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

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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!

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Best hotels in Beijing

5 star

9.1/10Good6701 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city centre
Staying at the Legendale Hotel with my children was an exceptionally pleasant experience. The location is excellent, making it very convenient for getting around and sightseeing. The hotel's European-style decor is grand and appealing, the environment is quiet and clean, and the room hygiene is impeccable. The beds were soft and comfortable. The front desk and service staff were all gentle and thoughtful, paying attention to small details. Overall, it felt luxurious yet welcoming. This stay was wonderful, and I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time I'm in Beijing.
From€125
9.2/10Very Good13001 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.52km from city centre
I'd like to give a heartfelt shout-out to Destin at the front desk for their exceptional service during my stay. They handled my check-in with skill and efficiency, making the whole process smooth and effortless, and communicated in a gentle and composed manner. Throughout my stay, whenever I asked about hotel services or local sightseeing tips, Destin patiently and thoroughly provided practical recommendations. They also promptly followed up on and coordinated any last-minute room requests I had. Their professional demeanor and reliable work ethic made for a very comfortable and satisfying stay.
From€87
8.8/105928 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.64km from city centre
Upon checking in, Miss Zoe at the front desk was incredibly enthusiastic. When I asked about upgrading my room type, she immediately and proactively helped me check and change it, quickly finding me a room with a better view. She was patient and polite throughout our conversation, very efficient, and took the initiative to explain the hotel facilities. Her attention to detail showed thoughtful service, and she was serious and responsible in addressing guest needs. She's an excellent front desk staff member! 👍
From€90
9.4/10Outstanding5248 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.7km from city centre
Check-in was a breeze and very pleasant. Sandra provided excellent service – she was warm, polite, and thoughtful. The hotel amenities are top-notch, with a pool, gym, and a great Chinese restaurant. Both the stir-fried yellow croaker in the restaurant and the in-room dining set meals were delicious. The location is also very convenient, close to two malls, making it easy for dining out, shopping, and catching a movie. Overall, it was a very good value for money stay.
From€135
9.3/10Very Good6033 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.31km from city centre
To visit the National Museum, I stayed for a day, and choosing Capital Hotel was definitely the right decision. I didn't expect the hotel environment to be so good, and the location is excellent. The Citywalk route was superb. It fulfilled several of my dreams: strolling through Dongjiaomin Alley, enjoying roast duck at Jingfang Restaurant, a night tour of Tiananmen Square, and wandering around Dashilar. Getting to the National Museum the next day was also very convenient. The hotel has the style of a royal garden, and the two large ginkgo trees are beautiful, though it's a pity their leaves haven't turned yellow yet. The hotel also offers intangible cultural heritage experiences and travel photography activities. I'll definitely stay here again next time I visit Beijing.
From€83

