Beijing, as the capital of China, is a city that blends ancient traditions with modern style. Visitors of all ages can find something that excites them during their Beijing tours. Entering this mysterious and sacred capital, one must do at least a few things. These best things to do in Beijing, China not only allow you to fully experience the history and culture of Beijing, but also feel the modern urban charm of Beijing.
1. Going to Tian’anmen Square at Dawn
As a free landmark in Beijing, Tian’anmen Square is magnificent and has a long history. It is highly recommended to wake up early and go to Tian’anmen Square (the world’s largest public plaza), to watch the flag raising ceremony, watch the five-starred red flag rise slowly with the sun, and feel the solemnity and shock of the capital. Good morning, Beijing!
2. Can’t Miss – Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Visit the magnificent Forbidden City with red walls and golden tiles, and experience the splendor of the Imperial Palaces of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Its long history has left behind a large number of precious buildings and countless cultural relics here. Be sure to bring your passport when you visit as foreigners won’t get in without one.
As the world’s largest palace complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City is beautiful all year round. In spring, admiring flowers beside the Hall of Literary Glory and the Hall of Martial Valor; in summer, listening to the rain and enjoying the greenery under the eaves; in autumn, encountering the Garden Royal Cat; in winter, taking in the unique view of red walls and white snow. You can also go to Jingshan Park, climbing to the Wanchun Pavilion to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City.
3. Hiking on the Great Walls of China
A trip to the Great Wall is one of the most unusual things to do in Beijing. As a Chinese saying goes: One who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero! The Great Wall, renowned both domestically and internationally, is a symbol of the Chinese nation, with the Badaling Great Wall being the most famous. You can ascend the Badaling Great Wall and appreciate its magnificence.
Near Beijing, there are also the rugged and steep Simatai Great Wall known for its exquisite design and well-preserved Ming Dynasty appearance, the Jinshanling Great Wall known for its dense and diverse forms of enemy towers, the Mutianyu Great Wall known for its peculiar Pass platform and dense enemy towers; and the Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall known for its primitive landscape of mountains and waters.
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4. Must-Visit: Summer Palace
Appreciate the largest and most well-preserved imperial garden in China, and experience the beauty of classical Chinese gardens. The Summer Palace is composed of Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake. The entire garden is set against the backdrop of the Western Hills, and the architectural complex blends seamlessly with the landscape of the mountains and lakes. It truly deserves the title of the “foremost classical Chinese garden”.
You can take a cruise to visit the Summer Palace in Beijing and enjoy the picturesque scenery. Before and after the Winter Solstice, when sunlight passes through the 17-arch bridge of the Summer Palace, it presents a natural wonder of “golden light piercing through the holes”.
5. Exploring Temple of Heaven
Visit the world’s largest and the most complete ancient altar complex dedicated to worshiping the heaven. In addition to the exquisitely crafted Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the unique design of the Echo Wall, there are many other distinctive buildings worth visiting in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
Generally, visitors enter from the south gate and exit from the north gate (or east gate), and visit the Round Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Danbi Bridge, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and Hall of Imperial Zenith before leaving the Temple of Heaven.
6. Wandering in Beijing’s Hutong Alleys
Go to Nanluoguxiang (Nanluogu Lane), which has the most traditional Beijing style. Here, you can see the complete quadrangle courtyard and take a rickshaw to shuttle through various hutongs, feeling the tranquility and harmony of living in the bustling capital city. In Beijing Hutongs, there are many traditional snacks, cafes, specialty shops, and art stores gathered.
Hutong free Citywalk is one of the fun things to do in Beijing. Strolling through the ancient quiet hutongs of Beijing, such as Yandai Xiejie, Mao’er Hutong, Guozijian Street, Wudaoying Hutong, Liulichang Street, Dongjiaomin Lane, you can experience all the romance and details of old Beijing, and the fusion of historical accumulation and modern fashion.
Things to do in Beijing in one day:
- Recommended tour: One Day Old Beijing City Tour
7. Admiring Bird’s Nest and Water Cube at Night
The Beijing Olympic Park is open for free and features iconic buildings such as the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube. The environment is beautiful, suitable for walking and taking photos.
As night falls, the Bird’s Nest, illuminated by red lights, resembles a powerful giant, while the Water Cube under blue lights is like a gentle Sleeping Beauty. Welcome to travel to Beijing to experience their charm left over from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
8. Go Shopping!!!
Beijing can be called a shopping paradise. You can:
- Go to the most internationally famous Silk Street (Xiushui Market)to purchase clothing, silk products, and Beijing gifts through bargaining.
- Go to Panjiayuan Antique Market, the largest flea market in Beijing, to dig for treasures, ancient handicrafts and old objects from the capital, and feel the traces of history.
