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Top things to do in Beijing (overview)
If you’re short on time and just want a quick list of what to do in Beijing, start with these essentials: wander the Forbidden City, hike the Mutianyu Great Wall, stroll through hutongs like Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie, savour Peking Duck, immerse yourself in the Summer Palace, explore the 798 Art District and catch a Peking Opera show. Each of the following sections dives deeper into these and many other incredible things to do in Beijing.
Imperial heritage & historical sites
Beijing’s history spans three millennia, and its core still follows the ancient north–south Central Axis. This axis, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2024, links palaces, temples and gardens and reflects classical Chinese city planning. Many of the capital’s top sights lie along or near this axis. Below are the unmissable monuments that answer what to do in Beijing for lovers of history and architecture.
Forbidden City (Imperial Palaces of the Ming & Qing Dynasties)
The Forbidden City, officially the Palace Museum, sits at the heart of Beijing and is the world’s most complete palace complex. Construction started in 1406 and finished in 1420 under Emperor Yongle. Over the next five centuries the complex witnessed the enthronement of 14 Ming and 10 Qing emperors. UNESCO notes that its symmetrical layout, central axis and hierarchical court spaces exemplify ancient Chinese urban planning. When you step through the Meridian Gate, you’ll be walking through 72 hectares of halls, courtyards and pavilions filled with paintings, ceramics and jade, making it one of the most unmissable answers to what to do in Beijing. Highlights include:
- Outer Court – ceremonial halls such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony where emperors presided over grand events.
- Inner Court – the Palace of Heavenly Purity and the Imperial Garden, with ornate throne rooms and tranquil plantings.
- Museum collections – more than a million artefacts, including Ming cloisonné, Qing porcelain and imperial costumes.
Plan to spend at least half a day. Tickets sell out quickly in peak season, so reserve online a few days ahead. Remember that Mondays are usually closed for maintenance.
Jingshan Park (Prospect Hill)
Directly north of the Forbidden City lies Jingshan Park, a lush hill built from the palace’s excavation earth. It covers about 57 acres and is the highest point in the old city. From the Wanchun Pavilion atop the central peak (one of five pavilions built in 1751), visitors enjoy panoramic views over the Forbidden City’s yellow roofs and modern Beijing beyond. Historically the hill was part of the imperial garden and later became a public park in 1928. In May its peony garden blooms with more than 20 000 plants. Climbing here for sunrise or sunset is another classic example of what to do in Beijing for unforgettable photos.
Temple of Heaven
South of the palace, within a vast park of ancient cypress trees, sits the Temple of Heaven. Built in the early 15th century, this complex symbolises the cosmic relationship between earth and heaven. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came here annually to pray for good harvests. Three main structures stand out:
- Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests – a triple‑roofed circular hall built entirely of wood without nails, where emperors offered cereals and silk to heaven.
- Imperial Vault of Heaven – a round hall surrounded by the Echo Wall, famous for its whispering acoustics.
- Circular Mound Altar – an open stone platform with concentric marble rings; speaking from the centre amplifies your voice towards the sky.
Visit in the morning to watch locals practising tai chi, flying kites and playing musical instruments among centuries‑old trees. Visiting this sacred complex is one of the essential things to do in Beijing.
Mutianyu Great Wall
Among the many Great Wall sections, Mutianyu is both spectacular and accessible. The northern Qi dynasty first built a wall here; the Ming dynasty later rebuilt and strengthened it, and General Qi Jiguang added extra watchtowers. The section lies 70 km northeast of Beijing and boasts a unique arrangement of three interlinked watchtowers.
In spring you’ll see apricot blossoms along the ridges; summer brings lush greenery, autumn offers fiery red leaves and winter cloaks the wall in snow. Comfortable cable cars or open‑air chairlifts whisk visitors up, and adventurous travellers can descend via toboggan. Aim to arrive early to avoid crowds, and note that the site operates from 07:30 – 18:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 18:30 on weekends.
