Things to Do in Beijing
Plan your days in Beijing, your way
Start at Jingshan Park: climb the central hill for the view that explains Beijing's layout, the Forbidden City spreading north to south, the modern city beyond. Descend into the hutongs around Shichahai, where lake, bar, and temple share the same block, and lunch finds you without planning. The Summer Palace in afternoon light, boat or walk as energy allows, the marble boat ridiculous and beautiful both. Dinner somewhere recommended by someone met that day—Beijing rewards conversation. One evening early, one late; one famous site, one discovered by accident. The Wall if time permits, the markets if not. Stay flexible, stay curious, leave with one story that surprises you. Beijing is large enough to hold whatever you need from it.
Top attractions and places to eat in Beijing
Great Wall of China
The vast ancient fortification stretching across northern China, built over centuries to defend against invasions and now a symbol of the nation. Travelers visit its various sections to walk the ramparts and take in the mountainous landscape.
attraction · 4.4 rating · 45 CNY
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden in Beijing featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and ornate palaces, pavilions, and a marble boat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of China's most celebrated classical landscape gardens.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 30 CNY
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO-listed complex of imperial religious buildings in Beijing, famed for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests where emperors prayed for bountiful crops. It is a masterpiece of Ming-era architecture set within a large park.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 15 CNY
Great Wall of Badaling
The most famous and heavily visited section of the Great Wall of China, offering restored ramparts and watchtowers set in mountainous terrain northwest of Beijing. Travelers come for its accessibility and dramatic sweeping views of the wall snaking across ridgelines.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Jingshan Park
A hilltop imperial park directly north of the Forbidden City, offering the best elevated panoramic view over the palace complex and central Beijing. Travelers climb its peak for the sweeping skyline vista.
park · 4.6 rating
Forbidden City
The vast imperial palace complex that served as the seat of Chinese emperors for centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of preserved rooms and treasures. Beijing's foremost historic landmark and a must-see for nearly every visitor.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 60 CNY
Tiananmen Square
One of the world's largest public squares in central Beijing, surrounded by monumental government buildings and historic landmarks. Travelers visit for its immense scale and central role in Chinese national history.
attraction
乾清宫
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, a grand hall within the Forbidden City that served as the emperor's residence and audience hall. Travelers view it for its imperial architecture and historic significance.
attraction
北京杜莎夫人蜡像馆
The Beijing branch of Madame Tussauds, a wax museum featuring lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons. Travelers visit to pose with realistic wax replicas of famous personalities.
attraction
玉渊潭公园
A scenic lakeside park in western Beijing famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. Travelers visit to enjoy the water views, walking paths, and seasonal flower displays.
attraction
Aye Gallery
A commercial art gallery in Beijing exhibiting contemporary Chinese art. A quiet stop for collectors and art enthusiasts.
gallery
Baihuayuan
A local garden and market area in Beijing offering green space and everyday neighborhood atmosphere. Appeals to travelers wanting a low-key local experience.
attraction
Baobaohao
A cozy eatery in Beijing serving traditional Beijing-style snacks and home-style dishes, popular for an authentic taste of local comfort food.
restaurant
Bat Hall
A lesser-known cultural or historic hall in Beijing. Of interest to travelers exploring off-the-radar local sites.
attraction
A.C Art Museum
A contemporary art museum in Beijing showcasing modern exhibitions and installations. Suited to visitors interested in current art and design.
museum