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

Author's Profile Picture

By Tina

May 26, 2026

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

Whether you're into imperial history, charming hutongs, or local cuisine, there are amazing things to do in Beijing for you. Trip.com brings you the city's top activities and unmissable sights, from the Forbidden City and the Great Wall to authentic neighborhoods, cultural highlights, and delicious local specialties you simply can't miss.

⭐ Top Things to Do in Beijing

📅 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!

Duration

Couples

Family

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

🏮 Must-Visit Areas in Beijing

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 Taikoo Li Sanlitun 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!

🎁 Exclusive Offers For You:
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
Homes & Apts: Save up to £39 (App-only deal)

Best hotels in Beijing

5 star

Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6834 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city centre
Let me start with an overall impression: the decor is quite distinctive, but the facilities are definitely dated. If you have high standards for your living environment and aren't too concerned about value for money, you might want to reconsider. Most of the doormen are unprofessional; they don't proactively open car doors or help with luggage, they just stand there watching. A key highlight: SUV drivers and new drivers should seriously reconsider using the hotel's parking garage. Both the entrance and exit are 180-degree plus sharp turns, and the lanes are extremely narrow, making it very difficult to navigate. Furthermore, when my friend tried to leave the parking lot for the first time, the parking barrier hit his car. This happened because of the unreasonably sharp turn at the exit and the short time interval before the barrier came down again. The duty manager was quite helpful and actively tried to resolve the issue. However, when my friend attempted to leave the parking lot a second time, he was hit by the barrier again, even under the manager's watchful eye. This time, he even tried to drive out a bit faster. We've since reached a resolution with the hotel, but I still hope future guests will be extra cautious. Overall, it's indeed a beautiful building, but the interior maintenance is seriously lacking. Staying for a day for a photoshoot might be okay occasionally, but I won't be returning.
FromMXN$2,190

Sofitel Beijing Central

9.3/10Very Good12762 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.52km from city centre
💯 We chose Sofitel during our Dragon Boat Festival trip to Beijing, and it was a perfect experience. The location is superb, making it incredibly convenient to get to all the major attractions. The room was spacious and bright, with a stunning city view from the floor-to-ceiling windows, and the bedding was comfortable in a quiet environment. The location is fantastic, with easy transportation, right in the core of Jianguomen within the Second Ring Road. It's just a few minutes' walk to the subway station, and a very short drive to Tiananmen, the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing. It makes sightseeing and getting around incredibly hassle-free, making it the top choice for a trip to Beijing. Beira warmly checked us in and even upgraded our room type. It was a very pleasant stay! 👍
FromMXN$2,195

Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105849 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.64km from city centre
This was my first stay at the Grand Millennium Beijing, and it exceeded my expectations by far. It wasn't overly crowded, so it felt very peaceful and quiet. The swimming pool is a major highlight, integrated seamlessly with the gym on a different floor, creating a spacious, high-ceilinged area with a Southeast Asian vibe. I encountered many Hong Kongers there, from business travelers in the elevator to an elderly couple in the executive lounge; they were all very humble and friendly. The surrounding area boasts a wide variety of restaurants, and the Fortune Plaza Mall is practically a canteen for Beijing's white-collar workers. The night view is also top-notch, with the CCTV Headquarters lit up beautifully. A pleasant surprise was bumping into a celebrity while working out – the 'rooster among roosters,' haha. The Grand Millennium is fantastic, giving me every reason to return. The male manager who handled my check-in was very gracious, and the service was just perfect.
FromMXN$1,918

Jen Beijing by Shangri-La

9.4/10Outstanding5186 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.7km from city centre
I specifically booked a two-night stay at this hotel to get some good sleep, and it included breakfast and dinner each day. I called ahead to request a quiet room, and I truly had a very restful two days. Even though it's located in a bustling CBD, the soundproofing of the windows is excellent, and the high-floor views are fantastic. Plus, compared to many other five-star hotels in Beijing, this one feels very new. The only minor drawbacks were the lack of a bathtub and no overhead shower in the bathroom – many people really prefer that design.
FromMXN$2,689

