Top 16 Things to Do in Beijing: Great Wall to High-Tech China

Beijing is where China's imperial legacy meets everyday life. With over 800 years as the nation's capital, it's packed with stories, flavors, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

We've looked beyond the obvious to bring you the most rewarding ways to explore the city, whether you're here for the first time or returning for more.

From world-famous landmarks to unexpected local delights, here are 16 things to do in Beijing, along with common FAQs that you'll remember long after your trip ends.

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• 1. The Great Wall
• 2. The Forbidden City
• 3. New China
• 4. Hutongs
• 5. Chinese Medicine Experience
• 6. Peking Duck
• 7. The Summer Palace
• 8. The Temple of Heaven
• 9. The Lama Temple
• 10. Beijing's Central Axis
• 11. Universal Studios Beijing
• 12. Jingshan Park
• 13. 798 Art District
• 14. The Ming Tombs
• 15. Evening Show
• 16. Shopping
• FAQs

1. Admire the Majestic Great Wall

No trip to Beijing is complete without walking on the Great Wall. It's more than just a wall; it's a breathtaking path through mountains, forests, and centuries of history.

Mutianyu is the most visitor-friendly and family-friendly. You'll find wide paths, forested surroundings, and thrilling slide takes you down the mountain.

The slide at Muntianyu

Jinshanling offers stunning views and a balance between restored and wild sections. Light hikers and photographers will love it.

The sunset at Jinshanling

Jiankou is the wildest and most precipitous, with steep ridgelines and broken towers. With steep slopes of nearly 90 degrees, this part is for serious hikers seeking adventure and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Our guests hiked the Jinakou

Simatai offers unique night tours. If you want to see the wall glowing under the moonlight, this is your chance. It also connects directly to Gubei Water Town, where you could relax or even stay overnight.

Simatai at night

Learn more details on Top 10 Sections of the Great Wall to Visit.

2. Explore the Forbidden City Like an Emperor

You could't come to Beijing and skip the Forbidden City. As the world's largest imperial palace and the heart of China's dynastic history, it's a must-see. If you visit only one cultural site in Beijing, make it this one.

The Forbidden City

Plan for 2 hours at least. Most people walk the central axis to see the six grand halls where emperors held ceremonies and banquets. This is impressive but often crowded.

If you want a deeper experience, step into the eastern and western wings. You'll find quieter courtyards and former royal residences, including the Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining Gong), once home to empress dowagers.

The Palace of Compassion and Tranquility (Cining Gong)

For something more unique, consider dressing in a Qing dynasty costume and enjoying a traditional-style photo shoot on the palace grounds. It's a fun way to step into the shoes of past royals. See our 3-Day Classic Beijing Tour Itinerary.

Qing dynasty costume experience

If you visit between Oct 20 and Nov 10, don't miss the Eighteen Ancient Locust Trees. Golden ginkgo leaves against red walls create one of the most photogenic scenes in the city. See our 6-Day Beijing Autumn Tour.

3. Experience the "New China" at Beijing's E-Town

Seeing the “New China” has become a popular highlight of a trip to Beijing. One of the best places to experience it is Beijing's Yizhuang.

Here, you could ride in self-driving vehicles and step into a futuristic world at Beijing Robot World, where you'll see some of the most advanced robots in action.

You could watch robots flip burgers, dispense medicine, and assist in dental procedures. You could even interact with them — play chess, play basketball, or chat with the robots. It's a fun way to experience what life with AI might look like.

At Beijing Robot World, you could talk to the Einstein robot

At the end of your visit, you could head to a robot restaurant for lunch. You'll be welcomed by robot waiters, have your food delivered by robots, and even enjoy a performance by a robot band.

If you're interested, feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to help add this experience to your Beijing itinerary.

4. Explore Beijing's Hutongs the Local Way

Hutongs are one of Beijing's most distinctive features and the best places to glimpse everyday local life.

