Top Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing, China's capital city, is a modern and sprawling city in north China. Having served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years, Beijing is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past. The interest of visiting Beijing is at one side to explore its glorious past, and at another side to feel its modernity as well as an odd combination of the two. See Beijing Tours to take in all the top sights and activities in Beijing. You can also check out recommended top things to do, attractions and destinations to visit in China

Also read top free things to do in Beijing.

Travel Beijing without visa? Yes! Please see 72 Hours Visa Free Travel to Beijing.
1. the Forbidden City

Beijing Forbidden CityThe Forbidden City is the best preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world.

2. The Great Wall

The Great Wall of ChinaThe Great Wall of China extends 4,000 miles. Construction of the wall began over 2000 years ago and lasted for over 1000 years.

3. Summer Palace

Beijing Summer PalaceThe Summer Palace is the best preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in modern China.

4. Hutong

Hutongs in Beijing Hutongs are mazes of narrow alleyways and old single-story traditional courtyard houses. Hutongs give a wonderful glimpse into the world of yesterday in Beijing.

5. Temple of Heaven

Beijing Temple of Heaven The Temple of Heaven is seen as the most holy of Beijing's imperial temples. It has been described as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design."

6. Bird's Nest

Bird's Nest Beijing"The Bird's Nest", more formally known as the National Stadium, was the main venue of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

7. Eating Beijing Duck

Beijing Roast DuckBeijing Roast Duck is the epitome of Beijing cuisine. The dish is mostly prized for the thin, crispy skin, with authentic versions of the dish serving mostly the skin and little meat.

8. Visit Souvenir Markets

Beijing Souvenir Markets

These outdoor markets usually sell a great variety of souvenirs and old arts and crafts.

9. See the Beijing Opera

Beijing Roast DuckBeijing Opera has been regarded as China's cultural treasure. It has been a staple of Chinese entertainment for over two centuries.

10. Watch Kungfu Show

Kungfu Show BeijingThere are Kung Fu shows performed by Shaolin-trained monks, who play-fight their way through a fast-paced plotline filled with impressive stunts in one of Beijing's theaters.

How to Plan a Beijing Tour

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Hi, I'm Candice Song
I updated this article on April 17, 2013
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Q: Tina Asked on 2013-03-15 Reply
I have a very short trip to Beijing. #days and 2 nightsI won''t be able to cover all sights.What do you recommend and how much will it cost(us dollars) say for a one day tour that covers forbidden city, holy palace and great wall.Thanks you

Hi Tina, sorry, it is a bit difficult to cover the 3 places you mentioned in one day.  Can you extend half a day more? Then I will quote you the price, okay?

Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-03-17
Q: elizabeth Hackbarth Asked on 2013-01-22 Reply
can we take a train to see the great wall, or what is the best transportation? how far is the ritz carlton from the great wall?
Dear Sir or Madam, There is no train to get to the Great Wall. You could rent a van or take a taxi to get there. It is about 75 km from Badaling Great Wall to down town and 95 km from Mutianyu Great Wall to down town. If you need, we can arrange a one-day private tour for you. Please click here to realize the details: http://www.chinahighlights.com/beijing/1-day-tour.htm Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-01-23
Q: Crook Asked on 2012-12-18 Reply
Need Transportation from the Airport to the "Great Wall" Marriott. What do you recommend? March 27, 2013

Hi Crook, you can take a taxi to get there.

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-19
Q: Jasmine Asked on 2012-11-01 Reply
Hi, I''m meeting a friend from Xi''An at Beijing from 18Jan to 27Jan 2013. however its both out first visit to Beijing. Question 1. We are looking for a hotel to stay and probably around sgd 60 per night or cheaper. or is there any service apartment that we could stay for 10 days? Question 2.As it is the winter season, will all the shops be operating as per normal. As i do want to see the lifestyle/Culture/Everything of Beijing. Question 3. As its our first visit there, and i''m not use to cold weather, any additional clothing preparation do i need to bring beside winter coat.. Question 4. Staying in Beijing for 10 days, Will it be too long already?? Question 5. Whats the cost to travel from Xi''An to Beijing or vice vias.. as i am thinking of heading down to Xi''An too.. Question 6. Btw is ur Skype still working? i tried to add u on Skype so as to have a direct communication with u all easier. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon. CheersJasmine

Hi Jasmine, to your questions:

1.  For hotels in Beijing, please check here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/hotel/beijing-hotels/

2. In the winter season, all the shops are operating as per normal.

3. You can bring thick coats, sweaters, down jackets, gloves, scarves & caps.  

4. 10 days is not too long for exploring the lifestyle/ Culture/Everything there.

5. From Xi''An to Beijing or vice versa, you can check flights here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-flights/

and trains here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/

6. Our Skype is working everyday, the account is CHT_EDS

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-11-02
Q: Victoria Renshaw Asked on 2012-10-26 Reply
Hi I land in beijing on the 3rd Jan at 9:25pm with a flight out at 11am I dont want to waste the limited time I have I was hoping to get up very early maybe 4am and see some things using a taxi or private car i want to see the great wall (just for a look) and see as many sights for photo ops how much would it cost for a driver for 5 hours? or what would you recommend?

Hi, Victoria,

The visit to the great wall takes half day itself.

The car and driver rental for one day is USD166 for the great wall.

If you want the driver to transfer you to the airport as well, the cost for the car rental is USD197.

The maximum time using for the car is 8 hours per day.

You will need to get to the airport for check in at 7:25Pm for the international flight check in.

Sammi

Sammi Dai Replied on 2012-10-29