Beijing Map & Travel Guide: Subway, Attractions & Hotels

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Beijing Map

Planning a Beijing Adventure? This Guide Simplifies Your Journey.​​

Ready to explore Beijing? The right maps are essential for an easier trip. This Beijing map guide equips you with: a comprehensive city map, a central landmarks guide, and a metro map – all designed to help you navigate hassle-free.

Beijing Maps that You Need

​​Beijing District Map: Explore All Areas​

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​​Beijing District Map: Explore All Areas​

​Beijing spans 16 administrative districts. Key areas and their popular attractions include:​​

  • ​​Dongcheng District: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing Street, Nanluoguxiang Hutong​​, Temple of Heaven
  • Xicheng District: Shichahai Lakes, Beijing Zoo, Niujie Mosque​​
  • Chaoyang District: ​​Sanlitun Bar Street, 798 Art Zone, CCTV Headquarters, Chaoyang Park​​
  • Haidian District: ​​Summer Palace, Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fragrant Hills​​
  • Changping District: ​​Great Wall at Badaling, Ming Tombs, Juyong Pass​​
  • Shijingshan District: ​​Beijing Fun Park, Shijingshan Temple, Olympic Training Center​
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Map of Beijing's Tourist Attractions

Map of Beijing's Tourist Attractions

​​Nestled against protective western and northern mountains, Beijing pulses where ancient empires meet cutting-edge ambition.​​ ​​Forget sterile geography:​​ picture the ​​Forbidden City's crimson walls and golden roofs​​ looming right beside ​​Titan'anmen Square's immense, history-charged expanse​​. This ​​is China's nerve center​​, where dynastic whispers echo in modern glass towers.

Beijing Subway Map

Beijing Subway Map

Some essential metro lines for travelers include:
​​Line 1:​​ East-west route through the heart of Beijing – connects ​​Tiananmen Square​​, ​​Wangfujing​​, and ​​CBD​​
​​Airport Express:​​ Direct link between ​​Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)​​ and central ​​Dongzhimen Station​​ (connects to Lines 2 & 13)
​​Line 8 (Olympic Line):​​ Runs north-south to ​​Olympic Park​​, ​​Niaocho​​ (Bird's Nest), and ​​Water Cube​​
​​Line 5:​​ North-south artery passing ​​Temple of Heaven Park​​ and ​​Yonghe Lama Temple​​
​​Line 13:​​ Crucial northern loop with connections to ​​Great Wall trains at Huangtudian Station​​

​​With ​​27 lines​​ and ​​500+ stations​​, Beijing’s metro is immense! Always verify your route direction before boarding.

Top Things to Do in Beijing: 5 Must-See Attractions

​​Great Wall of China (MuTianYu)

​​Great Wall of China (MuTianYu)
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​​​Imagine walking atop the Ming Dynasty's stone masterpiece:​​ Mutianyu isn't just a section of the Great Wall, it's widely considered ​​China's most breathtakingly preserved stretch​​. Surrounded by thick forests tumbling over endless green ridges, this place feels alive. You can almost see Ming soldiers gazing from its ​​unique watchtowers​​, or spot the ​​clever double row of battlements​​ lining the walkway – a rare defensive feature built against invaders on both flanks.

4.8/5
10224 reviews
5/5
Be sure to buy a ticket that includes the cable car and shuttle bus.
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5/5
A must-see! 🔥🔥🔥
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5/5
the climb is hard and enjoyable at the same time
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5/5
It was amazing and easy to climb, the scenery was amazing and it was the best place to walk around the wall. It wasn't filled with a lot of people hence more enjoyable I highly recommend it 🥰
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5/5
It's worth a visit! We were lucky with the weather; it was September! There weren't many lines, and you don't need to go in the morning. I got through the whole thing in three hours, from 6am to 11pm.
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Forbidden City​

Forbidden City​

​​​For nearly 500 years (1420-1912), this was the absolute center of Chinese power – the private world of 24 Ming and Qing emperors.​​ Walking its sprawling 180 acres (imagine 137 football fields!) today feels like stepping into the heart of an empire. ​​You're surrounded by the staggering scale of history:​​ a ​​UNESCO-treasured labyrinth of 980 golden-roofed palaces, grand halls, and silent courtyards​​, all perfectly aligned along a single, powerful north-south axis mirroring the ancient belief in cosmic order.

