Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing – Explore China’s Capital Like Never Before
Beijing is the capital of China and a city of wonderful contrasts between the ancient wonders, modern wonders, vibrant street life, and rich culture. Being one of the most dynamic capitals of the world, it successfully integrates centuries-old traditions and futuristic innovation. With iconic sights such as the Great Wall and Forbidden City, as well as beautiful hutongs, thriving markets, and the best cuisine in the world, there is never a shortage of unforgettable experiences encountered by travelers. To get the best out of this city, book a flight to Beijing and experience a city that has something to offer to everyone – be it a history buff, a foodie or an adventurer.
Whether you are new to Beijing or a local, living in the city, it is difficult to know the best things to do in Beijing. In this guide, we will go through the top 10 things to do in Beijing, including Beijing’s famous attractions, unique experiences, and hidden gems. Activities in Beijing that will make your trip memorable, let’s have a look at how epic this place is.
1. Walk Along the Majestic Great Wall of China
A Beijing trip is incomplete without a visit to one of the greatest landmarks in the world, the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest Beijing tourist attractions that has existed for ages as a symbol of power and resilience. A masterpiece of architectural design, originally constructed to defend ancient China against invaders from the north, the walls zig-zag their way across steep terrain, forest, and even arid deserts, providing panoramic views and an in-depth link to the archaic history of China. Running along the northern part of China, the Great Wall has various segments around Beijing City, which include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling.
- Mutianyu Section: It is less crowded and it is surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery.
- Badaling Section: Most popular and easily accessible.
- Jinshanling Section: It is an ideal place for hikers and photographers.
Timings:
- Mutianyu: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Badaling: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Jinshanling: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee:
- Mutianyu: ¥45 (≈ $6.50)
- Badaling: ¥40 (≈ $6)
- Jinshanling: ¥65 (≈ $9.50)
It is one of the best things to do in Beijing as it is a UNESCO World Heritage and a bucket-list experience, whether you are walking, hiking, or taking a cable car.
2. Explore the Forbidden City – Imperial Palace of China
Take a historical step to the Forbidden City, also referred to as the Palace Museum, which is a magnificent element of the Chinese imperial past and architectural mastery. This World Heritage site is the main attraction in the heart of Beijing, which was a political and ceremonial venue of Chinese emperors throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties of almost 500 years. Covering an area of more than 180 acres, the complex consists of more than 900 buildings that are furnished with magnificent halls, courtyards, and treasures. This master piece of architecture is not only among the top 10 things to do in Beijing but also a must-see attraction normally included in any good Beijing holiday package.
- Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:10 PM); closed on Mondays
- Entry Fee: CNY 60 (~$8.25 USD)
3. Stroll Through Tiananmen Square
Being directly in front of the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square is the biggest square in the world and a strong symbol of the political and cultural history of China. It is situated on more than 100 acres, the history of which comprises some of the most important events in modern Chinese history, and which is still a meeting point of locals and tourists. Visiting Tiananmen Square is one of the activities in Beijing, whether it is by day or at night when it is all lit up.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: Free (Security check required)
It’s surrounded by important landmarks like:
- Monument to the People’s Heroes
- Great Hall of the People
- National Museum of China
- Mausoleum of Mao Zedong
4. Discover the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is one of the most spiritual and peaceful places in Beijing and it will provide its visitors with the unique opportunity to have a look at the ancient Chinese cosmology, religion and imperial history. This huge complex was constructed in the early 15th century under the Ming Dynasty and it was used by Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors to execute religious sacrifices and offerings in pursuit of good harvests because these leaders were convinced that good fortune of the nation depended on their relation to the heavens. The Temple of Heaven is one of the best things to do in Beijing because ample gardens surround it, and history buffs and nature enthusiasts are attracted to visit the Temple of Heaven.
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (April to October); 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM (November to March)
- Entry Fee: CNY 34 (~$4.70 USD) for combo ticket.
- Tip: Go early in the morning to watch locals practice tai chi.
5. Wander the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a good place to escape in case you want a scenic view. It is an attractive landscape site of Chinese building design recognized by UNESCO World Heritage owing to beautiful gardens, temples, bridges, and Kunming Lake. Surrounding 700 acres, it is an expansive land covered with luring gardens, beautiful temples, lavish pavilions, and the large Kunming Lake, which is a painting on the lake reflected the hills and the man-made building. A visit to the Summer Palace is certainly one of the things to do in Beijing when you value nature and history as well as timeless architecture.
- Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM (April to October); 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (November to March)
- Entry Fee: CNY 60 (~$8.25 USD) for combo ticket including key attractions
- Must-See: Long Corridor, Marble Boat, Seventeen-Arch Bridge
6. Experience Beijing’s Hutongs and Courtyards
The hutongs (narrow alleys) of Beijing are the finest places to enjoy the old lifestyle of this city. These meandering lanes, which date back to the Yuan Dynasty, are filled with siheyuan- historic courtyard homes that have a history of how residents led their lives. When you explore these neighborhoods, you will find small secretive tea houses, family restaurants, craft shops, and street life that gives the sense of ancient Beijing. Hutong exploration is one of the most authentic activities in Beijing, as this way you can be connected to the cultural background of the city.
