There are few cities on earth that offer as much as Beijing. The Chinese capital has a history going back thousands of years and is full of significant landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
If you want to dive into Chinese history and culture, then Beijing is the place to do so — there are endless things to do in Beijing, you’ll never be bored, and you’ll be continuously learning something new.
In addition to its storied past, Beijing is also catapulting into the future at breakneck speed. Futuristic skyscrapers dominate the landscape of the city’s Central Business District, standing in stark contrast to the traditional courtyard homes tucked away in the city’s hutong (alleyways).
Indeed, Beijing is a city that appears to have one foot firmly planted in the past and another in the future, making the present a very interesting place.
There are so many amazing things to do in Beijing that one could spend a lifetime in the city and not do it all. I should know, having spent over five years calling the Chinese capital home.
1. Visit Tiananmen Square
When it comes to the top things to do in Beijing, our journey has to begin in Tiananmen Square. This is the heart of the country, as it’s the place where Mao Zedong founded the modern-day People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949.
For Chinese people, there’s no place more important than this. Many Chinese dream of one day making it to Beijing to visit Tiananmen Square, just as many Americans hope to see the White House at some point in their life.
Every day of the year, the square is packed full of tourists, both domestic and international, who come to see the sights in and around the square.
If you’re up for it, I recommend getting up before sunrise to make it to Tiananmen Square for the daily flag-raising ceremony. Once it’s over, you can grab some breakfast and coffee outside of the square and then head back in to take it all in.
Important landmarks here include the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the Great Hall of the People.
In case you were wondering, the name of the square actually means “The Gate of Heavenly Peace.” This refers to the gate that’s actually right across the street from the square, which you’ll pass on your way into the Forbidden City. Don’t worry, we’ll get to that later on in our last of the best things to do in Beijing.
Tiananmen Square is free to visit and is open every day of the week from 5AM-10PM. The best way to get here is by taking Subway Line 1 to either Tiananmen station.
Another option is to join a full-day tour that takes in a few Beijing attractions — Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
Before you can enjoy all the best things to do in Beijing, you need to get from the airport to your hotel! For non-Mandarin-speaking people, getting around China can be a challenge. Plus, if you’re arriving from an international destination, you’ll be exhausted and ready for a simple way to get to your hotel. Click here to learn more about a private transportation option — it’s the comfortable, affordable and safe way to get from the Beijing airport to your accommodation.
2. Get Lost in the Hutong
Beijing is a city that is struggling to retain its traditional identity while modernizing at the same time. Many of the city’s old neighborhoods are being bulldozed to make way for high-rises and shopping malls.
As such, it’s getting harder and harder to find what locals refer to as “lao Beijing” (old Beijing) with each passing day.
If you want to step into a time machine on your visit to Beijing, then I suggest getting lost in the city’s hutong (alleyways). These narrow alleys – with their traditional courtyard homes and shops – are not only residences but also the social centre of life for many Beijingers.
Take a walk down a Beijing hutong, and you’ll see old men playing chess (often in their pajamas), women hanging up laundry, and children playing in the streets.
Stop by a hole-in-the-wall restaurant for a bowl of noodles before continuing on your journey through old Beijing. Get deep enough in the hutong, and you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re back in the early 1900s.
Not surprisingly, modernization and gentrification have moved into the hutong as well. Several hutong have been given a face-lift and are now full of trendy shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
One known as NLGX (short for Nanluoguxiang) is a bit of a tourist zoo these days, but it’s still fun to check out. I also recommend taking a stroll up Wudaoying, as it’s a bit more laid back.
3. Feast on Peking Duck (one of the best things to do in Beijing!)
Without a doubt, one of the tastiest things to do in Beijing is feasting on the Imperial Bird – Peking roast duck. This is far and away the most famous dish from the capital, and for good reason. A good Peking duck dinner is a culinary experience like no other.
There are plenty of restaurants cooking up the famous fowl, but my personal recommendation goes to Da Dong. You might have to wait in line for a table here, but they pour free boxed wine for you while you wait. Score! You also get to watch the masters at work as they prepare the ducks.
Order up a whole duck and a few side dishes, and then watch as they carve it up right by your table. Your waiter will school you on the proper way to eat it as well. It really is an amazing experience and a real treat for your taste buds.
4. Walk Through the Forbidden City
Once upon a time, the Forbidden City was home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This massive complex served as the official residence of the emperor and it was also the political centre of China for nearly 500 years.
It’s not forbidden these days, with around 15 million people visiting annually. Upon entering the Forbidden City, you might feel a bit overwhelmed by its size. After all, the place covers nearly 180 acres and has about 8,000 different rooms!
A walk through the Forbidden City is high atop the list of things to do in Beijing for just about every visitor. It takes a good couple of hours to really see the whole place, so take your time.
Walking through the giant courtyards, I always like to imagine what it must have been like to have this entire place to yourself with thousands of servants. Must have been nice to be the emperor!
The Forbidden City is located at 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng District. The best way to get there is by Subway Line 1 via either Tiananmen station.
It’s open from 8:30-5PM from April to October, and it closes half an hour earlier the rest of the year. To avoid waiting in massive lineups to purchase your entrance ticket.
5. Cruise Around the Lakes
Right in the middle of Beijing, there are three man-made lakes that are collectively known as Shichahai. Long ago, these lakes served as a playground for the royal family. These days, they’re popular with young Chinese locals, tourists, and expats.
To move around the three lakes, you have a few options. Of course, you can just walk and go at your own pace. You can also find bicycles for rent if you prefer to move a bit quicker and get some exercise.
Finally, you can pay a rickshaw driver to take you on a tour of the lakes and the surrounding hutong. Just be prepared to bargain, as they’ll likely give you a ridiculous price if you’re a foreign tourist.
The best way to enjoy the lakes, though, is by renting a boat and leisurely cruising around. Buy a bag full of Yanjing beers and some snacks, and you’ve got yourself a fun afternoon out in Beijing.
Stick around for sunset and then get out of dodge before all the bars start blasting offensively loud music. Head instead around the corner to my friends’ restaurant and bar called 4corners. It’s an awesome place for dinner, drinks, and live music.