4.9/5
47491 reviews
5/5
A must-see! The guide also shared many other fascinating insights into life in China. I highly recommend it; we really enjoyed it!
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5/5
Beautiful place! Very large territory. 5 hours wasn't enough.
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5/5
We were here in the rain, but it didn't spoil the experience at all. The park at the end of the route is a uniquely relaxing spot. The audio guide was very helpful – it makes it much more interesting if you're going without a guided tour.
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5/5
An excellent Russian-speaking guide; the entire route took about three hours. This place is a must-see 🙏
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5/5
I had no problems with the ticket; I booked and paid for it about three weeks before the visit. Confirmation arrived about a week before the visit, just as ticket sales began. The Forbidden City itself is huge, with thousands of people at a time, but overall, everything is worth seeing. The Treasury wasn't particularly impressive. On the day of entry, when you open your ticket, you'll find a link to an audio guide in Russian.
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​​Temple of Heaven Park​

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Temple of Heaven Park​

Beijing’s Temple of Heaven is a stunning imperial complex where Ming and Qing emperors performed sacred rituals to ensure bountiful harvests.

This isn't just scenery; it's a masterpiece where ​​nature harmonizes perfectly with human artistry.​​ Discover pagodas like the ​​soaring Tower of Buddhist Incense​​ and the iconic ​​Marble Boat​​, seeming to float forever on the lake's edge.

4.7/5
5666 reviews
5/5
One of Beijing's main attractions. A complex of several structures, nestled among foliage and juniper trees. You can relax on one of the many benches. Highly recommended!
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5/5
I got a combo ticket so I could visit everything in the complex - fantastic value. Combination of history, architecture, and nature. I spent 5 hours exploring leisurely, without rushing. Definitely worth a visit.
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5/5
The park and the temples themselves are stunning. In places like this, you really need to take your time and enjoy the views.
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5/5
Amazing
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5/5
ตั๋วนี้เข้าได้แค่เฉพาะในสวน ถ้าจะเข้าวัดต้องซื้ออีกแบบหนึ่ง หรือไปซื้อตั๋วหน้าทางเข้าเพิ่มเติมได้ ถ้าเน้นบรรยากาศแค่สวนก็ถือว่าโอเคเลย แต่ถ้าจะเข้าวัดด้วยไม่ควรซื้ออันนี้ เพราะมันจะต้องเสียเงินซ้ำซ้อน
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​​Summer Palace​

​​Summer Palace​

​Dominating this imperial garden are Kunming Lake (75% water) and Longevity Hill, blending natural scenery with pavilions like the Marble Boat and Tower of Buddhist Incense. First built in 1750, destroyed twice, and restored, it fuses Chinese garden styles—from Hangzhou’s lakes to Tibetan temples. The 728-meter Long Corridor, painted with myths, and Suzhou Market Street highlight its artistic legacy.

4.7/5
7416 reviews
4/5
"The pinnacle of landscape garden design, the Empress Dowager's backyard." Located in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing, the Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Its predecessor was the Qingyi Garden, built by Emperor Qianlong to honor his mother. It was later burned down by the Anglo-French allied forces. During the Guangxu era, Empress Dowager Cixi misappropriated naval funds for a large-scale reconstruction and renamed it "Summer Palace" as her retirement residence. It skillfully blends the gentle beauty of the Jiangnan water towns (such as West Lake in Hangzhou) with the grandeur of northern imperial architecture, earning it the reputation of a "museum of imperial gardens." Garden Layout and Key Attractions: The Summer Palace covers an area of ​​2.9 square kilometers (approximately 40 times the size of Prince Gong's Mansion!), with water accounting for three-quarters of its area. The Summer Palace is primarily composed of two main areas: Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. • The Palace Area (Politics and Daily Life): Upon entering the palace gates, the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshou Hall) was where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu received foreign dignitaries and handled state affairs. The Hall of Joyful Longevity (Leshou Hall) was Empress Dowager Cixi's former residence, its courtyard filled with magnolias and crabapple trees, exuding extravagance. • Longevity Hill (Fragrance of Buddha Pavilion Landscape Axis): Longevity Hill is the visual center of the Summer Palace. The Pavilion of Fragrant Buddha, built against the hill, is the landmark of the entire garden, offering panoramic views of Kunming Lake. At the foot of the hill is the famous Long Corridor, 728 meters long, with tens of thousands of colorful paintings of Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, and other works on its transverse railings, making it the Guinness World Record holder for "the world's longest gallery." • Kunming Lake (A Miniature of Jiangnan Water Towns): Designed in the style of West Lake in Hangzhou. The most eye-catching feature is the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, with a large bronze ox with a vivid design at its head; and a stone boat (Qingyan Boat) carved entirely from marble is moored on the lakeside, a unique architectural blend of Chinese and Western styles within the park.
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5/5
Business Hours:Address:Tips:Reasons to Recommend:Reasons to Recommend:best time here summer palace
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5/5
Incredible place and our guide was amazing too. I highly recommend this English-language tour.
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5/5
If you enjoy active recreation and are interested in exploring the old palace, then I highly recommend it!!
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5/5
Yes, it's a wonderful place, very beautiful and historically interesting. The audio guide is in Russian, but it's not very good; it's read by an AI, without any soul. Allow plenty of time for your walk to see everything interesting! The only downside is the crowds (maybe only on weekends).
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​​Hutongs & Nanluoguxiang​

