Things to Do in Beijing
33 curated spots from Beijing itineraries
Activities & Attractions
19 curated experiences
Jingshan Park
Climb the hill for the classic overlook of the Forbidden City and the old city grid beyond.
1h · $1-3
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Enter through the Meridian Gate and follow a route through courtyards, halls, and side passageways; focus on the main axis plus a few quieter corners, and leave time for photos from the higher terraces.
2h 30m · $10-15
Mutianyu Great Wall
Ride the cable car up, walk a few towers in each direction, and enjoy panoramic mountain and wall views; many tours include transport, tickets, and lunch.[5][9]
3h · $40-80 including transport
Temple of Heaven Park
Explore the ritual architecture, then linger where locals do tai chi, dance, chess, and group music in the park.
2h · $4-6
Tiananmen Square
Arrive early to walk across one of the world’s largest public squares, see the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Great Hall of the People, and take wide-angle photos of the surrounding architecture.
1h · Free
798 Art District
Explore galleries, industrial buildings, sculpture installations, and design shops in the former factory zone.
3h · Free-$15 depending on exhibitions
Mutianyu Village Stroll
After coming down from the wall, wander the small village area with souvenir shops, simple cafés, and rural scenery.
1h · Free
Nanluoguxiang Hutong Walk
Stroll this restored hutong alley filled with shops, cafés, snacks, and side lanes; perfect for browsing and street photography.
2h · Free (shopping extra)
Nanluoguxiang Hutongs
Walk the hutong network around Nanluoguxiang and nearby side lanes, checking cafés, little bars, and courtyard storefronts.
2h 30m · Free
National Art Museum of China
Browse Chinese art collections and rotating exhibitions in a centrally located museum that complements the imperial morning.
1h 30m · $0-10
Panjiayuan Antique Market
Browse antiques, calligraphy, folk art, prints, and curios; go for the busier weekend feel if your dates align.
2h · Free entry; purchases extra
Shichahai & Houhai Lakes and Nearby Hutongs
Wander the lakeside paths, cross quaint bridges, and dip into hutong lanes for traditional courtyard houses, café stops, and casual photography.
2h · Free
Shichahai & Houhai Lakes Walk
Circle the interconnected lakes on foot, watching locals fish, play music, and exercise; stop at viewpoints and small bridges for photos.
2h · Free
Summer Palace
Walk the lakeside paths, the Long Corridor, and climb up toward the Tower of Buddhist Incense for views over Kunming Lake; consider a short boat ride if time and weather allow.
2h 30m · $5-10
Taikooli Sanlitun Shopping District
Explore the open-air mall, fashion stores, and design shops before transitioning into the surrounding bar streets as evening falls.
2h · Free (plus shopping)
Temple of Heaven Park & Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests
Enter through the East Gate around 9:00 AM to watch locals practicing tai chi and dancing in the pines, then move up through the Circular Mound Altar and photograph the iconic blue‑tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests from multiple angles.
2h · $5-10
Tiananmen Square & Qianmen Street
From Temple of Heaven, take a short metro ride to Tiananmen East; walk the square for grand scale shots, then head south through the Qianmen gate to the restored Qianmen Street, exploring side alleys for more lived‑in scenes.
1h 30m · Free (small museum fees possible)
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Start at the south entrance and move one-way through the main imperial axis; focus on core halls, courtyards, and the scale of the complex.
3h · $12-20 or Free
Wangfujing Pedestrian Street and Snack Area
Stroll the main pedestrian street for shopping, bright signs, and malls, then duck into the side snack areas for skewers, dumplings, and sweets.
2h · Free (plus snacks/shopping)Restaurants & Food
14 local favorites
Black Sesame Kitchen
Reserve ahead for a communal, chef-led Beijing cooking experience or tasting-style dinner in a heritage courtyard setting.
2h · $45-75 per person
Da Wan Ju Noodle Restaurant (Wangfujing Area)
Casual noodle and small-dish spot tucked near Wangfujing, good for trying hand-pulled noodles and northern Chinese comfort food.
1h · $10-20 per person
Donglaishun (Qianhai Branch)
Old Beijing hotpot restaurant specializing in thin-sliced mutton you cook at the table, right by the lakes around Houhai and Shichahai.
1h 30m · $25-40 per person
Jing-A Brewpub (Taikooli Sanlitun)
Craft beer pub with a mix of Chinese-inspired bar snacks and comfort food like fried chicken, burgers, and spicy fries.
1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Jing-A Taproom
Go for craft beer, shared plates, and a lively room; ideal for a social final night.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
King's Joy
Plant-forward upscale Chinese lunch with seasonal dishes; choose a tasting progression for the best experience.
1h 15m · $40-70 per person
King’s Joy
Michelin‑starred, temple‑adjacent fine‑dining restaurant focused on inventive Chinese vegetarian cuisine with extensive vegan tasting menus and beautifully plated seasonal courses.
2h · $80-120 per person
Li Qun Roast Duck Restaurant
Traditional Peking duck in a rustic hutong courtyard; share a whole roast duck with pancakes and side dishes.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Liu Zhai Shifu (Mutianyu Village Buffet at Mubus Restaurant)
Casual Chinese buffet often included with Mutianyu Great Wall day tours; load up on stir‑fried dishes, simple meats, and vegetables between wall hikes.[5]
1h · $15-25 per person
Mutianyu Snack Street Stalls
Simple local snacks and buns near the Mutianyu entrance; grab jianbing (Chinese crepes) or steamed buns before heading up the cable car.
30m · $5-10 per person
Nanluoguxiang Street Snacks
Snack-focused dinner hopping between stalls for skewers, fried dumplings, yogurt, and sweets along the pedestrian street.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Siji Minfu (Qianmen Branch)
Classic Beijing roast duck and homestyle dishes near Tiananmen; reserve or go early if possible. Order the roast duck, candied sweet potatoes, and a vegetable stir-fry.
1h 15m · $20-35 per person
Temple Restaurant Beijing
Book a table for contemporary Chinese tasting menus and elegant presentation; order the chef’s menu if available.
1h 30m · $50-90 per person
Veggie Table (Nanchizi Branch)
Modern, cozy vegetarian restaurant with clearly labeled vegan options; order the mapo tofu with brown rice, Beijing‑style cold noodles, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
1h 15m · $20-30 per person