Things to do in Beijing

Activities, attractions and tours

Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beijing showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Beijing featuring modern architecture
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

Most popular experiences in Beijing

Tours & day trips

See all 667 activities
Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City, TAM Square Day Tour

Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City, TAM Square Day Tour

Activity duration is 9 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 63 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$772 per adult
Great Wall at Badaling, Forbidden City, TAM Square Day TourOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 483 activities
From Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Full-Day Tour With Options

From Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Full-Day Tour With Options

Activity duration is 9 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$211 per adult
From Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall Full-Day Tour With OptionsOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 74 activities
2-Day Mini Group to Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Highlights

2-Day Mini Group to Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top Highlights

Activity duration is 2 days
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$772 per adult*
2-Day Mini Group to Great Wall, Forbidden City & Top HighlightsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 38 activities
Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch

Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$616 per adult
Great Wall at Mutianyu Section One Day Tour with LunchOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 28 activities
Beijing Roast Duck Banquet & Acrobatic Show Evening Tour

Beijing Roast Duck Banquet & Acrobatic Show Evening Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 12 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,068 per adult
Beijing Roast Duck Banquet & Acrobatic Show Evening TourOpens in new tab

What to do in Beijing

Popular places to visit

Wangfujing Street showing a city and street scenes

Wangfujing Street

Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.

Wangfujing Street
Forbidden City which includes a lake or waterhole, a river or creek and heritage architecture

Forbidden City

This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

Forbidden City
Close-up of a stone wall, Great Wall Of China, China

Great Wall of China

After visiting Great Wall of China, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Huairou. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Great Wall of China
Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

Tiananmen Square
Great Wall of China showing heritage elements, a monument and night scenes

Great Wall of China

See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.

Great Wall of China
Sanlitun landmark office building - SOHO office; Shutterstock ID 472398427; PO: Hcom Destination Content neighborhoods; Client: Hotels.com; Other: Hcom brand budge

Sanlitun Road

During your trip to Beijing, you can do some window-shopping at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Sanlitun Road
Summer Palace showing heritage elements

Summer Palace

This idyllic public park was once the summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty. It houses the iconic Boat of Purity and Ease.

Summer Palace
Temple of Heaven showing a temple or place of worship, a city and religious elements

Temple of Heaven

Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.

Temple of Heaven
Beijing - April 25, 2015. Tian'anmen, Palace Museum, Beijing, China. Beijing, China.

The Palace Museum

You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in Beijing. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this culturally rich area.

The Palace Museum

Areas of Beijing

Temple of Heaven which includes religious elements, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Downtown Beijing

Historical sites, museums and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
Famous Qianmen pedestrian street south from Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historical sites, art galleries and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Wangfujing Shopping Area
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

4.5/5(111 area reviews)

Explore the eclectic commercial street and its enormous mall amid the fascinating sights in the heart of Beijing’s historic center.

Dongcheng
CCTV Headquarters building is situated in the city centre of Beijing. One of the most amazing architectural creations I've ever seen in my life. It's a massive 200m something high structure. As I heard from the locals, visitors are not allowed inside.

Chaoyang

Museums, art galleries and cocktail bars highlight some notable features of Chaoyang. Make a stop by Alien's Street Trade Market or Ritan Park while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dongdaqiao Station or Chaoyangmen Station to get around town.

Chaoyang
Summer Palace which includes heritage elements and a river or creek

Haidian

3.5/5(8 area reviews)

Haidian is well liked for its museums and monuments. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Summer Palace and Fragrant Hills Park are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around.

Haidian
Set in Beijing and taken on a clear April night

Dongdan

Visitors to Dongdan love its popular shops, and you can check out Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum and Oriental Plaza. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Dengshikou Station.

Dongdan
Haihe Cultural Square featuring general coastal views, central business district and a city

Tianjin

Jinshanling Great Wall

Miyun

Beijing International Flower Port, China. Beijing International Flower Port Fantasy Flower Lake

Shunyi

Adobe

Chengde

Baishi Mountain Winter Landscape, Baoding Hebei China

Baoding

Dong Hua Men Night Market

Langfang

Mangshan national park 莽山国家森林公园、湖南 - what an amazing 2 day hike in this awesome National Park #hiking #china #travel #red #nationalpark

Changping

Mentougou

Mentougou

Frequently asked questions

Is Beijing worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Beijing. While you're here, head to Wangfujing Street, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Beijing?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then, tour other areas of Beijing for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Beijing?
The top tourist attraction in Beijing is Wangfujing Street, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Beijing?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, including Wangfujing Street, Forbidden City and The Palace Museum. The average stay in Beijing is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Daxing isn't far away.
Is Beijing a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Beijing is a good destination to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then take a stroll around Dongcheng, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Wangfujing Shopping Area, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Beijing with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Beijing with kids.

What to do in Beijing for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Beijing for adults including Sanlitun Road and Qianmen Street.
Are there free things to do in Beijing?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Beijing is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wangfujing Street is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia