do all big tourist attractions in beijing need pre-booking?

Question

Hello everyone, thanks in advance for any help,

So it seems like tiananmen square, forbidden city, national museum of china, summer palace and temple of heaven all need it. great wall at mutianyu needs it also. Does anything not need it?

what about the big tourist sites in other cities? i think xian-warriors needs it, chengdu-pandas, really, i cant think of one big tourist site that doesn't need pre booking.

Is that accurate or am I incorrect?

Answer

In recent years, China has implemented stricter pre-booking requirements for many of its top tourist attractions, particularly in major cities and during peak periods. Your observations about Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu are largely correct, though there are a few nuances.

Beijing Attractions:

Tiananmen Square: Currently requires online pre-registration or ticket collection at the gate, especially for foreigners.
Forbidden City: Mandatory online booking in advance; tickets often sell out quickly.
National Museum of China: Requires pre-booked tickets for entry.
Summer Palace: Advance booking recommended, particularly during peak season or holidays.
Temple of Heaven: Large parks may not require tickets, but key halls or exhibitions often need booking.
Great Wall (Mutianyu, Badaling): Mutianyu now requires online tickets. Some less-visited sections (e.g., Jiankou or Gubeikou) can sometimes be accessed without pre-booking, though transport and guide services may need prior arrangements.

Other Cities:

Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors: Pre-booking is strongly recommended; tickets often sell out in peak season.
Chengdu – Giant Panda Base: Entry can be purchased on-site, but pre-booking ensures guaranteed access and avoids long queues.
Other major sites: Many popular attractions across China now require pre-booking, especially UNESCO sites, museums, or scenic areas with daily visitor limits.

Exceptions:

Some local temples, parks, or smaller attractions may still allow walk-in access without pre-booking.
Outdoor public spaces, streets, and markets generally do not require pre-booking.

In summary, your assumption is largely accurate: most of China’s major tourist sites now require advance booking, particularly for foreigners and during holidays. Planning ahead online is strongly recommended to ensure smooth visits and avoid disappointment.

do all big tourist attractions in beijing need pre-booking?

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