As the capital of China, Beijing is a blend of old and new, and this can be found through its ancient architecture and modern skyscrapers. Hence, Beijing skylines are diverse and breathtaking and attract visitors a lot with the ancient parks, palaces, and towering skyscrapers. Below are the top 10 places to see the skyline of Beijing, China.
1. Jingshan Park – A Great View of the Ancient Capital
Height: 42.6 meters (artificial hill)
Built Year: 1928
Situated north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is one of the best places to view the ancient Beijing skyline. Climbing up and standing on the top of Jingshan Hill, you will have a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Besides, Beijing skyscrapers come into your eyes when you look afar, making an obvious contrast to the ancient palace, which also symbolizes the city’s dynamic blend of old and new.
Recommended Beijing Tours including Jingshan Park
2. Beihai Park White Pagoda – A Serene Historical Viewpoint
Height: 35.9 meters (Pagoda)
Built Year: 1651
The White Pagoda of Yongan Temple in Beihai Park is a masterpiece among royal Chinese pagodas, and it symbolizes the introduction of Tibetan Buddhism into the central imperial capital of China in the Qing Dynasty. Also, this pagoda presents different scenery in four seasons, and it’s an ideal site to marvel at the Beijing skyline with ancient buildings and experience the classic beauty of Beijing.
Recommended Beijing Tours including Beihai Park
3. Pavilion of Buddhist Incense – Overlooking Imperial Gardens
Height: 41 meters
Completion Year: 1751
Situated on Longevity Hill in the Summer Palace, the Pavilion of Buddhist Incense is one of the best places to overlook the Summer Palace and the Beijing skyline. As the core area of the Summer Palace, this pavilion is a towering building with a golden dome and magnificent presence. Besides, it offers breathtaking views of Kunming Lake, the surrounding gardens, and the modern buildings from afar.
Recommended China Tours to Beijing including Summer Palace
4. Fragrant Hills Park – Beijing Skyline Photography
Height: 575 meters (highest peak)
Built Year: Qing Dynasty
With the highest peak of 575 meters above sea level, Fragrant Hills Park takes its position to be one of the top places to overlook Beijing city as well as the distant high-rise buildings. Famous for its red leaves, this imperial garden is great for taking charming photos of the Beijing skyline. Besides, the park itself boasts stunning views of ancient temples, pavilions, halls, and gardens, never miss them on your China tours.
5. Temple of Heaven – Tranquil Skyline of Beijing
Height: 38 meters (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests)
Built Year: 1420
Temple of Heaven is not only a sacred site where ancient Chinese emperors performed their rituals to pray for good harvests, but also a wonderful spot to appreciate the Beijing skyline. Standing at elevated points in the Temple of Heaven, especially at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests or near the Echo Wall, you can gaze out over the entire city.
Recommended Beijing Tours including Temple of Heaven
6. Drum and Bell Towers – Timekeepers of Ancient Beijing
Height: Drum Tower (46.7 meters), Bell Tower (47.9 meters)
Built Year: 1272
The Drum and Bell Towers are ancient structures that once marked the time in old Beijing. Climbing these towers allows you to see the surrounding hutongs (narrow alleys) that are lined with traditional Beijing residences as well as modern high-rise buildings in the distance. Standing on the Drum and Bell Tower, you’ll hold a birds-eye view of Houhai Lake and Nanluoguxiang with various bars, restaurants, and shops, which show a different charm of the Beijing skyline.
7. CITIC Tower (China Zun) – The Peak of Modern Beijing
Height: 528 meters
Completion Year: 2018
Being the highest tower in Beijing, CITIC Tower, also named China Zun, stands majestically in the CBD. Getting on to the viewing platform of CITIC Tower, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the whole of Beijing city. To gaze at a distant view, you’ll see Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, as well as the surrounding architectural complex. When it turns dark, the building is illuminated by a spectacular light show, making it a jewel in the Beijing skyline at night.
8. CCTV Headquarters – “Big Pants” of Beijing’s Skyline
Height: 234 meters (highest main building)
Completion Year: 2012
As an important stop for learning Beijing’s modern architectural art, the CCTV Headquarters is a must-visit attraction on your Beijing tours. Featured by its Z-shaped structure, this CCTV building in Beijing is an architectural marvel and is referred to as “Big Pants” that stands out in the CBD. From the higher part of the building, you’ll see the skyline of Beijing CBD, the neighboring Beijing Television Center, Beijing Silver Tower, and Chaoyang Park in the distance.
9. Beijing Olympic Tower – Symbol of Olympic Spirit
Height: 246.8 meters
Built Year: 2011
Seated in the Olympic Park, the Beijing Olympic Tower is a symbol of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Ascending to the viewing platform at the Beijing Olympic Tower, you can overlook the whole park, including the famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, creating a spectacular sight of the Beijing skyline.
Recommended Beijing Tours including Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
10. Central Radio & TV Tower – A 360-Degree Perspective
Height: 405 meters
Completion Year: 1994
Located in western Beijing, the Central Radio & TV Tower offers unobstructed views of the city. It boasts a 360-degree rotating restaurant, from where you can see the Beijing skyline clearly.
