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North China · 北京

Beijing

Imperial gardens, palace roofs and a wall that follows the mountains.

The Forbidden City’s red corner tower and willow trees reflect in the moat in warm evening light.
Forbidden CityEvening light falls on the Forbidden City’s northwest corner tower and its reflection in the moat.

Start with the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Save a day for the Great Wall beyond the city.

What to see

The Great Wall winds along bare autumn hills toward layers of misty mountains.
Great Wall at MutianyuThe Great Wall follows the ridgeline at Mutianyu in late autumn.
Three blue tiled roofs of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests rise above a white stone terrace.
Temple of HeavenThe blue roofs of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests rise above the stone terraces at the Temple of Heaven.

Beijing through the year

UNESCO · Beijing Central Axis

March–May

Spring

Summer Palace

Follow the shore of Kunming Lake as the imperial garden comes into bloom. For another garden walk, try Beihai Park.

June–August

Summer

Temple of Heaven

See the blue roofs of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, then take the shaded paths through the park.

September–November

Autumn

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Climb to the watchtowers at Mutianyu for colour along the ridges. In the city, try the ginkgo avenues in Ditan Park.

December–February

Winter

Forbidden City

After snow, climb Jingshan for a view of white roofs across the Forbidden City. Inside the palace, the red walls frame the courtyards.