Written and updated by Ruqin
Last updated: October 23, 2026
This guide reveals the 10 best spots to see Beijing skyline, ensuring that visitors leave with memories and photographs as diverse and vibrant as the city itself.
The Beijing skyline is a magnificent tapestry that weaves the ancient with the modern, showcasing a city where history and progress coexist beautifully.
Beijing 10 Best Skyline Viewpoints Map
From lush parks offering sweeping views of historic landmarks to contemporary architectural marvels that light up the night sky, Beijing presents an array of Beijing skyline viewpoints for the discerning traveler.
1. China World Mall North Wing Viewing Terrace (国贸商城北区六层观景露台)
For a close-up view of Beijing’s modern skyline, head to the 6th-floor viewing terrace in the North Wing of China World Mall (国贸商城北区). Located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD), this is one of the best free spots to photograph the city’s skyscrapers.
Viewing the CCTV Headquarters (央视大楼) and CBD skyline from the Blue Frog restaurant (蓝蛙餐厅)
From the open-air terrace, you can enjoy clear views of China Zun (中国尊), the distinctive CCTV Headquarters (央视大楼), and the surrounding office towers. You can also look down at the busy traffic along Beijing’s East Third Ring Road.
The view changes throughout the day. In daylight, the skyscrapers stand out against the sky. However, I particularly recommend visiting around sunset. During the blue hour, the sky gradually darkens while the office towers and city streets begin to light up. It is a good time for skyline photography.
How to Get There
Take Subway Line 1 or Line 10 to Guomao Station (国贸站). Use Exit E (E1/E2, northwest side) and walk approximately 390 metres to the North Wing of China World Mall.
Once inside the mall, take the elevator to the 6th floor. Look for the Blue Frog restaurant (蓝蛙餐厅). The entrance to the outdoor viewing terrace is just outside the restaurant.
Practical Tips
- Admission: Free. No ticket is required.
- Opening hours: Accessible during the mall’s operating hours.
- Best time: Late afternoon to early evening, especially around sunset and blue hour.
- Photography: A good location for photographing China Zun, CCTV Headquarters, and the surrounding CBD skyline.
Ruqin’s Tip: You don’t need to book a restaurant table or pay for a rooftop bar to enjoy this view. Simply take the elevator to the sixth floor and walk out to the terrace. If you have time, arrive before sunset so you can photograph both the daytime skyline and the illuminated buildings after dark.
2. Jingshan Park (景山公园）
Jingshan Park is one of the 10 best spots to see Beijing skyline. This historic park, located directly north of the Forbidden City, is a prime spot for panoramic views.
Overlooking Forbidden City from the Top of Jingshan Park
Ascend the artificial hill at the center of the park for a breathtaking sight of Beijing’s historic heart, including the Forbidden City, Drum and Bell Towers, and the traditional hutong neighborhoods along the Central Axis of Beijing.
For more practical tips, check my detailed guide: How to Visit Jingshan Park: Tickets, Maps, Trails & Travel Tips.
This vantage point offers a 360-degree perspective, ideal for skyline photography.
How to Get to the South Gate of Jingshan Park
Take Subway Line 8 to National Art Museum of China Station (中国美术馆站) and leave through Exit A. Walk west along Wusi Street (五四大街) for about 15 minutes. When you reach Jingshan Front Street (景山前街), turn right to reach the South Gate of Jingshan Park (景山公园南门).
Along the way, you can enjoy glimpses of traditional Beijing hutongs and the atmosphere of the old city.
Ruqin’s Tip: If you have just finished visiting the Forbidden City, there is no need to take the subway. Simply leave through the Shenwu Gate (神武门), the Forbidden City’s north exit. The South Gate of Jingshan Park is directly across the street.
3. Central Radio & TV Tower (中央广播电视塔)
Perched high above the city, the Central Radio & TV Tower offers one of the most striking and modern vistas of Beijing. Its observation deck, standing at a lofty 238 meters, provides a 360-degree panorama of the city, where ancient landmarks and cutting-edge architecture coexist in perfect harmony.
More practical tips, check my detailed guide: Central Radio & TV Tower in Beijing: Tickets, Highlights & Tips.
Open-Air Observation Deck at the Central Radio & TV Tower
On a clear day, the views are simply breathtaking. You can gaze across the city and see the distant Western Hills, the serene Summer Palace, and even iconic landmarks like the white Dagoba in Beihai Park. From this vantage point, the sprawling cityscape unfolds, with the historic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the modern CBD area featuring the towering CCTV Headquarters and China Zun standing proudly in the skyline.
