich culture and traditional elements of Chinese architecture. . Wonderful historical location should advise advance ticket purchases.

As a seasoned traveler and reviewer, I recently had the privilege of exploring the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing, a historical treasure trove that served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries. Here, I share my unique perspective and offer some insights and tips for fellow adventurers. The Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a time capsule that transports you to the opulent world of Chinese emperors. Its sheer size and architectural grandeur are awe-inspiring. Upon entering through the imposing gates, you step into a realm of emperors and dynasties. While wandering through its intricate maze of courtyards and palatial halls, allow serendipity to guide your journey. Each corner of this vast complex holds hidden stories and cultural gems waiting to be uncovered. To make the most of your visit, consider hiring a local guide who can provide in-depth historical insights and reveal lesser-known facts about the Forbidden City. This will enhance your understanding of this imperial marvel. One of the highlights of my visit was the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a colossal structure that once hosted grand imperial ceremonies. Its intricate wooden architecture and intricate detailing are a testament to the craftsmanship of ancient China. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak tourist seasons. Arriving early or later in the day can help you avoid the busiest times. Don't forget to explore the beautiful Imperial Garden at the rear of the complex. It's a serene oasis within the bustling city. In conclusion, the Forbidden City is not just a historical site; it's a journey back in time. It invites you to delve into the world of emperors and experience the grandeur of ancient China. Embrace the unexpected, hire a guide for a deeper understanding, and let this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivate you with its rich history and architectural splendor.

Verify your reviewer people there are a lot of scam reviewers on here these days. The Forbidden City is big, REALLY big. Bring clothing that is seasonally appropriate for an outdoor hike. The crowds are huge even in freezing temperatures but the grounds are so big that mostly you have space. The exceptions are the entry lines and the smaller exhibits. We saw the treasury. It's a separate price you pay inside the palace. Those rooms are small. Everyone is pushing and shoving to get a look so if you can't handle those kinds of crowds beware. For us one of the big negatives is the distances you are from the actual sites. Many of the barriers are significant distances from the interior of the rooms. Not only does this make it hard to see anything, you might want to bring a telephoto lens if you want good pictures. All that said it's an incredible experience and I wouldn't miss it.

Definitely a place to visit if you are ever nearby. I learnt so much and saw so much amazing history.

The most impressive palace complex was built in 1420 by Ming emperor later used by Qing dynasty & was turned in nowadays The Palace Museum. There was a long queue & crowd at entrance, we had to undergo security checks. Nearly one thousand small & big traditional Chinese buildings with red walls & yellow roofs looked wonderful. A lot of wooden structures were used to build the buildings. Front side was used for ceremonies & state functions & backside was residency of royals. Security seemed very tight, palace was surrounded by 26 feet high huge walls, just outside the wall was a 20 feet deep & 170 feet wide ditch. Big courtyard, gardens, temples, halls & nearly ten thousand rooms in about one thousand building mase the palace complex a big city where ordinary people were not allowed hence forbidden city. A great place to visit while in Beijing.

The security level is so high in that area that it took us nearly an hour until we get into the Palace. I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t get to see much of the inside of the buildings. I recall back 9 years ago, more buildings were opened for tourists to see. But still it is a great place to feel how life was like for the emperors and the people who lived inside. The souvenir shops are gorgeous, products are much more trendy than they used to be, I bought quite a few things that are unique and memorable. The map is great too. It was a cloudy day with a bit of rain at times, so the photos aren’t too nice. Anyway, it’s a must-go for Beijing tourists! Besides, we MUST make reservations before going, don’t forget!

Booking is required 7 days in advance. We used a travel agent, Klook, but you can also book directly through the government website. We took a taxi to the site, and the closest allowable drop off area (Nanheyyan Ave and East Changan Ave) was quite far from the Meridien Gate, around a 20min walk. If you take a subway to Tiananmen (exit A) it is closer around a 15 min walk. After you exit the subway, you will need to show your passport a few times to security. I had visited the Forbidden City over 20 years ago, and things have changed considerably. The crowds are ten times the size from my memory, and a few of the buildings were closed off. Despite the crowds and heavy rain, it was still an enjoyable visit, and our guide was knowledgeable and friendlly, explaining a lot of detail that is not found on the sign boards or audio guides. It took around 2-3 hours but easily could have lasted longer, but we were soaked and cold from the rain. The exit is north of the palace so plan your next site accordingly. Taxi pickups far from the gate exit, around a 15 min walk.

