Things To Do
in Beijing
Beijing blends imperial grandeur with modern ambition, where red-walled temples sit beside glass-skinned towers. The city’s history spans dynasties, yet it hums with contemporary art, tech hubs, and lively street life. It’s a destination of grand sightlines—from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall—paired with vibrant markets and a dynamic nightlife.
The air can be smoky and the streets crowded, but the hospitality and cultural richness make it unforgettable.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey with a smooth arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, where vibrant signage and courteous staff set the tone. Transfer to your centrally located hotel to drop off luggage and freshen up before exploring. Wander through the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City, marveling at crimson walls and shimmering roof tiles that whisper imperial secrets.
Pause for a sumptuous Peking duck lunch at a nearby restaurant, letting crispy skin and tender meat melt on your tongue. Stroll through Jingshan Park, ascending its emerald hilltop pavilion for sweeping panoramas of the palace complex laid out below. Immerse yourself in the imperial garden’s tranquility, admiring ancient pavilions framed by blossoming trees.
As dusk falls, head to Houhai, the historic lake district alive with lantern-lit bars and traditional courtyard houses. Paddle a wooden boat across the calm water or meander along narrow alleys lined with cozy tea houses. Let melodies of live music drift through the night as you unwind beside flickering reflections on the lake’s surface.
Rise before dawn to explore the Temple of Heaven, watching local tai chi practitioners move gracefully beneath soaring archways. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, its azure tiles glimmering in morning light. Let the serene gardens and winding corridors guide you through centuries of imperial ritual.
Refuel with a dim sum feast in a teahouse brimming with fragrant steam and clinking tea cups. Dive into bargain hunting at the Silk Market, weaving through bustling stalls draped in colorful silks, accessories, and souvenirs. Hone your haggling skills as vendors display embroidered treasures and handcrafted trinkets.
Venturing to Sanlitun, the city’s vibrant nightlife hub, discover neon-lit streets lined with bustling bars and international eateries. Sip craft cocktails in a rooftop lounge while the urban skyline shimmers below. Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan pulse of Beijing after dark.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚇One-ride subway ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-150 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $2-5 |
| 🎫Museum or attraction ticket | $5-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant history and architecture
- World-class cuisine and dining scenes
- Excellent public transport (subway) and walkable central zones
- Rich mix of ancient sites and modern landmarks
- Air quality can be variable
- Crowded tourist sites and heavy traffic
- Language barrier in non-tourist areas unless you know some Mandarin
- Touristy areas can be pricey
- "你好" - Hello
- "谢谢" - Thank you
- "多少钱？" - How much is this?
- "洗手间在哪里？" - Where is the restroom?
- "你会说英语吗？" - Do you speak English?
- "请给我点菜" - I would like to order
Places to Visit in Beijing
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic wide-open space with the Gate of Heavenly Peace; captures long lines, early pedestrians, and grand vistas as light hits the walls.
Majestic courtyards and red walls provide powerful symmetry and golden roofs for broad-angle and detail shots.
Circular prayer hall and surrounding grounds offer dramatic geometric lines and seasonal colors.
Lakes, bridges, and pavilions set against forested hills—great for reflections and landscape photography.
Towered ramparts along misty mountains; sweeping panoramas ideal for expansive landscape photography.
Iconic modern architecture with bold lines; striking silhouettes at dawn or dusk.
Food in Beijing
Beijing Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Crispy-skinned roasted duck served with pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and sweet bean sauce. Best experienced at Da Dong or Quanjude.
Must-Try!
Noodles topped with a rich soybean paste, minced pork, and fresh vegetables.
Sweet and sour pork with a light, crisp batter.
Street-style savory crepe with egg, scallions, cilantro, and crunchy wonton pieces.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling stretch of stalls offering skewers, candied fruits, roasted chestnuts, and other bite-sized Beijing treats.
Historic alleyways filled with small eateries serving jianbing, baozi, and skewers amid traditional courtyards.
Various nightly pop-ups around central Beijing offer hot pot, noodle bowls, and local snacks well into the evening.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Line up patiently and greet with a nod or light bow; address people by surname with a respectful title in formal settings.
Avoid loud conversations in temples; do not point with feet; handle relics and artwork with care; show respect to elders.
Use chopsticks properly; avoid sticking them upright in a bowl; present gifts with both hands when appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in Beijing
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most places; some international hotels and high-end restaurants may add a service charge.
Cash (RMB) is widely accepted; mobile payments via Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate in urban areas; credit cards are accepted in many places but not everywhere.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming trees; brief windy spells—bring a light jacket and sunscreen.
Hot and humid with occasional rain showers; stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies; excellent for outdoor sightseeing and photography.
Cold, dry air with possible snowfall; layer up and protect cameras from condensation.
Beijing at Night
Hiking in Beijing
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic restored sections with watchtowers and manageable trails about 60-90 minutes from central Beijing.
Less crowded Great Wall section offering impressive watchtowers and longer hikes.
Forested trails with city views, particularly stunning in autumn.
Airports
How to reach Beijing by plane.
Main international gateway located northeast of the city; connected by the Airport Express, subway, and high-speed train lines.
Newer southern airport with extensive domestic and international flights; well-connected by high-speed rail and metro links.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Beijing’s urban core.
Smaller communities including Hui, Manchu, and other groups in city districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A beloved sport across ages; many clubs and public courts in city parks.
Popular in schools and community centers; street courts in parks.
Widely played; common in community centers and clubs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Beijing.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Beijing offers many veggie options—order tofu, mushrooms, and greens; ask for no meat stock; look for 素 (sù) on menus and request vegetable-based dishes.