Getting to the tower is easy. Located at No. 11, Middle of West 3rd Ring Road, in Haidian District, the Central Radio & TV Tower is well-served by public transportation and taxis. To reach it by subway, take Line 1 and alight at Gongzhufen Station. From there, it’s just a short walk north toward the west gate of Yuyuantan Park, where the tower stands opposite the park’s entrance.
4. Beijing Olympic Tower (奥林匹克塔)
The Beijing Olympic Tower is the tallest structure within the Olympic Park. Comprising five towers, it stands as the sixth-highest observation tower in China. The tower’s design is inspired by the “Tree of Life,” and its nail-like shape has earned it the playful nickname “Nail Tower” among locals. It’s a striking modern landmark that reflects Beijing’s forward-looking spirit.
The Skyline viewed from the Olympic Tower
Take the elevator to the 76th floor, soaring to a height of 246 meters. From the 360-degree observation deck, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of Beijing. Look down to see iconic landmarks like the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) as well as the sprawling Olympic Park. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset or during the night when the city lights up in a dazzling display.
For just 160 RMB, you can access the observation deck and experience these awe-inspiring sights. The tower is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the last entry at 9:30 PM.
How to Get There: To reach the Olympic Tower, take Subway Line 8 and get off at the Olympic Green Station. From there, it’s a short walk to the tower, which is located within the Olympic Park. The area is well-signposted, so you’ll have no trouble finding the entrance.
5.Dingdu Pavilion (定都峰定都阁) – Panoramic Views of Beijing
Located on Dingdu Peak (定都峰) in western Beijing’s Mentougou District, Dingdu Pavilion (定都阁) is one of the best Beijing skyline viewpoints, offering one of the widest panoramic views of the capital. Standing at an elevation of 680 metres, it is often called the best viewpoint in western Beijing.
The traditional Chinese-style pavilion rises 33.9 metres above the mountaintop. On clear days, you can spot Tiananmen Square, China Zun, CCTV Headquarters, and the Central Radio & TV Tower through the viewing telescopes.
Surrounded by forested hills, the area also has scenic walking trails. Allow 2–3 hours for your visit. Clear afternoons are ideal for photography.
Dingdu Pavilion on the Dingdu Peak is one of the best Beijing skyline viewpoints
Practical Information
- Opening hours: Weekdays 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; weekends 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
- Admission: ¥40; free for visitors aged 65 and above.
- By car: Drive via Lianshi Road or Fushi Road toward Mentougou. Follow signs to Dingdu Peak. Parking is available near the summit.
- By public transport: Take Subway Line 1 to Pingguoyuan Station, then Bus 931 to Nancun (南村). Walk approximately 3 km uphill.
Ruqin’s Tip: Driving is the most convenient option, especially if you prefer to avoid a long uphill walk.
6. Bell and Drum Towers (钟鼓楼）
The Bell and Drum Towers stand tall at the northern end of Beijing’s central axis, offering a prime vantag Beijing skyline viewpoints of the city. From the top of the Drum Tower, see south for a distant view of Jingshan’s Wanchun Pavilion.
See Wanchun Pavilion on the Jingshan Hill in the south from the top of Drum Tower
To the south-east, the towering skyscrapers of the CBD come into view, a stark contrast to the ancient city below. As you look closer, the labyrinthine hutongs and traditional siheyuan courtyards unfold beneath your feet. It’s the perfect spot to take in Beijing’s evolving skyline.
From this height, you can truly appreciate the blend of old and new. The narrow alleys of the ancient hutongs stretch out, winding through the city like veins in a living organism. In the distance, the modern skyline rises, with glass towers and sleek buildings reaching towards the sky. It’s a rare opportunity to see both the heart of traditional Beijing and its modern face in one breathtaking panorama.
For more practical tips, check my detailed guide: Beijing Drum Tower: What to See, Do & Know Before You Go.
How to get there: Reachable via subway Line 8, alight at Shichahai Station.
7. Ghost Laughing Stone, Xishan (西山鬼笑石)
Ghost Laughing Stone, located in Beijing’s Xishan National Forest Park (北京西山国家森林公园), is a massive rock that juts out from the mountainside. Its name, “Ghost Laughing Stone,” comes from the eerie whistling sound created by the wind as it rushes past, giving the impression of a mysterious laugh echoing through the air. It’s a place steeped in natural wonder, where the landscape and atmosphere combine to create a truly unique experience.
The Beijing Skyline Photo taken from the Ghost Laughing Stone, Xishan
Standing at the observation platform atop Guixiao Stone, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Beijing. Iconic landmarks like the Beijing TV Tower and the Summer Palace come into clear sight, offering a contrast between the ancient and the modern city. If you’re seeking a more rugged, less-crowded spot to overlook Beijing, this is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tickets and Hours: Entry to Guixiao Stone costs 10 RMB, and after 6:00 PM, admission is free. The hike to the top takes about 1 hour, but if you’re short on time, there’s an easier way. You can drive up to the back mountain parking lot and then walk for about 20 minutes to reach the observation platform.
