Things to Do in Beijing: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems

Beijing is a city where ancient history meets modern vibrancy. There are lots of great things to do in Beijing, from the Forbidden City to lesser-known temples. This guide will help you find the must-see spots and hidden treasures of Beijing that make Beijing an unforgettable destination.

 

Top Must-See Attractions in Beijing

The Great Wall of China

It is one of the world’s top sights. The most popular sections are Mutianyu, Badaling, and Jinshanling.

The Forbidden City

It was for almost five centuries the palatial heart of China. It is China’s best-preserved imperial palace and the world’s largest ancient palace.

Tiananmen Square

It is very symbolic for the Chinese people. It hosted several key events in their history, like the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Temple of Heaven

A masterpiece of Chinese architecture and landscape design, the Temple of Heaven was where emperors prayed for good harvests and conducted rituals.

Summer Palace

A sprawling imperial garden and palace complex, the Summer Palace is renowned for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural splendor.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Nestled in the foothills of the Tianshou Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its grand architecture and historical meaning.

Beijing Zoo

One of the largest zoos in China, Beijing Zoo is home to a diverse array of animal species, including the famous giant pandas.

Beijing Opera (Peking Opera)

Experience the rich cultural heritage of Beijing through its traditional performing art—Peking Opera, known for its elaborate costumes, intricate makeup, and performances.

 

Unique and Lesser-Known Spots in Beijing

Hidden Temples and Gardens

For a unique and quiet activity in Beijing, try the Yonghe Lama Temple. It’s a Tibetan Buddhist temple in the city center. Don’t miss the Temple of Heaven Park, a UNESCO site. It’s famous for its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Explore Beihai Park as the final activity. A boat ride on the lake is perfect for a relaxing family outing.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Neighborhoods

Art lovers should visit Caochangdi in Beijing. It’s a lesser-known thing to do. It has thriving contemporary art galleries and creative scenes. Also, Baitasi is experiencing a cultural revival. Art galleries and design studios sit alongside traditional courtyard homes. For a historic, artistic experience, visit Liulichang. It’s famous for its antique shops and stores selling Chinese calligraphy and paintings.

Local Markets and Street Food

In Beijing, visit Panjiayuan Antique Market. It’s a must-do. You can hunt for vintage curios and antiques there. For a literary escape, visit The Bookworm. It’s a bookshop and café that creates a relaxing atmosphere suitable for families. Finally, sample a particular snack at Wangfujing Street. You can find strange treats, like roasted scorpions, and other adventurous street food.

 

Cultural Experiences You Can’t-Miss

Traditional Chinese Performances

A trip to China isn’t complete without its traditional shows. Among the top things to do in Beijing, seeing a Kung Fu show featuring young talents is a must. You also can’t miss the Beijing Opera, one of the classic art forms of imperial China. Next, feel the adrenaline of a thrilling Chinese acrobatics show.

Local Festivals and Events

Exploring local festivals and events is a top thing to do in Beijing. The city hosts events that showcase its rich culture and creativity. The key events are the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival. Also, don’t miss the Beijing International Film Festival and Beijing Design Week. They are both important things to do in Beijing.

Culinary Delights

Enjoying the local cuisine is a top priority among the things to do in Beijing. You must try Beijing roast duck, also known as Peking duck, at Da Dong Duck Restaurant. Another must-try dish is Jiaozi, Chinese dumplings, at Mr. Shi’s Dumplings. At Old Beijing Zhejiang Noodle King, enjoy noodles with soybean paste. It’s a traditional Beijing dish. Sampling these dishes is a delicious part of the things to do in Beijing.

