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Top Things to do in Beijing: Best Activities & Must-Sees

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Things to do in Beijing

Whether you're a history enthusiast captivated by imperial tales, a keen foodie eager to explore local delicacies, or on the hunt for authentic charm in the hutongs, Beijing is simply bursting with wonders to amaze you!

To help you make the most of your trip, Trip.com is thrilled to unveil Beijing's top activities and unmissable sights! We're talking about the magnificent Palace Museum (the Forbidden City) and the awe-inspiring Great Wall, charming authentic neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored, the most captivating cultural experiences, and, of course, mouth-watering culinary specialities to savour.

💡 Did you know? The name "Peking" comes from a 17th-century French transcription, while 'Beijing' is the modern official pronunciation, meaning 'Northern Capital'.

What to Do in Beijing Based on Your Stay 📅

Whether you've got a whirlwind day trip planned or a whole week to immerse yourself, here are our top itinerary suggestions, perfectly tailored for every kind of traveller – be it couples, families, or friends!

Length of your adventure

Couples' Adventures

Family adventures

Adventures with friends

1 day

Forbidden City + a spectacular sunset at Jingshan Park

Tiananmen Square and a thrilling tuk-tuk adventure through the Hutongs

Wangfujing Street Food + Houhai Lake Stroll

2-3 days

Temple of Heaven + romantic Peking Duck dinner

Mutianyu Great Wall & a fabulous shopping trip to Wangfujing

Daytime adventures, followed by an unforgettable evening in Sanlitun or the buzzing bar district!

4-5 days

Summer Palace Adventure: Unwind with a Spa Session or a Delightful Dinner Cruise

Lama Temple, Science Museum, Great Wall, and a delightful boat trip

Great Wall Tour + 798 Art District + Summer Palace

1 week

Adventures to Chengde and the Ming Tombs, plus Parks, Attractions, and Spa

Zoo, aquarium, shopping, plus Universal Studios if open

Chengde and Jinshanling Adventures, 798 Art District, Cooking Class, and Ming Tombs

Discover captivating attractions in Beijing
See All Attractions
167 booked
4.9/528 reviews
Beijing Highlights: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City: In-Depth Tour (Multilingual Guide)
Day tours
SEK 411.00
187 booked
4.8/56 reviews
Beijing Multilingual Guide Service [Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall - English, Cantonese, Russian, Japanese, French, German] Guided Tour
Day tours
827 booked
3.7/516 reviews
Tiananmen Square Entry Reservation Ticket
Day tours
SEK 38.00
10 booked
5/55 reviews
Beijing Temple of Heaven Half-Day Tour [Combined Ticket Available in Chinese, English, and Multilingual Packages]
Day tours
SEK 416.00
12652 booked
4.9/55126 reviews
Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site (ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus)
Day tours
SEK 145.00

Beijing's Must-Visit Districts & Hutongs 🏮

How can you possibly visit Beijing without diving into the unmissable districts of China's vibrant capital, exploring both its traditional Hutongs and its sleek, modern areas? From its ancient heart to its ultra-modern zones, every single neighbourhood boasts a unique vibe that will truly sweep you away on an unforgettable journey.

Here's our hand-picked selection of neighbourhoods you absolutely won't want to miss during your stay.

The Hutongs: Authentic Old Beijing

The hutongs are Beijing's historic heart and soul, a fascinating labyrinth of narrow alleyways that have witnessed over 700 years of history. These traditional neighbourhoods are made up of siheyuan (typical courtyard houses) and offer a true journey back in time. The word 'hutong' comes from the Mongolian 'khudag', meaning 'water well'.

To truly discover the authentic charm of the hutongs, we highly recommend getting wonderfully lost in their winding alleyways – that's where you'll truly immerse yourself in the local culture!

You'll discover some of the most enchanting neighbourhoods nestled close to the Forbidden City and gracefully winding around the historic Drum and Bell Towers. Imagine strolling through, spotting locals engrossed in games of mahjong and lively street vendors, all while soaking in a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere.

