Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
There’s a reason Beijing is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China, and each is worth the hype. From east to west and north to south, the entire city is full of tourist wonders and opportunities to add to your travelogue and things to do in Beijing to add on to your experiences. If you want to dive deeper into Chinese culture and traditions, there are plenty of things to do in Beijing. All you have to do is sort your plan and you will be ready to take on the streets of the capital of China, nothing like you have seen or read.
Top 10 Things To Do In Beijing
From exploring iconic landmarks to enjoying scenic views, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Beijing.
1. Conquer The Great Wall Of China
Photo: Mehmet Yasin Kabaklı / Pexels
You don’t have to think about what to do in Beijing, especially when you have one of the wonders of the world right there in the city, The Great Wall Of China. You can easily dedicate an entire day to climbing the wall. Stretching over 356 miles and as one of the UNESCO heritage sites, The Great Wall alone is the reason why Beijing attracts tourists from all over the world. The construction of the Beijing part was constructed during the Ming Dynasty. While walking along the wall, you can see watchtowers and the rolling hills that surround the place. For easy access, you can use a cable car service that can be boarded from the cable car section.
Location: Mutianyu, Huairou District, Beijing, China
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM (Weekdays), 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Weekends)
Entry Fee: RMB 45
2. Explore The Forbidden City
One of the best things to do in Beijing is explore the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, The Forbidden City offers you a glimpse into the history and culture of the Chinese people. In the past, this place was home to the emperors of the Qing and Ming dynasties, but now, has been turned into an important landmark that is a must-visit for tourists. The highlight of this place is the architecture that features traditional Chinese elements. Besides that, the palace has beautiful golden roofs, serene courtyards, and grand halls. While you are at the palace complex, make sure to check out the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the Palace Museum.
Location: 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM (April to October), 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (November to March)
Entry Fee: RMB 60 (April to October), RMB 40 (November to March)
3. Take A Stroll Through The Summer Palace
Situated in the Haidian District, the Summer Palace is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and step into the bygone era. Due to the serene environment of the palace, you get to enjoy a relaxing time and watch Kunming Lake. Tourists from different corners of the country come here to admire the stunning architecture that makes the palace look dreamy and you must do the same. Some of the highlights of the palace that you shouldn’t miss include the Long Corridor and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. For a more enjoyable experience, take a boat ride on the lake.
Location: 19 Xinjiangongmen Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, China
Timings: RMB 30 for adults and RMB 15 for students
Entry Fee: 7 AM – 7 PM
4. Visit The Temple Of Heaven
Photo: Philip Larson / Wikimedia Commons
When it comes to the best things to see in Beijing, the Temple of Heaven needs to be on your list without a second thought. Located in the Dongcheng District, the Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece that was built in the Ming dynasty. From the moment you enter the temple complex, you will notice stunning architectural designs encircling you. One of the important attractions in the palace is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests which is adorned with intricate blue tiles and wooden pillars. There are also gardens and pathways outside the temple that are perfect for taking a stroll.
Location: 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Timings: 6:30 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: RMB 15 (Peak season), RMB 10 (Off-season)
5. Meet Giant Pandas At Beijing Zoo
It’s not every day that you get the chance to meet cute pandas and interact with them. As the largest zoo in China, the Beijing Zoo is famous for its Giant Panda House. Here, you can watch adorable, giant pandas play and showcase their antics to the crowd. Apart from that, the zoo has 600 different species of animals, including the endangered ones. Walking through the zoo, you can see the different enclosures for the animals. From giraffes to hippos, and reptiles, you will find all types of animals in the Beijing Zoo. No doubt, this is a great place for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Location: No. 137, Xizhimenwai Street, Xicheng District, Beijing
Timings: 7:30 AM t- 6 PM
Entry Fee: RMB 10
6. Roam The Qianmen Street
Photo: AsAuSo / Wikimedia Commons
Nestled in the heart of Beijing, Qianmen Street is a lovely place to be, especially if you are in the mood to explore beautiful architecture. Here, you will find many buildings and structures that feature the Qing Dynasty-style designs. Besides that, Qianmen Street is also home to several shops, eateries, and tea houses where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. If you have enough time in hand, you can also explore the popular landmarks like the Archway and the Zhengyangmen Gate. These places in Qianmen Street are a perfect spot to click great pictures.
Location: Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fee: Free
7. Spend A Day At The Beijing National Aquatics Centre
Photo: Bingar1234 / Wikimedia Commons
The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, also known as the “Water Cube,” is a must-visit place for water enthusiasts. Many of you may not know, but this place was originally built for the 2008 Olympics. But now, it has become a famous tourist spot in the city, where it hosts various water activities. There’s also the Happy Magic Water Park, which was included at the centre after the Olympics. You can enjoy a fun time with your family and kids. From fun slides and wave pools, the Happy Magic Water Park has everything for an exciting experience.
Location: Olympic Green, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: RMB 30
8. Take A Look At Prince Gong’s Mansion
For those who haven’t been to a mansion before, you should plan a day at Prince Gong’s mansion, the largest mansion in Beijing. Visiting this place allows you to experience the lavish lifestyle of nobles in China. Located near Shichahai, Prince Gong’s Mansion features ornate halls, tranquil gardens, and ancient pavilions. However, the main attraction of the place is the Grand Theatre Building which is meant for traditional performances. The mansion also has beautiful gardens that are decorated with ponds, rock formations, and lush greenery. There’s no denying that this place is great to witness exquisite Chinese architecture.
Location: Qianhai Xijie, north of Shichahai, Beijing, China
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: RMB 40
9. Relax At Jingshan Park
Photo: Charlie fong / Wikimedia Commons
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat, Jingshan Park in Beijing could be the best place for you. Located close to the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. However, you will have to climb the hill to get a better view of the Beijing Skyline and the Forbidden City. Apart from the stunning views, the park is also famous for its peony gardens. If you stay at the park long enough, you get the chance to enjoy various activities like tai chi, singing, dancing, and more.
Location: 44 Jingshan W St, Xicheng District, Beijing
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: RMB 2
10. Experience Ritan Park
Photo: Fcuk1203 / Wikimedia Commons
Ritan Park, also known as the Temple of the Sun Park is a fantastic place to take a walk and relax your mind. Built-in 1530, Ritan Park is one of the oldest parks in Beijing that offers a lovely view of the surrounding area. For those who don’t know, this place was originally constructed to worship the sun during the Ming Dynasty, but today, the park serves as a peaceful escape for both locals and visitors. Once you are in the park, you can explore the picturesque lake, lush gardens, and ancient pavilions.
Location: Chaoyang District, Beijing
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: Free
With so many different things to do in Beijing, it is hard to have a dull time in the city. Whether you are planning for a short trip or an extended stay, Beijing will keep you occupied for the entire time. To make your journey smooth and hassle-free, plan your trip with TripXL and do the best things in Beijing for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels
