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

9.1/10Good6649 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.55km from city centre
This stay was absolutely fantastic! The hotel was spotless, and I loved that the disposable toothbrushes were already in the bathroom, no need to pick them up at the front desk. The room was spacious and well-designed. This is definitely my go-to hotel every time I visit Beijing! A special shout-out to the bathrobes and slippers – they were incredibly comfortable! Breakfast was still mostly Western, and aside from the milk, everything was perfectly to my taste!
FromNZD 258
9.2/10Very Good13042 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.52km from city centre
My stay this time was absolutely wonderful, and I have to give a special shout-out to Leah at the front desk! I arrived in the evening to check in and wanted to change the floor of my reserved room. Leah patiently helped me check for available room types, and all my pre-noted requests were properly taken care of. The room was clean and spacious, high up and very quiet, with a great view. The bedding was comfortable, ensuring a sound sleep. The welcome amenities were thoughtfully prepared, and the in-room supplies were plentiful. The only minor downside was that the room facilities weren't great, but everything else was fine.
FromNZD 178
8.8/105901 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.64km from city centre
This hotel offers pretty good value for money, with an excellent location and affordable prices. While the facilities are a bit old, they are well-maintained. However, the customer service and the female front desk staff were quite subpar. They were unwilling to offer room upgrades or late check-outs, which was disappointing. I hope they improve, as it would be a shame to waste such a great location and the efforts of most of the other staff members.
FromNZD 180
9.3/10Very Good5268 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.7km from city centre
Had a wonderful stay at JEN Beijing by Shangri La! We were here for leisure. A big thank you especially to Paul Lee from the Concierge team. He was already helping me even before I arrived in Beijing and continued to take really good care of us during our stay. He also helped to arrange a birthday cake, which was such a nice touch and made the celebration even more special. Really appreciate how responsive and helpful he was whenever we needed anything. We also absolutely loved our room! The view was amazing, directly facing the CCTV Headquarters towers. It was exactly the view I was hoping for and honestly even nicer in person. Location was convenient, room was comfortable and clean, and the whole Concierge team was friendly and helpful. But Paul really made the stay extra memorable for us. You can tell he genuinely cares about the guests and not just doing his job. Thank you Paul and the JEN Beijing team for taking such good care of us. We had a really enjoyable stay and will definitely choose JEN again when we are back in Beijing! ❤️
FromNZD 276
9.4/10Outstanding6084 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.
FromNZD 171

