Things to do in Beijing

Activities, attractions and tours

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
Beijing
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Most popular experiences in Beijing

Tours & day trips

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All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

All-Inclusive Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

Activity duration is 11 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 462 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$768 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Scenic Bus Tour

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Scenic Bus Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 166 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$231 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Scenic Bus Tour

Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Scenic Bus Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 166 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$231 per adult
Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Scenic Bus TourOpens in new tab

Shows & concerts

See all 72 activities
Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatics Show Ticket

Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatics Show Ticket

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 14 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$306 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Beijing Calligraphy Class

Beijing Calligraphy Class

Activity duration is 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 45 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$157 per adult
Beijing Calligraphy ClassOpens in new tab

What to do in Beijing

Popular places to visit

Forbidden City

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
Wangfujing Street

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
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
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
View of Great Wall of China at Huanghua Cheng

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
Great Wall of China

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
Tsinghua University

Tsinghua University

Explore the campus of Tsinghua University during your trip to Beijing. Visit the shops and temples in this culturally rich area.

Tsinghua University
Summer Palace

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

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

Where to stay in Beijing

Find the best Beijing areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Beijing
Learn more about Beijing

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.

the business area Sanlitun in Chaoyang district in Beijing

Sanlitun

If you're spending some time in Sanlitun, Sanlitun Barstreet and Workers Stadium are top sights worth seeing.

Beijing, China modern financial district skyline

Beijing Central Business District

Noted for its art galleries and shopping, there's plenty to explore in Beijing Central Business District. Top attractions like Huamao Commercial Street and Shin Kong Place are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hongmiao Station or Jintailu Station to see more of the city.

Shishahai

The monuments and parks are just a few things visitors like about Shishahai. Forbidden City and Shichahai are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Beihai North Station or Ping'anli Station to get around the larger area.

Beijing National Stadium, water, sky, day

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.

Tianjin

Tianjin

Miyun

Miyun

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

Shunyi

Gate with three arches in park of Putuo Zongcheng temple in China close to Chengde city in Hebei province.

Chengde

Baishi Mountain Winter Landscape, Baoding Hebei China

Baoding

Langfang

Langfang

Changping

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.

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