📌 Trip.com's Top Tip: A tuk-tuk tour is an absolutely brilliant way to explore the hutongs while savouring the local cuisine! These culinary adventures whisk you away to authentic eateries you'd be hard-pressed to discover on your own. You'll get to tuck into delicious handmade noodles, succulent grilled meats, and even pop into a local brewery!

Wangfujing: Beijing's Shopping Heart

Wangfujing is Beijing's most famous shopping street and the perfect spot to combine some retail therapy with delicious food! This ultra-modern pedestrian avenue stretches for over a kilometre. It's kind of like Beijing's very own Times Square, where life never stops, from dawn till dusk and beyond!

By day, you can explore grand department stores like Wangfujing Department Store and Oriental Plaza, perfect for a spot of international brand shopping. As evening falls, the famous Wangfujing Snack Street truly comes alive, sparkling with a thousand lights!

It offers a truly unique culinary adventure with its bustling street food stalls, where you can discover everything from grilled scorpions and insect skewers to candied fruits and delightful Beijing specialities.

Sanlitun: Nightlife & Shopping

Fancy discovering Beijing's nightlife and unearthing its very best spots? Sanlitun is absolutely the district for you, and without a doubt, Beijing's trendiest!

Boasting over 50 bars and nightclubs, this vibrant party hub is the ultimate meeting point for international travellers, expats, and trendy young Beijingers. If you're craving a taste of home or just a lively Western-style break, Sanlitun is absolutely the perfect destination!

However, Sanlitun isn't just about its buzzing nightlife; it's also a dazzling hub for fashion and shopping. The Sanlitun Village shopping centre is a cutting-edge complex, home to a fantastic array of brands: Apple, Adidas, Uniqlo, Nike, Starbucks, and so many more.

798 Art District: Beijing's Creative Hub

Get ready for a change of pace and immerse yourself in Beijing's vibrant creativity! The 798 Art District is the beating heart of contemporary art in China. This trendy district is housed in former 1950s military factories, featuring unique Bauhaus-style industrial architecture.

A little backstory: artists transformed these abandoned workshops into vibrant studios, sparking Beijing's avant-garde art scene. Today, 798 is a buzzing creative hub, home to over 200 art galleries, museums, trendy cafés, and unique design boutiques.

📌 Trip.com's Insider Tip: Most galleries open their doors after 10:00 AM, and entry is absolutely free!

🎁 Save up to 8% on hotels or up to £39 on Homes & Apts!

Best hotels in Beijing

5 star

Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6759 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city centre
We splurged on this hotel and did not regret it. To begin with the hotel itself is so pretty and luxurious, I shared a room with my sister and it had enough space for our luggage to be spread open on the floor. The room was neat and clean when we arrived and hotel staff were also nice with bringing our luggage up. We also used their gym which had more equipment than we expected along with their jacuzzi room which was rly relaxing. Overall an amazing stay and worth your money.
FromSEK 1,217

Sofitel Beijing Central

9.3/10Very Good11850 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.52km from city centre
The service was excellent! Before checking in, Leah called to ask about our preferences and arranged a high-floor room for us. The lobby was a bit cold when we first arrived, but the room itself was very comfortable, and the bedding was great. It was clean and spacious, though the facilities are a bit old; I hope they can be improved. Still, I recommend staying here.
FromSEK 1,022

Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105694 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.64km from city centre
During the Chinese New Year, I brought my family to stay here, and the experience wasn't great. This time, I decided to give it another shot, and the experience has significantly improved. From the front desk to the room service, everyone was quite professional, making up for a lot of the previous negative impression. I also want to commend them for seemingly adding staff at the elevator entrance on each floor overnight. My sense of security immediately skyrocketed. I hope this excellent practice continues. There are also plenty of great food options around the hotel, which is a big plus.
FromSEK 1,064

Jen Beijing by Shangri-La

9.4/10Outstanding4878 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.7km from city centre
Stayed at Jen Beijing by Shangri-La from 16-20 October 2025. If you want sleek, modern, and excellent location, this nails it. If you're after warm, personalized service, look elsewhere. The room was spotless and contemporary. Location is unbeatable, sitting right on top of an upscale mall. Daily fruit delivery was a lovely touch that showed someone's thinking about guests. The vibe is youthful and high-energy throughout the public spaces. Fair warning for introverts or anyone seeking a quieter luxury experience: the lobby is bright, colorful, with a full wall of screens and constant foot traffic from the mall below. The gym is a commercial one open to non-guests, so it's busier and less exclusive than typical hotel fitness centers. The rooms themselves are quiet and peaceful, a nice contrast to the lively common areas. But overall, staff interaction is minimal. You're essentially paying for excellent facilities and location, not personalized hospitality. No one greets you by name, remembers your preferences, or checks in on you. It's efficient and polished, but transactional. If you want attentive service where staff make you feel looked after, this isn't it. But if you prefer a stylish, self-sufficient base with great amenities and don't need much human contact, Jen Beijing delivers well. Four stars for what it is, just make sure it's what you're looking for.
FromSEK 1,380

Capital Hotel（the Forbidden City，Tiananmen）

9.3/10Very Good6329 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.31km from city centre
Excellent! Staying at Capital Hotel this time was absolutely the right choice, I have to give it a big 5-star rating! To be honest, my first impression upon entering was fantastic. The front desk lady was incredibly efficient with the check-in process and so friendly, none of that coldness you sometimes get at five-star hotels. I booked a king-size room, and as soon as I opened the door, I said ”wow”—the room was so bright and spacious, and the view of Beijing's nightscape from the large window was absolutely stunning! I really have to highlight their bed! Once you lie down, you don't want to get up; it's neither too soft nor too firm, just perfect, and the pillow height was just right. Even I, someone who usually has trouble sleeping in new places, slept soundly until morning. The details were also spot-on: the bathroom was sparkling clean, and the hot water came on quickly and powerfully. The biggest surprise was all the complimentary perks, like the ”Cloud Tour of the Forbidden City” cultural experience, travel photography, and the health-boosting soup at Junting Restaurant! It's rare to see such generosity these days. The location couldn't be better either; it's a 10-minute walk to Wangfujing, and there's a subway station right outside, making it super convenient to get anywhere. The hotel has many restaurants, including Chinese, Western, and hot pot, all delicious and reasonably priced! What made me feel most comfortable was the staff; everyone, from the bellboy who helped with luggage at the entrance to the cleaning aunties, greeted me with a smile, making me feel so warm inside. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit Beijing, and I highly recommend it to all my friends!
FromSEK 962

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Business travel

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9/10Good9677 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
The hotel's location is super convenient, right at Chongwenmen subway station. When we checked in, the front desk attendant, Xiao Lü, found out we had a child with us and kindly upgraded us to a 2.4-meter king-size bed room – so thoughtful! The only thing is the central heating is a bit intense; even when turned off, it's still warm, so we had to open the window to sleep. But then with the window open, it was a bit noisy facing the street. Hope they can improve that. We'll definitely stay here again next time we visit Beijing!
FromSEK 640

Crystal Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding10528 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
This was my second trip to Beijing in mid-to-late October, and I chose to stay at the same hotel I did years ago, which added a nice sense of familiarity to revisiting the city. The most appealing aspect is the hotel's central location in Wangfujing. The interior environment is still quite good; whenever you return, you can enjoy a hot tea in the lobby to ward off the early winter chill. I didn't get the 'Jiangnan' room, so I opted for a premium room with a bathtub. Although I don't usually take baths, the room felt much more spacious, and having a window for ventilation was convenient for temperature control. The cleaning lady was very outgoing and easy to communicate with; she replenished the water daily, and tea bags and soft drinks were refilled the next day after use. For small items I needed temporarily, I could provide a list on WeChat mini-program, and a robot would deliver them, which is perfect for introverted travelers. However, since there's only one elevator and one robot, food deliveries might be a bit delayed during peak hours, but calling for human service is a warm touch. When checking out on the morning of October 26th, the front desk attendant was very gentle, asked for detailed feedback, and even gave a small gift, which brought a perfect end to my trip. Sorry I promised to leave a review but only had time to write a few words today (๑• . •๑). Finally, I suggest the hotel updates the in-room TVs when appropriate; not being able to easily cast content feels a bit outdated.
FromSEK 708

Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel

9/10Good6618 Reviews
Qianmen (Front Gate) and Chongwenmen Commercial Area Beijing|1.02km from city centre
First off, the location is excellent. Chongwenmen subway station is right nearby, making it super convenient to get to all the attractions. Secondly, there are plenty of dining and shopping options around. There's a fantastic Hunan restaurant right across the street, and the Hongxing Qianjin Bakery is also close by. Finally, the room itself was quite spacious, but the facilities are a bit dated, and the lighting is a bit dim.
FromSEK 534

Novotel Beijing Peace

8.6/101754 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
This is an older hotel with many international guests. The location is excellent, especially for seeing Mayday. It's super convenient to take the subway to the Bird's Nest. The area around the hotel is very lively. My only minor gripe is the lack of robot room service, but everything else was really good.
FromSEK 861

Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent5010 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
Great place to stay in Beijing, the service was courteous and even offered us a free room upgrade when we checked in. The room was clean and we had housekeeping every day, getting fresh towels, tea and coffee sachets. The room was well equipped with glasses, cups, microwave and washing machine. Splendid view of the Beijing skyline from the window of the room and great facilities on the top floor with free access to the swimming pool. The closest subway stop is about 20-25 minutes away on foot. We also used the blue bikes (a lot of them parked across the street from the hotel main entrance) using alipay and in 20 minutes we could reach tiananmen square and other attractions just cycling.
FromSEK 622

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Family friendly

Kerry Hotel, Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2402 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.46km from city centre
Family Fun | 2 Adults & 1 Child - Kids' Adventure Park Access (during stay): The little one absolutely loved the kids' club and didn't want to leave, even when I was managing the child alone, it was stress-free. The hotel is connected to a mall, making dining, shopping, and getting around very convenient. Summer Trip | In-room Mini Bar Free Refills (once during stay): Perfect for a family summer vacation. Service: The service was great. I had a fall and asked the front desk for ice for a cold compress. Environment: Our room had a view of the 'Big Trousers' (CCTV Tower).
FromSEK 1,184

Beijing Marriott Hotel Changping

9.2/10Very Good2771 Reviews
Shisanling Reservoir, Juyongguan Great Wall Beijing|40.96km from city centre
The JW Marriott brand standards simply don't apply here. 'Schrödinger's Pillow' – A Play in Five Acts: Act I: The Standard Promise The bedside card, as per Marriott brand custom, listed an extensive pillow menu. As a regular guest, I had no reason to doubt it. Act II: The Informed Denial I called the front desk for service and subsequently experienced a 'triple denial' from the front desk, manager Bruce, and housekeeping. However, the core issue is this: Manager Bruce explicitly admitted during our conversation that he knew 'all Marriotts can provide different pillows,' but insisted they simply didn't have them here. This implies that the entire team, fully aware of brand standards, collectively and actively misled the guest. Act III: Arrogance The next day at 10:20 AM, the duty manager, Emma Qiu, arrived late. When confronted, she nonchalantly stated, 'It's only 20 minutes late.' Upon being informed that the complaint had been escalated to Marriott headquarters, she abruptly hung up with a dismissive 'We don't have any,' disappearing without a trace. Act IV: The Reversal After enlisting the help of Ctrip, 12315 (consumer protection hotline), and other parties, the plot took a dramatic turn: Manager Emma Qiu announced that silk pillows had been available all along! So, was the entire hotel team suffering from collective amnesia last night, or were they performing a piece of performance art where 'if we say it's not there, it's not there'? Final Act: The Cost The 'ticket price' for this grand show was 1010 yuan. For the curtain call, the hotel grudgingly refunded 30%, and Ctrip, unable to stand by, covered an additional 20% out of its own pocket. In the end, you pay 500 yuan to understand the true meaning of 'managerial chaos' and 'broken promises.' This experience wasn't ultimately about the pillows; it was about the complete breakdown of trust. When a hotel can systematically deceive its guests in such a way, how much truth is left in its promises of safety, hygiene, and service? Please consider my full experience carefully. If you value your time, money, and peace of mind, choose wisely.
FromSEK 911

