Things to do in Beijing

Activities, attractions and tours

Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City which includes a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beijing which includes a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Olympic Park which includes modern architecture
Dongcheng - Wangfujing which includes heritage elements and a statue or sculpture
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Most popular experiences in Beijing

Tours & day trips

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MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options from Beijing

MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options from Beijing

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 13 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €21 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets

4-Hour Small Group Tour to Forbidden City with Entry Tickets

Activity duration is 4 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 16 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €13 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch

Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €67 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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Yuxiandu Chinese Royal Cuisine Museum with Show and Royal Banquet

Yuxiandu Chinese Royal Cuisine Museum with Show and Royal Banquet

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is €117 per adult
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Attractions

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Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 23 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €8 per adult
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What to do in Beijing

Popular places to visit

Wangfujing Street which includes a city and street scenes

Wangfujing Street

4/5(46 reviews)

Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.

Wangfujing Street
Forbidden City showing heritage architecture, a lake or waterhole and a river or creek

Forbidden City

4.5/5(68 reviews)

This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

Forbidden City
Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

4.5/5(2 reviews)

After visiting Great Wall of China, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Huairou. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Great Wall of China
Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

4/5(70 reviews)

One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

Tiananmen Square
Great Wall of China Juyongguan showing a monument, heritage elements and night scenes

Great Wall of China

5/5(2 reviews)

See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.

Great Wall of China
Sanlitun Road

Sanlitun Road

4/5(7 reviews)

During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Sanlitun Road
Temple of Heaven featuring a city, a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Temple of Heaven

4.5/5(52 reviews)

Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.

Temple of Heaven
Summer Palace featuring heritage elements

Summer Palace

4.5/5(53 reviews)

This idyllic public park was once the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty. It houses the iconic Boat of Purity and Ease.

Summer Palace
The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum

4.5/5(23 reviews)

You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

The Palace Museum

Areas of Beijing

Temple of Heaven showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship

Downtown Beijing

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
National Museum of China featuring signage

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Mingrui Mansion or Wangfujing Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Wangfujing Shopping Area
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

Explore the eclectic commercial street and its enormous mall amid the fascinating sights in the heart of Beijing’s historic center.

Dongcheng
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Chaoyang

Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Temple of the Sun or The Place while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Chaoyangmen Station to get around town.

Chaoyang
Summer Palace showing heritage elements and a river or creek

Haidian

Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Spacious Pavilion and Summer Palace are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
Dong Hua Men Night Market

Dongdan

Visitors to Dongdan love its popular shops, and you can check out Mingrui Mansion and Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dengshikou Station.

Dongdan
Tianjin

Tianjin

Frequently asked questions

Is Beijing worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Beijing. While you're here, head to Wangfujing Street, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Beijing?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then, tour other areas of Beijing for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Beijing?
The top tourist attraction in Beijing is Wangfujing Street, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Beijing?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, including Wangfujing Street, Forbidden City and The Palace Museum. The average stay in Beijing is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Daxing isn't far away.
Is Beijing a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Beijing is a good destination to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then take a stroll around Dongcheng, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Wangfujing Shopping Area, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Beijing with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Beijing with kids.

What to do in Beijing for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Beijing for adults including Sanlitun Road and Qianmen Street.
Are there free things to do in Beijing?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Beijing is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wangfujing Street is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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