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Business travel

9.1/10Good10585 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
Our long-awaited summer family trip to Beijing, with the New Otani Hotel as our base, turned out to be a relaxed and enjoyable journey. Located in the heart of Chongwenmen, the hotel boasts an excellent prime location. This historic hotel, having weathered the years, has shed its extravagance to offer a truly solid and comfortable stay. The rooms are clean and bright, with good soundproofing, allowing us to rest peacefully at night after days of sightseeing. The girls at the front desk were exceptionally polite; seeing that we were traveling with children and seniors, they thoughtfully upgraded our room – another pleasant surprise during our trip. The staff were patient and attentive, striking just the right balance. The concierge service for luggage storage was convenient, and food delivery to the room was quick and easy, with Mr. Guan Longhai providing meticulous service. The housekeeping staff, Xiao Rui and Sister Haiyan, were also kind-hearted and down-to-earth. Checkout was swift; simply handing the room card to the front desk staff was all that was needed. We'll definitely bring our child to stay here again on our next visit to Beijing.
From€65
9.4/10Outstanding11215 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
The room was tiny, I mean, really tiny. There was no space for luggage; if you put it on the floor, you couldn't walk. I originally booked a windowless room, and they said they upgraded me to one with a window, but it faced a wall about 50 centimeters away. So, open or closed, it was dark, and if you opened it, all you heard was the buzzing of the AC unit outside, so it was better to keep it shut. The breakfast was good, and the location was decent. I don't understand why hotel ratings are always so high nowadays. It's because after you book, the front desk chases you for a 5-star review. This practice really needs to be addressed.
From€66
9/10Good6515 Reviews
Qianmen (Front Gate) and Chongwenmen Commercial Area Beijing|1.02km from city centre
The hotel's location is fantastic, right in the New World Department Store building, with Chongmun Station on Subway Line 5 just downstairs. There are numerous large shopping malls nearby, lots of great restaurants, and it's convenient to get anywhere. The room's cleanliness was also very good. I particularly liked their hairdryer; it's very powerful, which is great for people with long hair. The only thing I was unhappy with was their internet 🛜 – it's really bad and often disconnects, especially in the bathroom. As soon as you enter, the Wi-Fi drops. I hope they can switch to a better network provider. Everything else deserves five stars!
From€60
8.7/101738 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
This is my second time staying at Peace Hotel, first time was in 2017. This time we stayed at the newer West Wing. We initially had only planned to stay one night but decided to extend our stay and stayed 5 nights this visit. The hotel gave us a voucher for complimentary art workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and so did my nieces. Location of the hotel is perfect, within walking distance to few subway stations and just one block away from downtown commercial shopping. Staff are friendly, great breakfast selection, rooms are, clean and spacious. The housekeeping staff are very polite and friendly, they are constantly maintaining the cleanliness and tidyness of the space. We did not get a chance to use the pool, as the day goes by it gets pretty busy with kids, swimming cap is mandatory and can be purchased from the gym trainers. The laundry room was convenient (3 washer, 3 dryer), detergent supplied, but the dryer takes a long time to fully dry so we ended up airing our clothes in our suite. If I return to Beijing again in the future, I will definitely book this hotel again.
From€89
9.6/10Excellent5681 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
Great apart-hotel and great service. The pool/gym on the roof is amazing. (Too many kids for my taste, but there's nothing to do about that...) The reception desk always very helpful, and the breakfast is fantastic. I highly reccommend this hotel.
From€67

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Family friendly

9.5/10Outstanding6964 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
Location is excellent - near to most of the popular attractions and right next to the famous 四季民福. Service was not as great however - some staffs looked like they wish they were somewhere else. Only one staff (a lady with specs) was helpful and tried her best to assist us. Checked out early in the morning and the staff was sleeping at the reception. Washing machine was constantly occupied so plan your laundry wisely. Breakfast was amazing though - good variety and tasted good. Be early otherwise all the indoor seats might be taken up.
From€64
9.5/10Outstanding12327 Reviews
Universal Beijing Resort and Sorrounding Beijing|22.5km from city centre
My stay this time was quite satisfactory. The lovely front desk staff were very efficient with both check-in and check-out, and their attitude was gentle and friendly. The room was clean and tidy, the bedding was soft, and they had my preferred low pillows. The soundproofing was excellent, so it was quiet at night. The hot water supply was stable and strong. The location is convenient, not far from the subway station. The value for money is decent. I'll choose this place again next time I visit and will also recommend it to my friends and colleagues.
From€38
9.2/10Very Good2556 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.46km from city centre
This is our second stay at Kerry Hotel, and our child absolutely loves it. The buffet has a wide variety of dishes, and the room is clean. This time, we stayed in a Club Room, and our butler was exceptionally attentive. They even helped us reserve the buffet and assisted with all our needs.
From€123
9.2/10Very Good1010 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.
From€21
9.6/10Excellent6413 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.63km from city centre
This hotel's location is right in the heart of Beijing. It's a 5-minute walk to the Line 1 and Line 2 subway entrances, directly across the street, making it super convenient to get to famous attractions like Wangfujing and Tiananmen Square. The hotel lobby has a very luxurious feel. The bedding in the rooms is clean and high-quality, and the electric curtains add a nice touch. What I really loved was the toilet with all its functions. I expected dining at a five-star hotel like this to be quite expensive, but I was genuinely surprised by the affordable prices. Three or four waitstaff rotated to serve dishes and pour tea, and the Peking duck was many times better than some other famous duck restaurants. Both the hotel facilities and the quality of the staff reflect the high and professional management standards of this hotel. If you're coming to Beijing, you must stay at Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong!
From€84

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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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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! ✨

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