- Timings: Open 24/7 (best visited from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM)
- Entry Fee: Free; pedicab tours available (~CNY 100 for 30–40 mins)
- Popular Areas: Nanluoguxiang, Yandai Xiejie, and Shichahai
7. Admire the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
The building of Bird Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) are two beautiful pieces of architecture in the city constructed to host the Olympic Games in 2008. Standing in the Olympic Green, the two structures are architectural representatives of the Chinese fusion of creativity and form. The Bird’s Nest is used as a sports venue and as a concert place and the Water Cube is known to have a shining blue building in night. One of the top things to do in Beijing is to visit these landmarks, especially for those who love architecture and those who are keen on photography. You should not miss the night lighting.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: CNY 50 ($7 USD) for Bird’s Nest, CNY 30 ($4 USD) for Water Cube
- Tip: Go there at night to observe the buildings illuminated in bright colors.
8. Enjoy Traditional Beijing Cuisine
Beijing is a heaven on earth when it comes to food because it has a great combination of textures, flavors, and traditions. To taste local food is one of the most memorable things to do in Beijing. Think about the famous Peking Duck and its juicy meat and crispy skin, where Quanjude and Dadong are the best. Browse Zhajiangmian, the savored noodles with meat-like soybean paste on top or you can sit around the hot pot and feast communally. Do not forget to taste local snack food such as jianbing, baozi, and tanghulu which give the city food culture a sense of life. One of the most delicious activities in Beijing is to taste the local dishes.
- Peking Duck: Head to Quanjude or Dadong (approx. CNY 200–300 for a full duck meal)
- Timings: Most restaurants open from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
9. Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
The Lama Temple is a Tibetan Buddhism Temple and also called Yonghe Temple, which is a sacred sanctuary in the heart of Beijing and a place where Tibetan Buddhists regard as one of the most sacred Tibetan Buddhism temples outside Tibet. Its initial construction is an imperial palace but was subsequently changed into a lamasery and is in operation today. Filled with elaborately painted halls, sweet-scented incense and the breathtaking sight of the 18 meter long Maitreya Buddha carved out of a single sandalwood tree, the temple is an extremely spiritual place. This is a religious destination that can not be missed by any individual who wants the solace of visiting this cultural site, one of the most best things to do in Beijing when it comes to culture and religion.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Entry Fee: CNY 25 (~$3.50 USD)
- Address: 12 Yonghegong St, Dongcheng District
10. Shop and Stroll at Wangfujing Street
The most famous shopping place in Beijing is Wangfujing Street, which provides a colorful combination of ancient and modern times. It is a busy street in the heart of the city where you will find luxurious boutique shops and department stores, local souvenir trades booths, and shops which are 100s of years old. In the daytime, you will be able to look through the bookshops, visit trendy fashion houses and get various gifts. At night, the place becomes food paradise, and Wangfujing Snack Street is the place that provides exotic dishes such as scorpions and starfish. Being a shopaholic or a foodie, you will find Wangfujing among the top 10 things to do in Beijing.
Tips for Enjoying Your Beijing Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Pleasant weather abounds in Spring (April-May), and Autumn (September-October).
- Transportation: Use the Beijing Subway for convenience.
- Language Tip: Basic Mandarin phrases can enhance your experience.
- Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs.
Conclusion
Beijing is not only the capital of China, it is a museum of Chinese history and the centre of its present life. There is an endless number of unforgettable activities in Beijing, such as walking the Great Wall or trying Peking Duck.
As you plan to enjoy the best of Beijing, these top 10 things to do in Beijing, China, will provide you with an excellent experience. To have a smooth travel experience, you may book with European Travel and have your once-in-a-lifetime adventure go ahead today!.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What are the top tourist attractions in Beijing?
Beijing consists of world-famous attractions as the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.
2. What is the best time of year to enjoy activities in Beijing?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the ideal seasons to experience what Beijing City has to offer because of the favorable weather conditions for visiting tourism sites.
3. What are the must-try foods while exploring things to do in Beijing City?
You cannot miss Peking Duck, zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and baozi (steamed buns), and other street food, such as jianbing (Chinese crepes). One of the best things to do in Beijing is to taste local food.
4. Are the top attractions in Beijing open year-round?
Many of the main attractions such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are open all year round but with different times. People can go to the Great Wall throughout the year, but the best time is spring and autumn.
5. Are there cultural experiences unique to Beijing?
Absolutely! Do a Peking Opera, visit a tea ceremony, calligraphy lesson or even experience a rickshaw tour in the Hutong area.
6. What are the best places for shopping in Beijing?
Visit Silk Market, Pearl Market, Wangfujing, or go shopping for traditional items at Panjiayuan Antique Market.