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Business travel

9.1/10Good10576 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|0.86km from city centre
The Beijing New Otani Hotel is an established five-star hotel in Beijing, boasting a prime location near a subway station and a wide array of dining options, including Wangfujing. The hotel itself offers a buffet and a Chinese restaurant. Overall, the hotel is well-maintained. In our room, the shower had excellent water pressure and drained quickly. The bedding was soft, and most importantly, the service was exceptionally friendly. We were in a hurry to check out and accidentally left our charger and important cards in the room. Manager Wang Zhaofeng immediately helped us search for them, responding promptly and quickly sending us photos of the found items, which instantly put our minds at ease. She then arranged for expedited shipping to mail them back to us. This kind of heartfelt service, anticipating and addressing guests' urgent needs, is truly commendable. We visited the hotel's breakfast restaurant once, and the variety was extensive, with excellent taste, quality, and freshness. The restaurant service was also timely and enthusiastic, leaving us very satisfied, especially the excellent service from Runze and Xiao Cai Gege. The superior service from these staff members truly enhanced our stay.
FromNZD 128
9.4/10Outstanding11303 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.25km from city centre
The hotel was in a great central location. We loved the smart controls in the room which help with lighting and opening the curtains from the bedside. The rooms only downsides were a funny smell specific to our room from behind the fridge and the bathroom door which stuck so hard it needed to be pulled shut and made a lid noise when doing so, some oil should resolve this! Unfortunately when we arrived at 4:15pm from London our room was not ready which was very disappointing after a long trip. We had to wait another hour and go into the city to kill the time. Also everyone should note this hotel has one lift and no stairs, for a hotel with this many rooms this is simply not good enough. The staff use the same lift as does the cute delivery robot. This meant we spent way too much of our time existing for the elevator to down and up. Given we were on the floor above reception this would have been unnecessary if the stairs were accessible. This was a major issue for us and was the only thing that spoiled the stay. Other than this all was great.
FromNZD 135
9/10Good6502 Reviews
Qianmen (Front Gate) and Chongwenmen Commercial Area Beijing|1.02km from city centre
This hotel left a fantastic impression on me. Its location is superb, just a one or two-minute walk from the Chongwenmen subway exit. There's a shopping mall right downstairs, making it convenient for shopping and dining. Attractions like the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and Wangfujing are only about a 20-minute walk away. The lobby has a very chic, Shanghai-style concept, and the night bar is perfect for socializing and relaxing. The breakfast offered a refined and extensive selection of both Chinese and Western dishes, and there's even a separate bakery. The guest rooms were impeccably clean, and the mattress was just the right firmness, ensuring a very comfortable sleep. The latex pillows were the absolute best – I slept like a baby [smirk]. The staff were friendly and approachable, patiently answering all my questions about local attractions. The breakfast spread was rich and varied, with both Chinese and Western options, and the dining environment was well-organized. It's clear the hotel prioritizes guest experience; communication was smooth, and any minor issues were resolved immediately. The thoughtful and attentive service made me feel incredibly welcome. I'll definitely prioritize staying here again on my next visit to Beijing. Highly recommended! 👍🏻
FromNZD 126
8.7/101765 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.
FromNZD 135
9.6/10Excellent5826 Reviews
East Second Ring Workers' Stadium Area Beijing|2.95km from city centre
Overall, it's excellent and offers great value for money. For those planning to book, keep an eye on the price fluctuations. I always feel that people on Ctrip don't share many photos, so I took a few extra to give everyone a better idea of the place.
FromNZD 133

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Family friendly

9.5/10Outstanding7008 Reviews
Tian'Anmen Square and Wangfujing Area Beijing|1.28km from city centre
This Manxin Hotel is in an excellent location, making it very convenient for visiting the Forbidden City, the National Museum, and Tiananmen Square when touring Beijing. There are also plenty of dining options nearby. The room size was just right, and the facilities were quite new, with a super large and bright TV screen – though we didn't watch it much as we were busy sightseeing. The highlight was the excellent service. When we first checked in, we felt the second floor was a bit too low, and after discussing it with the front desk, they immediately moved us to the fourth floor. The fifth floor has laundry facilities, which was also very convenient. The breakfast was quite good, offering Chinese, Western, and Beijing specialties. We stayed here for five nights, and every time we entered or left, the staff, including the cleaning crew, greeted us. Highly recommended!
FromNZD 141
9.4/10Outstanding12278 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.
FromNZD 79
9.2/10Very Good2564 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|4.46km from city centre
This time, we opted Club Deluxe giving us access to the lounge on the 18th floor. Our children were not the only minors but the club access maintained a professional atmosphere. The choice for afternoon tea was plenty and breakfast mimics the big buffet. Ask for a room with a view of the CGTN building, it’s stunning! Our room was 1625
FromNZD 236
9.2/10Very Good1015 Reviews
Communication University of China, Guanzhuang Area Beijing|15.73km from city centre
The room was clean, tidy, and odorless. I always stay here when I'm on a business trip because it's close to the subway and surrounded by a whole street of Halal restaurants. The front desk staff were warm and accommodating. Their breakfast is also excellent, with a wide variety of self-service options.
FromNZD 45
9.6/10Excellent6458 Reviews
Guomao Area Beijing|2.63km from city centre
The environment is beautiful, although the swimming pool is a bit small. But it wasn't crowded, which was nice. The room was also very new, and the kids loved it. The bed was large, a 2.2m bed, and very comfortable to sleep in. It rained at night so we didn't go out and instead had the seafood buffet. We even got to scoop our own seafood, which the kids found fun and unique. For the seafood buffet, my child even said that the chocolate and ice cream cake, which came out last around 8 PM, were the best things they ate. The concierge was very thoughtful, helping to receive a delivery, even unpacking it and bringing it up, and also helping with luggage. Getting a taxi to Wangfujing took only 15 minutes, which was very convenient.
FromNZD 173

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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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