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Best 10 things to Do in Beijing: Attractions & activities

05/29/2025
Best 10 things to do in Beijing, Vibrant scenery in Beijing, blending ancient and modern attractions, traditional culture, and full life

1. Explore the Forbidden City: A Glimpse into Imperial Life

Step into the world of emperors at the Forbidden City, a 600-year-old palace complex. Wander through 980 buildings with red walls and golden roofs, including:
  • Hall of Supreme Harmony: The largest wooden palace in China, where emperors held ceremonies.
  • Palace of Heavenly Purity: The former living quarters of Ming and Qing rulers.
  • Treasure Gallery: See imperial jewelry, dragon thrones, and ancient artifacts.
    Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and download an audio guide to learn about each courtyard’s history.
Forbidden City
Mutianyu Great Wall

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2. Hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu: Scenery and Adventure

Escape the city and visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, located 70 km north of Beijing. Why choose this section?
  • Less Crowded: Quieter than Badaling, with lush greenery in spring and autumn.
  • Scenic Views: Walk along restored walls and spot watchtowers hidden in the mountains.
  • Fun Descent: Take a toboggan ride down the mountain for an exciting end to your hike.
    Pro Tip: Book a guided tour for hassle-free transport, or take the subway to Dongzhimen Station and catch Bus 916.
The Great Wall

3. Relax at the Summer Palace: Royal Gardens and Serenity

The Summer Palace is a UNESCO site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Key highlights:
  • Kunming Lake: Rent a paddleboat or stroll along the lakeside to admire the 17-Arch Bridge.
  • Longevity Hill: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the lake and the palace below.
  • Long Corridor: A 728-meter covered walkway with 14,000 paintings of historical stories and landscapes.
    Bonus: Visit in late spring when the peonies bloom, or in winter for a peaceful, snow-covered scene.
The Summer Palace

4. Dive into Local Culture in Nanluoguxiang Hutongs

Experience old Beijing in Nanluoguxiang, a maze of narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan).
  • What to Do:
    • Browse boutique shops selling handcrafted jewelry, calligraphy supplies, and vintage posters.
    • Stop by a teahouse for a traditional tea ceremony.
    • Try street food like jianbing (savory crepes) or douzhi (fermented mung bean drink) for an authentic taste.
  • Nearby: Visit the Bell and Drum Towers to learn about ancient timekeeping.
Great Wall

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5. Connect with History at the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a symbol of Beijing’s spiritual heritage. Built for imperial rituals, it features:
  • Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: A circular hall with a triple-tiered roof, surrounded by marble terraces.
  • Echo Wall: Test its acoustic magic by whispering at one end and listening at the other.
  • Park Life: Join locals in the morning for tai chi, kite-flying, or group dancing.
    Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to see daily life unfold in the park.
Temple of haven

6. Tasting Local Delicacies:A Food Lover's Guide to Beijing

No trip to Beijing is complete without tasting Peking Duck, a dish praised for its crispy skin and tender meat.
  • How to Eat: Wrap thin slices of duck in pancakes with hoisin sauce, scallions, and cucumber.
  • Top Spots:
    • Quanjude: A historic restaurant since 1864, famous for its traditional roasting method.
    • Da Dong: A modern twist on the classic, with creative presentations and minimalist decor.
      Fun Fact: A whole duck is usually served with 80–100 slices, and the bones can be made into a flavorful soup.
Peking Duck
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7. Uncover Secrets of the Ming Tombs (Dingling Tomb)

Travel to Changping District to explore the final resting place of 13 Ming emperors.
  • Sacred Way: Walk past 18 pairs of stone statues (lions, elephants, and officials) that guard the tombs.
  • Dingling Tomb: The only excavated tomb, with an underground palace featuring coffins and gold artifacts.
  • Changling Tomb: The largest and best-preserved, with a grand hall supported by 60-meter cypress columns.
    Tip: Combine this with a Great Wall visit, as both are in the same area.

8. Hunt for Treasures at Panjiayuan Antique Market

Known as the “Dirt Market,” Panjiayuan is a paradise for bargain hunters.
  • What to Find:
    • Antiques: Porcelain vases, bronze coins, and old scrolls (check if they’re genuine!).
    • Handicrafts: Silk scarves, jade bracelets, and Peking Opera masks.
  • Bargaining Tips: Start by offering 30% of the asking price and negotiate politely. Learn “ tài guì le ” (too expensive) to haggle like a local.
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9. Immerse in Art at 798 Art Zone

Once a factory complex, 798 Art Zone is now Beijing’s hub for contemporary art.
  • What to See:
    • Galleries: Explore rotating exhibitions by Chinese and international artists.
    • Street Art: Colorful murals and sculptures line the industrial-style streets.
  • Where to Eat: Grab a coffee at a trendy café or enjoy fusion cuisine at one of the zone’s restaurants.
    Event Alert: Visit during the Beijing Design Week (September-October) for special installations and workshops.