​​Hutongs & Nanluoguxiang​
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Step into Nanluoguxiang, and you're walking through ​​800 years of Beijing history​​. This ​​legendary hutong​​, stretching about half a mile (800 meters), is the beating heart of traditional alleyway culture. ​​Sixteen smaller lanes​​ twist off its main path, each whispering stories of the past. Once the ​​exclusive address of Ming and Qing dynasty nobility​​, today it's ​​a fascinating mix of ancient and ultra-cool​​.

4.6/5
303 reviews
4/5
It's very close to the Nanluguoxiang metro exit. Pretty far if you walk from Beixinqiao (even though it looks not too far on the map LOL). The alley is not too long and has many interesting stores. Modern and old Beijing styles mixed well there. Western bakery and traditional snacks can be found there. Nice place for window shoping and buying some snacks.
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5/5
Don't save money on travel Because it can broaden your horizons (open your eyes) A family travels to Beijing for 16 days ✈️ The air is very good, there is no smog at all, the streets are very clean and the greenery is very complete I can only say that Siji Minfu Peking Duck is so delicious! No fishy smell at all The fried noodles in Nanluoguxiang are so authentic The Beijing National Grand Theater Concert Hall is so stunning He climbed the Great Wall, so he is a real man! You'll be addicted to Jubaoyuan mutton hotpot! Luo Hong Photography Art Museum (enter and enjoy the beauty of the world) The bar street in Shichahai is worth visiting! Wang Fujing can go shopping and buy a lot of things! The most important place to take care of children is Beijing Universal Studios It is recommended that you buy a fast pass (otherwise you will have to queue for 90 minutes for any facility) There are so many beautiful sights and fun places that I can’t describe them all! This trip has more important work to do, but it also means that the whole family will have to move. So I gave up in the end! I even canceled my flight ticket to Canada at the end of July for this job! But I think these are all destined, keep the positive energy 💪
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5/5
Nanluoguxiang is a place full of the flavor of old Beijing. The alleys here seem to take me back to decades ago, retaining the traditional architecture and living atmosphere. Walking in the alleys, you can see a variety of handicraft shops, teahouses and snack stalls. This place not only has ancient history, but also integrates modern creativity. Many small shops have unique designs and are full of artistic sense. Especially some of the special snacks in the alley, such as Beijing fried noodles with soybean paste and candied haws, which are very delicious.
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4/5
This is a street where you can buy traditional Beijing food and various souvenirs! However, the prices for souvenirs here are really, really expensive compared to other places.. I recommend this to those who want to enjoy Chinese street food and traditional streets at the same time~!
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4/5
It is a fusion of tradition and modernity. The alleys are filled with specialty shops, cafes, restaurants and handicraft shops, attracting many tourists to experience the fusion of old Beijing's charm and fashion trends. In addition, Nanluoguxiang is also famous for its rich snacks, such as the cheese from Wenyu Cheese Shop and the lamb kebab pizza from Passenger, which are very popular among tourists. As one of the best-preserved hutongs in Beijing, Nanluoguxiang not only displays the historical features of the ancient capital, but also reflects the vitality of the modern city. It is an ideal place to understand Beijing's hutong culture and city life.
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Universal Beijing Resort

Universal Studios Beijing threw open its gates in September 2021, landing right in the capital's Tongzhou district. This isn't just any theme park – it's ​​the biggest Universal Studios in all of Asia!​​ Get ready to dive into ​​seven incredibly immersive worlds​​, including the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a one-of-a-kind zone: the world’s first Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness.