Capital Hotel（the Forbidden City，Tiananmen）

9.3/10Very Good6261 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.31km from city centre
I stayed for four nights, and the hotel service was excellent. As soon as I got out of the car, they immediately helped with my luggage. They even upgraded me for free to a business room on the 14th floor of Building A, which I was very pleased with. The hotel is an older five-star establishment, so it's a bit dated, but the room was spacious, clean, and had all the necessary amenities. The large window in the room even offered a view of the Forbidden City. The hotel's location is fantastic; it's about a 15-minute walk to the National Museum, Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing, and Qianmen Street. There are also many old foreign consulates in the surrounding area.
FromMXN$1,877

Show more

Business travel

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10473 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
After comparing several hotels for our family trip to Beijing, we finally settled on the Xinqiao Hotel, and it made our entire trip comfortable and hassle-free – a solid five-star rating! 📍The location is absolutely fantastic. Right outside, you'll find Chongwenmen Subway Station for lines 2 and 5. It's just a 10-15 minute walk to Tiananmen Square, Wangfujing, and Qianmen, and only a few subway stops to the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. The surrounding New World and Guorui malls offer plenty of dining and shopping options. Plus, it's very close to Beijing Railway Station, making travel incredibly convenient, especially when traveling with kids. 🛁The room was full of pleasant surprises. The entire room features natural hot spring water drawn from a thousand meters underground, so all the water for washing is natural spring water, making showers wonderfully relaxing. The room was impeccably clean, the bedding was soft and dry, and the mattress was just the right firmness. It was quiet and peaceful at night. We stayed in a family duplex suite, which had two floors and two bathrooms, offering ample space – perfect for a family of three. The amenities were complete, and they even thoughtfully provided children's toiletries and slippers. The attention to detail was exceptional.
FromMXN$1,344

Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11296 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
I had originally booked a room that was listed as having no window, but the booking confirmation said it had a window facing the corridor, which was a bit ambiguous. The front desk upgraded me to a room with a window. The room wasn't huge, but it had two twin beds and a tatami mat. The hygiene was good, and the service was excellent. Although the room was a bit small, the location was fantastic – within walking distance to the Forbidden City.
FromMXN$1,490

Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel

9.1/10Good6744 Reviews
Qianmen (Front Gate) and Chongwenmen Commercial Area Beijing|1.02km from city centre
This is my second trip to Beijing this year, and I chose to stay at the Livefor hotel in Chongwenmen again with my son. I guess that makes me a repeat customer, right? 😁 Overall, I'm quite satisfied. The location is super convenient, just a few minutes' walk from Chongwenmen subway station, making getting around incredibly easy. There are malls right downstairs and across the street, so with a child, I don't have to venture far. Cleanliness is my top priority when choosing a hotel, which is why I've picked Livefor twice. Next up is the bedding, especially the pillows – they're just the right firmness, ensuring a really comfortable sleep. The soundproofing is also good; once the window is closed, you can't hear any outside noise, and it's very quiet at night. My son loved the mini-fridge in the room; he bought some drinks and cheese, and he really enjoyed that. The service was also excellent and thoughtful. Check-in was quick, the staff were friendly and gentle, and they were always ready to help with any issues. All in all, the transportation, accommodation, and dining experiences were all great, offering good value for money. I'll definitely prioritize staying here again on my next visit to Beijing.
FromMXN$1,562

Peace Hotel Beijing(Forbidden city)

8.6/101725 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
Traveling with kids, this hotel was an excellent choice! The environment was clean and tidy, and the overall atmosphere was very welcoming. The staff were friendly, warm, and attentive, even giving a small gift to my child. Breakfast offered a good variety, with plenty of options for kids like pastries, porridge, and fruits, all very fresh. There's also an M&M's vending machine on the first floor that my child loved. Overall, it's great value for money. It's our top pick for family trips, and we'll definitely be back!
FromMXN$1,565

Livefortuna Hotel

9.6/10Excellent5411 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
I and my family have a 3 nights stay in the cosy family rooms. The hotel location is very convenient for getting around and exploring the area. The buffet breakfast offers both Western and Asian options. It would be even better if there were more vegetarian dishes available for vegan guests. Overall, it was a good experience, and I enjoyed my stay.
FromMXN$1,355

