Tourist Sites requiring Reservation

Question

Hi, In Beijing, Shanghai and Xian aside from the following

Forbidden City / Tiananmen Square

Terracotta Museum

Are there any other major tourist sites/temples etc. that you need to reserve before hand?

Thanks

Answer

In China, many of the major tourist sites have moved to an online reservation system in recent years, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. This is primarily to control visitor numbers and enhance security. Aside from the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum, there are several other sites where booking in advance is highly recommended or required.

Beijing:

Summer Palace: Popular during spring and summer; online ticket reservations are recommended to avoid long queues.
Temple of Heaven: For large groups, especially on weekends, it is better to book in advance online.
Ming Tombs (Changling and other tombs): Some of the more famous tombs require advance booking for guided tours.
Beihai Park: Certain pavilions and boat rentals can require online booking during peak seasons.
Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling sections): While not always mandatory, online tickets are recommended during weekends and Chinese public holidays.

Shanghai:

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck: Tickets are available online, and advanced booking is strongly recommended to avoid long queues.
Shanghai Museum: Entry is free but requires online registration and a time slot.
Jade Buddha Temple: While not always strictly required, some online platforms allow reservation for busy periods.
Yu Garden: Tickets can be booked online during weekends and Chinese public holidays to skip the line.

Xi’an:

City Wall: Tickets are available online for certain sections and bike rentals, especially during peak tourist periods.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Some ticketed areas require online reservations during high season.
Huaqing Palace (Hot Springs): Online reservation is recommended for weekend or holiday visits.
Shaanxi History Museum: Entry is free but requires advance online booking with a timed slot, especially on weekends.

Additional tips:

Always check official websites or trusted ticket platforms like Ctrip for the latest reservation requirements and availability.
Booking in advance is highly advised for travel during Chinese national holidays (e.g., May Day, Golden Week in October) to avoid sold-out tickets.
Some attractions have group limits, so even if tickets are available, large groups should reserve early to ensure entry.

In summary, besides the most famous sites, several temples, museums, observation decks, and historical landmarks in Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an now require or strongly recommend online reservations. Planning ahead will save time and ensure a smoother visit.

Tourist Sites requiring Reservation

More China Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions