1. Discover the Rich History of Beijing
2. Top Attractions to Explore
3. Culinary Highlights in Beijing
Beijing’s history dates back nearly one thousand years. Despite embracing modernity, the capital is densely packed with enough culture, art, and architecture to keep you busy for weeks! Many of Beijing’s 21.5 million residents buzz through daily life on streets that have soaked up centuries’ worth of stories.
Most of the top things to do in Beijing can be enjoyed independently without a guide, but you’ll need to have patience as you squeeze in to enjoy the often-crowded attractions. Fortunately, Beijing is blessed with ancient parks and urban green spaces that are perfect for preventing burnout while sightseeing.
Explore the Forbidden City
Address: 4 Jing Shan Qian Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
Phone: +86 400 950 1925
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) is the most visited attraction in Beijing. Completed in 1420, this labyrinthine structure served as the seat of the Ming dynasty. The vast grounds span across 178 acres (720,000 square meters). Be prepared for extensive walking on stone and concrete as you explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and adjacent parks!
The Forbidden City sits at the northern end of Tiananmen Square, where you can find the iconic “Gate of Heavenly Peace” adorned with a large portrait of Chairman Mao.
Wander Around Tiananmen Square
Address: 前门 Dongcheng, China, 100051
A full day could be spent wandering around Tiananmen Square and visiting nearby monuments, museums, and sites. Additionally, the people watching is exceptional. If your time in Beijing is limited, proceed directly to Tiananmen Square—you won’t regret it!
Tiananmen is claimed to be the largest public square in the world, reportedly capable of accommodating over 600,000 people. Visiting during major holidays such as National Day (October 1) or Labor Day (May 1) offers a unique experience of the square at its fullest.
Alongside abundant opportunities to interact with locals, Tiananmen Square hosts the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the National Museum of China. Countless other monuments, museums, and sites are in the vicinity.
Stand on the Great Wall
China’s Great Wall comprises various sections and segments rather than a single continuous structure. Your experience will greatly vary depending on which section you choose to visit.
- Badaling: Approximately a two-hour drive from Beijing, Badaling is the most crowded section of the Great Wall. Many tours combine a visit to Badaling with excursions to the nearby Ming Tombs.
- Mutianyu: Most foreign tourists choose the Mutianyu section, around 90 minutes from Beijing. Although it also draws crowds, it boasts the longest restored section of the wall, allowing for better photo opportunities.
- Simatai: This section is illuminated at night, creating a unique atmosphere.
- Jiankou: For those with time and stamina, Jiankou (about three hours from Beijing) offers a wild setting with steep scrambles, as it is only partially restored.
Visiting the Great Wall independently is possible but can be complicated. Opting for a group excursion or private tour can help navigate any language barriers.
Notably, the Great Wall of China isn’t visible from space without technological assistance!
Stroll Wangfujing Street
Address: WC86+MF7, Wang Fu Jing Da Jie, 王府井 Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100006
Perhaps the biggest allure of walking along Wangfujing is its pedestrian-friendly layout. This famous shopping-and-eating district allows for leisurely wandering without the hindrance of errant drivers.
From modern shopping malls to traditional stalls, Wangfujing satisfies your snacking and shopping cravings in Beijing. Don’t miss sampling dumplings along the way—trying insects sold as snacks is optional!
You can reach Wangfujing by walking 20 minutes east from the Forbidden City or taking the subway (Line 1) to Wangfujing station.
Get a Glimpse of Taoist Hell at Dongyue Temple
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, Chaowai Subdistrict, 朝阳门外大街141号 邮政编码: 100020
Phone: +86 10 6551 0151
Dongyue Temple, completed in 1322, is a Taoist temple that offers a unique and somewhat unsettling experience. Frequently overlooked by tourists, you will find 376 rooms showcasing bizarre and gruesome scenes representing the horrors of Taoist hell.
Note: Many scenes inside the Dongyue Temple may be disturbing, be mindful if visiting with children.
