What are the must see attractions for my first trip to Beijing?

Because Beijing is the heart of China, from the cultural perspective to the economic facet, from the political position to the entertainment development, so for the first-time visitors, we can give you some suggestions about the “must-see” attractions. 
 
  • Tiananmen Square - the largest urban square in the world
  • Forbidden City - the residence of the emperors for nearly five hundred years
  • Temple of Heaven - the existing largest temple in China
  • Summer Palace - the existing largest, best-preserved imperial garden in China
  • Great Wall of China - a symbol of ancient Chinese civilization and a world-renowned fortification

These spots may take you 2 days at least, one day in Beijing City and one day in the Great Wall. If you would like to do more sightseeing in Beijing, you can choose more places, here we recommended more classical Beijing tours for you:
 
4 Days Best of Beijing Tour
Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace
 
5 Days Beijing Olympic Sites Tour
Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Stadiums, Summer Palace
 
5 Days Beijing Experience Tour
Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Badaling Great Wall, Summer Palace, Hutong
 
6 Days Beijing and Tianjin Tour
Attractions: Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Badaling Great Wall, Ming Tomb, Huangyaguan Great Wall
 
More Classic Beijing Tours can be found here.