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
12683 reviews
4/5
The mountains and rivers are magnificent, and the scenery is unparalleled, but with the holiday season in early April, it's incredibly crowded, making it impossible to properly appreciate the beauty.
5/5
Great experience. The admission starts at 6:30pm. Performance along the way from admission entrance to the actual Wall. When we started climbing the Wall, there was still daylight. While we climbing the Wall, the sun gradually set. The lights came on. It was beautiful. You actually get 3 states of the Great Wall in one tour. There's way less people there at night also. We only bought the admission tickets, didn't buy cable car tickets. We feel the cable car isn't necessary. We thoroughly enjoyed our time.
4/5
Really pretty, just ended with a sour note of heavy rain in the end. But it truly is worth climbing and watch the scenery. The ice creams was really pretty but not worth it. Me and my friends had chocolate, milk/yoghurt and grape and honestly only the chocolate and milk one were decent. When you buy the ice creams it’s only for aesthetic not the taste.
5/5
This miracle is a must see!
5/5
Convenient transfer to and from the wall. We paid the guide 140 yuan per person for the roundtrip cable car ride on the bus. The section of the wall itself is very short, which I didn't expect. For a longer walk, choose the section beginning with the letter M.
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.
4.8/5
48820 reviews
5/5
秀才说王导王晶很专业，讲解很仔细又幽默，让整个体验加分不少！赞👍🏼
5/5
For a general introduction to Chinese culture, it's worth a visit.
4/5
Advantages
* Immense grandeur; one of the largest ancient palaces in the world, over 600 years old, and once the residence of 24 Chinese emperors.
* The architecture, with its red walls and golden tiled roofs, is stunning and magnificent.
* Every angle is photogenic, especially in the morning.
* Provides a full immersion in Chinese history.
Things to know
* Very large area; lots of walking involved.
* Crowded, especially on holidays and during peak season.
* Advance tickets are required as visitor numbers are limited.
Suitable for:
✅ History enthusiasts
✅ Those who enjoy taking photos in ancient Chinese style
✅ Culture lovers
5/5
The moment you step into the Forbidden City, the red walls and yellow tiles, imbued with six hundred years of history, rush towards you. Every brick and tile between the halls carries the warmth of history. Walking slowly along the central axis, you can witness the grandeur of the imperial architecture and feel the everyday life of bygone days in the details. Even in the height of summer when there are many tourists, finding shade under the trees to watch the corner towers reflected in the clear water instantly brings a sense of peace. It's a cultural feast that you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Beijing.
5/5
A very atmospheric place. It's best to go early in the morning and plan your route carefully, making sure not to enter from Tiananmen Square. The walk takes about four hours.
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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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
1297 reviews5/5
Communication was smooth; Ms. Yu contacted me beforehand via text message and phone to inform me of the meeting point and tour time. Her explanations were detailed, respecting history while elaborating appropriately, maintaining both historical seriousness and engaging content. She patiently answered all my questions. Five stars! Highly recommended. Jingshan Park was even more worthwhile to visit than I expected.
5/5
A wonderful place. A great park for vibrant, authentic photos with views of the Forbidden City. Lots of unusual locations, beautiful trees, and flowers.
5/5
The park is a must-see for the view of the Forbidden City from above. It's impressive.
5/5
Отличный парк, стоит того чтобы подняться замечательный вид на запретный город. Много кошек
5/5
It's a beautiful park. Unfortunately, we couldn't get into the Forbidden City because we didn't know we had to book a ticket 7 days in advance. 🥹 So we went to this park to at least see the views. The price was very reasonable. I recommend it if you, like us, couldn't get into the Forbidden City. 😅
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.
4.6/5
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
205 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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FAQs about Things to Do in Beijing
What are the top things to do in Beijing?
Explore the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.How can I experience local culture in Beijing?
Wander through hutongs, visit Panjiayuan Antique Market, and enjoy a Peking Opera performance.Where can I enjoy nightlife in Beijing?
Sanlitun offers bars, live music, and trendy restaurants.Where to try authentic Beijing street food?
Wangfujing Night Market and Houhai Park Bars feature local snacks like roasted chestnuts and skewers.Which parks are worth visiting in Beijing?
Jingshan Park, Beihai Park, and Houhai Park provide scenic views and relaxation.
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