Beijing, the wonderful capital of the People’s Republic of China, is on every avid traveler’s wishlist. There are plenty of things to do in Beijing. It is indeed a dream destination for many, and it is the gem of Asia. 

China may find itself in occasional rifts against world powers like the United States, but for travelers who simply want to experience this magical country and its cities, the rifts are put aside. 

However, travelers would also say that visiting China is not the easiest thing around. For instance, getting a visa is considered more challenging than the processes in other countries. But once everything is set and you’re ready to fly to this East Asian country, the experience will be unlike any other. 

From an ancient walled capital to a bustling megacity in just a short period of time, Beijing weaves a stunning fabric that speaks about triumph, endurance, resilience, and innovation. Get to know more about the city in this ultimate things to do in Beijing guide.

The Best And Most Magical Things To Do In Beijing

Beijing is a city unlike no other. Discover the best things to do in Beijing right now. 

1. Tour The Great Wall Of China, The World Icon

Many of those who visit China say they’re here for the Great Wall of China. True enough, this landmark is a wonder, a world icon. The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications constructed all across the historical northern borders of Chinese states during the ancient times and Imperial China to protect the empire from various nomadic invaders from the Eurasian Steppe. Yes, the iconic animated movie “Mulan” opened featuring the Great Wall. 

When it was built during the Ming dynasty, its most well-preserved section was around almost 9,000 kilometers. But today, the total span of all the sections of the Great Wall is about 21,200 kilometers. So, practically speaking, you cannot tour the entirety of the Great Wall of China. Rather, only parts of it. 

The closest portion of the Great Wall to Beijing is the Badaling Great Wall. This is beautiful and impressive, and it is enough for you to take in the wonders of the Great Wall. But, since it is very popular, expect large crowds. Badaling Great Wall is accessible by local and tourist buses.

2. Feast Your Eyes On The Forbidden City

Another landmark that travelers to China look forward to is the Forbidden City. Enclosed by citadel walls at the very heart of China’s capital, this UNESCO-listed destination is the country’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings. 

Filled with so much history, this beautiful Forbidden City was the reclusive home to two dynasties of Imperial China, sharing over 900 buildings with a set of eunuchs, concubines, and servants, until the Republic (no, not Star Wars) overthrew the last Qing emperor during the early 20th century.

There are so many things to do in Beijing while you are here at the Forbidden City. If you have plenty of travel time, it is recommended that you take a full-day tour. Many visitors focus their energies on the highlights, the ceremonial halls and parade grounds taking up the central axis in the outer court of the Forbidden City. 

But, if you wish for more thrills, explore the labyrinth of courtyard and halls laid out on the central axis’ either side, and head over to above the walls for aerial views of the Forbidden City.

3. Escape The Urban Bustle And Have Peace Of Mind At Temple Of Heaven

Another historical landmark to visit while you’re in Beijing is the Temple of Heaven. But this place is different from the rest because it offers a tranquil recluse to tourists who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

The Temple of Heaven is also a complex, but of imperial religious buildings. Located in the southeastern portion of central Beijing, this complex used to be visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for prayer ceremonies for a bountiful harvest. 

Today, tourists love its green spaces that offer them a peaceful asylum away from the craze of the urban world. Include visiting the Zhaoheng Gate and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests on your things to do in Beijing list. 

Plus, it is easy to reach the Temple of Heaven. Simply get off the subway at Tiantan Dongmen.

Welcome to our “things to do in Beijing” article. China is a lovely country. Learn more about its other cities: Best Photography Spots In Shanghai

4. See The Summer Palace, Home To China’s Largest Imperial Garden

Another perfect retreat when you want to get away from the bustle of city life is the Summer Palace (you can notice that peaceful retreats are abundant in Beijing). Well, they serve a purpose, even if you consult history. 

