15 Best Things to See and Do in Beijing, China

The fact that you’ve ended up here means you are looking for things to see and do in Beijing, and I am very happy for you. Beijing turned out to be so much more than I expected and at the end of my visit there, I regretted that I didn’t stay longer. The city’s vibrant mix of ancient traditions and modern dynamism is truly captivating.

So, I must warn you: Beijing will blow you away!

Especially if it is your first time visiting China and if it is your first destination in the country. The sheer scale of history, culture, and modernity combined in one city will leave everyone awestruck.

From being the base for exploring one of the New World’s Wonders to the serene gardens of the Summer Palace, Beijing offers a unique journey through time. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who enjoys exploring bustling streets and modern skylines, there is truly something for everyone to see and do in Beijing.

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15 Best Things to See and Do in Beijing, China 

 

Visit the Great Chinese Wall

Of course, no trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to one of the New World’s Wonders, the Great Wall of China. As one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, visiting the Great Wall is not only one of the best things to do in Beijing but also an experience that will leave you in awe of its vastness and significance.

An interesting fact about the wall is that The Great Wall is not a continuous structured wall; it includes beacon towers, barriers, barracks, garrison stations, and fortresses along the walls, together forming an integrated defense system. In some places, high mountains or rivers form a barrier instead.

Still, the whole defense system is the longest feat of human engineering with an estimated total length of 21,196.18 km, equal to half the length of the Equator!

Visiting the Great Wall of China is one of the best things to do when you're traveling to Beijing

While there are several sections of the wall you can easily visit from Beijing, I recommend either Mutianyu or Jinshanling. The closest section of the wall is Badaling but this is also the most crowded one, so I wouldn’t recommend it (especially if you are planning a visit to The Great Wall during a weekend).

For our first visit, we chose the Mutianyu section. It’s well-preserved, less crowded than Badaling, and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. We booked a tour through our hotel for about 50 EUR per person (excluding entry fees), which was totally worth it. Our guide provided helpful tips and information, though everyone could explore the wall on their own once we arrived.

Oh, and totally unexpected, we found a DJ playing cool and chill electronic music on the top of one of the towers.

TIP: Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat if you're visiting in 
summer, and consider taking the cable car up and toboggan down for a fun twist on this historical visit!

Visiting the Mutianyu section of the great wall from Beijing

The Great Chinese Wall

Explore the Hutongs

The hutongs are narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard residences. Walking through them gives you a glimpse of old Beijing, a sharp contrast to the towering skyscrapers elsewhere in the city. You can explore on foot or take a rickshaw tour for a more leisurely ride. Nanluoguxiang is one of the most famous hutongs and is bustling with cafes, shops, and galleries. We also really enjoyed exploring the hutongs area between the Lama Temple and the Bell Tower—they felt quieter and maybe even more authentic.

Exploring the Hutongs of Beijing

List of what to see and do in Beijing, China.

Try the Local Cuisine

Beijing is a foodie’s paradise! The city’s iconic dish is the Peking duck—crisp, roasted duck served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce, but there is so much more to try like jianbing (savory crepes) or baozi (steamed buns). From street food to restaurants, there are delicious dishes for every taste and budget.

Here are some other foods to try while exploring Beijing:

  • Beijing hot pot (collaborative meal experience where you dip raw meats and vegetables in a boiling flavored pot of broth)
  • Jiaozi (Chinese dumplings)
  • Zhajiang (noodles with soybean paste)
  • Candied fruit on a stick
  • Smashed cucumber salad (my favorite!)
  • Donkey burgers

Eating Chinese food in Beijing

Visit the Summer Palace

Visiting the Summer Palace is one of the best things to do in Beijing for history, nature, and relaxation. Its sprawling gardens and lakes are a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a peaceful escape from the busy city. The palace is a symbol of imperial luxury and a perfect place to relax after a few intense sightseeing days. Don’t miss walking along the Long Corridor, a 700-meter covered walkway, or renting a boat to paddle across Kunming Lake for the best views of the palace and its surrounding hills.

Visiting the Summer Palace of Beijing

Top things to see and do in Beijing, China

Visit the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square

The Forbidden City is the former imperial palace and a symbol of China’s dynastic past. Its massive scale (over 180 acres!) and intricate design will leave you speechless. Walk through the grand halls and courtyards, imagining life in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Just outside the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. It’s a significant site in modern Chinese history and home to several monuments, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum.

