Things to do in Beijing

Activities, attractions and tours

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A traditional Chinese building with a multi-tiered roof and red doors.
The Great Wall of China with tourists walking along its steep, stone steps.
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Things to do

Join our English-speaking local guide for a culinary adventure in Beijing and savor the flavors of the city! Bond over delicious dishes and make new foodie friends along the way.

Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants

€69
per adult
Beijing Hutong Walking Food and Beer Tour at Hidden Restaurants
Forbidden City Ticket Booking

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets & Tours

€2
per adult
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Tickets & Tours
BusDa:Mutianyu Great Wall Bus Trip+Ticket 7/8/9/10/12/15:30

BusDa:Mutianyu Great Wall Tour+Ticket7:30/8:30/9:30/12/14:00

€18
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
BusDa:Mutianyu Great Wall Tour+Ticket7:30/8:30/9:30/12/14:00
China National Museum Ticket Pre booking+Tiananmen Square Entry

Beijing National Museum Ticket Prebooking, Tiananmen Square Entry

€8
per adult
Beijing National Museum Ticket Prebooking, Tiananmen Square Entry
Mutianyu Great Wall

All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

€85
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall
Beijing:Forbidden City Tour+option

Beijing:Forbidden City Tour+option (T-square/HeavenTemple)

€3
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Beijing:Forbidden City Tour+option (T-square/HeavenTemple)
BusDa-Forbidden City&Mutianyu Great Wall Small Group Day Tour

BusDa-Forbidden City&Mutianyu Great Wall Small Group Day Tour

€33
per adult
BusDa-Forbidden City&Mutianyu Great Wall Small Group Day Tour
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

€13
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)
China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square

China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square

€8
per adult
88% of travellers recommend
China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square
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Top places to visit

1. Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street has been host to commercial activities in Beijing for many centuries. Today, it’s very popular with shoppers and tourists who flock here in search of bargains and unique clothing. This busy commercial thoroughfare has benches, bars, restaurants and cafés, all offering plenty of rest stops.
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A brightly lit shopping area with various stores and advertisements.

2. Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.
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A traditional Chinese building with a multi-tiered roof, reflecting in calm water.

3. Tiananmen Square

It’s the history, more so than the architecture, behind Tiananmen Square that has brought it into the international spotlight. This public square is surrounded by Beijing’s most famous attractions, a sight you can’t miss if you are in Beijing.
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A large open square with a prominent monument, numerous red flags, and a flagpole with a red flag.

4. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China Juyongguan is the closest part of these ancient fortifications to Beijing. This part, built between 770 B.C. and 221 B.C., is one of the principle mountain passes that the vast wall goes through and is called the Juyongguan Pass. Tour the historic architecture and take in the stunning vistas over the Jundu and Taihang mountains and valley.
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A traditional Chinese building with illuminated signage and banners.

5. Summer Palace

The Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is home to the largest royal garden in China and has many remarkable buildings. Enjoy the lush scenery and architecture and have a picnic on the lawns.
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A traditional Chinese pagoda on a hill with a pavilion and boats on the water below.

What to do in Beijing

Stay near popular Beijing attractions

A brightly lit shopping area with various stores and advertisements.

Wangfujing Street

8.6/10 (999 reviews)
Wangfujing Street blends modern retail with historic Chinese commerce along its bustling pedestrian thoroughfare. Visit evenings when illuminated shops come alive and the snack street offers authentic local delicacies.
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Where to stay in Beijing

Find the best Beijing areas for the activities you enjoy most.
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Wangfujing Shopping Area

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

A modern urban street with tall buildings, one with a distinctive red and orange facade, and well-maintained greenery.

Sanlitun

If you're spending some time in Sanlitun, Sanlitun Barstreet and Workers Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

A city skyline with modern high-rise buildings, a highway, and green spaces.

Beijing Central Business District

Noted for its art galleries and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Beijing Central Business District. Top attractions like Huamao Commercial Street and Shin Kong Place are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hongmiao Station or Jintailu Station to see more of the city.

A traditional Chinese building with a red roof and golden accents, situated by a calm river with a stone wall on one side.

Shishahai

The monuments and parks are just a few things visitors like about Shishahai. Shicha Lake Park and Prince Gong Mansion are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Beihai North Station or Ping'anli Station to get around the larger area.

A calm lake with a modern stadium and a tall tower in the background.

Chaoyang

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

A historic building with red roofs and yellow trees in front, surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

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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