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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!

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

Discover captivating attractions in Beijing
See All Attractions
242 booked
4.9/541 reviews
Beijing Highlights: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City: In-Depth Tour (Multilingual Guide)
Day tours
MXN$960.59
290 booked
4.9/511 reviews
3-hour guided tour of The Palace Museum in Beijing with admission ticket to the Treasure Gallery, available with English, Russian, or Spanish-speaking guide
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MXN$516.84
1649 booked
3.7/544 reviews
Tiananmen Square Entry Reservation Ticket
Day tours
14 booked
5/55 reviews
Beijing Temple of Heaven Half-Day Tour [Combined Ticket Available in Chinese, English, and Multilingual Packages]
Day tours
MXN$1,033.68
22351 booked
4.9/55723 reviews
Full-Day Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Tour with 5 Hours at the Site (ENG/ESP/RUS Guided Bus)
Day tours
MXN$281.91

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

Legendale Hotel Beijing

9.1/10Good6885 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city centre
My friend was visiting China and I booked this hotel for them in Beijing. The location is excellent, very convenient for transport, and the service was attentive. Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is just a few steps away, and it's also very close to attractions like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. There are all sorts of restaurants in the area. Overall, it was a fantastic experience.
FromMXN2,653

Sofitel Beijing Central

9.3/10Very Good12459 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.52km from city centre
Overall, my stay exceeded expectations. The hotel environment was warm and elegant, and the cleanliness was meticulous, with no strange odors or neglected corners. Destin's service was friendly and responsive to our needs. The room had good natural light, was quiet, and allowed for excellent rest. The location was superb, making getting around hassle-free. It was a very pleasant stay and definitely deserves a five-star recommendation!
FromMXN2,153

Grand Millennium Beijing

8.8/105931 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.64km from city centre
It's been almost three years since I last stayed at the Grand Millennium Beijing. The room is a bit dated, but the location is excellent. They don't allow delivery food to be left with the concierge, and the staff won't bring it up; you have to pick it up from a delivery locker, which is really inconvenient. I especially want to mention the cleaning lady for my room, Qiao Lifen. Every time she cleaned my room, she would immediately cover my food and cups to prevent dust from getting in. She noticed that I take a bath every day, so she would scrub the bathtub for me daily, then rinse it with hot water and wipe it clean. Cleaning staff at other hotels usually just drain the water from the tub. I have a lot of clothes and they're often messy, but she would always hang up my dresses and jackets and neatly fold my stockings together. She would always ask me to confirm if something was trash before throwing it away. When cleaning the toilet, she was incredibly thorough and diligent, disinfecting both the toilet and sink daily. Because I was jet-lagged, I drank a lot of tea every day, and she always remembered to leave extra bottles of water and tea bags for me. Her service was exceptionally detailed and thoughtful, and she has a wonderful personality, always happy to help. She's also very enthusiastic and always greets you with a kind smile. Truly outstanding.
FromMXN1,770

Jen Beijing by Shangri-La

9.4/10Outstanding5143 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.7km from city centre
Hotel Jen Beijing has been my top choice since 2019; whenever I visit Beijing, I only stay here. The rooms are clean and bright, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offer fantastic views—one side showcasing the dazzling lights of Jianguo Road Bridge, and the other, the CCTV Tower, creating an amazing ambiance at night. The sofa bed is perfect for guests with children, and the staff are warm, energetic, and provide thoughtful, attentive service. The location is superb, with direct access to China World Mall, making dining, shopping, and entertainment incredibly convenient. It's also super easy to get to the China World Summit Wing Observation Deck for night views. I always feel safe and comfortable here, and I'll continue choosing this hotel in the future.
FromMXN2,753

Capital Hotel（the Forbidden City，Tiananmen）

9.3/10Very Good6441 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.31km from city centre
The location is about a 30-minute walk from Tiananmen Square and the East Gate of the Forbidden City, which isn't too far or too close. The entrance gets quite congested during holidays. The parking isn't free and costs 15 per hour, which is quite pricey. Breakfast was just average. The Hanfu experience costs an additional 200 for hair and makeup, and you only get three photos, so it might be better to find a separate photography service nearby. The staff were very friendly and the cleanliness was good, but the room facilities were a bit dated.
FromMXN1,725