4.6/5
25228 reviews
5/5
I really liked it; they thought of every little detail. You don't even notice the 50-minute lines.
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5/5
Before visiting the park, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and patience. Lines start at 8-9 am and continue until the park closes. Download the app to track wait times for rides. I recommend riding the rides at least once and going through the maze (if there's no express train): Harry Potter, Toonformers, Jurassic Park, Kung Fu Panda. Be sure to attend the water show. If there are evening events, be sure to check them out too. Be warned! Be prepared to spend the entire day in the park, but it's definitely worth it: the atmosphere is incredible, and the crowds are insane. Thanks to China for this opportunity! The express train will significantly reduce wait times for rides! (We didn't have one.)
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4/5
A must-see ♥️ For adults - to immerse themselves in childhood😌, and for children - to feel that a fairy tale exists🥹
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5/5
Interesting! It's colorful, there are lots of attractions, there aren't many lines, and it's completely free in the evening.
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5/5
I expected much more; the rides are all the same, the prices are exorbitant. I came for the Harry Potter zone (two hippogriff rides are uninteresting, but the castle ride is quite nice). The lines at Jurassic World are, of course, huge; we stood for an hour and a half for 45 seconds of riding... So-so, be patient and bring a folding chair... Overall, if you're with a child, you might enjoy it.
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Beijing One-Day Tour for First-Time Visitors

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​Time Slot​

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​Activity & Highlights​

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​Logistics & Tips​

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​7:30 AM – 12:00 PM​

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​Great Wall at Mutianyu​

• ​​Transport​​: Private car (1.5–2 hrs from downtown)

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​12:30 – 3:00 PM​

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​Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square​

• ​​Lunch​​: Quick bite near Donghuamen

• ​​Must​​: Pre-book tickets online

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​3:30 – 6:00 PM​

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​Nanluoguxiang Hutongs​

• Stroll 800-year-old lanes

• Try Wenyu yogurt 🥄

• Boutiques & courtyard art studios

• ​Access​​: Subway Line 6/8 to Nanluoguxiang Station

• Detour: Mao’er Hutong for hidden temples

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​7:00 PM onward​

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Peking Duck Dinner​

• Quanjude or Da Dong or Sijiminfu

​Evening Option​:

– Kung Fu show (Red Theatre)

– Sanlitun nightlife

•Reservations​: Essential for popular duck restaurants

• Subway Line 1 to Qianmen (Quanjude)

Getting Around Beijing

Subway

​
✅ ​​Fast, clean & wallet-friendly:​​ Jump on for ​​just ¥3​​ (goes up a bit if traveling far). Seriously, this is how most locals move.
✅ ​​Massive network:​​ ​​27 lines​​ hit almost every major spot you'll want to see.
⏰ ​​Avoid Rush Hour HELL:​​ ​​7-9 AM & 5-7 PM​​ = sardine-can crowds. Seriously, avoid if you can!

​​Airport Express


✈️ ​​PEK Airport to Downtown in 20 mins:​​ Zips you to ​​Dongzhimen or Sanyuanqiao​​ hubs. Perfect when dragging luggage.
💸 ​​Costs ¥25 one-way.​​ Connects easily to ​​Subway Lines 2, 10, 13​​ at Dongzhimen.

​​Bus

​
💰 ​​Super Budget:​​ Only ​​¥2 flat fare​​ with an ​​IC Card (一卡通)​​. Pay cash? It’ll cost more (​​¥3-10​​, based on distance).
📍 ​​Great for short trips​​ where the subway doesn't go.
📲 ​​Use the Beijing Bus App!​​ Lifesaver for real-time bus tracking and route planning.

​​Taxis & Ride-Hailing

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🚕 ​​Didi (滴滴):​​ China's Uber. ​​Use the app - it's easy.​​ Pay via WeChat/Alipay linked to your account.
🚖 ​​Flag a Cab:​​ ​​Meter starts at ¥13​​, then ​​~¥2.30 per km​​. Make sure they USE the meter! Cash or QR payments ok.

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Hannah

Hannah

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Hey, I’m Hannah. I’ve been lucky enough to travel through Europe, Asia, the Americas, and far beyond, soaking up local life, discovering hidden spots, and learning what really makes a place tick. I write travel guides that combine that experience with practical advice—what to do, where to go, and little tips that make a trip smoother. For me, travel is about curiosity, connecting with people, and noticing the small things that make a place unique. I like to help readers explore with confidence but also leave room for adventure and the unkonwn!

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