Recently, the U.S. National Geographic magazine released its 2026 list of "The best places in the world to travel to in 2026". Beijing was included on the list for its "grand history, cultural treasures, and exciting short trips" and is the only city in China to make the cut.
The latest 2026 list from U.S. National Geographic features 25 top global travel destinations. Among them, 8 are in North America, 6 in Asia, 5 in Europe, 2 in Africa, 2 in South America, and 2 in Oceania. Beijing is the only city in China on the list; the other 5 Asian destinations are Manila (Philippines), Turkey's Black Sea Coast, Khiva (Uzbekistan), Yamagata Prefecture (Japan), and South Korea.
According to information released by U.S. National Geographic, Beijing was included for its "grand history, cultural treasures, and exciting short trips" and was noted to have three major advantages.
First, deep inheritance of cultural heritage. Beijing's rich historical and cultural heritage is a key advantage for its inclusion. National Geographic stated: "The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site", "Beijing's Central Axis—a nearly 8-kilometer-long belt of imperial palaces and sacrificial buildings—was just added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in recent years", and "At the Ming Tombs, more imperial history awaits discovery."
Second, scientific and standardized tourism planning. Thanks to the emphasis and promotion by city administrators, Beijing's tourism planning is at the forefront. National Geographic noted: "From the grand overview of the World Heritage Central Axis, to the unique experience of night tours of the Great Wall, to the continuously optimized visa-free and convenience policies, Beijing is launching a deep, convenient, and comfortable exploration journey spanning ancient and modern times for global travelers."
Third, efficient and convenient travel services. In recent years, Beijing has vigorously promoted digital and intelligent tourism, continuously improving the travel experience for tourists. National Geographic stated: "Now, tourists can take Beijing's subway using foreign credit cards, and Chinese mobile apps are gradually launching versions with English interfaces—all of which will bring an unprecedentedly smooth experience to foreign friends on their exploration journeys."
In addition, the introduction of transit visa-free policies, special tourism projects, and numerous convenience measures are also important reasons for Beijing's inclusion on the list. National Geographic praised: "In 2026, this ancient capital will invite the world to witness the wonderful integration of its traditional cultural heritage and the vitality of the new era!"