Summer Palace
If you’re wondering what to do in Beijing on a hot afternoon, head to the Summer Palace. Built in the 18th century, it is the largest and best‑preserved imperial garden in China, containing more than 3 000 ancient buildings and 40 000 cultural relics. Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake cover much of its 2.9 square‑kilometre site, and the landscape blends temples, bridges and pavilions with winding trails.
Don’t miss the long corridor decorated with thousands of colourful paintings, the Marble Boat and the 17‑Arch Bridge. UNESCO recognises the Summer Palace as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong)
For a serene escape, visit the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Gong. Originally built in 1694 as the mansion of Prince Yong of the Qing dynasty, it became a lamasery in 1744 and later the national centre for Lama administration. Exploring this tranquil site is high on the list of what to do in Beijing for travellers seeking peace and spirituality.
The temple is famous for its combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan architectural styles, towering halls and the 18‑metre‑tall sandalwood statue of Maitreya in the Wanfu Pavilion. Outside, incense smoke wafts around ornate gates, and monks chant sutras in beautifully painted halls. Respectful attire is required, and adding this temple to your itinerary is one of the most meaningful cultural experiences when planning what to do in Beijing.
Hutongs, Nanluoguxiang & Yandai Xiejie
Beijing’s hutongs – narrow alleys flanked by grey‑brick courtyard houses – offer a window into everyday life. These lanes date back to the Yuan dynasty when the city’s planners laid out roads of specific widths. Exploring hutongs is one of the most authentic answers to what to do in Beijing if you want to connect with the city’s living traditions.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties thousands of hutongs criss-crossed the city; today around 1,571 remain. You can explore on foot or take a rickshaw tour to visit local homes and learn about courtyard architecture. Adding a hutong tour is a must on any list of what to do in Beijing because it blends history, culture and modern lifestyle.
Some hutongs have evolved into vibrant pedestrian streets:
- Nanluoguxiang – This 787 m long lane with eight side-lanes is more than 740 years old and follows the fishbone layout of the Yuan capital. During the Ming and Qing periods it was home to nobles; now it’s lined with cafés, craft shops and boutique hotels while retaining historic mansions. Strolling here is one of the liveliest ways to experience what to do in Beijing at street level.
- Yandai Xiejie – Only about 232 m long, this crooked “skewed tobacco pipe street” is Beijing’s oldest commercial street. It has around 800 years of history and features antique shops, calligraphy stores, bars and cafés. Located near Houhai and the Drum & Bell Towers, it’s perfect for buying souvenirs and photographing hutong life, another highlight of what to do in Beijing.
Drum & Bell Towers
At the northern end of Yandai Xiejie stand the Drum and Bell Towers, which marked time for the Yuan, Ming and Qing capitals. Dating from 1272 (Bell Tower) and 1420 (Drum Tower), these imposing structures were the largest of their kind in China. Climbing their wooden staircases for skyline views is a classic choice for visitors deciding what to do in Beijing when exploring its historic core.
Visitors can also hear demonstrations of ancient drumming that once regulated daily life in the city. Experiencing these towers connects past and present, and adds a distinctive flavour to any itinerary that explores what to do in Beijing.
Other historic highlights
- Confucius Temple & Imperial Academy – China’s second-largest Confucian temple and the site where officials once took imperial examinations. Visiting here is an essential stop for travellers exploring scholarly traditions while learning what to do in Beijing beyond the palaces.
- Ming Tombs – an ensemble of mausoleums for 13 Ming emperors nestled among hills north of Beijing. A journey here reveals imperial rituals and funerary art, making it one of the more unique options for what to do in Beijing if you want to venture outside the city centre.
- Temple of Confucius – emphasises filial piety and houses steles inscribed with Confucian classics. Exploring this tranquil space is another thoughtful addition to your list of what to do in Beijing.
