5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Beijing - Top 5 Highlights to Explore on a Trip to Beijing

No trip to Beijing would be complete without walking the city's stretch of the Great Wall of China. This is the only man-made structure that's visible from space. Called the Badaling Pass, this portion of the Great Wall was the first to be opened to travellers back in the 1950s. Towering above the surrounding landscape at a height of 8 metres, the Badaling Pass was constructed during the 16th century and offers spectacular views. The best way to explore this portion of the wall is to sign up for a guided tour. It is also best to head to this busy tourist attraction before sunrise as the crowds only get larger as the day goes on.

Also known as the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City is arguably the main reason that most culture buffs holiday in the Chinese capital in the first place. Built during the Yang Dynasty, which ruled over China in the 13th century, the sheer scale and size of the Forbidden City are what is most impressive. Although the compound was not so vast when it was first built, subsequent Ming dynasty rulers also added to the Imperial Palace, expanding its reach to its now awe-inspiring scale. The main points of interest inside the palace include its Meridian Gate, the white marble Golden River Bridges, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony where the emperors once hosted lavish banquets.

Travellers based at Ascott Raffles City Beijing or any one of the other Beijing serviced apartments will drive past Beihai Park nearly every day due to its large size and strategic location next to the Imperial Palace. Believed to have been built during the 10th century, this charming parkland is where the iconic Round Fort is found. Other structures of historical value on-site include the Hall of Enlightenment (which dates back to 1690) where an impressive white jade sculpture of Lord Buddha is also homed. Song Qingling (the founder of the Chinese Republic), also built his resplendent residence in the park, and it is now a popular museum.

The globe's biggest inner-city square is also found in China and Tiananmen Square is known to be able to accommodate a million people. Built in the 1950s to mark the 10th year of the Chinese Republic, the landmark is considered a symbol of communist China. The Monument to the People's Heroes is also located in the square and is a 38-metre-high obelisk made from marble and granite. The Gate of Heavenly Peace is also part of the landscape and was built in 1417 and was later incorporated into Tiananmen Square and dubbed Tiananmen Gate.

Just 30 minutes from downtown Beijing, the Summer Palace is a 700-acre compound dating back to the 12th century. A royal holiday home of grand proportions, the breathtaking gardens and the man-made lake are the main attractions at this venue apart from the Hall of Happiness and Longevity and the Great Theatre.