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing

9.2/10Very Good5354 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
I didn't originally book the Hilton; the local Manxin hotel was just too subpar, with cleanliness issues and not-so-cheap prices. So, I decisively switched hotels at 11 PM. Even though it was late at night, the hotel staff, especially Lewis Du Chengling, was still incredibly enthusiastic and provided great service. Even after checking out, I returned to the hotel to pick up my luggage after dinner, and the staff proactively helped me load it into my car. The price difference between hotels wasn't significant. This hotel is right at the entrance of Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and very close to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the National Museum, making getting around very convenient. The experience was excellent. Next time I'm in Beijing, I'll definitely choose to stay at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing again.
FromSEK 1,417

Regent Beijing

9.4/10Outstanding6585 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.66km from city centre
The views are expansive, and you can even see the Forbidden City. The room facilities are quite new and spotless. Being on a high floor offers great views of the Forbidden City. The bellhop was very proactive, and the concierge uncle in the lobby was very enthusiastic, solving all sorts of problems with a typical Beijing accent. Wangfujing is just a short walk away for shopping. The restaurant on the second floor has a very refined Western dining option, DiCAPo. The breakfast selection is rich, and the coffee is excellent. Subway Line 5 is right next to the hotel, just a one-minute walk to the right from the entrance.
FromSEK 1,510

Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza

9.5/10Outstanding8242 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
Want to experience authentic Beijing but don't know where to start? Anya and Amy, upon hearing this, immediately grabbed paper and pens and hand-drew a 'hidden food map' for us. It not only marked the hot pot restaurants and douzhi (fermented bean milk) shops favored by locals but also meticulously noted each restaurant's signature dishes and best dining times, even drawing cute cartoon figures. They said: 'Tourist traps are boring; let me show you the real Beijing!' This exclusive, personalized gesture was more precious than any travel app, allowing us to savor the most authentic Beijing flavors.
FromSEK 2,041

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Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Beijing 🏛️

Once you've explored Beijing's iconic neighbourhoods, why not delve deeper and uncover all the city's top attractions and historical gems? Here's our hand-picked selection of the very best activities, perfect whether you're travelling with family, friends, or enjoying a romantic escape:

The Forbidden City: China's Imperial Palace

Palace Museum

Palace Museum

The Forbidden City (also known as the Palace Museum) is truly Beijing's unmissable jewel and the most visited site in the capital. This majestic imperial complex, where 24 emperors reigned for over 500 years, will transport you into the captivating history of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As you wander through its 980 buildings, spread across 72 hectares, you'll discover sumptuous courtyards and richly decorated palaces.

We highly recommend booking your tickets in advance, as they can sell out incredibly quickly! Kick off your adventure bright and early to dodge the crowds and bask in that glorious, ideal light. The full exploration usually takes a good 3 to 4 hours, so make sure you're rocking your comfiest shoes – your feet will definitely thank you!

Top tip: Head to Jingshan Park straight after! From its summit, you'll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City with its golden roofs. It's truly magical at sunset.

Forbidden City Tickets Now!

The Great Wall: A World Wonder

The Great Wall

The Great Wall

How can you possibly introduce Beijing without visiting one of the world's seven wonders: the Great Wall of China? This millennia-old marvel majestically snakes its way through the mountains, offering truly breathtaking panoramas.

While several sections are easily reached from Beijing, we wholeheartedly recommend Mutianyu – it's truly the top pick for international visitors.

