Things To Do in Beijing, China

Beijing is the ideal destination for travelers seeking a genuine Chinese experience because it is a vibrant metropolis with a population of over 21 million and offers a distinctive combination of traditional and modern culture. The Forbidden City may be visited, the Great Wall can be hiked, local food can be tried in Beijing, and the historic hutongs can be explored. This vibrant city has plenty of things to do in Beijing, China.

It also serves as the nation’s leading transportation hub.  It is also the meeting point of the worlds that have existed and those that are currently attempting to come into being. Two distinct universes are in peaceful proximity to one another while still creating a stark contrast. Travelers from all over the world have been drawn to the city by its entire landscape, old and rich history, and towering structure. You will be mesmerised by vacationing in this enchanting city.

So, we have compiled a list of attractions in Beijing, offering opportunities to engage in adventure, culinary delights, and shopping. We have divided it into two parts to make it easier for you to plan and decide on the things you would like to experience in Beijing.

Top Beijing attractions

This enchanting city provides a lot of things to do in Beijing:-

• Great Wall of China
• Temple of Heaven
• National Museum of China
• Ming Dynasty Tombs
• Beijing Zoo
• Beijing Olympic Park
• Juyong Pass
• Prince Gong Mansion
• Beijing Botanical Garden
• National Library of China
• Marco Polo Bridge
• Temple of the sun
• Beijing Aquarium
• Monument to the people’s heroes
• The summer palace
• Beijing wildlife park
• Central radio and tv tower
• Yanqi lake
• Forbidden City
• Beihai Park
• Tiananmen Square
• Jingshan Park
• Guije street
• Wangfujing Avenue
• Shjinglong ski resort
• Today art museum
• Beijing Museum of natural history
• Hall of supreme harmony
• Meridian gate
• Kunming lake

Things to do in Beijing, China

Here you will find numerous things to do in Beijing:-

• Visit the Great Wall of China, the iconic landmark around the world.
• Explore the forbidden city, the UNESCO world heritage site, and the imperial palace complex.
• Discover the world’s largest public square, Tiananmen Square.
• Explore the Temple of Heaven, a religious temple with stunning architecture.
• Take a walk in the summer palace, a beautiful royal garden in the heart of China.
• Spend a day at Beijing Zoo and have a glimpse of giant pandas.
• Visit the Beijing national stadium, a remarkable architectural feat.
• Explore the 798 art district, a vibrant hub for contemporary art and culture of this enchanting nation.
• Take a long boat ride on Kunming Lake in the summer palace.
• Visit the most religious Lama temple, a significant Buddhist temple in the capital of China.
• Experience the most traditional Peking opera performances at the Liyuan Theatre.
•  Have the lively atmosphere of the Wangfujing shopping street.
• Explore China’s rich history and culture at the national museum of China.
• Roam in Beihai Park, an ancient imperial garden with a beautiful lake.
• Have a glimpse of Chinese art, history, and archeology at the Beijing  Capital Museum.
• Visit the Yonghe Temple, the most stunning Tibetan Buddhist temple in China.
• Take a stroll across the Summer Palace’s 17-Arch Bridge and past the Marble Boat.
• Shop at the Panjiayuan Antique Market for souvenirs and regional handicrafts.
• Visit the Beijing Ancient Observatory, one of the oldest astronomical observatories in existence.
• Find out more about Confucian culture and philosophy by seeing the Confucius Temple.
• Enjoy the picturesque surroundings by boating through the Shichahai Lakes.
• Experience a Chinese tea ceremony the old-fashioned way in a tea house.
• Explore the Beijing World Park to see models of well-known international landmarks.
• Wander around the ruins of the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) and its lovely gardens.
• Visit the Ming Tombs, the emperors’ final resting place, during a day tour.
• Discover the Beijing Botanical Garden and take in the tranquil greenery.
• Discover a diversity of marine life by visiting the Beijing Aquarium.
• Ride a bike around the parks or alongside the historic city walls.
• To observe the mount prayer altar, stroll around the temple of heaven.
• Have the best skiing experience at Shenglong ski resort.
• Discover Hutongs which are ancient Beijing’s charming, winding lanes that provide a window into the city’s fascinating past and distinctive local culture.

These are the some of the best selections of things to do in Beijing. There are also some places which you can visit for free such as the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, the national museum of China, and many more. It’s just that you need to double-check their opening and closing time and prices.

Apart from these, in Beijing, there is a site seeing Beijing where you can spot the best nightlife known for its neon lights, which are used to light up most of the downtown areas’ DJ dance clubs, club mix, Latte, and karaoke bars. Food preparation in Beijing follows ancient customs that incorporate regional Chinese culinary styles, from ingredients fit for royalty in Imperial Cuisine to the more “mysterious” components of a streetside Jianbing (savory pancake). 

