Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing
Beijing, China's capital, is well-known for its profound history. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square mark the heart of the city, while the Great Wall stretches across the mountains just outside. Try authentic Peking duck, shop at markets like Wangfujing, and experience the timeless magic of Peking Opera. There are more than you can imagine.
This guide covers the key places and experiences to help you create a clear and simple plan for your trip in Beijing.
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Top 1: Hike the Legendary Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China was originally built for defense, starting as early as the 7th century BC. Walk along the stone paths and feel like stepping into China's enduring history. The wind whistles through gaps in the wall. Miles of stone twist across the rugged mountains into the horizon...
Credit: from Max Hou, Unsplash | Explore the historic heights of the Badaling Great Wall
The Great Wall of China | |
✅ Opening Hours | 07:30-16:00 (it may vary due to the time of the year) |
📍 Location | Exit 58 of G6 Beijing-Lhasa Expressway, Yanqing District, Beijing |
💰 Ticket Price | From $4.91 |
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
- How to get there: Accessible by bus or car from Beijing
- Is it family-friendly: Yes! There are well-maintained paths, gentle slopes in many areas, and facilities like rest stops and cable cars.
Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and bring plenty of water.
4.7/5
12256 reviews
5/5
It's well worth the trip from the city center to the Badaling Great Wall. It's straightforward, easy, and very accessible. You'll save a lot of time if you're just passing through or on a short visit.
5/5
Hello. I really enjoyed it and the journey was convenient. It's much faster on the high-speed train, but if you don't have tickets, bus 877 is only 6 yuan via Alipay and you'll be there in 1.5-2 hours.
5/5
I visited Badaling. It was a place where you could really feel the history. Once you start climbing, it's quite a walk to the halfway point, so I think it's best to bring 500ml of water and some snacks. The Black Bear Park and the restaurant were also wonderful.
4/5
You definitely have to visit and see it once in your life!
4/5
Badaling is a beautiful place, but the walk is strenuous and very crowded. It's easy to get there by high-speed train—it's not far from the station to the entrance, and everything is organized. The views from the wall are spectacular, worth the climb. But there are a lot of people, especially on the section where the cable car goes up—it's practically jam-packed. The climb would have been very difficult without the cable car, but we took it and didn't regret it. We descended on our own, and it took a very long time: there were constant ups and downs. It's good that we bought extra return train tickets, but we didn't have time to have lunch—we had to get on the train.
It's better to buy souvenirs a little further down, not at the very first point of descent. We bought them at the first shop we found, and then we saw similar ones, but cheaper.
Overall, the views are beautiful, but it can be physically demanding.
Top 2: Wander the Exquisite Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was home to Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. It offers a vivid glimpse into China's royal past. Stepping into the Forbidden City feels like entering a different era, with red walls, golden rooftops, and intricate carvings.
Credit: from wong zihoo, Unsplash | Step into the majestic Forbidden City
The Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) | |
✅Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Apr 1-Oct 31 every year - Tuesday-Sunday: 08:30-17:00 Nov 1–Mar 31 (next year), every year - Tuesday-Sunday: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM |
📍Location | No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing |
💰 Ticket Price | From $8.42 |
- Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
- How to get there: Easily accessible by subway (at Tiananmen East Station)
- Is it family-friendly: Yes! It's nice for all ages with wide courtyards, spacious walkways, and plenty of open areas to explore.
Tips: Try to avoid visiting on Chinese public holidays. Recommended tour in 3-4 hours.
4.9/5
47427 reviews
5/5
The Forbidden City is impressive in its scale—the architecture is incredible, and you can feel its history at every step.
You could easily walk around the grounds all day, but from personal experience, three hours is plenty of time to leisurely see everything, savor the details, and avoid getting sore feet. The most important advice is to definitely book tickets for the morning shift. It's easier to breathe in the morning, there are fewer people, and the sun isn't as hot yet. A wonderful place, a must-see in Beijing!
5/5
Excellent tour, very interesting. The guide speaks Russian very well, Ustya was very attentive and told interesting stories. Thank you!!!
4/5
The Guide lily was enthusiastic and informative. Since I could not get tickets myself I booked this tour but the management was not great because I had to rush in the start to join the 9am group even though I booked 10 am tour. So it was not ideal and the entrance is really picturistic so should not be ignored. Make sure you do what you write.
5/5
A wonderful guide who speaks Russian fluently, everything was perfectly organized, everything was clear, everything was fast, without delays, we were 100% satisfied
5/5
Hello. It's worth a look, but it's best to go on a weekday.
Top 3: Taste the Crispy & Tender Peking Duck at Quanjude
Try this iconic Beijing dish at Quanjude, which has been operating since 1864. Get your first bite of Peking duck, which is pure magic. Crispy, golden skin with sweet hoisin sauce gives way to tender, juicy meat, wrapped in a thin pancake with cucumber and spring onions.