The home of the largest imperial garden in China, the Summer Palace used to be a royal retreat for emperors who wanted to flee the suffocating summer temperatures of the old imperial city. And, interestingly, this was also the retirement playground of Empress Dowager Cixi, the infamous concubine who later became a regent and controlled the Chinese government during the Qing dynasty for 50 years. 

When you’re here at the Summer Palace, peruse the place during the morning or afternoon, and explore its waterways, bridges, pavilions, and temples. Don’t forget to take the best photos. This is one of the things to do in Beijing never to miss.

5. View The Epochal Portrait Of Chairman Mao At Tiananmen Square – Yes, Where A Bloodshed In 1989 Happened

Otherwise referred to as the “Gate of Heavenly Peace,” Tiananmen Square has been a beautiful gate in the wall of the Imperial City built during the rule of the Ming dynasty in the 15th century. However, history is witness that this place is also the site of a massacre that happened in 1989.

In what is known as the Tiananmen Square Massacre, troops armed with assault rifles and joined by tanks fired at the protesters and those attempting to block the military’s advance into Tiananmen Square. These protesters were revolting against the Chinese government then.

But set aside your fears, especially that everything that happened that time has already been cleared, of course. Just like the Red Square in Moscow and St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, China’s Tiananmen Square is one of the world’s most famous public spaces. 

Today, it is known for the portrait of Chairman Mao emblazoned on it as a symbol of Beijing. If you visit here, you’ll realize that it is a plain sight (as it is a gate), but you’ll want to see it for the surrounding attractions, such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People situated on its edges.

6. Visit The Bird’s Nest, One Of The Venues Of The Beijing Olympics

China performs well in sports, especially in the Olympics. In many editions of this worldwide sporting event, you can see the country as one of the frontrunners on the medal tally. Not only this, but China has also hosted the Olympics twice, the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Olympics (think of the several other countries that have not even hosted the Olympics). So, what better way to make your things to do in Beijing more unforgettable and meaningful than to see the Olympic venues for yourself?

Start off with the Bird’s Nest. Named such because its architectural design resembles a bird’s nest, this stadium can accommodate 80,000 people. Then, complete your tour by visiting the Olympic Park, where you can find the National Aquatics Center and the Olympic Forest Park.

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7. Wander Around The Hutongs (Not Many People Actually Know Them)

Situated in Beijing’s Sichahong District, the Hutongs of the city are a must-visit. To give you a background, hutongs are alleyways formed by lines of siheyuan or traditional courtyard residences. 

Interestingly enough, these hutongs were almost destroyed by authorities to give way to skyscrapers and newer developments. However, some were instead spared and the last hutongs are now protected lands waiting for travelers to explore. 

There are so many things to do in Beijing at the hutongs. You can get lost wandering its streets, and there are several eateries, museums, and hotels scattered throughout the hutongs. It will certainly give you a unique experience.

8. Explore The Hutongs By Riding A Rickshaw

You can walk around the hutongs, or you can amplify your experience by taking a rickshaw tour around these alleys. Rickshaws are a popular mode of transport in China. They were a vital element in urban development during the 1900s in this East Asian country. Aside from being a mode of transportation, rickshaws have also become a source of employment for the rickshaw drivers and a facilitating system for migrant workers. 

Once you take a hutong tour on a rickshaw, you can weave your way around the charming streets and old alleys. Clamber into this traditional mode of transport, discover the Beijing alternative’s side, see locals going about their daily lives, and marvel at the city’s spectacular sights.

9. Watch Chinese Opera 

Opera is a form of theatrical performance that mainly features music performed by singers. Yes, you’ll think of the high notes. While opera is a significant part of Western classical music tradition, there is a variant of this performance that’s quite unique anywhere in the world – in China. 

Chinese opera is highly regarded as a national symbol. It mixes speaking, singing, and farce. And the costumes and makeup are quite outrageous. 

The traditional form of Chinese opera was first created in the Anhui province to entertain the Gods. Today, it is a well-known form of performing arts, mixing various traditional art forms that include ancient literature, and traditional Chinese dances and music, even as well as martial arts like kung fu. 

