Top 10 Coolest Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern marvels, offering an endless array of experiences for every traveler. If you're planning a trip to Beijing, this ultimate guide of the top 10 things to do in Beijing is here to help. Follow us and step into the excellent world of Beijing.

1. Taste Peking Roast Duck

Sliced Roast Duck

Peking Roast Duck, also called Peking Duck, is a famous Chinese dish originated in Beijing. In ancient times, it was a royal dish for Chinese emperors and their courts. The crispy skin and delicious meat have captured numerous food lovers.

Typically, Peking Roast Duck is served in three parts:

• Crispy Skin: The first and most prized part is the skin. Dip the skin in served sugar or garlic sauce before you have a taste of it.
• Sliced Meat: Duck meat, sliced with a thin layer of skin, is served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and julienned vegetables like cucumber and scallions. Wrap the meat, sauce, and vegetables in the pancake and enjoy it.
• Duck Soup: Often, the duck bones are used to make a flavorful soup. It will be served at the end of the meal.
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2. Learn to Play Tai Chi at Temple of Heaven

Admire the Temple of Heaven from far distance

In Beijing, local people, especially elder people, love to play Tai Chi in parks in the early morning. The Temple of Heaven is a popular spot for locals to practice Tai Chi. Arrive around 6:00-8:00 am to observe or join in with the groups that gather in the park's open spaces. Simply watching and following along is a good way to start.

For a more structured experience, consider hiring a local Tai Chi instructor. Private lessons are available around the Temple of Heaven, offering personalized guidance to help you learn the correct postures and movements.

You may visit Temple of Heaven after the Tai Chi class. In ancient China, it was a royal altar in Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. Now it's open to tourists to admire its stunning structure and learn about its stories.

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3. Explore Beijing Old Hutongs

Beijing Hutong

Exploring Beijing's hutongs, the narrow alleyways that weave through the city's oldest neighborhoods, is one of the best ways to experience the traditional and authentic side of Beijing. Start with some of the most well-known hutongs, such as Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying Hutong, and Yandai Xiejie. These hutongs are popular for their well-preserved architecture, trendy cafes, and boutique shops.

The best way to explore Hutongs is on foot. Walking allows you to take your time, notice the details, and stop at interesting spots along the way. Look out for traditional siheyuan (courtyard houses) and ancient doorways adorned with Chinese symbols.

For a more guided experience, consider taking a rickshaw tour. Local guides often share stories about the history, culture, and residents of the Hutongs, offering a deeper understanding of the area.

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4. Visit a Beijing Family

Visiting a Beijing family goes beyond typical sightseeing. It allows you to engage directly with locals, ask questions, and see the contrast between modern life and centuries-old customs in Beijing, one of China's most historically significant cities.

Many family visits take place in traditional courtyard houses, known as siheyuan. These homes are typically located in the historic Hutong neighborhoods. During your visit, the family might share traditional customs and arrange activities for you. You may also start a conversation with them and discuss different topics like education, work, and festivals. In the end, the host family will treat you to a home-cooked Beijing meal. Often, they will invite you to prepare the meal with them, such as making dumplings together. Click here for a Beijing tour with an unforgettable family visiting.

5. Hike on the Great Wall of China

The Great Wall in Beijing

The Great Wall in China is a series of fortifications built to protect ancient Chinese empires from invasions. The sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are well preserved and have long histories. It has been one of the landmarks in Beijing. Thus, hiking the Great Wall is always a must-do for visitors around the world.

The sections near Beijing, such as Mutianyu and Badaling, are some of the most visited and accessible parts of the wall. Each section of the Great Wall has its own unique features and attracts different types of visitors.

• Badaling: The most famous and frequently visited section due to the well-restored condition and accessibility. It only takes about one hour to get to Badaling Great Wall from downtown Beijing by bullet train.
• Mutianyu: This section is known for its beautiful scenery, with dense forests surrounding the wall. It's less crowded than Badaling, with comprehensive facilities. It's easy to ascend and descend the Mutianyu Great Wall by cable cars and toboggan, making it an ideal site for all ages.
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6. Celebrate Chinese New Year

You can find Spring Festival decorations in Beijing markets

The Chinese New Year celebration in Beijing is relatively grand. There will be plenty of temple fairs held at various temples and parks in Beijing. Among them, Ditan Park and Longtan Park temple fair are popular. You can enjoy folk performances like lion or dragon dances during the temple fairs. They are performed to the beat of drums and cymbals and believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits.

The 15th day of Chinese New Year is Lantern Festival. There will be final celebrations on that day. In Beijing, you can find beautifully illuminated lanterns and enjoy traditional performances in many parks. In a word, the Spring Festival is long and suitable for an in-depth Beijing tour.

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7. Wander in the Forbidden City

A pavilion of the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a sprawling palace complex that once served as the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient palace structure in the world, covering over 180 acres and consisting of nearly 1,000 buildings. Nowadays, it has become a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Beijing.

Wandering in the Forbidden City, you will witness the grandeur of China's ancient dynasties and get a glimpse into the intricate details of imperial life. When you walk through the halls, the first thing that comes to mind may be the vibrant color of the buildings. The bright yellow, red and blue colors plus the stunning architecture constitute amazing palaces.

For a unique experience, consider taking a set of photoshoots with Chinese ancient customs in the site. Or climb up the Wanchun Pavilion to the top of the nearby Jingshan Park. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole palace complex.

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8. Cycle in Beijing

It's a fantastic way to explore the city by bike, offering a mix of convenience, freedom, and an up-close view of daily life.

The easiest way to get a bike is through bike-sharing apps like Mobike. These dockless bikes are available throughout the city, and you can unlock them using a smartphone app. If you prefer more professional equipment, there are bike rental shops in the downtown area.

Here's the most recommended cycling route in the downtown area. Start from Drum and Bell Tower and bike around Shishahai Park to admire the surrounding view. Next, ride to Wenjin Street, which is near Shishahai Park. There are many attractions on this street, such as Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, and the Forbidden City. You may stop at any one of them and enjoy yourself at these attractions.

9. Enjoy a Peking Opera Show

Watch Peking Opera in a theater

In Beijing, another must-see traditional performance is the Peking Opera. It's a traditional Chinese performing art that combines singing, acting, acrobatics, and martial arts. Peking Opera tells stories from Chinese history, folklore, and mythology, often featuring themes of loyalty, love, and justice.

There are many venues in Beijing that offer Peking Opera shows. Even some are offering shows with English subtitles. Before you watch a Peking Opera show, it's helpful to read a brief summary of the story being performed. This will enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the performance. Also, you don't want to miss the Peking Opera facial painting experience. You can get Peking Opera facial art on your face as if you're actually performing one. Contact us, and we can help book Peking Opera tickets and order a facial art experience for you.

10. Relax Yourself in Summer Palace

The Marble Boat in Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast, historic royal garden in Beijing, originally built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty as a retreat for the royal families. It's known for its beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, and exquisite classical Chinese architecture. More than two-thirds of the scenic area is covered by a lake called Kunming Lake.

To make the most of your trip in Summer Palace, start with strolling through the well-designed gardens that blend natural landscapes with stunning palaces and pavilions. And finally, take a boat and get a tranquil break away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Plan Your Beijing Tour

Beijing has so much more to offer. Whether you're seeking hidden gems or iconic landmarks, Beijing's got it all. Let us help you create a personalized trip that will leave you with lasting memories of Beijing!