Enjoy Scenery at the Summer Palace
Address: 19 Xin Jian Gong Men Lu, Hai Dian Qu, China, 100091
Phone: +86 10 6288 1144
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), located on the northwestern outskirts of Beijing, is a popular attraction renowned for its scenic beauty and historical significance. The expansive grounds are adorned with a lake, which spans 540 acres, where paddle boats provide leisurely exploration.
Don sturdy shoes for climbing the numerous stairs leading to scenic overlooks with lake and mountain views. Although many buildings remain closed to tourists, the natural scenery itself is a key draw. Expect around a 45-minute taxi ride from Tiananmen Square to the Summer Palace.
During winter, the lake freezes, allowing visitors to rent skates and unique sled-bike hybrids for fun on the ice.
Visit the Old Summer Palace
Address: 275X+67P圆明园 Haidian District, China, 100084
Phone: +86 10 6262 8501
The Old Summer Palace and Yuanmingyuan Park lie east of the Summer Palace. While largely in ruins, the “Old” Summer Palace was constructed in 1709 and offers a tranquil alternative to the bustling Summer Palace.
A large park envelops the remnants of the Old Summer Palace. Despite the unrestored surroundings, it draws fewer crowds, providing ample opportunities for exploration.
Similar to the Summer Palace, taking a taxi or Uber is advisable (approximately 40 minutes).
Escape to Ba Da Chu Park
Farther west than the summer palaces, Ba Da Chu Park features temples, monasteries, and nunneries along picturesque hills. This area is an ideal green escape from Beijing’s urban pace; a cable car is available for those preferring not to hike up.
Taxi or Uber is the easiest way to reach Ba Da Chu Park (1 hour). Alternatively, experience Beijing’s busy bus network via various public buses (972, 958, 347, and others) stopping at the park.
Check Out the 798 Art District
Address: 2 Jiu Xian Qiao Lu, Chao Yang Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100102
Phone: +86 10 5978 9798
The 798 Art District is the hub of Beijing’s vibrant art scene, featuring repurposed military factories transformed into extensive art spaces where sometimes-controversial artists display their works. The area exudes an industrial, bohemian atmosphere, though the neighborhood is undergoing gentrification.
Prior to visiting, check for events such as local-designer fashion shows held in the 798 Art District. You’ll find numerous venues offering fusion food, coffee, and craft beer.
The 798 Art District is located in the northeast corner of urban Beijing. A taxi or Uber ride will take about 25 minutes.
Watch Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven
Address: 1 Tian Tan Dong Lu, Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100061
Phone: +86 10 6702 8866
The Temple of Heaven was built at the beginning of the 15th century by the same emperor who oversaw the construction of the Forbidden City. The temple complex is not only architecturally impressive but serves as a popular space for locals to practice tai chi, dance, and aerobics. Many groups welcome beginners to join in.
Despite the complex spanning 660 acres, the areas designated for exercise can become crowded later in the day. Therefore, for the best opportunities to participate in tai chi and kung fu, arrive early in the morning.
The Temple of Heaven park is south of Tiananmen Square (approximately a 20-minute drive or a 45-minute walk).
Get Lost in the Hutongs
Address: Yan Dai Xie Jie, Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
One of the true experiences of Beijing includes wandering through the ancient hutongs that resist the push for modernization. These narrow streets and alleys reveal daily life against a historical backdrop.
No two hutongs are alike! While Tobacco Pouch Street is one of the famous routes, exploring quieter hutongs off the beaten path is also rewarding. Some, such as Wudaoying, cater to laowai visitors with numerous cafes and eateries.
Though immersive hutong tours are available, experiencing these narrow streets independently or hiring a rickshaw driver can create a more memorable adventure.
Experience a Beijing Opera
Address: 44 Xing Fu Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100062
If you’re looking for an indoor activity in Beijing, consider attending a Peking Opera performance. Even if you don’t fully grasp the themes, the colorful costumes, visual theatrics, traditional instruments, dance, and impressive acrobatics entertain.
Although martial arts (known as wushu) often feature in these shows, if you prefer a pure wushu performance, consider options like the Red Theatre Beijing Kung Fu Show.
Tip: For a deeper dive into martial arts in China, plan a trip to the famous Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of martial arts.
