Downtown Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing
Visit Downtown Beijing
Popular places to visit
Forbidden City
This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.
Wangfujing Street
Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.
Tiananmen Square
One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.
Sanlitun Road
During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.
Temple of Heaven
Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.
The Palace Museum
You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this culturally rich area.
Things to do
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)
All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall
T-Square & Forbidden City Group Tours with Optional Sights
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Daily Tour with Ticket & Lunch
Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service)
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Jingshan Hill Tour Options
Top hotels in Downtown Beijing
Peace Hotel Beijing
"Jack in the travel desk was very very helpful. Breakfast had a great spread that's the best part of our stay. They gave a room earlier than check in time but it was smaller and they wouldn't give an extra bed they promised unless we followed up twicw. They don't clean rooms well, don't replace used ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
"This is a pretty average hotel, at best a 3 star. We stayed here for 5 nights. Breakfast is very repetitive. The rooms are dated and in need of some modernisation, our bathroom had a leak. And finally the reception and restaurant staff would benefit from some good quality hospitality training - just ..."
Reviewed on 21 May 2026
Grand Hyatt Beijing
"Decent location. Bit tired in parts . Nice people"
Reviewed on 19 May 2026
LiveFortuna Hotel
"Great hotel, clean, good value and would recommend to anyone else looking to stay here!"
Reviewed on 14 May 2026
Sunworld Dynasty Hotel Beijing Wangfujing
"Nice Location and hotel"
Reviewed on 20 May 2026
Swissôtel Beijing Hong Kong Macau Center
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Beijing
Dongdan
Visitors to Dongdan love its popular shops, and you can check out Oriental Plaza and Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dengshikou Station.
Wangfujing Shopping Area
Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.
Dongcheng
Enjoy the popular shops in Dongcheng. Beijing Capital Theatre is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Zhangzizhonglu Station or Dongsi Station to see more of Beijing.
Chaoyang
Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Dong Yue Miao while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Chaoyangmen Station to get around town.
Xicheng
Historical sites, museums and theatres highlight some notable features of Xicheng. Make a stop by Xidan Shopping Center or XiDan Shopping District while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Lingjing Hutong Station or Xidan Station to get around town.
Dongzhimen
While you're in Dongzhimen, take in top sights like Raffles City Beijing and jump on the metro at Dongzhimen Station to see more of the city.