TIP: To visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, you need to make a reservation one or more days 
ahead. Also, you'll need your passport to get inside the Forbidden City and the Tiananmen area, so make 
sure you don't forget it.

Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Check Out The Lama Temple

The Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside Tibet, is an oasis of calm in the city. The highlight here is the towering, 18-meter-high statue of the Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood. As you walk through the fragrant incense smoke, you’ll find yourself feeling a sense of peace and wonder.

The Lama Temple of Beijing, China

Top Beijing attractions

… And the Beijing Confucius Temple

Just a short walk from the Lama Temple is the Confucius Temple, a place dedicated to honoring the philosopher Confucius. It’s less crowded than other attractions but equally fascinating, offering insight into Confucianism’s impact on Chinese culture.

Beijing's Confucius Temple

Galaxy SOHO Shopping Center

Designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, Galaxy SOHO is a futuristic marvel of curving glass and steel. It’s not just a shopping center but also a great spot for architecture lovers. Inside, you’ll find high-end shops, cafes, and restaurants, perfect for a quick break from sightseeing. It is also a great spot for taking your Instagram photos.

top places to visit in Beijing, China

Get a Foot Massage!

One of my favorite things to do in Beijing (and China in general) was spoiling myself with foot massages. After a long day of walking, there’s nothing better than a traditional Chinese foot massage to help you relax and recharge for another way of exploring. There are many spas throughout the city offering foot and other types of massages at affordable prices. There are also small studies dedicated to foot massages and general foot care, with some places even open late into the night. A 60-minute foot massage costs around 15 EUR, depending on the place where you get it.

Getting a foot massage is one of the best things to do in Beijing

Explore Jingshan Park

For one of the best panoramic views of the Forbidden City and the rest of Beijing, head to Jingshan Park. Climb to the top of the park’s central hill, and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular vista—especially stunning at sunset or sunrise. The park itself is a peaceful place to stroll, with locals practicing tai chi or singing in small groups.

A vie of the Forbidden City

… And Beihai Park

Right next to Jingshan Park is Beihai Park, one of the oldest and largest imperial gardens in China. The beautiful lake at the park’s center is perfect for renting a paddleboat in the summer or skating across in the winter. It’s less crowded than Jingshan Park and is perfect for relaxation. Don’t miss the White Dagoba, an eye-catching Buddhist structure that stands tall on the park’s island.

Beihai park is one of the best places to visit in Beijing

Beihai Park, Beijing

Walk Down Wangfujing Pedestrian Street

Next on the list of best things to do in Beijing is the city’s premier shopping street, Wangfujing. It is a great place to pick up souvenirs, try exotic street foods, or simply people-watch. The street comes alive at night with bright neon signs and bustling stalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to sample some of the more unusual street food offerings, like scorpions on skewers.

Beijing, China

Beijing travel tips

Eat Michelin Starred Dumplings with a View of the CCTV Headquarters

For a modern dining experience that blends exquisite cuisine with architectural splendor, head to Din Tai Fung at the Parkview Green Mall, where you can enjoy Michelin-starred dumplings. The restaurant is particularly famous for its xiaolongbao—steamed soup dumplings that are an absolute must-try.

Restaurants in Beijing, China

Din Tai Fung has locations worldwide and its commitment to consistency and quality has earned it a global reputation as one of the best places to savor dumplings.

What makes dining at this particular Din Tai Fung location even more special is its stunning view of the iconic CCTV (Chinese Central Television) Headquarters. This futuristic skyscraper, designed by the Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, is an engineering marvel, often dubbed “the twisted doughnut” for its bold, gravity-defying design. The striking contrast of indulging in traditional Chinese dumplings while gazing at this ultra-modern architectural masterpiece perfectly encapsulates the essence of Beijing—a city where the ancient meets the cutting edge.

Travel tips for visiting Beijing, China

Enjoy Nightlife in Sanlitun

Sanlitun is the heart of Beijing’s nightlife scene, with its trendy bars, clubs, and restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for rooftop cocktails, live music, or dancing the night away, this neighborhood has it all. For a more laid-back experience, you can also explore the Taikoo Li shopping complex, filled with international brands and cool cafes.

Sanlitun, Beijing

Watch a Chinese Evening Show

For an unforgettable cultural experience, catch a traditional Chinese evening show. You can go for the famous Peking Opera, with its elaborate costumes and makeup, or a Chinese acrobatics show, which will leave you on the edge of your seat. Both are a great way to cap off your time in Beijing with a dose of culture and entertainment.

I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the best things to see and do in Beijing. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Thank you for reading,

Bilyana

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