Transportation: If you’re driving, use a navigation app to get to Xishan National Forest Park. Alternatively, you can take Subway Line 6 to Haidian Wuluju Station (海淀五路居站), Exit A, then take a Didi (Chinese ride-sharing service) for a 10-kilometer ride to the park entrance. The journey by subway and taxi is convenient and straightforward, making it accessible even if you’re not driving.
8. Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park Observation Deck (南苑森林湿地公园观景台)
Nestled on the southern edge of Beijing, Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park offers an idyllic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Situated just beyond the city’s Fourth Ring Road in Fengtai District, the Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park Observation Deck is one of the key viewpoints along the city’s southern central axis.
The Beijing Skyline photo taken from the Observation Deck at Nanyuan Forest Wetland Park
Standing at an impressive 20 meters tall, with a total area of around 1540 square meters, the observation deck is located atop Dongtu Mountain. At a height of 39 meters, the tower reaches a total elevation of 59 meters, making it the highest viewing point within the lush greenery of Nanyuan.
From this vantage point, visitors are treated to a sweeping 360-degree view of the park and the surrounding area. You can gaze out over the vast wetland, the southern central axis of Beijing, and important landmarks like the Western Hills, Lize, and the CBD area. The scenery is vast and serene, offering both a natural and urban panorama.
Getting There: To reach the park by subway, take Line 4 and get off at Xingong Station or Jiaomen East Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the park’s North Gate 1.
9. Wangjing Tower at Baiwangshan Forest Park (百望山望京楼)
Located at the summit of Baiwangshan Forest Park (百望山森林公园), Wangjing Tower offers sweeping views of northern Beijing’s skyline without a difficult climb.
From the Wangjing Tower at 210-metre-high summi in Baiwangshan Forest Park, you can spot China Zun, the Olympic Tower, and the Central Radio & TV Tower on clear days.
Late afternoon is ideal for photography, especially around sunset. From late October to early November, colorful autumn foliage adds another dimension to the skyline.
Beijing Skyline viewed from the Wangjing Tower at Baiwangshan Forest Park
Practical Information
- Admission: ¥6 for adults; ¥3 for students.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM–7:00 PM.
- Recommended visit: 1.5–3 hours.
- By subway: Take Line 16 to Malianwa Station (马连洼站), Exit A. Walk approximately 800 metres to the East Gate.
- By car: Use the North Gate parking area, particularly when traveling with seniors or children.
Walking Routes
East Gate: Follow the main paved path uphill for approximately 1.5 km, taking around 40 minutes.
North Gate: A gentler 3 km scenic route, suitable for families.
Ruqin’s Tip: The tower may occasionally close for maintenance, but the outdoor viewing platform is the main attraction. Check park notices before visiting.
10. Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) 香山
End your Beijing adventure with a visit to Fragrant Hills, located to the west of the city. It’s one of the top 10 spots for an unforgettable view of the Beijing skyline. The area offers a stunning blend of city and nature, where the sprawling urban landscape meets the lush green hills, creating a perfect harmony of contrasts.
The skyline photo taken from the Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan)
From the hilltop, you can take in panoramic views of the city stretching far below, with the peaks of the surrounding mountains providing a serene backdrop. The beauty of the place lies in its peaceful atmosphere and the way it seamlessly combines Beijing’s modern skyline with its natural surroundings.
By Subway: Take the subway to Bagou Station, then transfer to the Xijiao Line. Get off at Xiangshan Park Station to reach your destination.
Each of the 10 best places to see Beijing skyline offers a unique perspective on Beijing’s dynamic skyline, capturing the city’s rich cultural heritage and urban vibrancy.
Whether you’re gazing from ancient ramparts, lush parks, or modern skyscrapers, the 10 Beijing skyline viewpoints provide an unforgettable visual experience, blending the past, present, and future into a singular, awe-inspiring panorama.
About the Author
Ruqin is the founder of Ruqintravel.com and has spent more than four decades working in China’s travel industry. Drawing on hands-on experience in cities like Beijing and Hangzhou, he personally researches and updates each guide to help international travelers navigate China with confidence.
Further Reading
Best Photo Spots in Beijing: Where to Capture Stunning Shots
10 Best Beijing Night Photo Spots: Locations & Travel Tips Guide
Best Hidden Photography Spots in Beijing for Stunning Photos
How to Visit Jingshan Park: Tickets, Maps, Trails & Travel Tips
Central Radio & TV Tower in Beijing: Tickets, Highlights & Tips
Beijing Bird’s Nest Stadium & Water Cube: All You Need to Know