Show more

Family friendly

Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding7082 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
While there was an initial misunderstanding due to a hygiene concern which caused distress on our first night stay that I had to escalate the matter through Trip.com, the hotel manager turned the experience around. The night before check-out, we had a genuine and positive conversation at the lobby. She was humble and openly acknowledged her shortcomings and appreciated for helping her learn and grow as a leader. Good to know that a manager willing to take accountability and desire to improve. Every hotel staff we have interacted with are professional and friendly. Aside from the good service recovery, we loved the hotel's convenience: 1. Siji Minfu Peking Roast Duck Restaurant (四季民福) is next to the hotel along with other food options in the same stretch. 2. The hotel is perfectly located within walking distance to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street (shopping and food). 3. The fun robot that delivers food right to our doorstep! The hotel also prepared light snacks for our airport journey. Overall, this hotel is highly recommended!
FromMXN$1,419

Kerry Hotel, Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2539 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.46km from city centre
This is my top choice for a short getaway! The lobby is clean and grand, and the room facilities are new and in perfect condition. Even the hard-to-reach spots were spotless. Front desk staff, Sun Yan, Li Zhongqiu, and Zhang Yaonan, provided warm and professional service. The check-in and check-out process was smooth. Honestly, I couldn't find a single fault. Highly recommend!
FromMXN$2,376

Ibis Hotel (Beijing Changying Paradise Walk Changying Metro Station)

9.1/10Good1000 Reviews
Communication University of China, Guanzhuang Area Beijing|15.73km from city centre
Thank you so much for all the staff of ibis beijing changying hotel. They are super helpful, even lack of english but they try their best to communicate and understand our request!😍🤍 surrounded by halal meals and 24h kiosk, this place is cozy and near bus stop also, very convenient. 24h receptionist and there is robot to send your packages right in front of your door. Water dispenser and tea making station also available. Clean lobby and spacious room. Available for wake up call and go-to meals if you have to run to airport in the early morning, we are very happy with their service, very recommended.
FromMXN$540

COMMUNE BY THE GREAT WALL , IN THE UNBOUND COLLECTION BY HYATT

9.2/10Very Good1232 Reviews
Yanqing Resort Area Beijing|56.95km from city centre
My first time here was over 10 years ago for a company meeting, and I stayed in the bamboo house then. Unfortunately, I was too busy with work those two days and didn't get a chance to truly appreciate the scenery. After that, I only stopped by once for a meal in passing. This time, my experience was excellent. I really felt that this is a great place to completely unwind and escape the hustle and bustle, while still being not too far from the city center. The only minor downsides were that the facilities are a bit old, and it would have been perfect if the windows were cleaned more thoroughly. Also, the wild Great Wall that used to be accessible for climbing is now closed, which was a slight disappointment. But overall, these points are negligible. Finally, a big thank you to Olivier, Manager Wang Yuanyuan, and their colleagues for their warm hospitality and thoughtful care, which made our two days here wonderful and unforgettable.
FromMXN$2,131

Piaohome Chain Hotel (Beijing Guomao Dawang Road Subway Station Store)

9.2/10Very Good2837 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|6.41km from city centre
The hotel is located on East 3rd Ring Road and has its own parking, which is quite convenient. The price is also very reasonable for this location and the room. The room itself was clean and tidy with no strange odors. The housekeeping staff were all very polite, and the front desk ladies were very enthusiastic, even recommending nearby places to eat. I'll definitely come again next time!
FromMXN$576

Show more

Show more

🏛️ 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: 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 speciality, 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!

🚄 Day Trips from Beijing

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 4.5 hours.
    • 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! ✨

❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Beijing

🧩 Explore More Travel Guides

Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Beijing
This guide covers the best restaurants, lesser-known local delicacies and must-try dishes for travellers seeking an authentic taste of the capital.
April 24, 2025
How to Get from Beijing Airport to city center
Find the best ways from Beijing airport to city centre. Compare taxi, train, bus & car rental options. Book trip.com airport transfers with free 24-hour cancellation!
January 22, 2026
Beijing Metro: Map, Lines, Fares, Usage & Ride Guide
Beijing metro map, operating hours, lines, ticket fares, payment methods, riding & hotel tips for easy travel in China's capital. Perfect for first-time visitors!
February 7, 2026
Where to Stay in Beijing: Best Areas, Hotels & Attractions
Where to stay in Beijing? Explore top areas, hotels and attractions, including the Forbidden City, Qianmen, Wangfujing and historic hutongs like Nanluoguxiang.
January 22, 2026
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trip.com
>
Tours & tickets
>
things to do in beijing