Things to do in Beijing
Discover the best attractions and experiences Beijing has to offer
Historic Monuments
Beijing’s imperial past comes alive in grand palaces, temples, and ancient walls.
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, with grand halls, courtyards, and ceremonial spaces.
Temple of Heaven
A UNESCO site where emperors prayed for good harvests, set in a harmonious complex of halls and gardens.
Tiananmen Square
A monumental public square at the heart of Beijing, lined with important monuments and historic sites.
Summer Palace
A vast imperial retreat featuring a lake, palaces, bridges and lush landscaped gardens.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
One of the best-preserved sections with dramatic vistas and ancient watchtowers.
Museums
Beijing houses world-class museums with vast collections spanning ancient to modern times.
National Museum of China
A premier national museum showcasing Chinese history and culture.
Palace Museum
An immense collection of imperial treasures housed inside the former Forbidden City.
Beijing Capital Museum
Exhibits Beijing’s urban history, culture and ancient artifacts.
Beijing Museum of Natural History
Natural history exhibits featuring fossils, specimens and interactive displays.
Religious Monuments
Beijing hosts historic temples and mosques reflecting its diverse spiritual heritage.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Beijing’s largest Tibetan Buddhist temple, famed for its ornate halls and statue rooms.
Temple of Confucius and Guozijian
Historic Confucian temple and the former imperial academy with serene courtyards.
Niujie Mosque
Beijing’s oldest and most important mosque, reflecting Hui culture in the city.
White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan)
A renowned Taoist temple complex with centuries of tradition and tranquil grounds.
National & Theme Parks
Green spaces and world-class parks offer family-friendly escapes around the capital.
Beijing Olympic Park
Home to the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, a hub of architecture and outdoor spaces.
Beijing Happy Valley
A large, popular theme park with rides, shows, and family-friendly attractions.
Beijing Universal Resort
A major theme park with movie-inspired attractions and immersive experiences.
Shidu Nature Reserve
A scenic natural area in western Beijing with dramatic gorges and pine forests.
Neighborhoods
Live like a local by wandering Beijing’s lively districts and historic hutongs.
Nanluoguxiang
A historic hutong district filled with cafés, boutique shops and lively lanes.
Sanlitun
A modern, vibrant area known for bars, shops and international dining.
Houhai / Shichahai Area
A scenic lake district with old lanes, cafés and riverside atmosphere.
Qianmen & Dashilan'er
Historic shopping streets near the city center, with traditional shops and signage.
Free Things to Do
Beijing offers vibrant experiences you can enjoy without a ticket.
Tiananmen Square (free to visit)
Experience Beijing’s central public space and iconic surroundings at no cost.
Sunrise flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen
Watch the early-morning flag-raising ritual from designated public areas.
Hutong strolls
Wander ancient alleyways (hutongs) to glimpse daily life and traditional courtyards.
Gastronomy
Beijing’s flavors showcase imperial cuisine and street snacks.
Peking Duck
Crispy-skinned duck served with spring onion, sauce and pancakes.
Guo Qiao Mi Xian
Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles, a comforting noodle soup with rich toppings.
Zhajiangmian
Noodles topped with savory soybean paste and minced meat.
Jianbing
Street-side breakfast crepe filled with egg, herbs and crunchy bits.
Nightlife
Beijing’s after-dark scenes range from bustling bars to lakeside lounges.
Sanlitun nightlife
A lively hub of bars, clubs and late-night dining options.
Houhai bars and lakeside scene
Casual, scenic spots along the water with music and drinks.
Guijie (Ghost Street)
A famous street of late-night eateries and buzzing energy.
Entertainment
Beijing’s stage and show scene offers traditional to contemporary performances.
Peking Opera performance
Experience classic Chinese opera with stylized singing, costumes and masks.
Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatic Show
Dynamic acrobatics and stunning stage choreography.
National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg)
Architecturally iconic venue hosting concerts, operas and shows.
Red Theatre Kung Fu Show
A high-energy martial arts performance blending storytelling and action.
Sports
Iconic venues and active pursuits showcase Beijing’s sporting spirit.
National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) tour
Fan-friendly tour of the Olympic stadium complex and its architecture.
National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) tour
Explore the distinctive water-themed venue famous for its design.
Watch a Beijing Guoan match at Workers' Stadium
Experience a local football match and stadium vibe in the city.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the crowds to discover alternative corners of Beijing.
Panjiayuan Antique Market
A vast outdoor market offering antiquities, crafts and curiosities.
798 Art District
A storied cluster of galleries and studios in a repurposed factory district.
Longqing Gorge
A scenic day-trip with dramatic cliffs, boat rides and winter lights.
Simatai Great Wall (night section)
A seldom-visited stretch offering dramatic views and a unique evening experience.