14 Best Things to See and Do in Beijing for Travelers

Ever dreamed of walking through ancient temples, standing on the Great Wall, and then grabbing the best Peking duck you’ve ever tasted—all in one trip? That’s Beijing for you. This city is a wild mix of 3,000-year-old history and crazy-modern vibes, and honestly, it’s one of those places that just gets under your skin in the best way possible.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone who wants to check some epic bucket-list items off, Beijing has something for everyone. I’m talking jaw-dropping architecture, hidden hutong alleyways, imperial palaces that’ll make you feel tiny, and street food that’ll ruin you for life. The things to see and do in Beijing are practically endless, and trust me, you’ll want at least a week to scratch the surface.

In this post, I’m breaking down the 14 absolute must-see spots and experiences that should be on your radar when planning your beijing trip. From iconic landmarks to local secrets, I’ve got you covered.

The Great Wall of China – Because Duh

Let’s start with the obvious one. You can’t visit Beijing without hitting up the Great Wall. It’s literally one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and it’s as mind-blowing in person as you’d imagine. The wall stretches thousands of miles, but the sections near Beijing—like Mutianyu and Badaling—are the easiest to reach.

Mutianyu is my personal favorite. It’s less crowded than Badaling, the views are insane, and there’s even a toboggan ride down (yes, really). If you’re feeling adventurous, hike the wild sections like Jiankou, but heads up—those aren’t restored and can be pretty sketchy.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the tour bus crowds. And wear comfy shoes. Those steps are no joke.

The Forbidden City – Imperial Vibes Only

Next up is the Forbidden City, which is basically the Chinese version of Versailles but way bigger and way older. This massive palace complex was home to Chinese emperors for almost 500 years, and walking through it feels like stepping into a historical drama.

The sheer scale of this place is wild—over 980 buildings spread across 180 acres. You’ll see throne rooms, gardens, ceremonial halls, and enough red walls and golden roofs to fill your camera roll twice over. The architecture alone is worth the visit, but learning about the history and all the palace intrigue? Chef’s kiss.

Get there right when it opens at 8:30 AM. Trust me, by midday it’s packed with tour groups, and you’ll spend more time dodging selfie sticks than actually enjoying the place.

Tiananmen Square – The Heart of Beijing

Right next to the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. It’s a huge open space surrounded by important buildings like the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People.

This spot is heavy with history—some beautiful, some complicated. It’s a place to people-watch, take in the grandeur, and reflect a bit. Early morning is the best time to catch the flag-raising ceremony, which is surprisingly moving.

Just a heads up: security is tight here, so be ready for bag checks and ID scans. Leave the big backpacks at your hotel.

Temple of Heaven – Where Emperors Prayed for Good Harvests

The Temple of Heaven is one of those places that just feels peaceful, even when it’s busy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was where emperors performed rituals to ensure good harvests, and the architecture is absolutely stunning.

The main attraction is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests—a triple-tiered circular building with a bright blue roof. It’s photogenic as heck. The surrounding park is also a vibe. You’ll see locals practicing tai chi, playing traditional instruments, singing, and even ballroom dancing. It’s like a cultural festival every morning.

Go in the early morning if you want to see the park at its liveliest. Plus, the light is perfect for photos.

Summer Palace – Royal Escape Goals

If you want a break from the city hustle, the Summer Palace is your spot. This massive lakeside retreat was where the imperial family chilled during hot summers, and honestly, I get it. The place is gorgeous.

You’ve got Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, ornate bridges, pavilions, and the famous Marble Boat. Rent a paddle boat, stroll the Long Corridor (which is covered in hand-painted scenes), and just soak in the zen vibes.

It’s a bit outside the city center, but totally worth the trip. Budget at least half a day here—you’ll want to take your time.

Hutongs – Beijing’s Old-School Neighborhoods

Forget the skyscrapers for a minute. The hutongs are where you get a real feel for old Beijing. These narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard homes date back centuries, and wandering through them is like time-traveling.

Some of the best hutongs to explore are around Nanluoguxiang, Gulou, and Shichahai. You’ll find quirky cafes, art galleries, street food stalls, and locals just going about their day. Rent a bike or hop on a rickshaw tour to cover more ground.

A lot of these neighborhoods are getting modernized or torn down, so see them while you can. They’re a disappearing piece of Beijing’s soul.

Lama Temple – Spiritual Vibes and Giant Buddhas

The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) is one of the most beautiful and important Tibetan Buddhist temples outside of Tibet. The incense, the chanting, the intricate artwork—it all creates this incredibly calming atmosphere.

The highlight? A 26-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood. It’s absolutely massive and weirdly humbling to stand in front of.

Even if you’re not religious, this place is worth a visit. Just be respectful—no loud talking, and definitely no shoes inside the halls.

Beihai Park – Chill Like a Local

Beihai Park is one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China, and it’s a fantastic spot to relax. There’s a huge lake, willow trees, temples, and even a White Dagoba on top of Jade Island.

Locals love this place. You’ll see people flying kites, doing calligraphy with water on the pavement, or just hanging out by the water. Rent a boat, grab a snack, and enjoy the scenery. It’s especially pretty in spring and fall.

798 Art District – For the Artsy Crowd

If you’re into contemporary art and cool industrial vibes, the 798 Art District is a must. This former factory complex has been transformed into a buzzing art scene filled with galleries, studios, cafes, and street art.

It’s a nice contrast to all the historical stuff, and it shows Beijing’s modern, creative side. You can easily spend a few hours here browsing exhibitions, snapping photos, and grabbing coffee.

Plus, it’s free to wander around. Just check gallery hours if you want to go inside specific exhibits.

Peking Duck – Eat Like You Mean It

Okay, let’s talk food. You absolutely cannot leave Beijing without trying Peking duck. This crispy-skinned, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth dish is legendary for a reason.

Quanjude and Da Dong are two of the most famous spots, but honestly, even smaller local restaurants do it justice. The whole experience—watching them carve the duck tableside, wrapping it in thin pancakes with hoisin sauce and scallions—it’s just chef’s kiss.

Go hungry. Order way too much. Regret nothing.

Wangfujing Snack Street – Dare to Try It All

If you’re adventurous with food, Wangfujing Snack Street is your playground. This bustling night market is packed with food stalls selling everything from scorpions on a stick to candied fruit, stinky tofu, lamb skewers, and more.

It’s touristy, yeah, but it’s also a ton of fun. Even if you don’t eat the bugs, the atmosphere is electric, and there’s plenty of normal (and delicious) street food to try.

Just pace yourself. The smells alone can be overwhelming 🙂

Jingshan Park – Best Sunset Views in Beijing

Want a killer view of the Forbidden City? Head to Jingshan Park, right across the street. Climb to the top of the hill (it’s not far, promise), and you’ll get a panoramic view of the entire palace complex and the city beyond.

Sunset is the best time to go. The golden light hitting those ancient rooftops is straight-up magical. Bring your camera, or just sit and take it all in.

National Museum of China – Free and Fascinating

History nerds, this one’s for you. The National Museum of China is massive, free to enter, and packed with artifacts spanning thousands of years of Chinese history.

From ancient pottery and jade carvings to revolutionary exhibits and modern art, there’s a ton to explore. You could easily spend half a day here, so plan accordingly.

Just make sure to bring your passport—you’ll need it to get in.

Beijing Opera – A Cultural Experience

Beijing Opera is one of those things that’s totally unique to the city. The elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, acrobatics, and singing create a theatrical experience like nothing else.

Even if you don’t understand the language, it’s fascinating to watch. There are a few theaters around the city that offer performances with English subtitles, like Liyuan Theatre and Huguang Guild Hall.

It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into cultural experiences, it’s worth checking out at least once.

Wrapping It All Up

So yeah, if you’ve been sleeping on Beijing, now’s the time to wake up and book that flight. This city has everything—epic history, incredible food, vibrant neighborhoods, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. The things to see and do in Beijing really do cater to every type of traveler, and honestly, one trip probably won’t be enough.

Whether you’re climbing the Great Wall, getting lost in a hutong, or devouring Peking duck at midnight, your beijing trip is going to be unforgettable. Just pace yourself, wear comfy shoes, and keep an open mind. Beijing will surprise you in the best ways.

Now go plan that trip—you’ll thank yourself later. 😉