Definitely, that's the heart of Beijing City. A sample of World Heritage, preserved in a perfect shape as one of the best treasures of China legacies. If you can feel the spirit of this place, you can walk around the city, hidden in Forbidden City, in the era of Ming and Qing dynasties. A huge surface area, covered with buildings erected in a very particular and in the same time, traditional manner, extraordinary details and brilliant executed at their time. Unbelievable how they built a such big compound of building in a relatively few years. Definitely, this was an avant-garde complex at its time for entire world. Cannot miss this opportunity to visit this unique turistic spot. Tickets in advance and reservations are a must for your visit! Pay attention to this detail a couple of days before!

The palace is so big. I was so impressed how people in the past could create this amazing works. Not to mention about the king, people who made such afford to support their respect, trust and love were so respectful. The palaces in the front seemed to be more beautiful from renovation while the latter are relatively aged (which is right!) There are a bit messy from crown at the entrance. We must fight with Chinese tourists as well

Its magnificent and beautiful. Must sign up for a guided tour so all buildings make sense and learn abt the interesting history of this place. Ive visited during winter -12°..but it feels like more than -20° in the palace due to the wind and the snow on the ground in certain areas. Pls bring extra warm handgloves and socks. Wear comfortable insulated shoes..for a long walk.

The Forbidden City in Beijing is an awe-inspiring testament to China's imperial history. Its grand architecture, intricate details, and vast courtyards transport visitors to a bygone era. Navigating the imperial halls and gardens is a captivating journey through Chinese heritage. Despite the crowds, the sheer majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site makes it an unmissable cultural treasure.

The Forbidden City is huge at ground level, it looks large enough, viewed from Jingshan Park to the north you see how large an area it covers. The city is full of magnificent structures, expansive courtyards and immaculate gardens. As you enter you find yourself in the Outer Court section, the area has massive open courtyards with bridges over the river. Moving further in, you reach the Inner Court and Royal residential areas, the buildings become even more impressive the further you go. Finally emerging into the gardens, you can enjoy the much-needed shade of the trees and watch the fish swim round the ponds and streams. The scale of the city is such that you cannot explore everywhere in one go, realistically you'd need two or three long visits to really see every corner and building. We went in August during the holidays, in some areas the crowds were packed tightly, this made getting near some sections or buildings difficult. Make sure to dress and prepare according to the weather, in mid summer it's very hot and humid and there's a lot of walking, make sure to bring plenty of water. For non-Chinese tourists make sure to bring your Passport for ID as it's needed to get in.

Visited on weekday end Nov - not too crowded (as someone who hates crowded areas). The scale, magnificence and sense of grandeur is palpable - one has to be there to truly experience it. For best photos and even lesser crowds, walk / explore around the edges. Allocated full day - was rewarding to explore the different areas within palace at a fairly relaxed pace. Restaurant inside the compound was a model of efficiency in feeding the masses of tourists lined up. Queue was fast moving. Reserved via email but ticket admin advises “The ticketing website for international visitors has been opened (https://bookingticket.dpm.org.cn ) and tickets can be booked here from now on”

We planned the day to view the Mao Zedong mausoleum, Tianeman Sq, and Forbidden City aka The Palace Museum. Before going to Mao Zedong, need to deposit bags in the opposite building 200 meters away. Must book via WeChat in advance. Booked admission in advance before heading to Forbidden City, Depsoit bags and tripod at the building 100 meters before the main entrance in the south. Can pickup at the North Exit. Heavy walking.. but it's worth if can do it.

A must visit attraction in Beijing, as it is the palace, center of China’s capital. There you can see the home that belonged to generations of emperors, its astonishing architecture and culture. Though, keep in mind that it is usually crowded inside, cling to your relatives/friends or you might get lost.

An absolute must go for your first visit to Beijing. To navigate the legions of local tourists and numerous entrances and checkpoints you should engage a tour guide through one of the online companies. A guide is also essential to understanding more of the history. We catered about 4hours walking tour and covered about 60% of the grounds, starting at Tiananmen and ending up at Jingshan Park (take the underpass, and pay for the separate entrance fee of 2 Chinese yuan)

My recent trip to the Palace Museum in Beijing was an imperial odyssey through time. Stepping through the Meridian Gate, the Forbidden City unfolded like a majestic dreamscape. Golden roofs shimmered beneath the azure sky, each tile whispering tales of dynasties past. I wandered through courtyards bathed in the hushed reverence of ancient guardians, their stone faces weathered by centuries of silent observation. Inside, throne rooms echoed with the phantom footsteps of emperors, their opulent décor a testament to vanished grandeur. My eyes feasted on exquisite porcelain treasures, intricate jade carvings, and vibrant silk tapestries, each brushstroke a brush with history. As the sun dipped behind the Jade Mountain, casting long shadows across the Forbidden City, I knew I had walked not just through a palace, but through a portal to a bygone era, leaving me forever enchanted by its splendor.