Tiananmen Square

Arguably Beijing's most popular tourist destination, Tiananmen Square is a large open space surrounded by official buildings that is used for big celebrations and is often the spot where government officials address the people. Government officials speak from a balcony, which is open to tourists during the day. Tiananmen Square closes each night at 10:30 p.m., and is best accessible by subway or on foot, as taxis are not allowed to stop near it. It is perhaps best known internationally as the site of deadly clashes between protesters and government officials in 1989.

Great Wall

One of the few manmade structures visible from space, the pieces of the Great Wall are within a two- to three-hour distance from Beijing. One section, the Badaling part, is fully restored and is long enough to take about two hours to reach one end of the section.

Forbidden City

Also known as the Imperial Palace, the Forbidden City is the former residence of ancient emperors. The complex is made up of a series of halls, temples and housing that is said to contain 9,999 rooms. It is divided into northern and southern parts. The southern section was used for ceremonies and entertaining guests, and the northern area was the private residence.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace was built as of place of rest for former emperors, but has since become an impressive public park. The main feature of the park is a large lake with a walkway surrounding it. On one end of the lake is a series of buildings -- towers, halls and temples. The park includes many other small architectural features, such as a 17-arch bridge, a pagoda, and a stone boat.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a large park and temple complex. The centerpiece of the area is a large tower that is said to be built entirely of wood without using a single nail. The main feature of the park is its trees, as the area is filled with more than 1,000 species of trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. Local residents flock to the park on a daily basis to practice martial arts, singing, opera, chess, dancing and calligraphy.