Instead of visiting the crowded and commercialized alleys like Nanluoguxiang, our route takes you into quieter, more local hutongs—peaceful, authentic, and perfect for photos.

Route: Niujie – Fayuan Temple – Lanman Hutong – Nanbanjie Hutong – Daji Lane – Guangyang Academy. The walk takes about 1.5 hours and is easy to follow.

Along the way, you'll see the contrast between traditional alleyways and newly revitalized spaces, with modern graffiti, flower-covered walls, small cafés, and courtyard-style boutiques. The atmosphere feels relaxed and local, giving you a different view of Beijing's old neighborhoods.

Hutong

5. Try a Traditional Chinese Medicine Experience

In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has become a popular highlight of trips to China. Many travelers are curious about this centuries-old medical system and want to experience it firsthand.

In Beijing, we can arrange a TCM experience at Baita Temple Pharmacy, a historic pharmacy with more than a century of history.

Here, a TCM doctor will give you a short consultation, explain your health condition, and introduce the basic ideas behind TCM diagnosis. You'll also experience AI tongue and facial analysis, an interesting mix of traditional medicine and modern technology.

Our guest experienced AI medical consultations

After the consultation, you could even try selecting the herbs yourself, and the pharmacy will prepare and package them for you to take home.

If you're interested, you could also try traditional therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, or tuina massage.

6. Enjoy an Authentic Peking Duck Dinner

Tasting Peking duck in Beijing is more than just having dinner; it's part of the cultural experience. The crisp skin, the soft pancakes, the aroma from the duck, and the chef carving the duck beside your table create one of those 'I am really in Beijing' moments.

Beijing roast duck

But the key question is: where should you go?

If you're after a classic, no-fail experience, Siji Minfu (四季民福) is a great choice. Locals love it for its balance of quality and price, and the setting feels warm without being too formal.

Quanjude (全聚德) is the most historic name. If you want to say, "I had roast duck where Chinese leaders and foreign diplomats once dined," this is the place. The flavors are rich and deeply traditional.

For something more modern and upscale, Da Dong (大董) offers a lighter and more refined version. The duck is delicately roasted, and the presentation is artistic. This is a good option for a stylish evening or a special occasion.

Each of these restaurants offers tableside carving, which adds to the overall experience.

See more on Where to Eat Peking Duck in Beijing.

7. Stroll through the Summer Palace

Once a royal retreat, the Summer Palace is now Beijing's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. It offers a peaceful escape just a short drive from the city center.

If you enjoy wandering through classical gardens, exploring ancient temples, and experiencing a blend of nature and imperial history, it is a must-visit.

The Summer Palace

The most notable sight is the Long Corridor, a 728-meter covered walkway with 548 beams decorated with more than 14,000 colorful paintings. It stretches along the lakeside and feels like an open-air gallery.

Long Corridor

For a relaxing experience, you could take a boat ride across Kunming Lake. Or climb to the highest point, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, for a panoramic view of the lake and distant hills.

Our guests traveled by boat

If you visit in January, Kunming Lake often freezes thick enough for ice skating. Locals head out onto the ice with skates, sled chairs, and ice bikes, turning the lake into a lively winter playground. It's a uniquely Beijing way to experience the Summer Palace in winter.

8. Discover the Temple of Heaven with a Tai Chi Experience

If you're interested in Chinese cosmology, ancient rituals, or simply want to see one of Beijing's most iconic landmarks, the Temple of Heaven is the best choice.

Once used by emperors to pray for good harvests, this vast complex is now a peaceful park where history meets local life.

Most visitors start at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its striking blue-tiled roof and perfectly symmetrical design. This is the image most people associate with the Temple of Heaven. Standing beneath its soaring dome feels almost otherworldly.

The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Follow the temple's central axis southward, and you'll reach the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, where emperors held solemn rites under the open sky. These spaces were designed for perfect acoustics and cosmic alignment. Try speaking near the Echo Wall, and you'll hear why it's so special.

The Imperial Vault of Heaven

For a more personal experience, come in the early morning. Local gather here to dance, play instruments, or practice tai chi.

