Safety Score
7.4/10
Currency
CNY
Language
Mandarin
Timezone
UTC+8
Things to Do in Beijing, China
Best Things to See & Do in Beijing
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
The world's largest palace complex, serving as the imperial center for the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Great Wall at Mutianyu
A well-preserved, scenic section of the Great Wall featuring 22 watchtowers and a famous toboggan ride.
Summer Palace
A vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces serving as a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design.
Temple of Heaven
A complex of religious buildings where emperors performed annual rites for a good harvest.
Shougang Park
A repurposed massive steel mill turned into a futuristic park with the Big Air Olympic jump and industrial cafes.
Beijing Sub-Center Library
A brand-new (2025/2026) architectural marvel featuring "knowledge forests" with tree-like pillars and glass walls.
Universal Beijing Resort
A massive theme park featuring the world’s first Kung Fu Panda land and a highly detailed Wizarding World.
798 Art District
A former electronics factory complex now serving as Beijing's premier contemporary art hub.
Temple of Confucius & Imperial Academy
The second largest Confucian temple in China, offering a quiet, scholarly atmosphere.
The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
A stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its massive 18-meter sandalwood Maitreya Buddha statue.
National Museum of China
One of the largest museums in the world, flanking Tiananmen Square and covering 5,000 years of history.
Tiananmen Square
The symbolic heart of China, one of the largest public squares in the world.
Jingshan Park
A former imperial park offering the best 360-degree view of the Forbidden City from its central hill.
Beihai Park
One of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens, centered around a large lake and the White Dagoba.
Houhai Lake & Hutongs
A scenic lake district surrounded by traditional alleyways (Hutongs), famous for its nightlife and rickshaws.
China Science and Technology Museum
A massive, high-tech museum featuring space exploration, robotics, and giant screen theaters.
National Stadium (Bird's Nest)
The iconic latticed stadium from the 2008 and 2022 Olympics, now a landmark of modern Beijing.
Beijing Zoo & Aquarium
China's oldest zoo, famous for its Giant Panda House and one of the world's largest inland aquariums.
The Grand Canal Museum of Beijing
A ship-shaped museum (East Hall of Capital Museum) dedicated to the history of the world's longest canal.
Olympic Forest Park
A massive ecological park at the north end of the city's central axis, twice the size of Central Park.
National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg)
A futuristic titanium and glass ellipsoid dome surrounded by an artificial lake.
Panjiayuan Antique Market
A massive weekend market famous for antiques, curios, pearls, and Chinese cultural artifacts.
Beijing Ancient Observatory
One of the world's oldest observatories, featuring ornate bronze astronomical instruments from the 1400s.
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
Beijing's most famous shopping street, home to luxury malls, a massive bookstore, and traditional snacks.
Things to Do in Beijing - Top 24 Attractions
Planning a trip to Beijing? Discover the 24 best things to do in Beijing, China. From iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets and outdoor adventures, our guide covers the top attractions and must-see sights that make Beijing one of the most popular destinations in China.
Top things to see in Beijing include Forbidden City (Palace Museum), Great Wall at Mutianyu, Summer Palace and 2 more incredible sites. Each offers a unique glimpse into what makes Beijing special for first-time visitors and seasoned travellers alike.
Whether you're visiting Beijing for a weekend break or a longer stay, there are things to do for every type of traveller — cultural experiences, historic sightseeing, outdoor activities, and local food markets. Most visitors recommend spending at least 2–3 days to cover the main highlights of Beijing.
Browse the full list of Beijing attractions below, save your favourites, and build a personalised itinerary that matches your pace and interests. Our free Beijing travel guide is updated regularly so you always have the most current recommendations.
About Beijing
Beijing is a capital of imperial architecture and modern ambition. The Forbidden City and Great Wall are must‑sees. Hutongs and local snacks give a grassroots feel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beijing
What are the must-see attractions in Beijing?
Beijing offers numerous iconic attractions. Our curated list includes top-rated landmarks, museums, and hidden gems. Browse our recommendations above to plan your perfect sightseeing itinerary.
How do I skip the lines at popular attractions in Beijing?
To avoid long queues, visit popular attractions early in the morning or book skip-the-line tickets online. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Are there free attractions in Beijing?
Yes, Beijing has many free attractions including parks, historic neighborhoods, and sometimes free museum days. Check our tips section for money-saving advice.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Beijing is from April to May and September to October when the air is clearer and temperatures are comfortable.
Explore More of Beijing
More about Beijing, China
Beijing is one of China's most visited destinations, celebrated for Wall, Palaces, History, Food. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Asia can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Beijing has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.
Our free Beijing guide covers 24 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Beijing's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.
The food scene in Beijing is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 24 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic China cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Beijing doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Beijing's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.
Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Beijing visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Beijing that fits your pace.
A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is Mandarin; the currency is CNY; the best time to visit is The best time to visit Beijing is from April to May and September to October when the air is clearer and temperatures are comfortable.. Getting around Beijing is generally straightforward — most cities in China offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Beijing travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.
