Beijing, located at the northern end of the North China Plain and the southern foot of the Yanshan Mountains, is a city where historical memories of imperial courts and hutongs intertwine with modern urban functions. From the Forbidden City to the modern CBD, from traditional courtyard homes to vast suburban parks, Beijing offers a deep historical foundation and vibrant contemporary creativity. Want to grasp the essence of this city in limited time? Below are 7 highly recommended districts to prioritize,
★ Dongcheng District (东城区, Ancient capital core: Imperial City & Hutongs)
- Must‑See Attractions: Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven Park, Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), Nanluoguxiang (Nanluogu Alley), Wangfujing
- Experiences: Hutong and courtyard walking tours; observing morning exercises at Temple of Heaven; in‑depth Forbidden City tour (online reservation recommended); Wangfujing/Nanluoguxiang food walk
- Recommended Food: Zhajiangmian (Beijing fried‑sauce noodles), douzhi (豆汁/fermented mung‑bean drink), jiaoquan (crispy fried dough rings), lǘdagunr (驴打滚 / glutinous rice roll with bean flour), luzhu (卤煮 / stewed pork offal soup, often luzhu huoshao)
- Why Visit: Dongcheng is the historical heart of Beijing—imperial sites, preserved hutong life and classic markets—ideal for first‑time visitors.
★ Xicheng District (西城区, Politics & Old Beijing culture)
- Must‑See Attractions: Beihai Park, Shichahai (including Houhai), Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gong Wang Fu), White Pagoda Temple (Baita Temple), Zhongnanhai (exterior only — not open to public)
- Experiences: Boating and strolling along Shichahai; detailed garden visit at Prince Gong’s Mansion; hutong culture tours and tea/antique market exploration; tasting time‑honored snacks
- Recommended Food: douzhi/zhagao (fried cake), lǘdagunr, aiwowo (steamed sweet rice cakes), time‑honored Beijing cuisine (examples: Bianyifang, Quanjude — note: many modern alternatives exist)
- Why Visit: Xicheng combines royal gardens, classic lanes and authentic local life—good for cultural depth and local culinary experiences.
★ Chaoyang District (朝阳区, International, nightlife & contemporary culture)
- Must‑See Attractions: Beijing CBD / Guomao, Sanlitun, 798 Art Zone, Olympic Park (Bird’s Nest / Water Cube — located in northern Chaoyang)
- Experiences: Sanlitun nightlife and bar street; 798 contemporary art galleries and markets; fashion shopping and international dining; night photography at Olympic venues
- Recommended Food: International cuisine, high‑end and innovative Peking duck, creative bistros, specialty coffee shops
- Why Visit: Chaoyang is Beijing’s most international district—best for nightlife, contemporary art and cosmopolitan dining.
★ Haidian District (海淀区, Royal gardens & university culture)
- Must‑See Attractions: Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), Fragrant Hills Park (Xiangshan — great for autumn leaves), Purple Bamboo Park (Zizhuyuan), Peking University & Tsinghua University (campus exteriors)
- Experiences: Boating on Kunming Lake and Long Corridor walks at Summer Palace; hiking Fragrant Hills in autumn; campus strolls and independent bookstores/cafes; Zhongguancun tech/startup visits
- Recommended Food: Affordable campus snacks, Haidian private kitchens, traditional Beijing home‑style dishes
- Why Visit: Haidian combines imperial garden aesthetics, academic atmosphere and a tech innovation scene.
★ Fengtai District (丰台区, Transport hub & urban renewal)
- Must‑See Attractions: Beijing World Flower Grand View Garden (Beijing World Flower Grand View Garden), Beijing West Railway Station development zone, Yongding River Scenic Belt
- Experiences: Cycling/walking along Yongding River; flower park visits; suburban photography and exploration of urban renewal areas
- Recommended Food: Local Fengtai snacks (radish products), authentic home‑style dishes, pastries
- Why Visit: Fengtai is a transit friendly area undergoing renewal—useful as a transfer point and for experiencing new urban landscapes.
★ Tongzhou District (通州区, Grand Canal culture & sub‑city center)
- Must‑See Attractions: Tongzhou Canal Park, Grand Canal Cultural Belt (Beijing section), Canal Wetland Park, Taihu Ecological Park
- Experiences: Canal‑side cycling, canal boat tours and ancient‑town strolls, exploring the modern sub‑city center public spaces and architecture
- Recommended Food: Regional cherry products (Tongzhou/Pinggu), canal‑side snacks, pressed duck and local specialties
- Why Visit: Tongzhou mixes Grand Canal heritage with a rising sub‑city center—ideal for riverside slow travel and new urban scenery.
