Beijing's Night Vibe: 14 'Night Capital' Scenes You Can't Miss

[Photo via VCG]

Overlooking Beijing eastward from Xianglu Peak of Fragrant Hills, gazing at the Central Axis at a distance from the Drum Tower, and admiring Shougang Bridge along the Beijing-Kunming Expressway... From 2026 to 2030, Beijing will curate a series of urban viewing corridors that capture the city from above, afar, and up close. The plan includes 14 "Night Capital" (夜京城) landmark views, designed to improve Beijing's night scenery as a signature part of its urban identity.

Expected panoramic view of Beijing captured from Xianglu Peak of Fragrant Hills in the west (rendering)

The "Viewing Panorama" (看城市) category of the "Night Capital" project features four panoramic vantage points: Xianglu Peak of Fragrant Hills (for overlooking eastward), the air routes of the Beijing Capital International Airport (from above), the Beijing Olympic Tower (for overlooking southward), and the China Central Television (CCTV) Tower (for overlooking eastward towards Yuyuantan Park). The plan will make use of iconic high points to present the full night view of Beijing's illuminated skyline and its most vibrant built-up areas.

Expected view of the Beijing Central Axis captured from Jingshan Park in the south (rendering)

Focusing on eye-level and close-up visual corridors, the "Viewing History" (看历史) category will connect intangible cultural heritage (ICH) sites and historical relics along the Beijing Central Axis. Four key viewing points are planned: Jingshan Park and the outer side of Yongding Gate (for overlooking northward towards the Beijing Central Axis), the Drum Tower (for viewing the Beijing Central Axis from afar), and Shichahai Lake (for viewing the Drum Tower from afar).

Expected bird's-eye view of the Badaling Great Wall on the Yan Mountains (rendering)

The "Viewing Mountains and Waters" (看山水) category will highlight Beijing's natural beauty through three perspectives, allowing visitors to view the Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha from across Kunming Lake, have a bird's-eye view of the Badaling Great Wall stretching across the Yan Mountains, and gaze upon Yanqi Tower and the hills nearby from the bank of Yanqi Lake. These viewpoints adopt eye-level or distant viewing angles to showcase Beijing's natural spectacles after dusk, creating multi-layered visual corridors for perceiving the city's night landscape of nature and culture.

Expected close-up view of the CBD's core area from Jianguo Road (rendering)

Centered on key urban traffic arteries, the "Viewing Cityscape" (看风景) category will focus on the city's gateways and key points and modern achievements, allowing visitors to appreciate the overall architectural order at night or the unique night features of single buildings from major roads. The three highlighted spots are: Jianguo Road (for a close-up view of the CBD), the Airport Expressway and the North 5th Ring Road (for viewing the Wangjing business district), and the Beijing-Kunming Expressway (for viewing Shougang Bridge).

14 "Night Capital" Scenes

Planned by Beijing

Viewing Panorama

Beijing overlooked from Fragrant Hill's Xianglu Peak in the west

Beijing overlooked via flight routes to and from the Beijing Capital International Airport

Southward views captured from the Beijing Olympic Tower

Yuyuantan Park overlooked from the CCTV Tower to the west

Viewing History

Beijing Central Axis overlooked from Jingshan Park in the south

Beijing Central Axis viewed from the Drum Tower from afar

Drum Tower viewed from Shichahai from afar

Beijing Central Axis overlooked from the outer side of Yongding Gate in the south

Viewing Mountains and Waters

Pavilion of the Fragrance of Buddha viewed from across Kunming Lake

Bird's-eye view of the Badaling Great Wall on the Yan Mountains

Yanqi Tower and the hill nearby viewed from the bank of Yanqi Lake

Viewing Cityscape

CBD's Core Area viewed from Jianguo Road up close

Wangjing business district seen from the Airport Expressway and North 5th Ring Road

Shougang Bridge viewed from the Beijing-Kunming Expressway

Source: Beijing Daily