Your essential guide to the Great Wall:

  • 📏 Its total length: a staggering 21,000 km! (That's all sections combined, with a magnificent 6,700 km belonging to the iconic Ming Wall.)
  • 📅 Construction: Its incredible journey began in the 7th century BC, with building efforts continuing all the way through to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)!
  • ⏳ The construction period: over 2,000 years in the making!
  • 👷 The incredible workforce: millions of workers, soldiers, and prisoners
  • 📐 Its dimensions: 5 to 7 metres tall, 4 to 5 metres wide
  • 🏆 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Inscribed in 1987

Mutianyu Section – our top recommendation:

  • 📍 Distance from Beijing: A mere 70 km to the northeast (that's about a 1.5-hour drive!).
  • ⛰️ Average altitude: 800 metres
  • ✨ The perks: less crowded than Badaling, beautifully restored, and boasts stunning scenery!
  • 🕐 Time on site: Allow 5 glorious hours to truly soak up every moment!
  • 🚠 Access: Cable car up + optional toboggan down for a bit of fun!
Mutianyu Great Wall Adventure

The Temple of Heaven: A Spiritual Sanctuary

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

How about a refreshing dose of spiritual serenity? For that, set your sights on the Temple of Heaven, Beijing's most iconic landmark after the Forbidden City.

Between its unique architecture with a dazzling blue roof, its peaceful gardens, and the sight of locals practising tai-chi at sunrise, it's an unmissable spot for enthusiasts of imperial history and authentic local culture.

Temple of Heaven Tickets Now!

The Summer Palace: Stunning Lake Views

Summer Palace

Summer Palace

Nestled in Beijing's north-western suburbs, this sprawling imperial complex is one of the finest spots to admire the imperial gardens from above. From its lush, verdant hills and perched pavilions (easily reached via a picturesque staircase if you fancy a climb), you'll be treated to spectacular views of Kunming Lake and the entire park, especially as the sun dips below the horizon. A perfect escape from the city's hustle and bustle!

Reach the Summer Palace Summit

Tiananmen Square: The iconic symbol of power

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

Fancy discovering the political and historical heart of modern China? Then set your sights on Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public spaces! This colossal square spans an incredible 440,000 m² and can comfortably host a million people.

Between the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Gate of Heavenly Peace, which grants access to the Forbidden City, it's a place steeped in history and absolutely free to explore, day or night!

What to Eat in Beijing City: A Foodie's Guide 🍜

Peking Roast Duck

Jing Jiang Rousi

What's a trip to Beijing without diving into its incredible local specialities? Because, oh yes, Beijing is a city you explore with your taste buds! This magnificent capital is famed for its exquisite, refined cuisine, a delicious legacy from the imperial court. Trip.com has hand-picked the must-try traditional dishes that will truly tantalise your palate:

  • Peking Duck: it's THE city's specialty, with its incredibly crispy skin and melt-in-your-mouth tender meat.
  • Jiaozi: Chinese dumplings, wonderfully steamed, boiled, or fried.
  • Jing Jiang Rousi: a delightful stir-fried shredded pork, lovingly coated in a sweet bean sauce.
  • Zhajiang Mian: Dive into a bowl of wonderfully thick noodles, generously topped with a rich, fermented soybean paste.
  • Grilled Skewers (Chuan): Marinated meats, grilled to perfection over a sizzling barbecue.
  • Bingtang Hulu: Candied hawthorn fruits, a beloved sweet treat!

Beijing Bites & Vibrant Markets

To truly dive into more local specialities and experience life like a local, you simply can't miss Beijing's incredible street food scene! The hutongs are absolutely buzzing with bustling street vendors and charming family-run stalls.

P.S.: You'll find the local flavours here are wonderfully mild, and less spicy than those in Southern China.

Among the absolute must-visits is the famous Wangfujing Snack Street: prepare yourself for grilled insect skewers, succulent lamb kebabs, sweet pancakes, and candied fruits. It's a truly spectacular sight, especially in the evening when the neon lights flicker to life!

Why not treat your taste buds to a guided food tour through the hutongs, where you'll uncover the most delightful hidden gems? These incredible journeys will lead you to charming local restaurants and traditional homes.

🥇Our golden rule: if it looks good and smells good, give it a try!