Cultural & artistic experiences
If you want to dig deeper into Beijing’s soul than just ticking off monuments, devote time to its thriving arts scene. Exploring galleries, opera and teahouses is one of the most rewarding ways to discover what to do in Beijing beyond sightseeing. From contemporary art to centuries-old performing arts, the city’s culture answers the question of what to do in Beijing for curious travellers.
798 Art District
Once a 1950s military electronics factory built in Bauhaus style, the 798 Art District has transformed into China’s most famous contemporary art hub. Wandering its studios and cafés is one of the most creative answers to what to do in Beijing if you love modern culture.
The 60-hectare complex houses over 200 galleries, design studios and cafés. Artists began occupying the abandoned workshops in the late 1990s, appreciating the high ceilings and saw-tooth roofs that create soft natural light. Today you can stroll through graffiti-covered alleys, watch avant-garde exhibitions and shop for creative gifts. Adding the 798 Art District to your itinerary ensures you’ll experience a more cutting-edge side of what to do in Beijing.
Beijing (Peking) Opera
Beijing Opera, sometimes called the quintessence of China, developed in the mid-Qing dynasty and became fully formed over the last 160 years. Experiencing a live show is one of the most iconic answers to what to do in Beijing, blending history, music and theatre in a way you won’t find anywhere else.
It combines singing, dialogue, dance and martial arts. Roles fall into four categories – Sheng (male), Dan (female), Jing (painted-face) and Chou (clown) – each with its own performance style and elaborate costumes. Face painting (lianpu) uses colour to symbolise character traits: red for loyalty, black for integrity, white for cunning and more. Even if you don’t understand the language, the stylised movements and high-pitched singing make this art form unforgettable, and a must for anyone researching what to do in Beijing.
Popular venues include:
- Liyuan Theatre – hosts nightly shows with English subtitles and introduces signature scenes from classic operas such as Farewell My Concubine.
- Zhengyici Theatre – dating to 1688 and restored in Qing style, it offers an intimate setting for opera and cross‑talk performances.
- Chaoyang Theatre – better known for acrobatics, but sometimes features opera combined with acrobatic displays.
Lao She Teahouse
If you want to experience multiple art forms in one evening, visit Lao She Teahouse. Established in 1988 and named after novelist Lao She’s play Teahouse, it sits near Qianmen in an elegant, traditional building. Stopping here is a cultural highlight of what to do in Beijing, as it combines performance, cuisine and atmosphere under one roof.
Here you can sip jasmine tea, nibble royal-style desserts and watch performances ranging from Peking opera and acrobatics to magic, crosstalk and Sichuan face-changing. The teahouse has hosted more than 70 foreign heads of state, cementing its place on any list of what to do in Beijing for visitors seeking tradition with entertainment. Performances usually begin at 19:50 and last around 90 minutes, but afternoon tea and shadow-play shows are also available.
National Museum of China
Facing Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China houses over 1.4 million artefacts that tell the story of Chinese civilisation from Paleolithic stone tools to modern revolutionary relics. Exploring its vast halls is one of the most educational answers to what to do in Beijing, especially for travellers who love history.
Highlights include the 1.8-ton Simuwu bronze ding, jade burial suits and exhibitions on the Opium War and May Fourth Movement. Admission is free, but you must reserve tickets online and present ID. The museum is closed on Mondays and most galleries shut at 16:30. English labels are limited, so download the museum’s app or rent an audio guide for context. Including this stop in your itinerary ensures your list of what to do in Beijing covers both ancient treasures and modern history.
Hutong experiences
Beyond sightseeing, spend a day immersing yourself in hutong life. Joining local workshops and family visits is one of the most authentic answers to what to do in Beijing, giving you hands-on cultural memories.
- Family visit & dumpling making – join a local family in a courtyard home, learn to make jiaozi (dumplings) and hear stories of hutong life. This intimate encounter adds a personal dimension to what to do in Beijing.
