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!
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 |
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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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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, the world's most magnificent imperial palace (also known as the Palace Museum)
- 🐉 The Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- 🏮 The Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO-listed architectural masterpiece
- 🌸 The Summer Palace, imperial gardens and picturesque lake
- 📍 Tiananmen Square, the iconic symbol of modern Chinese power
The Forbidden City: China's Imperial Palace
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
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
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
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
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 🍜
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! ✨
FAQ – 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.