Credit: from KKday, Unsplash | Bite into Quanjude’s crispy, juicy Peking duck
Quanjude | |
✅Opening Hours | Qianmen main branch: 11:00-14:30; 16:30-21:00 Hepingmen branch: 11:00-14:00; 16:30-20:30 |
📍Location | Quanjude (main branch) on Qianmen Street or the Hepingmen branch. |
💰 Cost | ¥200-¥300 per duck, depending on the portion. (about S$36-55) |
Tip: Evenings are the best time for a relaxed and indulgent meal; order a whole duck for the full experience; don't forget to ask for extra pancakes (they go quickly!)
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Top 4: Discover the Hidden Alleys on a Quaint Hutong Tour
Hutong is Beijing's soul, far from the tourist crowds. These ancient alleyways showcase centuries-old architecture and local culture. Cobblestone paths wind past traditional courtyard homes, wooden doors, and brick walls. You can hear children laughing, see the clink of street vendors, and the scent of sizzling dumplings drifting through the valleys...
Credit: from Zhang kaiyv, Unsplash | Locals are taking a walk in the Hutong valleys
Hutong Tour | |
📍 Where to start | Begin at the Bell and Drum Towers, where many guided tours kick off. |
💰 Cost | ¥100-¥200 for a guided tour. (about S$18-36) |
Tip: You can go for a Hutong tour in the early morning or late afternoon for better vibes; wear comfortable shoes as the paths can be uneven; bring cash for small purchases from local artisans or street vendors.
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![Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip [ZANBUS - Daily departures from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356012000sgcf58vC123_C_568_320.jpg)
Top 5: Take in Imperial Palace Views at Scenic Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is a historic imperial garden built atop an artificial hill. You can observe the views of the Forbidden City's rooftops against the modern skyline. The park is surrounded by lush greenery and rustling leaves. It's considered the best vantage point to admire Beijing's beauty!
Enjoy the golden scene of Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park | |
✅Opening Hours | Apr 1-Oct 31 every year: 06:00-21:00 Nov 1–Mar 31 (next year), every year: 06:30-20:00(Latest entry time:19:30) |
📍Location | Jingshan Park, Jingshan Qianjie, Xicheng District, Beijing |
💰 Ticket Price | ¥2 for entrance. (about S$0.36) |
- Best time to visit: Late afternoon for golden sunset views; early morning for peaceful moments & fresh air
- How to get there: Take the subway to the Tiananmen East Station, then walk about 10 minutes to the park.
Tip: Bring a camera to capture the stunning views
4.7/5
1309 reviews
5/5
A must visit, everything is great
4/5
We were a bit late and arrived after dark. The park has very little lighting, so in some places you're walking in the dark. We planned a trip there to get a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. It turns out it doesn't have any lighting either—it's just a dark spot. Keep that in mind.
5/5
It's a really cool park; when night falls, the pagodas and temples light up, and the views of the forbidden city are amazing.
5/5
Beautiful in the evening.
5/5
This is a wonderful park where you can get a bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. If you're going to the Forbidden City, you should definitely visit this park as well.
Top 6: Hang Out in Sanlitun for Beijing’s Nightlife
Sanlitun is a place where you can enjoy shopping and dining in Beijing. The streets overflow with international restaurants. Music pulses from clubs. Grab a drink and dive into the cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Catch the nightlife vibes at Sanlitun
Sanlitun | |
📍 Where to find it | Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing. |
💰 Cost | ¥50-¥200 for drinks, with some clubs having cover charges (usually ¥100-¥150). |
Tips: Visit on weekends from 9 pm to midnight for the best vibe. If you're looking for a more laid-back vibe, head to the quieter cafes instead.
Top 7: Chill by the Water at Houhai Park Bars
Houhai Park is part of Beijing's historic Shichahai area. It's a cluster of three connected lakes, Houhai, Qianhai, and Xihai, dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). As dusk settles over it, the scent of grilled skewers drifts through the narrow hutong streets. Acoustic tunes float from bars along the shore...
Chill out at the jazz bars in Houhai Park after dinner in Beijing
Houhai Park Bars | |
📍 Where to find it | Houhai Lake, near the Shichahai area, Xicheng District. |
💰 Cost | ¥50-¥150 (about US$7-20) for drinks, depending on the bar. Some venues may have a cover charge for live performances. |
Tips: Expect cocktails, beer, wine, snacks & small plates at night. Savor your drink with lakeside charm.
4.7/5
78 reviews
5/5
Houhai Park is not a sea, but a beautiful lake park where visitors can go boating on the lake and quietly enjoy the beautiful scenery. The swaying willows on both sides and the azure blue water are refreshing.