If you're curious, you could even join a private tai chi class right inside the park, taught by an experienced local instructor. It's a serene and energizing way to connect with Chinese wellness culture in an authentic setting. See our 5-Day Beijing Family Tour.

Our guests learned Tai Chi

9. Visit the Lama Temple

The Lama (Yonghe) Temple is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet and one of the most peaceful corners in Beijing.

Many Chinese believe that wishes made here really come true. If you have a wish, you might consider visiting. Who knows? It might work.

Lama Temple

The temple's red walls, carved rooftops, and lingering scent of incense make it feel worlds away from the streets outside.

The most famous feature is the 26-meter-tall Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of sandalwood, where many stop for a quiet moment.

If you visit between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m., you may have the chance to see monks chanting and praying.

A visit takes about 1.5 hours, so it's easy to combine with the nearby Confucius Temple and Imperial College. These two places are just a short walk away, and together they make a nice half-day city walk exploring Beijing's spiritual and scholarly traditions.

Confucius Temple

10. Cycle along Beijing's Central Axis

Few people know that Beijing's central axis is also one of Beijing's eight UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites.

If you enjoy active sightseeing with freedom and flexibility, cycling along Beijing's Central Axis is a refreshing way to explore the city's living timeline.

Beijing Central Axis E-Bike Tour

This 20-kilometer (12-mile) line once defined the layout of imperial Beijing and today links many of the city's most iconic landmarks. Starting from the Temple of Heaven, you'll ride past Tiananmen Square, the majestic walls and corner towers of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park's lakeside views, and the lively alleys of Nanluoguxiang.

It's the kind of experience where history unfolds as you pedal, from ancient courtyards to grand political spaces. You might even pass the outer walls of Zhongnanhai, China's central government compound.

If you're interested, we can provide you with an electric bike complete with a helmet, ensuring safety and convenience.

11. Enter the World of Movies at Universal Studios Beijing

Universal Studios Beijing

If you enjoy movie-themed parks or travel with kids or teenagers, this is one of the most fun places to visit in Beijing.

Compared with other Universal parks, Universal Studios Beijing has two unique experiences: the world's only Transformers Metrobase and Kung Fu Panda Land of Awesomeness, the first Universal land themed around traditional Chinese culture.

Across the park, you could enjoy immersive rides, watch live shows, explore movie-themed streets, and meet your favorite characters.

One full day is usually enough to experience most of the highlights if you arrive early.

12. Climb Jingshan Hill for a Panoramic View of the Forbidden City

Viewing the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

If you still have time after your Forbidden City visit, we highly recommend exiting through the Shenwu Gate and walking across to Jingshan Park. From the hilltop, you'll get a stunning panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City. It is a perfect way to end your imperial adventure.

Reaching the top takes about 15 minutes and the climb is not very tiring. The path is made entirely of steps, so it may not be suitable if you have mobility difficulties.

13. Explore the Creative 798 Art District

798 Art District

If you're interested in contemporary art, or want to see a different side of Beijing, the 798 Art District is worth adding to your itinerary.

Set inside a former factory complex, it blends industrial architecture with modern art. Old workshops and Bauhaus-style buildings now house galleries, studios, and creative spaces.

Art lovers could easily spend hours here. Nearly 1,000 exhibitions take place here each year. The most influential venue is the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, which often hosts major international shows.

Beyond galleries, you could dine in restaurants set in converted train carriages or try interactive experiences such as VR theaters.

14. Visit the Ming Tombs of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors

Changling Tomb of the Ming Tombs

If you're curious about imperial tombs, the Ming Tombs offer a quieter and more immersive experience. Set in a peaceful valley north of Beijing, the complex offers a calm and open setting.

Three tombs are open to visitors. We highly recommend Changling and Dingling.

Changling is the largest and most impressive, known for its grand wooden hall supported by 60 massive golden nanmu pillars that you could touch.

