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
12412 reviews
5/5
The Great Wall Badaling is very interesting and challenging to travel
5/5
The Great Wall of China, which I had only heard about, is truly beautiful.
5/5
It was s tough tiring but terrific climb simply for the view and to marvel at the phenomenal structure. The entry fee was peanuts, I spent twice as much on the way out - it was all worth it.
4/5
Beautiful lighting. Perhaps less crowded than during the day
4/5
Yes sure. I advice everyone to visit.
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
48330 reviews
5/5
I took my son, who was born abroad, to visit the Forbidden City. It was his first time seeing red walls and yellow tiles in person, and he found it incredibly magnificent. I told him some stories about the emperors and the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which he didn't quite understand, but he ran around excitedly. This trip gave him a real understanding of Chinese history, and it was a valuable lesson in Chinese culture, something he learned alongside his experience of foreign cultures.
5/5
It's definitely worth a visit! If possible, it's best to go with a guide. That way, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Before visiting, I recommend watching the film "The Last Emperor"—it gives a great insight into the history and customs of the Forbidden City. After watching the film, seeing the complex in person is incredibly exciting! There are plenty of photo ops.
5/5
秀才说温导介绍的非常好，学到很多宫里的故事。而且温导还一直关心着我们，时时刻刻提醒走哪要当心，并一直找阴凉处给我们做讲解。
5/5
Definitely worth visiting. It is very large. The bit of history behind the city is fascinating. Do bring a towel, drinks, and an umbrella, as it can get very hot.
5/5
The biggest advantage was that at the time of booking, it was practically the only option for entering the Forbidden City. Regular entrance tickets were sold out from July 14th to August 22nd. There are two types of tours: in English and Russian. If you speak English, don't hesitate to choose the Russian tour—it's half the price, and the only difference is the guide, who, with all due respect, I had a hard time understanding. Be sure to choose the option with the Treasury, as this ticket gives you access to a side section with very cozy courtyards, which you can't access with the regular tour. We were very satisfied.
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 + Summer Palace One-Day Tour [BUSDA Sightseeing Bus | In-depth Guided Tour]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352s12000rxr1ef0E32F_C_568_320.png)
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
4.6/5
1310 reviews4/5
A truly beautiful place and the best view of the Forbidden City.
5/5
This park was probably my favourite thing in beijing. Its a pretty big park with some great architecture and beautiful nature. Definitely recommend
5/5
Amazing park and view!
4/5
Amazing view
4/5
A very beautiful green park. Lots of potted bonsai trees. The observation deck is very cool.
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
82 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
201 reviews
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.
4/5
Wangfujing Street is a vibrant blend of tradition and modernity. The pedestrian-friendly avenue boasts upscale boutiques alongside historic shops. The nearby snack street offers exotic treats, adding to the cultural experience.
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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