Things to Do in Beijing
29 curated spots from Beijing itineraries
Activities & Attractions
17 curated experiences
Jingshan Park
Climb the central hill for sweeping views over the Forbidden City’s golden roofs and central Beijing, especially atmospheric in late afternoon.
1h · $2-5
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Explore the imperial palace complex with ornate halls, courtyards, and museums; enter from Tiananmen and exit to Jingshan Park.[1]
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)
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
12 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
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