- Calligraphy & paper-cutting classes – practise brush strokes or create intricate designs guided by artisans. Creative workshops like these are a rewarding way to explore what to do in Beijing beyond monuments.
- Tea ceremony – at small tea houses near the Bell Tower, taste aged pu’er and fragrant jasmine teas while learning about Chinese tea culture. This ritual is another classic answer to what to do in Beijing for culture lovers.
The Central Axis walking tour
A new UNESCO listing in 2024 emphasises Beijing’s Central Axis, a 7.8 km north–south spine that connects the Yongdingmen Gate, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Drum & Bell Towers and the Olympic Park. Following this route is a fascinating way to experience what to do in Beijing, since it ties together centuries of urban development in one continuous line.
Walking or cycling the axis reveals how the capital evolved around this central thread. Interpretive signs and augmented reality apps help visitors understand the symbolism of each site, turning the journey itself into a living museum. Adding the Central Axis to your itinerary ensures you’re not only sightseeing but also learning the very backbone of what to do in Beijing.
Modern architecture & theme parks
Modern architecture & theme parks
While Beijing treasures its past, it also embraces the future. Sleek skyscrapers, Olympic venues and theme parks expand the list of what to do in Beijing for travellers who love innovation as much as tradition. From record-breaking towers to movie-themed rides, the modern side of the capital shows that what to do in Beijing isn’t limited to history alone.
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)
The National Stadium, nicknamed the Bird’s Nest, is an engineering marvel built for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Visiting this iconic arena is one of the most impressive answers to what to do in Beijing if you enjoy architecture and sports.
Covering 258,000 m² and able to hold up to 91,000 spectators, the stadium was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron with Chinese architect Li Xinggang. Its lattice steel structure symbolises a nest that cradles life. Today it hosts football matches, concerts, snow-and-ice festivals and tours. A night visit to see the illuminated stadium is highly recommended, making it a dazzling highlight of what to do in Beijing after dark.
Universal Beijing Resort
Open since September 2021, Universal Beijing Resort is Asia’s third and Beijing’s first world-class Universal theme park. Spending a day here is one of the most exciting answers to what to do in Beijing for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Built on 159.57 hectares and still expanding, the resort features seven themed lands: the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, Jurassic World Isla Nublar, Transformers Metrobase (the world’s first Transformers land), Minion Land, Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, WaterWorld and Hollywood.
Expect immersive rides like Decepticoaster, stage shows such as WaterWorld, and interactive character encounters. The resort’s CityWalk area offers dining and shopping from early morning to late at night. Including Universal in your plan guarantees that your list of what to do in Beijing has both cultural depth and blockbuster fun.
CCTV Tower & Beijing CBD
The Central Business District east of the axis showcases contemporary Chinese architecture. Exploring this skyline is one of the most modern answers to what to do in Beijing, contrasting its imperial past with futuristic designs.
Notable buildings include the 234 m CCTV Headquarters (the “Pants Building”) with its gravity-defying loop design, the 528 m China Zun Tower (Beijing’s tallest), and the futuristic Galaxy SOHO by Zaha Hadid. Walking along Jianguomen Outer Street to photograph these skyscrapers, then relaxing at Chaoyang Park or shopping at Taikoo Li Sanlitun, adds a stylish, urban edge to your list of what to do in Beijing.
Olympic Forest Park & Water Cube
North of the Bird’s Nest lies Olympic Forest Park, a 680-hectare green space with lakes, wetlands and running trails. Visiting this vast park is a refreshing option for what to do in Beijing, especially if you want a break from the city’s bustle.
The adjacent Water Cube (National Aquatics Centre) hosted swimming events in 2008 and curling in 2022. Its translucent ETFE façade glows blue by night and houses a waterpark inside. In winter, an indoor ice rink opens for public skating, making the Water Cube one of the most fun and family-friendly answers to what to do in Beijing all year round.
