Things to do · Beijing, China
Things to Do in Beijing
Scan the list, tap + on what you love, and watch your Beijing days take shape on the right.
- Getting there
- Beijing is served by two major hubs: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), roughly 25 km from the city centre, and the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), about 45 km away, both reachable by expressway or the Airport Line subway in under an hour. High‑speed rail links the city to Shanghai, Guangzhou and other major hubs, while provincial highways provide convenient car access from surrounding regions.
- Who goes
- The capital welcomes on the order of three hundred million visitors each year, the vast majority being domestic travellers drawn by history, culture and business. International tourists, numbering a few million, tend to arrive in spring and autumn when the weather is mild; the coldest months see the quietest streets and shorter queues at the big sites.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveller can expect to spend roughly 300–500 CNY per day (about $45–$70), while a more comfortable pace often runs 800–1,200 CNY (approximately $115–$175), with lodging and dining at mid‑range restaurants taking up the biggest share. Using the extensive metro network and enjoying street‑food staples such as jianbing or dumplings is a reliable way to stretch the budget. Estimate →
Great Wall of China
attraction · 4.4 rating · 45 CNY
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.
Summer Palace
attraction · 4.6 rating · 30 CNY
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.
Temple of Heaven
attraction · 4.6 rating · 15 CNY
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.
Great Wall of Badaling
attraction · 4.6 rating
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.
Jingshan Park
park · 4.6 rating
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.
Forbidden City
attraction · 4.6 rating · 60 CNY
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.
Tiananmen Square
attraction
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.
乾清宫
attraction
The Palace of Heavenly Purity, a grand hall within the Forbidden City that served as the emperor's residence and audience hall. Travelers view it for its imperial architecture and historic significance.
北京杜莎夫人蜡像馆
attraction
The Beijing branch of Madame Tussauds, a wax museum featuring lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons. Travelers visit to pose with realistic wax replicas of famous personalities.
玉渊潭公园
attraction
A scenic lakeside park in western Beijing famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. Travelers visit to enjoy the water views, walking paths, and seasonal flower displays.
Aye Gallery
gallery
A commercial art gallery in Beijing exhibiting contemporary Chinese art. A quiet stop for collectors and art enthusiasts.
Baihuayuan
attraction
A local garden and market area in Beijing offering green space and everyday neighborhood atmosphere. Appeals to travelers wanting a low-key local experience.
Bat Hall
attraction
A lesser-known cultural or historic hall in Beijing. Of interest to travelers exploring off-the-radar local sites.
Beihai Park
park · 10 CNY
A historic imperial garden centered on a large lake with a white dagoba on Jade Islet, dating back centuries as a royal retreat. Travelers come to stroll, boat and enjoy classical Chinese landscape design.
A.C Art Museum
museum
A contemporary art museum in Beijing showcasing modern exhibitions and installations. Suited to visitors interested in current art and design.
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