★ Huairou District (怀柔区, Suburban scenery & quality Great Wall sections)
- Must‑See Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall (located in Huairou — family‑friendly, well restored), Yanqi Lake, Hongluo Temple, Huairou Film & Television Base
- Experiences: Great Wall hiking/photography at Mutianyu; lake leisure and waterside walks at Yanqi Lake; visiting film/TV bases and mountain hikes
- Recommended Food: Huairou chestnuts, mountain farmhouse cuisine, local fruit specialties
- Why Visit: Huairou offers scenic Great Wall segments and tranquil lake landscapes—good for families and nature lovers wanting to escape central Beijing crowds.
Shunyi District (顺义区, Airport gateway & leisure agriculture)
- Must‑See Attractions: Hanshiqiao Wetland Park, Olympic Water Park (selected projects), nearby rural picking bases
- Experiences: Wetland bird‑watching, fruit picking, farmhouse B&B stays; convenient for airport‑related travel
- Recommended Food: Shunyi local dishes, garlic‑related recipes, local honey/flower products
Changping District (昌平区, Great Wall & imperial tombs)
- Must‑See Attractions: Ming Tombs, Juyongguan Great Wall (Juyongguan is in Changping); Badaling Great Wall (administratively Yanqing — often combined with Changping routes)
- Experiences: Great Wall hiking and photography, tomb culture exploration, nearby hot springs and rural experiences
- Recommended Food: Changping strawberries, farmhouse dishes and fruit products
Daxing District (大兴区, New airport & urban agriculture)
- Must‑See Attractions: Nanhaizi Park, Beijing Wildlife Park (located at the Daxing/Fangshan junction — see note), Urban Agriculture Park
- Experiences: Family zoo visits, wetland bird‑watching, urban farm experiences and picking
- Recommended Food: Daxing watermelon, local honey and farm produce
Pinggu District (平谷区, Fruit township & canyon scenery)
- Must‑See Attractions: Jingdong Grand Canyon, Jinhai Lake, Pinggu Peach Blossom Garden (spring peach blossoms)
- Experiences: Canyon hiking, lakeside leisure, spring flower viewing and picking
- Recommended Food: Pinggu peaches, grapes and regional agricultural products
Mentougou District (门头沟区, West‑Beijing mountains & ancient temples)
- Must‑See Attractions: Tanzhe Temple, Miaofeng Mountain (administrative notes apply), Zhaizang Reservoir
- Experiences: Mountain hiking, temple pilgrimages, rock‑face photography and camping
- Recommended Food: Mentougou apples, walnuts and farmhouse cuisine
Fangshan District (房山区, Prehistoric sites & outdoor adventure)
- Must‑See Attractions: Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site (Zhoukoudian), Shidu Scenic Area, Yunju Temple
- Experiences: Karst canyon rafting, stream tracing, archaeological site visits and photography
- Recommended Food: Fangshan jujubes, local farmhouse dishes and specialties
Yanqing District (延庆区, Famous Great Wall sections & seasonal activities)
- Must‑See Attractions: Badaling Great Wall (administratively Yanqing), Yanqing Expo Park (World Horticultural Exhibition park), winter ski resorts and meadow landscapes
- Experiences: Great Wall sightseeing (Badaling is very popular), exploring horticultural exhibition grounds, winter skiing and mountain hikes
- Recommended Food: Yanqing apples, mountain wild vegetables, local brewing/wine products
Miyun District (密云区, Key water source & scenic areas)
- Must‑See Attractions: Miyun Reservoir, Yunmeng Mountain, Black Dragon Pool (Miyun area — note same name may appear elsewhere)
- Experiences: Reservoir cycling, mountain hiking, fishing and agritainment experiences
- Recommended Food: Reservoir fish, Miyun chestnuts, assorted home‑style dishes
Shijingshan District (石景山区, Old industry & urban mountain landscape)
- Must‑See Attractions: Badachu Park, Shougang Park (Shougang Industrial Heritage Park)
- Experiences: Industrial heritage photography at Shougang, temple culture tours, suburban climbs
- Recommended Food: Western Beijing farmhouse cuisine and mountain snacks
Beijing can satisfy cultural tourists who want to see an “Imperial Epic” and also provide rich choices for travelers seeking “Modern Urban Life” and “Suburban Natural” experiences.