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Business travel

Beijing Xinqiao Hotel

9.1/10Good10064 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
The location is excellent, very close to the subway station. The service was attentive, and the hygiene was good – everything was clean and tidy, even if the facilities weren't brand new. However, for a hotel costing 900 yuan a night, the breakfast was incredibly cheap. Out of four hot dishes, three were instant sausages, and there was even spoiled cold mixed tofu skin (fuzhu) – the top layer was dried out and discolored, looking like it had been sitting there for days. Because of the great location, I stayed for six days, but from the second day onwards, I ordered breakfast delivery. I'd bring my takeout to the restaurant just to have some of their plain congee, which unfortunately lacked century egg and lean pork, despite being labeled as 'century egg and lean pork congee.' The buns in the picture are from my delivery.
FromMXN1,185

Crystal Orange Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.4/10Outstanding11111 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
This hotel's location is absolutely fantastic! You can walk to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and Wangfujing shopping area is right outside the door, making it incredibly convenient for getting around, shopping, and sightseeing. The room's cleanliness was exceptional; it was spotless, pristine, and the bedding was soft and comfortable. The bathroom was fresh and odor-free, showing great attention to detail – a truly reassuring and comfortable stay. The breakfast selection was rich and varied, offering a full range of Chinese and Western hot dishes, pastries, fruits, and drinks. The ingredients were fresh, and the flavors were delicious, ensuring a satisfying start to each day. The front desk staff were warm and attentive, making check-in and check-out efficient and quick. The hotel environment is quiet with excellent soundproofing, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling city. The overall living experience was superb. Upon check-out, they even thoughtfully prepared a souvenir, adding a nice touch and showing genuine hospitality. The value for money is outstanding. It's my top choice for both business trips and leisure travel, and I highly recommend it. I will definitely stay here again next time I visit Beijing!
FromMXN1,154

Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel

9.1/10Good6750 Reviews
Qianmen (Front Gate) and Chongwenmen Commercial Area Beijing|1.02km from city centre
I stumbled upon this hotel and ended up staying for eight nights. The longer I stayed, the more I felt like I'd discovered a hidden gem. The rooms are spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows offering great views. But the absolute best part is the hotel's fantastic location! It's only about 100 meters from both Line 2 and Line 5 subway stations, and within 100 meters, there are three shopping malls. This makes it incredibly convenient for dining, buying fruit, shopping, and even enjoying Peking duck. The hotel service is also excellent. They have a dedicated delivery table in the lobby with staff specifically assigned to watch over food deliveries to prevent loss or mix-ups. On my last day, even after checking out, I was resting in the lobby, and a staff member brought me hot water – I was truly touched.
FromMXN1,154

Peace Hotel Beijing

8.7/101747 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.47km from city centre
I booked this as a Novotel, but before check-in, I was told it had changed names. This might indicate some issues – perhaps the hotel didn't meet Novotel's standards. The hotel is quite old but well-maintained, with no obvious problems. The outdated design itself isn't a huge deal, but I genuinely can't understand the bathroom door's design – the handle pinches your hand, and the door doesn't close securely. For the price, the location is quite good. Within a few hundred meters' walk, you'll find Dengshikou Subway Station (Line 5) and Jinyukou Station (Line 8). Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is about a 15-minute walk away. I didn't use the hotel's breakfast. There are plenty of breakfast options on the way to Dengshikou Subway Station.
FromMXN1,909

Livefortuna Hotel

9.7/10Excellent5282 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
I chose the Beijing Fortune Hotel for my trip. It's on Yabao Road, only a 5-minute walk from Ritan Park, and just across the street from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It's conveniently located between Jianguomen and Chaoyangmen subway stations, making it super easy to get around. The hotel itself is beautifully decorated with a very grand and artistic vibe. From my city-view room, I could overlook the Guomao business district, and the views were fantastic. Breakfast was amazing – I just couldn't stop eating! The only slight downside was the soundproofing, which wasn't great, but it quieted down a lot after 11 PM, so I'd still say it was a perfect stay overall.
FromMXN1,316

