Best things to do in Beijing
Find out more about those top places in Beijing
Beijing: Where Ancient History Meets Futuristic Flair
Welcome to Beijing, the beating heart of China and a city where the past and future collide in the most spectacular way. Founded in 700 BC (yes, you read that right—700 BC), this city has seen it all—from dynastic rule to modern skyscrapers. Whether you’re here to explore ancient treasures, dive into historic landmarks, or sample world-class cuisine, Beijing is an exhilarating mix of everything China has to offer.
Let’s take a journey through Beijing’s top attractions, delve into its fascinating history, and discover some must-do activities that will make your trip unforgettable.
Places to Visit in Beijing: Where History Lives and Breathes
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The Forbidden City: A Royal Adventure You can’t visit Beijing without stepping foot in the iconic Forbidden City, the sprawling complex that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years. Imagine being surrounded by over 900 buildings, each one more impressive than the last, with elaborate courtyards and majestic halls where emperors once ruled. It’s no wonder that this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most top-rated attractions in the city! Don’t forget your camera—you're going to want to capture the breathtaking beauty of this ancient palace.
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Temple of Heaven: A Spiritual Escape Located in the southern part of the city, the Temple of Heaven is a place where spirituality and architecture come together in perfect harmony. This majestic temple was used by Chinese emperors for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. With its unique round design and stunning colors, it’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals alike. After exploring the temple, take a stroll around the surrounding park, where you might catch a glimpse of locals practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional Chinese instruments.
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Hútòng: Wander Through Time Forget about the modern hustle and bustle for a second, and get lost in Beijing’s ancient hútòng (narrow alleyways). These medieval streets have hardly changed in the past 500 years, making them an excellent place for sightseeing. Picture yourself walking down lanes where the history of old Beijing still echoes through the walls. Grab a traditional snack from a local vendor, chat with the friendly residents, and discover hidden gems tucked away from the mainstream tourist trail.
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The Great Wall of China: The Ultimate Bucket List Adventure No trip to Beijing is complete without venturing out to one of China’s most famous landmarks: The Great Wall of China. Whether you’re hiking along the restored Mutianyu section or enjoying the view from the Badaling section, the experience will leave you awe-struck. Trust us, standing atop the wall, gazing at the vastness of the landscape, and imagining its historical significance is something you’ll never forget. Pro tip: Avoid the crowds by visiting early in the morning!
Things to Do in Beijing: Fun, Food, and Futuristic Surprises
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Indulge in Beijing’s Unrivaled Food Scene If you thought Beijing was all about its historical landmarks, think again! The city is an absolute foodie's paradise, offering gastronomic delights from every corner of the world. From Peking duck—crispy, tender, and served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce—to dumplings, noodles, and sizzling hot pots, Beijing's food scene is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. Be sure to wander through the famous Wangfujing Street for street food that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
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Explore the 798 Art District For a taste of modern Beijing, head to the 798 Art District, where contemporary art thrives amidst the industrial ruins of a former factory complex. This creative hotspot is filled with galleries, quirky boutiques, and coffee shops where you can relax and admire thought-provoking pieces of art. Whether you're an art connoisseur or just looking for Instagram-worthy spots, 798 Art District is a place you won’t want to miss.
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Shop ‘Til You Drop at Silk Street Market If you're looking to take home a little something special (or perhaps just want to bargain for some souvenirs), the Silk Street Market is the place to be. Located in the heart of Beijing, this bustling market offers everything from silk scarves and traditional Chinese crafts to high-end knockoffs and quirky trinkets. Practice your haggling skills, because here, the art of negotiation is alive and well.
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Catch a Traditional Chinese Opera For a cultural experience that’s as entertaining as it is eye-opening, why not catch a traditional Peking Opera performance? With its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and powerful music, Peking Opera is a truly unique spectacle. It might take a little getting used to, but it's a great way to immerse yourself in Beijing’s rich cultural heritage.
Beijing: A City That Has It All
Beijing is the perfect blend of old and new, where ancient temples stand side by side with gleaming skyscrapers. Whether you're exploring historical landmarks, diving into the city’s food scene, or shopping in vibrant markets, Beijing offers a never-ending array of things to do and places to visit.
So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready for an adventure in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. You’ll be amazed by the rich history, cutting-edge architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine that make Beijing a travel destination like no other.
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Forbidden City
Set in the heart of Beijing and encircled by 4 kilometers of imposing walls, the UNESCO listed Forbidden City is the world’s largest complex of palaces. As imperial China’s center of governance and the secluded home of emperors from both the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is fittingly grand with the highlight being the 15th century Hall of Supreme Harmony, which houses the iconic Dragon Throne. Tours of the otherworldly complex are available throughout the day but make sure to leave plenty of time to explore its wealth of attractions.
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The Great Wall of China
One of the world’s most instantly recognizable attractions is China’s Great Wall, which snakes from the shores of the East China Sea all the way to the Central Asian deserts of Xinjiang. While much of the wall passes through remote wilderness, it is fortunate that the best-preserved sections are within striking distance of Beijing’s northern suburbs. The best area to explore is Jiànkòu, which snakes along the tops of idyllic mountain ridges and can be reached easily by tours from the Chinese capital.
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Tiananmen Square
You will have seen it countless times on TV news reports and from iconic images of the tank man but nothing can prepare first time visitors for the sheer scale of Tiananmen Square. Unsurprisingly, it is the world’s largest public square, measuring upwards of 440000 square meters, and is flanked by imposing Stalinist buildings built to house the government of the People’s Republic of China. For the best experience make sure to arrive for sunrise to catch the daily flag raising ceremony.
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Hòuhai Lakes
To escape the nonstop bustle of one of the world’s greatest megacities head for the tranquil Hòuhai Lakes, which is Beijing’s favorite outdoor retreat. Comprised of three lakes, the area is a popular spot for group exercise classes (which are ubiquitous in China), fishing or picture-perfect boat tours. In the evening, the area comes alive with neon-lit bars, cafes and restaurants providing some of the Chinese capital’s most enthralling and laid back nightlife.
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Temple of Heaven Park
To experience the apogee of Confucian design explore the vast Temple of Heaven Park, which originally served as a private temple complex where the emperor would pray for good harvests, peace and divine interventions. The undoubted highlight of the park is the unforgettable Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its gaudy roof and elevated marble terrace.
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Summer Palace
Northwest of Beijing city center lies the Summer Palace, a favored countryside retreat for both the Ming and Qing dynasties. The complex, which stretches over a vast area and encompasses an endless array of picture-perfect landscaped gardens and tranquil lakes, is simply breathtaking. What is more, watching over this pastoral scene is the gilded palace itself that was destroyed during the Second Opium War and the Boxer Rebellion but has since been meticulously restored.
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Hútòng Food Tour
Step back in time and explore Beijing’s enthralling hútòngs (narrow medieval alleyways) on a mouth-watering food tour of the city. These alleyways are the city’s heart and soul and remain scarcely changed since the days when emperors and not the Communist Party ruled over the city. What is more, they are packed with authentic Chinese food ranging from Sichuan noodles to donkey meat sandwiches and spicy hotpots.
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Lama Temple
Beijing’s foremost Buddhist place of worship is the Lama Temple, which is also the most important outside of Tibet. Complete with prayer wheels, magnificent tapestries and glittering frescoes, it is also one of the city’s most spectacular attractions. On your visit pay special attention to the Wànfú Pavilion and the Hall of the Wheel of the Law.
