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​

​​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)

​​​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
9761 reviews
5/5
Incredibly beautiful. We weren't so lucky with the weather; it was very hot, but there weren't many people. I really want to come back here in the fall.
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5/5
It's very beautiful, the views are amazing. We passed about 10 towers. It's cool inside the towers.
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5/5
My experience at the Mutianyu Great Wall was absolutely unforgettable. Our guide, Wang Hao, was incredibly kind and explained everything clearly in both Chinese and English. I’m so glad I booked this package—it was exactly what I needed. The return transport to the city, shuttle bus, and round-trip cable car made for the perfect combination and allowed me to enjoy the experience without any stress.I made it all the way to Tower 20, with a few well-earned stops along the way—especially during the last bit of the climb up (what a challenge, haha!). The views were breathtaking, and reaching the top made every step worthwhile.This was the highlight of my stay in Beijing. The other attractions I visited were amazing too, but standing on the Great Wall is truly a unique and magnificent experience that I’ll never forget.
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4/5
It's beautiful, but go as soon as it opens or it will be difficult to walk among the various towers. The heat and the number of people there is impressive!
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5/5
The tour was well planned, the bus and road were comfortable. We were unlucky; it rained and we couldn't see much, but that didn't make the tour any worse. We really enjoyed everything 😍😍
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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
48036 reviews
5/5
We really enjoyed the tour! The guide was excellent! He gave us a wonderful tour! We loved everything! Thanks to Dima and Ustye❤️🌹
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5/5
The Forbidden City is an absolute must-visit in Beijing. The architecture and history are truly breathtaking. However, if you visit during the summer, be prepared for extreme heat. There is very little shade inside the complex, so walking for several hours under the sun can be exhausting. Bring plenty of water, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and take care to avoid heat exhaustion.
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5/5
The Forbidden City—I felt like an empress! 😂 Honestly, I didn't expect to be so overwhelmed! You enter through the Gate of Heavenly Peace and are simply awestruck by the sheer scale. These vast squares, the red walls, the golden roofs—it's all so powerful that it's hard to call it just a "palace." It's an entire city, and getting lost in it is easy! My favorite was the Imperial Garden 🌿—such a tranquil place with its amusing stone lions and centuries-old pine trees. I really wanted to sit down on a bench and pretend I was an empress out for a breath of fresh air (spoiler alert: the benches were all occupied by tourists 😂). We deliberately turned into the side courtyards—there were far fewer people there, and you could calmly soak up the atmosphere. And when we climbed the city wall, a magnificent view of the entire complex and even modern Beijing beyond opened up. This is probably one of those places that everyone should see!
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5/5
Since I live in China, I could have tried buying tickets through WeChat, but I had heard that tickets for the Forbidden City during the summer holiday season are hard to come by, so I played it safe and bought them here (it was a little more expensive than buying them myself through WeChat). In conclusion, I'm glad I booked here. I tried to book tickets for the following week myself, but the booking system was overwhelmed and I couldn't get through, and they sold out while I was trying. On the day of my visit, I was able to enter simply by scanning my passport at the entrance gate. I was able to enter without any problems. After entering, I was simply overwhelmed by the size and grandeur of the Forbidden City. I have seen many tourist attractions in various countries, but the Forbidden City left the strongest impression on me. I recommend watching the movie The Last Emperor before you go! Also, I think it would be smoother to see Tiananmen Square and then head north to the Meridian Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City. Please note that you need to book Tiananmen Square at least one day in advance to enter. It is a must-see spot if you go to Beijing.
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4/5
The tour guide explained everything very carefully despite the scorching heat, but there was a mistake in providing fewer guide headphones than there were people. They did give us breaks occasionally, but several groups of customers dropped out midway due to the extreme heat. I recommend going during a cooler season. The scenery was magnificent.
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​Temple of Heaven Park​