- Go to Wangfujing Snack Streetto taste various Beijing food and explore the buzzing night market culture. Wangfujing also offers abundant consumer choices and perfectly integrates tradition and modernity.
- Go to Taikoo Li Sanlitunto feel the trends and fashion of Beijing. Sanlitun gathers numerous international brands and specialty stores, as well as exquisite cafes, bars, and restaurants. Enjoying urban nightlife here is one of cool things to do in Beijing.
9. Enjoying a Gourmet Feast
Food is one of the most important components of a city. When you embark on your China tours from Beijing, you must not miss the Beijing local cuisines, such as Quanjude Beijing Roast Duck, Donglaishun instant-boiled mutton in a copper pot, Haiwanju noodles with soybean paste (Zhajiangmian), Guijie Street lamb spine hot pot, Chenji braised small intestine, and so on. Each kind of authentic Beijing food will leave a pleasant taste in your mouth for a long time.
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10. Another Destination: 798 Art District
The 798 Art District is a cultural and creative industry cluster in Beijing, and has now become the most famous gathering place for literary and artistic youth in Beijing. To summarize it in four words: Chinese, contemporary, artistic, and original. You can go to Beijing 798 Art District for free exhibitions, appreciate every painting and sculpture, and feel the collision of creativity and art.
11. Delving into National Museum of China
One of the most cultural things to do in Beijing is to experience history in the National Museum of China.
Located on the east side of Tian’anmen Square, the National Museum of China exhibits many national-level cultural relics, covering pottery, jade, bronze, porcelain, sculpture, calligraphy and painting, gold and silverware, etc. Free, reservation required.
From the Stone Age to the Bronze Age, and then to the Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing Dynasties until now, the National Museum of China is exactly a history of China’s development, allowing visitors to travel back to a certain era at will.
12. Relaxing at Laoshe Teahouse
Pay a visit to Laoshe Teahouse to gain a deeper understanding of old Beijing. It is full of ancient charm and Beijing flavor. You can enjoy the wonderful performances of Beijing Opera and folk art, as well as taste famous teas, palace delicacies, and seasonal Beijing style snacks.
13. Having Fun in Beijing Universal Studios
Going to Beijing Universal Studios may be one of the best things to do in Beijing for kids. There are various movie-themed amusement facilities and fantastic performances here, such as Minions Park, Harry Potter Wizarding World, Kung Fu Panda Wonderland, and Jurassic Adventure, allowing you to play freely and experience the charm of movies.
14. Traveling in Beihai Park
Go boating in the Beihai Park (a time-honored royal garden) and enjoy the peaceful lake and mountain scenery, like the song “Let Us Sway Twin Oars”. You can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers in summer. Climb the iconic White Tower, to overlook the whole Beihai Park. Explore 69 historical sites here, including the West Heaven Paradise, the Nine-Dragon Wall, the Jingxin Studio, Chanfu Temple, etc.
15. Visiting Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo is one of the largest and most species-diverse urban zoos in China, as well as a paradise for animal enthusiasts. Entering the park from the north gate, first go to the Panda House, and then visit the Wolf, Fox, Monkey, Giraffe, Lion and Tiger Mountain, Elephant House, Waterfowl Lake – Pelican, Owl, Flamingo and other animal houses in a counterclockwise direction. Finally, go to the aquarium to watch a sea lion performance. Especially suitable for a family trip.
Things to See and Do in Beijing Each Season:
Spring (March – May)
- Go to the Summer Palace, Yuyuantan Park, etc.to enjoy cherry blossoms and peach blossoms.
- Go on a spring outingin places such as Xiangshan Park and Beihai Park.
Summer (June – August)
- Go to places like the Summer Palaceand Beihai Park to escape the summer heat and enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.
- Take Beijing museum tours,such as visiting the Palace Museum and the National Museum of China to learn about historical culture or visiting the China Science and Technology Museum to explore the mysteries of science (especially suitable for kids).
Autumn (September – November)
- Go to Xiangshan Parkto enjoy the red leaves and the splendid autumn scenery.
- Go to Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenueto see the golden ginkgo leaves and immerse in the autumn fairytale world.
Winter (December – February)
- Go to the Forbidden Cityand the Summer Palace to enjoy the snow scenery.
- Go skating in Shichahai, enjoying the speed and passion of winter. Indeed one of the cool things to do in Beijing.
- Engage in theDitan Temple Fair to experience the Chinese New Year festive vibe.
- Make a wish at Lama Temple (Yonghe Palace)on the morning of the first day of Chinese New Y
More things to do in Beijing:
Beijing, half a solemn history and half a modern story. Welcome to Beijing!