5/5
Houhai is not actually a sea, but a huge lake park. When you visit, you can choose to go boating on the lake or take a rickshaw around the lake.
5/5
nice place to walk around and see some nice huntings. some nice places to eat
4/5
amazing place! you can find cafes around the area and rent a boat! there are motor boats and pedals but the availability is according to how much people is renting it. totally recommended!
5/5
Very comfortable
A good place to watch the sunset
There are many delicious restaurants nearby
Top 8: Experience the Timeless Magic of Peking Opera
Peking Opera originated from the Qing Dynasty. It's famous for the bold makeup, colorful costumes, and powerful singing. Even if you don't understand Chinese, it's quite enjoyable. You can fully enjoy its acrobatics and music. Many theaters offer English subtitles, tea service, and short highlight shows, so you can follow the plot and enjoy this traditional art up close!
Enjoy an incredible feast of traditional art in Beijing
Peking Opera | |
📍Where to start | The famous Mei Lanfang Theater or the Beijing Opera House. |
💰 Cost | Tickets typically range from ¥100 to ¥ 500 (about $14-70 USD) depending on seating. |
Tips: It's ideal for kids & adults, both for an authentic cultural experience in Beijing. Arrive early for the best seats!
Top 9: Shop 'Til You Drop at Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is Beijing's go-to place for shopping and dining. You can see neon billboards light up the crowds. There's so much to explore, from small but delicate souvenirs to luxury stores. You can also find designer brands and local markets. It combines fashion and antiques perfectly!
Hang around Wangfujing for a modern delight
Wangfujing | |
📍 Where to find it | Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing. Nearest subway: Wangfujing Station (Line 1). |
💰 Price range | ¥50-¥500 (about US$7-67) for souvenirs and snacks; luxury goods may go over ¥1000 (about US$135). |
Tips: You can bargain at smaller stalls, but expect fixed prices in high-end stores. Do not miss the street food for a taste of local Beijing treats!
4.7/5
197 reviews
5/5
A modern pedestrian street, in the area where the same beer barge is also located
5/5
Watching fireworks at night, one after another, the fireworks exploded in the dark blue sky, red, green, and gold, brightening the entire sky. The exploding sparks slowly fell, like stars falling. Squeezed in the crowd, I looked up. Children laughed and shouted, and adults clapped along. The smoke and smell of fireworks mingled with the air, creating a lively atmosphere. Long afterward, my eyes still shone with a bright light, and my heart was filled with joy.
4/5
So many things to see and explore. 👌🏻
5/5
As a tourist, my experience in Wangfujing can be described as "lively, fun to shop in, and charming." It's bustling with people both day and night. The streets are clean and bright, with shopping malls, time-honored brands, and street food all conveniently located. Strolling along the pedestrian street, you can enjoy the neon lights and street performances while browsing the shops, experiencing both the vibrancy of modern commerce and the charm of old Beijing brands.
What attracted me most was the Wangfujing Snack Street. The sheer variety of Beijing specialties was dazzling. You could find candied hawthorn, tripe, donkey rolls, and kebabs—the taste varied, but the atmosphere was fantastic. Occasionally, you'd see tourists gathered together taking photos and chatting, creating a relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Overall, Wangfujing is a great place to experience the vitality of Beijing. You can eat, buy souvenirs, and feel the typical commercial prosperity of the capital. As a tourist, I think it's well worth a visit.
5/5
It's right in front of the hotel, so I walked there early in the morning and late in the evening. It's beautiful both morning and evening!! If your hotel is nearby, I recommend taking a walk early in the morning when there aren't many people.
Top 10: Hunt for Hidden Gems at Panjiayuan Antique Market
If you want a real-life treasure hunt in Beijing, just head to Panjiayuan Antique Market. It's Beijing's largest and most famous antique market for both traditional artifacts & vintage stuff. You can do your bargaining there without any worry! Expect the musty scent of old wood and paper with a historic atmosphere.
Credit: from Eclat Hotels | People are picking their own treasure in Panjiayuan Antique Market
Panjiayuan Antique Market | |
✅Opening Hours | Summer period: Apr 8-Oct 7; Winter period: Oct 8-Apr 7
|
📍 Where to find it | Panjiayuan Market, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Nearest subway: Panjiayuan Station (Line 10). |
💰 Price range | ¥20-¥1000+ (about S$3-181+), depending on the item. Bargaining is a must! |
Tips: The vendors usually quote a higher price; be prepared to haggle! Find your treasure, like art pieces or vintage books that may not be found elsewhere.
Why Beijing Should Be on Your Travel List?
A visit to Beijing offers a unique chance to see the landmarks that shaped China. As China's capital, it's a great place to travel at the top of your bucket list. Beyond history, you're here to enjoy its metropolis with skyscrapers and world-class food. You're always welcome to explore more of it.
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