Meet People in Beihai Botanical Park
Address: China, Bei Jing Shi, Xi Cheng Qu, 西安门 Jiao Chang Hu Tong, 文津街1号 邮政编码: 100034
Located north of the Forbidden City, Beihai Botanical Park is considered the oldest and largest imperial garden in China, encompassing around 175 acres in the city’s heart.
Beyond its ornate buildings and pavilions, the park offers an ideal opportunity to interact with friendly locals, who may approach you for conversation or even a group photo.
Beihai Park is easily accessible via the subway (Line 6) to Beihai Bei Station.
Try Peking Duck
Address: China, 北京市东城区红楼 邮政编码: 100051
Where better to savor the famous dish than its birthplace? Duck has been roasted in China since the 4th century, but it evolved into what we now recognize as Peking duck during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). This iconic dish was later designated as “imperial cuisine” during Kublai Khan’s rule.
Quanjude is a well-known chain specializing in Peking duck, while Duck de Chine is another popular choice. However, maroon-tinted ducks are displayed in eatery windows throughout Beijing, so options abound. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for their favorite hidden gems!
Enjoy Imperial Cuisine
Address: 1 Wen Jin Jie, 西安门 Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100034
Phone: +86 10 6401 1889
Don’t stop with just Peking duck—explore “imperial cuisine,” once exclusive to China’s ruling families. Enjoying an imperial cuisine experience typically requires paying a set fee for an entire course and sometimes includes entertainment in a classical setting.
Fangshan, established in 1925, is located in Beihai Park and remains one of the most affordable options for tourists, despite occasional debates over its authenticity. Be prepared for significant expenses; some remarkable imperial cuisine experiences can run as high as $120 per seat!
Take in Good Views at Jingshan Park
Address: 44 Jing Shan Xi Jie, 景山 Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100009
Phone: +86 10 6403 8098
Jingshan Park is situated adjacent to the northern edge of the Forbidden City and directly east of Beihai Botanical Park. After hours of exploring the Forbidden City, you’ll appreciate the presence of trees. The main attraction of Jingshan Park is the hill that offers stunning views of ancient Beijing.
The man-made hill in Jingshan Park was constructed from dirt excavated for the Forbidden City’s moat, giving some of the best photogenic opportunities of the city. Prepare for a workout climbing the stairs to reach the summit.
Go Shopping and Bar Hopping in Sanlitun
Address: Sanlitun, Chaoyang, Beijing, China, 100027
Sanlitun is an entertainment district located around 20 minutes by taxi from downtown Beijing. The busy strip hosts numerous shops offering luxurious Western brands, and the nightlife scene comes alive at night. Bar Street, in particular, boasts over half of Beijing’s bars.
While some dive bars were removed during a 2017 government cleanup campaign, a fair number remain, contributing to the lively atmosphere. Given the presence of several international embassies, be prepared for slightly pricier restaurant options in the Sanlitun area, but you’ll certainly encounter a bustling strip perfect for pub hopping.
An array of gay-friendly bars and restaurants can also be found near Sanlitun.
Eat and Shop Along Dashilan
Address: Da Shi Lan Shang Ye Jie, Xi Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China
If upscale Sanlitun isn’t your scene, Dashilan (Da Zha Lan) offers a refreshing alternative. This ancient street has transformed over centuries into a bustling shopping destination, providing affordable options that appeal to tourists who prefer a less commercialized experience.
Dashilan is merely a 15-minute walk south of Tiananmen Square. Be wary of the many con-men targeting Western tourists in the area.
Visit the Lama Temple
Address: 12 Yong He Gong Da Jie, 国子监 Dong Cheng Qu, China, 100007
Phone: +86 10 8419 1919
The “Lama Temple” (Yonghe Temple) is among the most visited sites in Beijing. Construction began in 1694, and the temple has served as an imperial palace for a prince, a mausoleum for an emperor, and a monastery for Tibetan monks.
The temple features stunning artwork, most notably a 59-foot-tall sandalwood Buddha statue recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest in the world.
The Lama Temple functions as a center for Tibetan Buddhism. It’s important to note that the temple does not reference the 1950 Chinese invasion and ongoing occupation of Tibet.
