Located on the west side of the Middle West Third Ring Road in Haidian District, Beijing, the China Central Television Tower is adjacent to the Yuetan Park and the China Millennium Monument. It is a national 4A-level scenic spot, the third tallest tower in China, and the sixth tallest in the world, standing at 405 meters. The tower covers an area of 15.4 hectares, with a building area of approximately 73,000 square meters.
The tower integrates functions such as radio and television signal transmission, cultural exhibitions, high-altitude sightseeing, dining, entertainment, conferences, and exhibitions. Designed in the traditional Chinese pavilion style, its base is decorated with patterns inspired by ancient Chinese bronzes, perfectly combining modern technology with traditional culture. Inside, there are indoor observation decks, an outdoor viewing platform, a revolving restaurant, and cultural exhibition halls, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Beijing.
History and Culture
Construction of the China Central Television Tower began in the 1980s to address the need for better radio and television signal coverage in Beijing. Groundbreaking started in January 1987, and it was completed and put into use in September 1994, with a total investment of approximately 360 million yuan.
The tower's design incorporates traditional Chinese cultural elements. The base's shape draws inspiration from ancient bronze wares, and the tower body features a pavilion-style structure, reflecting the philosophical concept of "round sky and square earth." Inside, the "Beijing Impressions" cultural exhibition hall showcases Beijing's history, culture, and local customs, serving as an important window to promote the capital's culture.
As an iconic landmark of Beijing, the tower has witnessed the development of China's radio and television industry and represents a significant achievement in Beijing's modernization. It not only transmits radio and television signals for central and local Beijing stations but also attracts numerous domestic and international visitors.
Main Attractions
Indoor Observation Deck
Located at 238 meters, this 1,500-square-meter deck offers multiple viewing windows and telescopes for a comprehensive view of Beijing. It also houses a Beijing urban planning model and historical and cultural exhibition panels to help visitors understand the city's development.
Outdoor Viewing Platform
At 249 meters, it is Beijing's highest outdoor viewing platform, covering about 800 square meters. Surrounded by safety barriers, it provides a close-up aerial view of landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, the Bird's Nest, and the Water Cube on clear days.
Revolving Restaurant
Situated at 225 meters, it is Beijing's only high-altitude revolving restaurant, accommodating 200 diners. It completes a full rotation every 90 minutes, allowing guests to enjoy Beijing's skyline while dining on a variety of Chinese and Western buffet dishes. The average per-person consumption is around 200 yuan.
Cultural Exhibition Hall
On the first floor of the tower base, this 2,000-square-meter hall features the "Beijing Impressions" exhibition, showcasing the city's history, folk customs, and modern achievements through photos, artifacts, and multimedia. Interactive experiences include replicas of old Beijing hutongs and traditional handicraft displays.
Underwater World
Located underground on the first floor, this 5,000-square-meter marine exhibition hall combines education and entertainment. It houses over 500 species of marine life across zones such as tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and marine ecosystems.
Outdoor Cultural Square
Covering about 10,000 square meters in front of the tower, this square hosts large cultural events and gatherings. With fountains, sculptures, and seating areas, it offers a pleasant environment for photos.
Culinary Delights
Revolving Restaurant
At 225 meters, it offers a buffet with seafood, grilled dishes, hot meals, and desserts, averaging 200 yuan per person. The 90-minute rotation provides a panoramic view of Beijing.
Café
Near the indoor observation deck, it offers coffee, tea, and cakes priced between 30 and 80 yuan, ideal for relaxation.
Nearby Dining
Within a 10-minute walk, "Meizhou Dongpo Restaurant" near Yuetan Park offers Sichuan and Beijing cuisine, featuring dishes like Dongpo Pork Knuckle and Kung Pao Chicken, with an average spend of 80 yuan. North of the tower, "Old Beijing Zhajiangmian Restaurant" serves traditional noodles with soybean paste (15 yuan per bowl) and stewed pork offal (25 yuan per serving). Fast-food options like McDonald's and KFC, as well as local eateries, cater to diverse tastes.
Admission Tickets
General admission is 90 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "中央广播电视塔" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The tower is open daily from 8:30 to 22:00, with last entry at 21:30. The revolving restaurant operates from 11:30 to 14:30 (lunch) and 17:30 to 21:00 (dinner). The Underwater World is open from 9:00 to 17:30.
Recommended Itineraries
Classic Sightseeing Route
Enter through the main gate, visit the cultural exhibition hall, take the elevator to the 238-meter indoor deck, proceed to the 249-meter outdoor platform, optionally dine at the revolving restaurant, and end at the outdoor square. This tour takes about 2-3 hours.
Family-Friendly Route
Start at the Underwater World, then go to the indoor deck, outdoor platform, café, and finish at the square. Ideal for families with children, lasting 3-4 hours.
Cultural Experience Route
Explore the exhibition hall, enjoy the square, visit the observation decks, and shop for souvenirs. This 2-hour journey focuses on Beijing's culture and urban development.
Transportation
- Bus: Take routes 323, 374, 624, 631, 74, Te 8, or Express Line 102 to Hangtianqiao West Station and walk 5 minutes.
- Subway: From Line 1 Military Museum Station, transfer to Line 9 and exit at Baiduizi Station (Exit D), then walk 15 minutes. Alternatively, take Line 10 to Xisanhuan Station and transfer to a bus.
- Self-Driving: The tower has a 200-space underground parking lot at 10 yuan per hour. Navigate to "China Central Television Tower." Additional parking is available at the China Millennium Monument and Yuetan Park.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Outdoor Viewing Platform: At 249 meters, it offers a 360-degree view of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Olympic Park. Perfect for photography.
- Revolving Restaurant: Beijing's only rotating dining experience at 225 meters. Priced at 298 yuan per person (including admission), it's ideal for romantic dinners or family gatherings.
- Cultural Exhibition Hall: Features replicas of old Beijing alleys and traditional crafts, providing insights into local history and culture, suitable for educational visits with children.
- Underwater World: Home to over 500 marine species, including sharks and turtles. Tickets are 90 yuan and sold separately.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Sunny mornings or evenings for optimal views. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather.
- What to Wear: Windproof jackets for the outdoor platform and non-slip shoes. Bring a light coat for the Underwater World.
- Essentials: Cameras, binoculars, snacks, and water for families with children.
- Dining: Reserve the revolving restaurant in advance, especially on holidays. Nearby options offer more affordable meals.
- Tickets: Purchase online via the official website or WeChat for potential discounts. Valid IDs are required for discounted tickets.
Precautions
- Safety: Supervise children on the outdoor platform. Do not climb or lean on barriers.
- Prohibited Activities: Smoking and littering are prohibited in the scenic area. Loud noise is not allowed in the indoor observation deck and revolving restaurant. Please observe public order.
- Facility Use: Telescopes cost 2 yuan per use. Elevators may require queuing during peak hours.
- Special Groups: Elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart conditions should avoid the outdoor platform.
- Weather Impact: The outdoor platform may close during adverse weather. Check forecasts or contact the tower beforehand.