Wangfujing Shopping Street
For a modern shopping fix, explore Wangfujing Street in the Dongcheng district. This 1 600 m street runs from Chang’an Avenue to the National Art Museum and has been a commercial hub for around 700 years. The name combines “wangfu” (royal mansion) and “jing” (well) because eight princes once lived here and a well with sweet water was discovered.
Today Wangfujing draws some 600 000 visitors per day, rising to 1.2 million during holidays. Luxury brands, shopping malls and time‑honoured shops line the street. At night the nearby snack street sells candied hawthorn, scorpion skewers and sugar-coated fruits.
Food & nightlife
Eating well is an integral part of understanding what to do in Beijing. The city’s culinary heritage ranges from imperial recipes to street snacks, and its nightlife offers everything from jazz bars to 24‑hour hotpot joints.
Peking Duck
No trip is complete without trying Peking Duck. Travel chronicles trace roast fowl back to the Yuan dynasty; by the Ming era the dish was firmly part of imperial cuisine. Today chefs prepare ducks from the White Beijing breed by pumping air under the skin, scalding, sugaring and roasting over fruit‑wood fires until the skin is crisp and caramelised.
Two famous styles dominate: Bianyifang uses a closed oven (dates to 1416), yielding a tender, less smoky flavour, while Quanjude (established 1864) roasts ducks in an open oven hung on hooks. Diners wrap thin slices of meat and lacquered skin in pancakes with spring onions, cucumber and sweet bean sauce. Spring, autumn and winter are considered the best seasons to enjoy the dish.
Guijie (Ghost Street)
For spicy late‑night eats, head to Guijie Street (簋街). This dumbbell‑shaped strip near Dongzhimen boasts more than 150 restaurants, 90 % of which serve food. During the Qing dynasty vendors traded here at midnight by the dim light of oil lamps, giving the nickname Ghost Street. In the late 1980s the area evolved into a food street, and officials later changed the written character from “ghost” (鬼) to a homophone meaning a vessel for food (簋) to emphasize its culinary focus.
Today the street glows with red lanterns and offers 24‑hour service. Prices are reasonable and specialties include hot and spicy crayfish, Wanzhou roast fish and Yang Xie Zi (lamb spine hotpot). It’s also a popular hangout during major sports events and holidays.
Wangfujing Snack Street & Nanluoguxiang treats
Just off Wangfujing Street you’ll find Snack Street, a narrow alley brimming with skewers of meat, sugar‑coated fruits, stinky tofu and fried insects. It’s touristy but fun. For a more local vibe, sample sesame seed cakes, Mongolian yogurt and handmade noodles in Nanluoguxiang’s side alleys.
Lao She Teahouse & night shows
As mentioned earlier, Lao She Teahouse serves not only tea but also evening entertainment. Grab a seat in the performance hall for a programme mixing opera, acrobatics, magic and crosstalk; or visit the courtyard restaurant for shadow plays and guzheng music. Tickets range from CNY 80 to 580 depending on proximity to the stage.
Sanlitun & Houhai bar streets
Beijing’s nightlife caters to every mood:
- Houhai Bar Street – Just west of Yandai Xiejie, this lakefront strip blends eastern and western flavours. Bars, cafés and teahouses line the shore; you can sip cocktails while listening to live jazz or enjoy a quiet cup of jasmine tea on a rooftop.
- Sanlitun – In the embassy district, this cosmopolitan area brims with craft breweries, rooftop lounges and underground clubs. Taikoo Li mall houses international brands and restaurants.
- Gongti – the area around Workers’ Stadium hosts mega‑clubs and live music venues.
Image 3: A stylised view of the Mutianyu Great Wall snaking over green mountains at sunset. The section’s watchtowers and verdant surroundings make it one of Beijing’s most scenic day trips.