In Beijing, some of the best places to watch Chinese opera are at the Liyuan Theater, Chang’an Grand Theater, and Beijing Opera Theater. Definitely one of the must-experience things to do in Beijing.

Aside from guides like this “things to do in Beijing” piece, we also feature the best photography spots in the world, such as this. 

10. Learn China’s History At The Capital Museum

Learning about a country’s history will always be part of traveling to that place, even if you try to avoid it. If you participate in tours, the tour guides would inject stories from history. And in Beijing, you can learn about China’s history at the five-story Beijing Capital Museum.

The Beijing Capital Museum may relatively be a new museum, but it never disappoints. Displayed here are tens of thousands of paintings, relics, vessels, and many other items from history the museum has acquired. Plus, it is also technologically advanced, having flat panel screens installed in various places and 3D videos being shown. They will definitely uplift your museum experience here.

11. Shop And Be Ready To Bargain At Silk Street

Another thing that is popular in China is silk. You may be familiar with the Silk Road, an ancient trade route that linked China to the West, and carried goods and ideas between the great civilizations of China and Rome. As silk went westward, gold, silver, and wool traveled east. China also was influenced by Christianity and Indian Buddhism via this Silk Road. 

If you are looking for the best silk products in Beijing, you can find them at Silk Street, also known as Xiushui Street. It pays tribute to China’s silk culture that its third floor has a silk museum. 

Located in the vibrant Chaoyang District of Beijing, Silk Street offers not just silk, but also knock-off handbags, sunglasses, watches, and more. If you are shopping here, don’t forget to bargain. You can walk away with half the price of the product you are buying if you know the way.

12. Embark On A Private Night Tour Of Beijing

The best time to visit Beijing’s historical retreats may be during the morning or afternoon. But, when the night falls, Beijing becomes a totally different monster. There’s no better way to see the city and enjoy the things to do in Beijing at night in a car. 

Take this private night tour of Beijing, treating you to the best views and the sights and the lights without struggling to find a transport to bring you to the destination. This tour also follows a fixed itinerary that features photo stops where you can take beautiful snapshots of everything ancient and modern, from the Forbidden City to the Olympic Park.

We’re sure you loved this “things to do in Beijing” piece. But wait, we got more for you. 

Things To Do In Beijing: Essential Travel Tips

We want you to make the most of the things to do in Beijing. So, we are presenting right here some essential travel tips that you should know before you go. Read on.

• Make sure to get your Chinese visa. There are so far only three countries that offer visa-free travel to China – Singapore, Japan, and Brunei.
• Download a language translation app to beat the language barrier. 
• While bringing cash is still not passé, digital payments are quite huge in China right now, particularly in Beijing. The main payment systems in Beijing are AliPay and WeChatPay. 
• Don’t drink the water coming from the taps. The drinkability of tap water in China, not just in Beijing, is very poor. 
• If you are planning to visit Beijing in time for the Chinese New Year, be prepared for the massive crowds.

Beijing Is The Heart Of Asia

China is Asia’s stereotype. When you think of the Asian continent, the first that would come to your mind are the Chinese people. 

When you think about China, you would perhaps think about Disney’s “Mulan.” Sure, Mulan’s home is this country, and while pop culture is a great reference, know that there is so much more about China – especially its capital, Beijing – than it meets the eye. 

Aside from being the capital of China, Beijing is regarded as one of the most important political and cultural centers of this East Asian country. Its history spans almost three millennia, from the dynasties to the present-day Communist rule. 

Some of the best places to visit and things to do in Beijing are visiting the Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Tiananmen Square, the site of Mao Zedong’s mausoleum.

Your trip to Beijing is like seeing two worlds, the ancient and the modern, so you better get the best of those worlds. Everything about this city, its rich history coinciding with its modern skyscrapers, has attracted travelers from all over the world.

So, seize the moment, and explore this Chinese city. Without a doubt, Beijing is the heart of Asia.

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