Top 15 Things to Do in Beijing: A Complete Guide
Beijing is a fantastic city that embodies both the profoundness of an ancient capital and the bustling vitality of a modern metropolis. Here, royal heritage contrasts yet complements modern architecture, and countless little streets, alleys, and markets await discovery. As a must-visit on any trip to China, Beijing's history, cuisine, parks, and locals will delight you with endless surprises. When planning your tour to Beijing, consider the following top 15 things to do in Beijing.Address: No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 60 Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:00 Best time to go: Spring, autumn, and winter How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 and get off at Tian’anmen East Station, then exit from Exit B.
Address: Mutianyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, Beijing Price: CNY 40 Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:00 Best time to go: Spring and autumn How to get there: Head to Exit B of Hepingxi Bridge Subway Station and take the shuttle bus to the scenic area. >> Recommended Great Wall of China Tours From BeijingHalf Day Mutianyu Great Wall Tour from Beijing 4-Day Highlights of Beijing Tour Address: No. 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing Price: CNY 30 Opening hours: 6:00 - 20:00 Best time to go: Spring and autumn How to get there: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station, and take Exit A. Address: No. 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China Price: RMB 25 Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 Best time to go: Spring and autumn How to get there: Take Subway Line 5 or Line 2 to Yonghegong Lama Temple Station, and exit from Exit F.
Address: Shichahai, Xicheng District, Beijing, China Price: CNY 100 - 150 per person Opening hours: 8:00 - 16:30 Best time to go: Spring How to get there: Most rickshaw services start from Shichahai, which can be reached by Subway Line 8. >> Recommended 1-day Beijing Walking TourAddress: No. 30 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 200 per person Opening Hours: 11:00 - 21:00 Best time to go: Spring, autumn, and winter How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 8 to Qianmen Station, and walk for 800 meters to reach there. Best Peking Roasted Duck Restaurants in Beijing 33 Must-Try Traditional Snacks & Dishes in Beijing
Address: No. 9 Linzi, Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 20 Opening hours: 09:30-16:30 (The Exhibition Hall on the first floor will be closed on Mondays) Best time to go: September to October How to get there: Take Subway Line 8, get off at Shichahai Station, and exit from Exit A2. Address: Shengshuitou Village, Henanzhai Town, Miyun District, Beijing Price: CNY 210 for weekdays; CNY 350 for weekends Opening hours: 9:00 - 17:00 & 18:30 - 22:00 Best time to go: November to March How to get there: Take a high-speed train from Chaoyang Railway Station to Miyun Railway Station, then take the free shuttle bus to the ski resort. >> Recommended 2-day Beijing Skiing TourAddress: No. 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Price: CNY 260 Opening hours: 10:30-20:30 Best time to go: All year round How to get there: Take Subway Line 8, get off at Olympic Sports Center Station, and take Exit B1. Address: East Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: Free Flag-raising time: At sunrise Best time to go: All year round How to get there: Take Subway Line 1 to Tian’anmen East Station, and exit from Exit B/C.
Address: No. 14 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Price: Free Opening hours: All day long Best time to go: Spring and autumn How to get there: Take Subway Line 12 to Gaojiayuan Station, and take Exit A. Address: No.1 Tiantan Dongli Jia, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 15 Opening hours: 6:00 - 22:00 Best time to go: April to May, September to October How to get there: Take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan East Gate Station, and take Exit A2. Address: Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 10 Opening time: January 1st to 5th in the Chinese lunar calendar (may be adjusted based on specific circumstances) Best time to go: Spring Festival How to get there: Take Subway Line 2 or Line 5 and get off at Yonghegong Lama Temple Station. Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Price: CNY 10 for peak season; CNY 5 for off-season Opening hours: 6:00 - 21:00 in peak season; 6:30 - 20:00 in off-season Best time to go: April to May, September to November How to get there: Take Subway Line 6 to Beihai North Station, and take Exit B.
Address: Northwest of Xicheng District, Beijing Price: Free Opening hours: All day long Best time to go: June to August How to get there: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station, and take Exit A. 8 Days Beijing, Xi'an & Shanghai Tour 11 Days China Highlights Tour 16 Days China History & Scenery Combo
Cool Things to Do in Beijing, China
1. Explore the Forbidden City Like an Emperor
The Forbidden City bears six hundred years of history and is one of the largest and most intact ancient wooden structures in the world. Visiting there, you can appreciate the grandeur of the architecture and the royal splendor. In recent years, the snow view of the Forbidden City has become increasingly popular, and experiencing it is also one of the cool things to do in Beijing during winter. The red walls and roof tiles of the Forbidden City set off beautifully against the snow, creating a breathtaking view.
2. Hike the Mutianyu Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-preserved and worth-seeing sections of the Great Wall, and it is famous for its picturesque landscape. Hence, hiking there is one of the cool things to do in Beijing, China. The Zhengguantai, Dajiaolou, Yingfeidaoyang, and other scenic spots each have their unique characteristics, leaving visitors in awe. In autumn, when the red leaves cover the mountains, the entire Great Wall seems to be dressed in a layer of red attire, making it even more enchanting.3. Take a Boat Ride to Admire the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is praised as the "crown of imperial gardens", which not only boasts stunning natural scenery but also contains a rich historical and cultural heritage. Taking a boat on Kunming Lake at dusk to explore the Summer Palace is one of the best things to do in Beijing. The evening glow fills the sky, together with the dark green mountains in the distance, resembling an oil painting meticulously created and vigorously splashed by a master.Unique Things to Do in Beijing
4. Pray for Good Luck at Yonghe Lamasery
Visiting the Yonghe Lamasery is among the unique things to do in Beijing city. This sacred Tibetan Buddhism site is popular for religious activities and praying. It draws many tourists annually. You can worship and pray for good luck there before noon, as the earlier you do, the more effective it is believed to be. By the way, when entering the main hall, do not wear sunglasses or hats, and avoid stepping on the thresholds.