Dingling is the only tomb with an excavated underground palace, where you could descend into the burial chambers and see artifacts discovered in the tomb.

The Ming Tombs can be combined with a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, as the two sites are about an hour's drive apart and fit easily into the same day.

15. Watch an Evening Show

After a day of exploring attractions, watching a traditional evening show could be a refreshing way to wind down, while still soaking up China's culture in style.

If you're curious about Chinese performing arts, Peking Opera is recommended. From dramatic face paint and elegant robes to stylized singing and acrobatic movement, it's a cultural performance unlike any other.

The best place to see it is Liyuan Theater, which provides English subtitles. You could also watch the actors do their makeup and take photos with them as souvenirs.

Peking Opera

If you prefer something more action-packed, we recommend The Legend of Kung Fu at Red Theater. It offers dazzling martial arts, storytelling, and lighting effects. It's fast-paced, visually stunning, and children often find it thrilling.

However, it doesn't run daily. If it's on your list, check its schedule ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

The Legend of Kung Fu

For pure physical spectacle, the acrobatic show at Chaoyang Theater delivers heart-stopping feats.

16. Shop for Unique Finds in Beijing

Shopping in Beijing is a chance to take home not just souvenirs, but stories, whether it's a Qing-style scroll, a century-old herbal recipe, or a piece by a rising Chinese designer.

If you're after something meaningful, try Panjiayuan Antique Market. From vintage scrolls and porcelain to old coins and jade pendants, it's a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind souvenirs with a story.

Panjiayuan Antique Market

For classic Beijing charm, Qianmen Street and nearby Dashilar are home to time-honored brands. You'll find Chinese medicine, silk tailoring, traditional shoes, calligraphy sets, and classic snacks, all housed in well-preserved architecture that speaks to the city's past.

Traditional shoes

For a modern shopping experience, head to Beijing's major retail districts such as Wangfujing, Sanlitun, and Xidan. These areas are packed with large malls, international brands, and popular local labels.

Taikoo Li in Sanlitun

You could also go to Silk Street Market or Hongqiao Pearl Market, two well-known souvenir markets popular with international visitors, especially for pearls, silk products, and easy-to-pack gifts.

See more on Top Shopping Streets in Beijing.

FAQs

1. What Are the Must-see Attractions in Beijing for First-time Visitors?

For first-time visitors, the most iconic sights include the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, the Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace.

These landmarks showcase China's imperial history, architecture, and culture.

2. How Many Days Should You Spend in Beijing?

For a first-time visit, about four days is usually enough to see Beijing's main highlights at a comfortable pace, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and the hutongs.

See our 4-Day Beijing Tour Itinerary.

3. What Are Some Things to Do in Beijing with Kids?

Besides Beijing Robot World and Universal Studios Beijing, you could take kids to the SoReal Science Fiction Paradise at Shougang Park, see giant pandas at the Beijing Zoo, or visit POP MART City Park.

On our private tour, children can explore the Forbidden City in a more engaging way, visiting palaces connected with young princes and learning royal stories through fun activities. In the hutongs, they could also try sugar painting, calligraphy, and the Chinese yo-yo.

4. What Are Some Unique Experiences to Try in Beijing?

Besides famous landmarks, you could enjoy unique experiences such as walking through traditional hutongs, watching a Peking Opera performance, trying a Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation, etc.

See our Explore Modern Technological Beijing: 9 Cool Things to Do

5. Which Attractions in Beijing Are Closed on Mondays?

Most museums in Beijing—including the Forbidden City and the National Museum of China—are closed on Mondays. Key halls at the Temple of Heaven and some spots at the Summer Palace are also closed.

The Great Wall, however, stays open and can be a good alternative for a Monday visit.

Discover Authentic Beijing with Local Experts

Now you should know what things to do in Beijing. Traveling with a local expert opens up so many more possibilities than trying to figure it out for yourself.

Tell us your interests, and one of our specialists will help you to maximize your travel experience by suggesting the optimal Beijing trip for the time you have and the things you love to do.