Things to Do in Beijing
Plan your days in Beijing, your way
Start at Jingshan Park: climb the central hill for the view that explains Beijing's layout, the Forbidden City spreading north to south, the modern city beyond. Descend into the hutongs around Shichahai, where lake, bar, and temple share the same block, and lunch finds you without planning. The Summer Palace in afternoon light, boat or walk as energy allows, the marble boat ridiculous and beautiful both. Dinner somewhere recommended by someone met that day—Beijing rewards conversation. One evening early, one late; one famous site, one discovered by accident. The Wall if time permits, the markets if not. Stay flexible, stay curious, leave with one story that surprises you. Beijing is large enough to hold whatever you need from it.
Top attractions and places to eat in Beijing
Great Wall of China
The vast ancient fortification stretching across northern China, built over centuries to defend against invasions and now a symbol of the nation. Travelers visit its various sections to walk the ramparts and take in the mountainous landscape.
attraction · 4.4 rating · 45 CNY
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a vast imperial garden in Beijing featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and ornate palaces, pavilions, and a marble boat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of China's most celebrated classical landscape gardens.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 30 CNY
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO-listed complex of imperial religious buildings in Beijing, famed for the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests where emperors prayed for bountiful crops. It is a masterpiece of Ming-era architecture set within a large park.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 15 CNY
Great Wall of Badaling
The most famous and heavily visited section of the Great Wall of China, offering restored ramparts and watchtowers set in mountainous terrain northwest of Beijing. Travelers come for its accessibility and dramatic sweeping views of the wall snaking across ridgelines.
attraction · 4.6 rating
Jingshan Park
A hilltop imperial park directly north of the Forbidden City, offering the best elevated panoramic view over the palace complex and central Beijing. Travelers climb its peak for the sweeping skyline vista.
park · 4.6 rating
Forbidden City
The vast imperial palace complex that served as the seat of Chinese emperors for centuries, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of preserved rooms and treasures. Beijing's foremost historic landmark and a must-see for nearly every visitor.
attraction · 4.6 rating · 60 CNY
Tiananmen Square
One of the world's largest public squares in central Beijing, surrounded by monumental government buildings and historic landmarks. Travelers visit for its immense scale and central role in Chinese national history.
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Houhai
A scenic lake district surrounded by hutongs, bars, and restaurants, popular for strolling, boating, and evening nightlife. Travelers come for its blend of traditional atmosphere and lively lakeside scene.
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Beijing Bell and Drum Towers
A pair of historic towers in the old city that once told imperial time with their bells and drums, offering exhibits and views over surrounding hutong neighborhoods. Travelers visit for the drum performances and cityscape vistas.
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Lama Temple
A famous Tibetan Buddhist temple and monastery in Beijing, known for its ornate halls and a towering sandalwood Maitreya Buddha statue. Travelers visit for its active religious atmosphere and stunning architecture.
attraction · 25 CNY
Sanlitun
A trendy district known for its bars, nightlife, international boutiques, and dining, popular with both locals and expats. Travelers go for shopping, restaurants, and evening entertainment.
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Olympic Forest Park （South Gate）
A vast green park north of the Olympic complex with lakes, wetlands, and walking and cycling paths. Travelers come for relaxed outdoor recreation and nature within the city.
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Fragrant Hills Park （East Gate 2）
A large forested imperial garden park in Beijing's western hills, famous for its brilliant red maple foliage and scenic hilltop views. Travelers visit for hiking and autumn scenery.
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Confucius Temple and The Imperial College Museum
A historic temple complex honoring Confucius alongside China's former highest educational institution, featuring ancient stone tablets and imperial architecture. Travelers come for insight into Chinese scholarly and Confucian traditions.
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Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
A famous downtown shopping street lined with malls, shops, and food stalls. Travelers come for retail, snacks, and lively urban strolling.
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