Practical travel tips
When to visit
Beijing has four distinct seasons. Spring (March – June) brings blooming apricot and peach blossoms, while autumn (September – November) offers clear skies and golden ginkgo leaves. These shoulder seasons are generally considered the best times to visit. Summers can be hot and humid, and winters are cold but draw smaller crowds and reveal the beauty of the Great Wall dusted with snow. A typical sightseeing trip lasts three to six days, allowing time for both historic sites and cultural experiences.
Getting around
Beijing’s subway system is extensive, cheap and fast. Purchase a reloadable IC card for ease. Buses, taxis and ride‑hailing apps like Didi fill in the gaps. Bicycling has made a comeback thanks to bike‑share schemes; cycle lanes along the Central Axis make exploring safe and enjoyable. For trips to the Great Wall, join an organised tour or hire a driver to avoid complicated transfers.
Language & etiquette
Most signs and announcements are bilingual, but fewer people speak English outside tourist areas. Learn a few Mandarin phrases (“nǐ hǎo” for hello, “xièxiè” for thank you). At temples, dress modestly and avoid pointing your feet at sacred objects. In hutongs, be considerate of residents and ask before photographing private courtyards.
Health & safety
Carry cash and a contactless payment app (Alipay or WeChat Pay) as some restaurants don’t accept foreign cards. Tap water is not potable; drink bottled or boiled water. Air quality has improved but can still be hazy; check the AQI and pack a mask if sensitive. Public toilets are common but often squat style – carry tissues and hand sanitiser.
Booking & reservations
Major attractions require advance reservations via official websites or apps, including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. Bring your passport as ID. For performances and theme parks, book online to secure seats and potentially receive e‑tickets linked to your face for quick entry.
Suggested itineraries
Here are three sample itineraries that organise the above experiences into cohesive trips. Feel free to mix and match based on your interests.
Classic three‑day itinerary (history & highlights)
Day 1: Stroll Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City early. Climb Jingshan Park for a bird’s‑eye view. In the afternoon explore hutongs around Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie. Enjoy Peking duck for dinner.
Day 2: Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. Return to the city for a Peking Opera performance at Liyuan Theatre or a tea show at Lao She Teahouse.
Day 3: Wander the Summer Palace. Spend the late afternoon in the 798 Art District. Finish with snacks in Wangfujing or a stroll around Houhai Bar Street.
Five‑day cultural deep dive
Day 1: Forbidden City and Imperial Ancestral Temple. Afternoon at the National Museum of China.
Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall. Evening acrobatics or kung fu show.
Day 3: Lama Temple and Confucius Temple. Afternoon calligraphy class in a hutong. Evening at Guijie Street for spicy crayfish.
Day 4: 798 Art District in the morning. Lunch at a café. Afternoon exploring the modern CBD. Dinner in Sanlitun and drinks at a rooftop bar.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven. Walk the Central Axis north past Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park and the Drum & Bell Towers to the Bird’s Nest. Evening water‑cube light show.
Family week with kids
Day 1: Forbidden City (use a children’s audio guide). Jingshan Park for playgrounds and views.
Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall (take the toboggan down). Afternoon at the Olympic Forest Park.
Day 3: Universal Beijing Resort – spend a full day in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Kung Fu Panda land.
Day 4: Summer Palace boat ride. Learn to make dumplings with a local family.
Day 5: Visit Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas, then have fun at Happy Valley amusement park or ride bikes along the Central Axis.
Image 4: An illustration blending ancient architecture (Temple of Heaven, pagodas and the Great Wall) with Beijing’s modern skyline. It encapsulates the city’s harmony of history and innovation.
Conclusion
Beijing rewards curious travellers with an extraordinary range of experiences. From the Forbidden City’s ochre courtyards to the neon‑lit Bird’s Nest, from spicy crayfish on Guijie Street to haunting arias at an opera house, the city answers what to do in Beijing with something for every mood. Plan your visit around the seasons, respect local customs and allow time to wander without a schedule. Whether you’re here for three days or a fortnight, this guide will help you unlock the layers of China’s capital and create memories that span dynasties and decades.
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