Where to Stay

Beijing is a well-known travel destination in the world because of its stunning cultural sites, bright nightlife, great long history, and delectable Chinese traditional cuisine. There are several things to do in Beijing which is something that we just cannot overlook.

Therefore, Beijing has a lot of things to do in Beijing that offer classic top hotels in Beijing that will make you feel at home. So, whether you are traveling alone, with your special one, family, or friends. The best hotels in Beijing have everything that you want. So, if you are concerned about where to stay in Beijing then don’t be. Because from luxurious hotels to budgetary hotels, here you will find your best hotels at reasonable prices.

For more details, you can read our article here on the best hotels in Beijing, China where you can find budgetary hotels to luxurious hotels in Beijing.

How to reach Beijing, China

Beijing is a significant hub for international travel, with excellent accessibility by air, sea, and land. These are the main methods for getting to Beijing, China:-

By Air

Beijing is served by two significant international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). There are several connections from these airports to important cities all over the world. A flight to Beijing can be purchased through a number of foreign carriers.

By Train

Beijing is easily accessible by train if you are coming from China or one of its neighboring nations. The city of Beijing is home to a number of train stations, including Beijing Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, and Beijing South Railway Station. Beijing is a convenient and beautiful travel option because high-speed trains link it to important Chinese cities.

By Road

Beijing may be reached by long-distance buses from a number of Chinese cities as well as certain foreign locations. Two significant bus terminals in the city are Beijing Liuliqiao and Beijing Sihui. Beijing is well-connected to the national highway system if you’d prefer to drive or rent a private vehicle. But be aware that traffic congestion can be severe, especially around rush hour.

It is important to confirm visa requirements, travel restrictions, and other necessary paperwork for admission into China before departing for Beijing as these regulations are subject to change.

How to get around in Beijing, China

Due to its size and the things to do in Beijing, it offers a wide range of transportation choices to make getting about easier:

Beijing boasts a robust and effective subway system, making it one of the most practical ways to move around the city. The majority of the key sights, business districts, and residential neighborhoods are covered. Typically, there are both Chinese and English versions of all signs and announcements. It will be more convenient to use a rechargeable transportation card (such as a Beijing Transportation Smart Card or Yikatong) when taking the metro. In addition, easy ways to get around Beijing include buses, taxis, bike-sharing systems, and private cabs.

While visiting Beijing, it is advisable to examine the most recent travel advice and cautions from reliable sources before making travel arrangements to Beijing. This is due to the possibility that the regulations might change.

Neighboring destinations to Beijing, China

Beijing, a city in the middle of China, provides a number of nearby locations that are great for day trips or quick vacations. Here are a few well-known locations close to Beijing:

• Chengde:- About 250 kilometers northeast of Beijing, Chengde is well-known for the Chengde Mountain Resort, an imperial summer retreat. A peaceful getaway from the city is offered by this UNESCO World Heritage site’s expansive gardens, lakes, palaces, and temples.
• Tianjin:- A bustling port city with a rich history and several cultural attractions, is located about 120 kilometers southeast of Beijing. Here you can discover the Tianjin Ancient Cultural Street, go to the Italian Style Town, or ride the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel to get a bird’s-eye view of the city. 
• Datong:- About 300 km west of Beijing, in the Yungang Grottoes, Datong is renowned for its ancient Buddhist cave art. Numerous elaborately carved statues are in the thousands at this UNESCO World Heritage site. In addition, you can go to Hengshan Mountain nearby and Hanging Monastery.
• Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan):- It is a picturesque location in Beijing’s west noted for its colorful fall foliage. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Fragrant Hills Park offers lovely hiking routes, pavilions, and temples.
• Longqing Gorge:- It is a scenic place renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, located around 80 kilometers northwest of Beijing. Here you can enjoy boat trips on the Xiangshui River, the dragon palace below, and the beautiful rock formations.
• Shidu Scenic Area:- It is located around 100 kilometers southwest of Beijing, and is renowned for its stunning river and canyon views. Discover the nearby old villages and go river rafting or trekking among the cliffs. 

These close-by locations are great for day trips or quick short trips from Beijing because they are simple to get there by rail, bus, or private vehicle. You can explore the many things to do in Beijing with its combination of historical landmarks, scenic attractions, and cultural activities.

China’s vibrant capital city offers a wealth of experiences and plenty of things to do in Beijing for visitors. Do not forget to share your experience with us in the comment box.