5. Take a Rickshaw To Explore Ancient Hutongs
One of the unusual things to do in Beijing in Spring is to take a rickshaw to discover the hutong culture of old Beijing. It takes you through various ancient hutongs, with courtyard houses scattered in an orderly fashion before your eyes. While pulling the rickshaw, the rickshaw driver will tell you stories and the history of the hutongs, allowing you to better understand the charm of old Beijing. Read more about the 10 most famous hutongs in Beijing.6. Taste Authentic Peking Duck at Quanjude
Tasting the renowned dish of Peking Duck should also be included on the list of top things to do in Beijing. There are many Peking Duck restaurants, with Quanjude being one of the most famous. Quanjude's roast duck features tender meat, a bright red color, crispy skin, and smooth flesh. Generally, you can place thin duck slices, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce into a hot pancake, roll it up, and enjoy. This lets you taste the crispy skin, delicious meat, and various textures at once.>> Related Reading:
Fun Things to Do in Beijing
7. Watch the Exhibitions and Performances at the Drum Tower
When visiting the Bell and Drum Towers in Beijing, don't just take photos outside; instead, delve deeper into the charm of these ancient architecture. The best things to do in Beijing’s Drum Tower are watching the impressive digital immersive exhibition called "The Story of Time" and the powerful live drum performances. They will make you feel like you have been transported back to the time-telling scenes of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.8. Experience Skiing at Nanshan Ski Resort
When Skiing is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Beijing in winter. Nanshan Ski Resort is the top choice for skiing in Beijing, featuring 26 ski runs of varying difficulty for different levels. With numerous coaches, new equipment, and good snow quality, both beginners and experienced skiers can have a great time here. >> Explore Top 6 Ski Resorts in China9. Embark on a Thrilling Adventure at the Water Cube Water Park
If you travel to Beijing with your kids, never miss the Water Park in Water Cube, which is Asia's largest and most advanced indoor water park. Riding a Deep Sea Tornado there is on the collection of crazy things to do in Beijing. Riders experience a 90-degree accelerated turn and a 180-degree big funnel swing, making it the most thrilling attraction.Free Things to Do in Beijing
10. Attend the Flag-raising Ceremony at Tian’anmen Square
There are many free and cheap things to do in Beijing, among which attending the flag-raising ceremony at Tian’anmen Square is a must-do. As the first rays of sunshine fall upon Tiananmen Square, the flag-raising ceremony quietly begins. The Flag Guard Marching Team escorts the bright five-starred red flag towards the flag-raising platform and raises it slowly. Everyone stands in reverence, witnessing this sacred moment. It is not only a solemn hoisting of the national flag, but also a baptism of the soul.
11. Pay a Visit to 798 Art District
798 Art Zone is a free attraction, and visiting there is also covered on the list of top things to do in Beijing city. It is favored by many artists for its Bauhaus-style factory buildings, which has led to the combination of idle factory buildings and modern art, making it an art hub in Beijing. It houses various galleries, cultural companies, bars, and shops, with a strong artistic atmosphere. Various exhibitions are held here throughout the year. If you are an art lover, never miss it.Non-Touristy Things to Do in Beijing
12. Practice Tai Chi Like a Local at the Temple of Heaven
If you prefer less conventional things to do in Beijing travel, you can practice Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven Park together with the locals. In the early morning, the park becomes a paradise for morning exercisers, and many old Beijing residents come here every day to exercise. They practice Tai Chi on the square, moving slowly and gracefully. If you can get up early, just head to Temple of Heaven Park, join the local residents, and experience the charm of Tai Chi and Chinese kung fu.13. Participate in the Ditan Park Temple Fair in Beijing
When considering non-touristy things to see and do in Beijing, attending the Ditan Temple Fair is a good choice. Ditan Temple Fair is one of Beijing's most famous temple fairs, with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It offers an opportunity for you to enjoy opera performances and dragon and lion dances. You can also try Beijing specialties, participate in traditional games, and buy handicrafts as souvenirs.Romantic things to do in Beijing
14. Stroll around Beihai Park
Wandering Beihai Park is one of the most romantic things to do in Beijing in April. When the warm breeze of April, carrying the essence of spring, gently blows through every corner of Beihai Park, the lilacs bloom passionately, as if announcing the arrival of spring, romantic and charming. In April, Beihai Park becomes a place where begonias and lilacs flourish. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these beautiful moments.
15. Enjoy the Stunning Scenery of Shichahai
One of the top things to do in Beijing in summer is to immerse yourself in the beauty of Shichahai. In the blazing summer of Beijing, Shichahai has become a good place for escaping the heat in the capital. With lotus flowers blooming, you can take a boat ride on the lake and feel the coolness of summer. At sunset, you can quietly watch a pink sunset here and experience the romance of life.
Plan Your Beijing Trip with Easy Tour China
If you find making travel arrangements to Beijing troublesome, you can plan your Beijing trip with ETC, one of the best China travel agencyies Below are some of our best-selling China tours including Beijing.Contact us if you want a tailor-made tour of Beijing. We can customize it for you according to your requirements and preferences.