Best Time to Visit Beijing 🌤️

Beijing is a city that welcomes visitors all year round, but, like many great cities, each season unveils a wonderfully unique experience. Its continental climate brings with it glorious hot summers and crisp, cold winters.

Dive into this complete guide to discover the ideal time for your trip, all based on what you love!

Blooming Season 🌸

Weather ⛅️

Heads up! 🗒

Top Activities & Festivals 🎟

Spring (March-May)

Mild (10-25°C)

Perfect for outdoor adventures!

Cherry Blossom

Summer (June-August)

Hot (25-35°C)

Long days are on the cards, but expect some scorching heat!

Dragon Boat Festival

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Pleasantly cool (15-25°C)

The best season for glorious clear skies

National Day, Moon Festival

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Cold (-5 to 5°C)

Fewer crowds, fantastic prices

New Year, Lantern Festival

💡 Our recommendation: April, May, September, and October are the best times to visit. Autumn is particularly ideal, boasting exceptional weather and spectacular colours along the Great Wall!

Beijing Day Trips: Best Nearby Sights 🚄

Spending a few days in Beijing and fancy exploring beyond the city's vibrant heart? Well, you're in luck! The capital is perfectly positioned for some truly incredible adventures in its surrounding areas!

Setting off from Beijing? Trip.com has two fantastic excursions we simply can't recommend enough:

Ming Tombs (Shisan Ling)

  • Journey time: 1 to 1.5 hours (just 50 km north)
  • Transport: Sightseeing Buses or Combined Tours
  • Unmissable highlights: the tombs of 13 Ming emperors, the majestic Spirit Way, and their fascinating funerary architecture.

Chengde with its Imperial Palace

  • Journey time:
    • By high-speed train via Chengde South: just 2 hours!
    • By regular train: expect your journey to last around 4 to 4 hours 35 minutes.
    • By car: just 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Transport: by high-speed train or delightful day trips
  • Must-sees: the Qing Imperial Summer Resort, Buddhist and Tibetan temples
Book your excursions from Beijing

Beijing is calling, ready to enchant you with its 3,000 years of history, fascinating culture, and unforgettable experiences! Whether you're drawn to the Forbidden City, the authentic hutongs, the Great Wall, or the delicious Peking duck, this vibrant Chinese capital is sure to win you over.

Start planning your amazing trip on Trip.com now to unlock the best offers!

Happy travels to Beijing! ✨

FAQs about things to do in Beijing

  • Things to see and do in Beijing if I have 1 day?

    If you only have one day, focus on the essentials: start with the Forbidden City in the morning (book in advance!), then cross Tiananmen Square. After lunch, explore the Hutongs by tuk-tuk for an authentic experience. Finish at Jingshan Park to admire the sunset over the Forbidden City!

  • Things to see and do in Beijing if I have 2-3 days?

    With two or three days, add the Temple of Heaven (go early in the morning), the Summer Palace with its lake, and dedicate a day to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Over three days, also explore Sanlitun for shopping, the 798 Art District for contemporary art, and enjoy Peking Duck in a traditional restaurant!

  • Things to see and do in Beijing if I have 4 days?

    With four days in Beijing, you can combine the best activities with a day trip to either the Ming Tombs or Jinshanling. Enjoy the Lama Temple, take part in a Chinese cooking class, or relax at a spa. You'll also have enough time to explore Wangfujing and do some shopping!

  • What to do in Beijing when it rains?

    Don't let the rain spoil your day in Beijing - there are plenty of indoor options! You can explore excellent museums like the National Museum of China or the Palace Museum, browse the shopping malls around Wangfujing, or relax in a traditional Chinese spa. For a cultural experience, why not join a calligraphy workshop or settle in for a leisurely Peking Duck lunch?

  • What to do in Beijing in the evenings?

    Beijing offers plenty to do after dark! Stroll through the illuminated Wangfujing district and sample local street food, or explore Sanlitun's vibrant bar scene. For culture, catch a Peking Opera or acrobatics show. Alternatively, book a night cruise or a guided tour of the lantern-lit Hutongs through Trip.com.

More guides for your Beijing adventure 🧩

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