10. Experience  CBD (Central Business District) at The Place

End your day in the CBD (Central Business District) at The Place, a sleek shopping and entertainment complex.
  • Key Attractions:
    • LED Canopy: A 250-meter digital screen that hosts light shows every night.
    • Luxury Shopping: Brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, plus local designers at the underground market.
    • Rooftop Dining: Enjoy skyline views while eating at restaurants like TRB Hutong or The Georg.
      Bonus: Visit nearby CCTV Headquarters for a photo of its iconic “twisted” architecture.

Beijing Nearby Cities to Visit

Luoyang: Ancient Capital and Peony City (4.5 Hours by High-Speed Train)

  • Luoyang is one of China’s “Four Great Ancient Capitals,” with 5,000 years of history and the iconic Longmen Grottoes.
    Key Attractions:
  • Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO)
    Explore 1,400-year-old Buddhist caves with over 100,000 statues, including the 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha.
  • Luoyang Old Town
    Wander through traditional streets at night, lit by red lanterns, and try shuǐ xiāng yuán (steamed dumplings).
  • White Horse Temple
    Visit China’s first Buddhist temple, built in the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD), with Indian and Thai-style pagodas.
  • Peony Parks (April-May)
    If visiting in spring, don’t miss the Luoyang Peony Festival—the city’s flowers are a symbol of wealth and beauty.
    Transport:
  • High-speed trains run from Beijing West Station to Luoyang Longmen Station (~4.5 hours, ¥500+ one-way).
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Xi’an: Ancient Capital and Terracotta Wonders (3.5 Hours by High-Speed Train)

  • Xi’an is one of China’s oldest capitals, famous for the Terracotta Army and well-preserved city walls.
    Key Attractions:
  • Terracotta Army Museum
    Explore the massive site of Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers.
  • Xi’an City Wall
    Rent a bike and cycle along the 14km medieval fortifications, the best-preserved in China.
  • Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)
    Sample spicy yangrou paomo (lamb soup with hand-shredded bread) and roujiamo (Chinese burger).
    Transport:
  • High-speed trains run from Beijing West Station to Xi’an North Station. 
The Terracotta Army

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Shanghai: Modern Metropolis and Cultural Hub (4.5 Hours by High-Speed Train)

  • Shanghai is a fusion of East and West, with iconic skyline views, historic neighborhoods, and world-class shopping.
    Key Attractions:
  • The Bund
    Admire colonial-era buildings along the Huangpu River, then cross to Pudong for futuristic skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower.
  • Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
    Explore this classical Ming Dynasty garden with rockeries, ponds, and pavilions, then shop for souvenirs at the nearby Old Street.
  • Tianzifang
    Get lost in the labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with art galleries, cafes, and boutiques in this renovated shikumen (stone-gate) neighborhood.
  • Shanghai Museum
    Discover ancient bronzes, calligraphy, and ceramics in this free, world-class museum.
    Food Highlights:
  • Try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung or local street food like shengjian (pan-fried buns).
    Transport:
  • High-speed trains from Beijing South Station to Shanghai Hongqiao Station take ~4.5 hours (¥600+ one-way). Flights are also available (~2 hours, but factor in airport time).
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FAQs

What are the top historical sites to visit in Beijing?

Visit the Forbidden City, where 24 emperors lived. See the Summer Palace with its lakes and gardens. Go to the Ming Tombs to explore ancient imperial burial grounds. Don’t miss the Temple of Heaven, where old rituals took place.

Yes! Walk through hutongs like Nanluoguxiang to see traditional life. Then go to modern spots like The Place, a mall with a huge LED canopy. Visit Panjiayuan Antique Market for antiques, and SKP for luxury shopping. Enjoy the mix of old and new.

You must eat Peking Duck. Try jiaozi (dumplings) in hutong shops. Walk along Wangfujing Food Street for snacks like sticky rice balls or skewered meats. For spicy food, go to Guijie (Ghost Street) for Sichuan dishes.

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