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
5201 reviews
5/5
Worth to visit. Really
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5/5
It was such a nice experience to share with family! It was amazing to see the level of detail in the decor of the temple.
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4/5
The place is worth a visit but during the summer can be tirying. No guide comes with the package
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5/5
The Temple of Heaven at the entrance is very magnificent, with a distinctly Chinese style, and the photos taken there are beautiful. It's definitely worth a visit.
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5/5
An incredibly beautiful place, a huge park, the attraction itself is incredible and amazes with its scale
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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
7458 reviews
5/5
It is definitely worth a visit with a walk in the surrounding area
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5/5
A very beautiful place, definitely worth a visit💯🔥
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5/5
Great experience, very beautiful place
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5/5
A truly beautiful and atmospheric place, a must-see! We visited in the evening, before sunset and closing time. We were really hoping they'd turn on the lights, but unfortunately, they didn't.
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5/5
A huge thank you to our guide (wechat: 简单)! Thanks to her, we navigated the Summer Palace very quickly. It's high season, 人山人海 (people mountain people sea), when many people are on vacation and all the sights are filled with crowds. The guide shared interesting facts, showed us color illustrations, photographs, and portraits of historical figures. She waited for us all at the beginning of the tour, made sure we didn't get lost, and gave us breaks to go to the store, use the restroom, and take photos. At the end, we took a boat ride, which also didn't take long to wait for. Thank you so much!
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​Hutongs & Nanluoguxiang​

​​Hutongs & Nanluoguxiang​

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
317 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
23575 reviews
5/5
Good to go
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5/5
The park left a lasting impression! Everything is beautifully decorated, the atmosphere is stunning, the parade is excellent, and the evening light show is a must-see. It was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. I'd especially like to mention the Harry Potter area—it's simply incredible. Even if you're not a big fan, you can't miss it. It's incredibly detailed, beautiful, and completely immersive. The main drawback is the long lines. Because of them, we didn't have time to try all the attractions we wanted. Sometimes the wait was truly tiring and took up most of the day. Despite this, the park is definitely worth a visit. If you're prepared to wait in long lines, you'll have a wonderful experience. We definitely didn't regret coming.
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5/5
The decorations and attention to detail were amazing, we were unlucky was there a storm in the day of visit, for almost 3 hours most attractions had to be closed, and shows canceled, even with that the experience was very enjoyable, the rides are amazing, the animations and animatronics are impressive and very realistic, the only downside is big wait times...
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5/5
The park exceeded all expectations. It's huge, cool, and interesting. There were a lot of people, so there were long lines for the rides. But the management had anticipated this, so there are drinking fountains at all locations, which is very helpful in this heat.
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5/5
We had a great time at Universal Park. I highly recommend monitoring the lines at the rides using the app, and also not rushing to the first ones that are sure to be crowded (Hogwarts, for example). Also, carefully consider the season for your trip to China and the park in general. Lines are 100% on weekends, but there will be fewer people on weekdays. We were at the park on March 8th, after the Chinese New Year. So, even though we arrived at 10 a.m. on March 8th, we didn't encounter any lines. For many rides, we waited in line for a maximum of 30 minutes. The longest line wasn't for the rides, but for the Three Broomsticks at Hogwarts.
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Beijing One-Day Tour for First-Time Visitors

​Time Slot​

​Activity & Highlights​

​Logistics & Tips​

​7:30 AM – 12:00 PM​

​Great Wall at Mutianyu​

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

​12:30 – 3:00 PM​

​Forbidden City + Tiananmen Square​

• ​​Lunch​​: Quick bite near Donghuamen

• ​​Must​​: Pre-book tickets online

​3:30 – 6:00 PM​

​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

​7:00 PM onward​

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


🚕 ​​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.

Beijing Hotel Recommendations

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NO.1
Le Joy Hotel
9.5/1012163 reviews
Le Joy Hotel
Hotel in Beijing
NO.2
UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City
9/104177 reviews
UrCove by HYATT Beijing Forbidden City
Hotel in Beijing

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Hannah

Hannah

Travel Blooger

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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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