 

Practical Tips for Visiting Beijing

Here are key travel tips and etiquette for Beijing:

• Best time to visit Beijing. Travel during the spring and autumn seasons.
• Pack an N95 mask. Beijing has the most pollution from smog. This mask filters at least 95% of smog particles, providing effective protection.
• Learn Basic Mandarin Phrases. In Beijing, few people speak English outside tourist areas. So, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases can help.
• Use translation apps. Google Translate and Pleco can translate text, voice, and even camera images.
• Use the Subway. The Beijing Subway is cheap, fast, and easy to navigate. It has signs in Chinese and English. It’s the best way to avoid traffic and navigate the city in a short amount of time.
• Beijing Transportation Smart Card. Get a Yikatong card. It gives you seamless access to subways and buses. It’s easy to top up at metro stations and save time.
• Stay connected with Yoho Mobile. Yoho Mobile offers cheap, reliable data plans to fit your needs. Having reliable internet access is useful for navigation and staying in touch.

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How much should I spend in one day in Beijing?

Planning your daily budget for Beijing depends to a large extent on your travel style, preferences, and the experiences you wish to have. Beijing has a wide range of options for all sorts of budget travelers, mid-range tourists, and luxury seekers. Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate how much you should spend in one day in Beijing.

Budget Traveler

• Accommodation: ¥70 – ¥200 ($10 – $30)
• Food: ¥50 – ¥100 ($7 – $15)
• Transportation: ¥20 – ¥50 ($3 – $7)
• Attractions: ¥100 – ¥200 ($15 – $30)
• Miscellaneous: ¥50 – ¥100 ($7 – $15)
• Total: ¥290 – ¥650 ($43 – $100) per day

Mid-Range Traveler

• Accommodation: ¥300 – ¥700 ($40 – $100)
• Food: ¥150 – ¥300 ($20 – $45)
• Transportation: ¥50 – ¥150 ($7 – $23)
• Attractions: ¥200 – ¥400 ($30 – $60)
• Miscellaneous: ¥150 – ¥300 ($20 – $45)
• Total: ¥850 – ¥1,850 ($130 – $270) per day

Luxury Traveler

• Accommodation: ¥1,200 and above ($180+)
• Food: ¥500 and above ($75+)
• Transportation: ¥200 and above ($30+)
• Attractions: ¥700 and above ($105+)
• Miscellaneous: ¥500 and above ($75+)
• Total: ¥2,100 and above ($315+) per day

 

Plan for a cost-effective day

Morning: Start your day early in Tiananmen Square. This place has free access to explore. Then, visit the Forbidden City across the square. You can spend 2 to 3 hours exploring its vast courtyards and halls.

Afternoon: After the Forbidden City, visit nearby Jingshan Park. It has a great view of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline. Then, spend some time walking through the hutongs, Beijing’s ancient alleyways.

Evening: End your day at the Temple of Heaven, a historic site where emperors prayed for good harvests. For dinner, go to Wangfujing Street or Donghuamen Night Market. They have cheap, tasty street food.

 

Key Attractions and Their Costs

• Tiananmen Square: Free
• Forbidden City: ¥60-70
• Jingshan Park: ¥2
• Hutongs: Free to explore (optional costs for snacks)
• Temple of Heaven: ¥30
• Street Food Dinner: ¥40-60

Estimated Total Cost

• Attractions: ¥92-102
• Meals and Snacks: ¥60–100
• Transportation: ¥15-20
• Total: ¥167-222 (around $23-30 USD)

 

Tips for Maximizing Your Day on a Budget

Accommodation Savings: Consider staying in hostels or budget hotels, especially if you’re comfortable with shared facilities. Look for accommodations slightly outside the city center to find better rates, but factor in transportation costs.

Food Savings: Enjoy meals at local eateries, street vendors, and food markets where you can savor authentic Beijing cuisine at lower prices. Avoid dining in tourist-heavy areas where prices tend to be inflated.

Free Activities: Try free activities. Walk the hutongs or visit Tiananmen Square.

Visit Parks: Many parks, like Jingshan and Beihai, have great views and peaceful spots for a small fee.

Book tickets for attractions like the Forbidden City online in advance. This prevents extra fees and rejection due to limited availability.