Top Rated Attractions in Beijing

Built for the 1990 Asian Games, the Olympic Sports Center Stadium is set within the Olympic Sports Centre complex. It underwent a major re-haul for the Summer Olympics in 2008. However despite its flexibility, it is primarily a football stadium with many matches held here much to the delight of fans in the city.

The Palace Museum, which is now the largest museum in China, was once the home of 24 different emperors. It is located in the center of Beijing and the Forbidden city. With 70 halls and over 8,000 rooms, it is hard to imagine being able to see all of the museum's treasures in one trip. This incredible establishment offers up a journey through China's history and is a must-see during your stay in Beijing. Check out the museum's website for an extensive virtual tour of their pieces, which range from calligraphy to furniture; doing so may help you to determine which parts of this huge museum you would most like to spend your time in during your visit.

Built for the reigning emperors of the Khan dynasty, this lush, green park was once used for recreation by the royal family. The gardens were first constructed in the 11th century, though they were not opened to the public until 1925. Renowned for being the home of one of the largest historical Chinese gardens in existence, the park also contains numerous historical temples and structures. Visitors can explore the park's picturesque gardens, lake, and famous White Pagoda on Jade Flower Island. Kids will love riding in a paddle boat around the serene lake or having a picnic in the shade.

Built in 1694, the Yonghe Temple was the residence of Prince Yin Zhen, a son of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty. For many years, it was the leading center for Yellow Hat Shamanism, a distinctive branch of Tibetan Buddhism. It features five large halls and five courtyards with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details. Also known as the Palace of Peace and Harmony, this site houses a treasury of Buddhist art, including sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas, as well as Tibetan-style murals.

Located 15 kilometers (9 miles) from central Beijing, this World Heritage Site is a breathtaking display of ancient art and architecture, lush royal gardens, and amazing vistas. This vast complex of luxuriant greenery is studded with ancient architectural gems and pristine lakes, a triumphant showcase of traditional landscape design. The Summer Palace consists of numerous pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors, while the gardens are some of the best preserved in China. First built by the Qing Dynasty in 1750 as the 'Garden of Clear Ripples', the Palace suffered hefty damages in the war of 1860 and then again in 1900, only to be restored to its former resplendent glory a few years later. Its origins, though, can be traced back to 1153, when the capital of the Jin Dynasty was moved here. The Summer Palace is also known for its impressive 17-arch bridge and the Long Corridor, which is decorated with brightly colored paintings that depict Chinese mythological tales. Akin to a jewel box with its treasures laid bare, the Summer Palace is an enchanting medley of unforgettable sights.

While the National Center for the Performing Arts may be this building's official title, almost everyone refers to it as "The Giant Egg". When looking at this shiny, oval building, it is no wonder why this is so. The 12,000 square meter building was designed by French architect Paul Andreu and was completed in 2007. The exterior features titanium-edged glass plates that reflect in the man-made lake that completely surrounds the building. The Giant Egg houses an opera hall, a music hall, and a theater hall. Visitors can explore this modern architectural wonder on guided tours, or take in a show during the evening.