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Family friendly

Manxin Hotel Beijing Tiananmen Wangfujing

9.5/10Outstanding7090 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
Great location, very close to the subway station, and within walking distance to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The front desk staff helped us get a queue number for Siji Minfu Roast Duck, which is right outside the hotel. When we woke up early for the flag-raising ceremony, the front desk also thoughtfully prepared breakfast for us. Our room was cleaned daily. The room size wasn't very big, and it would have been even better if the breakfast selection was more varied.
FromMXN1,455

Grand Metropark Hotel Beijing

9.6/10Excellent7260 Reviews
China International Exhibition Center Area Beijing|7.13km from city centre
The service was incredibly thoughtful. They upgraded my room during check-in, and I got to enjoy a beautiful night view of the Third Ring Road. The mattress was super comfortable, and the breakfast spread was generous. A big thanks to Chenchen at the front desk for her excellent service. Overall, it was a really great experience.
FromMXN1,366

CitiGO Hotel Sanyuanqiao Beijing

9.6/10Excellent13977 Reviews
China International Exhibition Center Area Beijing|7.52km from city centre
Cannot recommend this hotel enough, absolutely marvelous stay! The hotel is trendy, modern and unique. I'd say it's very suitable for a young crowd and families with young children. The hotel is located steps away from the airport express line to Beijing Capital Airport and subway line 10 making it highly accessible to the rest of the city. There's a shopping centre, Galleria, about a 2 minute walk away as well. The room isn't large, in my opinion, however it's a good size for 1 person. It's well lit and tastefully designed. There's a comfortable amount of space to open a full sized check-in suitcase. Slippers, towels, water, cups and a kettle are provided. There's a mini fridge with more water and pop. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided in the shower. The overall design is modern, clean and welcoming. The gym is spacious and well lit with many mirrors. It has the essentials to fit in a good workout while away from home. There are also complimentary mini water bottles in the gym. The laundry room is right next up the gym and very simple to use. There are 4 machines and you can actually check the use status on the television in your room. Wash your clothes first on the bottom machine, no need to add detergent, it's already built in. After the wash cycle, move your clothes up the dryer on top. The wash and dry cycle takes just under an hour. My clothes came out fresh and clean! The breakfast buffet is one of the best I've seen! There's an amazing selection of Chinese and Western food. Breakfast starts at 7am and there's plenty of seating. The only improvement I would recommend is adding a selection of tea. There's also complimentary dim sum every day at 10pm. Dumplings, sui mai, pork buns and red bean buns and tea are available in the lobby, perfect for when you're craving a little snack at night! One thing to note, that's not entirely within the hotel's control: although it's a non smoking hotel with No Smoking signs everywhere, some guests may ignore the signs and smoke anyways. There's a very faint, lingering trace of the smell of cigarettes in the bathroom due to the ventilation. It was VERY faint so it didn't bother me but I did notice it at times. There was also one morning I left the room and the entire floor REEKED of cigarettes. By the time I came back late in the afternoon, the smell had been cleared. The hotel seems very adept at handling this situation so it really did not impact my stay. However, if you are super sensitive to cigarette smoke, this may be something to be mindful of. Overall, amazing stay and I'd definitely come again!
FromMXN1,012

Park Inn by Radisson Beijing Tongzhou Universal Resort

9.5/10Outstanding12444 Reviews
Universal Beijing Resort and Sorrounding Beijing|22.5km from city centre
The room environment is good, the sheets are white, and the breakfast is delicious. It was pretty good, really, really good, genuinely tasty, and genuinely fun. The stay was comfortable, the environment was nice, no noise, very quiet.
FromMXN726

Kerry Hotel, Beijing

9.2/10Very Good2535 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.46km from city centre
The room was great, with beautiful views, and room service was also good. However, when I asked the front desk about the children's activities during Chinese New Year, they told me to ask the restaurant. The restaurant said they weren't sure either. For the sushi-making activity for kids, we were told during the sachet-making activity in the afternoon that we could join in the evening. But when we went to join later, they said we had to dine at the restaurant to participate. In the end, after staff went back and forth, we were finally allowed to join – it was quite chaotic. Neither the restaurant nor the room was warm; the air conditioning didn't help. Only after staff brought a space heater did the room warm up a bit. Overall, the service feels incomplete and needs improvement.
FromMXN2,480

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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: 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

  • 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.

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