Central Radio & TV Tower Beijing
Soar above Beijing for unparalleled panoramic views from the iconic Central Radio & TV Tower, featuring a revolving restaurant and open-air deck.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunset views are magical
Central Radio & TV Tower Beijing
Best Time
Sunset views are magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above Beijing for unparalleled panoramic views from the iconic Central Radio & TV Tower, featuring a revolving restaurant and open-air deck.
"The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking, especially as the city lights up at night!"
📸 Capture the Skyline
Bring your camera! The views are incredible, especially at sunset and night. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dinner with a View
Consider the revolving restaurant for a memorable meal, but book ahead! :knifeforkplate:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Observation Deck
Upper levels
Soar above Beijing for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city's iconic landmarks and modern skyline.
Revolving Restaurant
Mid-level
Dine with a constantly changing backdrop of Beijing's urban landscape. A unique culinary experience.
Open-Air Viewing Platform
Top level
Feel the breeze and get an unobstructed, immersive perspective of the vastness of Beijing.
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Weather for Best Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Skyline
Bring your camera! The views are incredible, especially at sunset and night. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dinner with a View
Consider the revolving restaurant for a memorable meal, but book ahead! :knifeforkplate:
🧥 Dress Appropriately
It can be windy on the open-air deck, even in summer. Layers are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the views and amenities. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Skyline
Bring your camera! The views are incredible, especially at sunset and night. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Dinner with a View
Consider the revolving restaurant for a memorable meal, but book ahead! :knifeforkplate:
🧥 Dress Appropriately
It can be windy on the open-air deck, even in summer. Layers are a good idea. :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the views and amenities. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the observation decks, especially during sunset and at night when the city lights sparkle. The revolving restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a constantly changing backdrop. However, some find the ticket prices a bit high, and on hazy days, the visibility can be significantly reduced, impacting the overall experience.
"Stunning and remarkable important tower of Beijing adjacent to the Yuyuantan Sakura Park."
Wittanarat Gajaseni
"Such a beautiful view from this tower, if you nearby check it out !"
Soufiane Louchene
"The view is fine, the grilling is obstructive for phone taking. BTW, most downtown historical monuments are shadowed by other modern buildings. That is not the fault of the TV tower"
Leo LIAO
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tower is easily accessible by public transport. The closest subway station is National Library Station (Lines 4 and 16), followed by a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Many visitors find the subway the most efficient way to navigate Beijing's traffic.
Yes, there is parking available at the tower, but it can get busy, especially during peak hours. If you're driving, factor in potential delays.
Taking Line 4 or Line 16 to National Library Station is your best bet. From there, it's about a 10-15 minute walk to the tower entrance.
Absolutely! Apps like Didi are very popular in Beijing and can drop you off directly at the tower. Just be mindful of potential traffic congestion.
Yes, the tower is a prominent landmark and quite visible from the National Library Station area. Follow the signs or simply head towards the tallest structure.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets at the ticket counter on-site, but it's highly recommended to buy them online in advance through official websites or reputable travel platforms to save time and potentially money.
The tower typically opens around 8:30 AM and closes around 10:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Ticket prices can vary depending on what access you want (e.g., observation deck only, or including the restaurant). Expect to pay around ¥180-¥200 for general admission to the observation decks.
Yes, there are usually options for just the observation deck, or packages that might include access to the revolving restaurant or other facilities. Consider what you want to experience.
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can help manage crowds and ensure your entry, especially during busy periods.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire observation deck offers incredible photo opportunities. For iconic shots, try framing the Forbidden City or the Olympic Park from above. The open-air deck provides unobstructed views.
Tripods are generally not allowed on the observation decks to ensure safety and prevent obstruction for other visitors. Check the tower's specific regulations before you go.
Yes, photography is usually permitted inside the revolving restaurant, but be mindful of other diners and avoid intrusive shots.
Late afternoon into the evening is spectacular. You can capture the transition from daylight to sunset and then the glittering city lights.
While DSLRs are fine, very large lenses or professional video equipment might require special permission. It's best to stick to standard camera gear for ease.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The main dining attraction is the revolving restaurant, offering a buffet or à la carte menu with stunning views. There are also usually cafes or snack bars on lower levels.
Dining at the revolving restaurant is generally a premium experience and priced accordingly. Expect it to be more expensive than typical Beijing restaurants.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner or during peak tourist seasons, to secure a table and avoid disappointment.
The restaurant typically offers a mix of international and Chinese cuisine, often in a buffet format, allowing you to sample various dishes as you dine.
Yes, the area around the tower has various local eateries and fast-food options if you're looking for more budget-friendly choices.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Consider visiting during daylight hours when younger children might be more engaged. Bring snacks and drinks, as on-site options can be pricey. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially on the open-air deck. The subway is generally the easiest way to get there, avoiding traffic jams that can be tough with kids.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Key recommendations: Pack a wide-angle lens for expansive panoramas and a telephoto lens to zoom in on distant landmarks. Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during sunset. While tripods are usually prohibited, a steady hand and good ISO control can yield excellent results. The open-air deck offers the clearest, most unobstructed shots.
💑 Couples
For a more intimate experience, consider visiting during the late afternoon to catch the sunset together. The open-air deck can also be a great spot for quiet conversation with breathtaking views as your backdrop. Booking a table at the revolving restaurant in advance is highly recommended for a romantic evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Views: Observation Decks
For a more immersive experience, the open-air viewing platform allows you to feel the wind and get an unobstructed perspective. This is particularly exhilarating on a pleasant day. Remember to check the weather forecast before your visit, as fog or smog can significantly impact the clarity of the views.
Many visitors recommend visiting during the late afternoon to witness the magical transition from daylight to sunset, and then to the dazzling city lights that illuminate Beijing at night. This offers a dynamic and unforgettable visual spectacle.
Dining with a Difference: The Revolving Restaurant
The restaurant typically serves a buffet or an à la carte menu, featuring a selection of international and Chinese dishes. While it's a premium dining experience and can be pricier than local restaurants, many find the combination of food and the spectacular, ever-shifting views to be well worth the cost.
It's advisable to book your table in advance, especially during evenings and weekends, to ensure you get a spot and can enjoy the full rotating experience without any issues. This also helps in planning your visit to coincide with the best viewing times.
Photography Tips for the Tower
When composing your shots, try to include recognizable landmarks like the Forbidden City or the Bird's Nest stadium to give context to your photos. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the vastness of the panorama, while telephoto lenses can help isolate specific architectural details. Remember that tripods are usually not permitted on the observation decks for safety and space reasons, so be prepared to shoot handheld or use image stabilization.
Consider the open-air deck for unobstructed views, but be mindful of wind conditions. If you're dining at the revolving restaurant, you can capture unique shots of the city moving past your window, but be discreet to avoid disturbing other diners.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit