How to find the best things to do in Beijing?

Beijing is one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet. With a population of more than 21 million occupants and a trove of exciting attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.

Beijing contains an impressive range of historical sites, gastronomic hotspots, and recreational activities to experience, so it can often be difficult for visitors to know where to start when planning a trip in the busy metropolis. From the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City to exquisite imperial gardens and the hustle and bustle of modern Beijing, this guide will help travelers uncover the best things to do in Beijing.

Exploring the Great Wall of China

For many travelers, a visit to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without exploring the iconic Great Wall of China. The wall was built to protect the Chinese Empire from invasions and spans over 21,000 km in total, although just a few select Beijing sections are open to visitors.
The nearest sections to Beijing are Jinshanling and Mutianyu which offer the best scenery and can be reached by public transport within two hours. For visitors traveling with a tour group these sections can be reached within three hours from the city center. ChinaHighlights offers guided experiences for both sections.

Immerse Yourself in the Forbidden City

Situated in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace from 1420-1912 when it served as home to 24 Emperors of China. The sprawling complex is made up of 980 buildings containing over 8700 rooms, making it one of the largest structure of its kind in the world. Today, the Forbidden City stands as a symbol of Imperial China’s cultural and political achievements and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most people opt to purchase an audio guide when touring the Forbidden City in order to get an understanding of its long history. The intricate network of courtyards and passages require extensive navigation, so downloading a map prior to visiting ForbiddenCityTickets is recommended as an alternative.

Dining Out in Beijing

Beijing is renowned for its delicious cuisine, with a vast range of culinary extravagances on offer for visitors. From traditional Peking Duck restaurants to contemporary hotspots serving some of the latest trends in modern Chinese dishes, there are plenty of gastronomic opportunities to savor in the capital.
No trip to Beijing would be complete without sampling some of the city’s classic Peking Duck restaurants. TimeOutBeijing lists the best establishments to enjoy this exquisite specialty while visitors looking to try some modern dishes should take a look at the eateries in Sanlitun and nearby malls.

Green Spaces and Nature in Beijing

The vibrant city of Beijing also offers plenty of opportunities to explore nature and connect with nature. Whether it’s taking a relaxing stroll through one of the many parks or heading out into nature to experience some country living, it can all be found within Beijing’s boundaries.
For park-goers, head down to Jingshan Park or Beihai Park for some tranquil views of lakes and temples resting upon green hills. Further out of town, the west parts of Beijing contain Fragrant Hill Park which resides within a UNESCO World Heritage Site with vast greenery and towers boasting sweeping views of the city skyline. Additionally, hike around the mountains near Simatai Great Wall for some stunning views into rural China or join a bike tour around Yanqi Lake which lies 90km north-east of Beijing’s city center. LonelyPlanet can provide further insights into these natural gems near Beijing.

Overall, for visitors planning to stay in Beijing for more than three days, choosing which activities to experience can be a challenge due to the sheer range of options available in this busy China gateway. Hop between ancient sites, sample delicious food, and take advantage of some of Beijing’s finest green spaces; whatever you choose, Beijing offers an eclectic mix of experiences sure to appeal to all kinds travelers beginning their journey in this fascinating metropolis!

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Exploring Beijing

If you’re planning a trip to Beijing, then you’re in for a treat! This eclectic city is full of fascinating culture, jaw-dropping architecture, and unique experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together an insider’s guide to exploring Beijing. From hidden local gems to historical deep dives, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

Local Attractions: Discovering Beijing’s Hidden Gems

No visit to Beijing is complete without checking out the city’s most popular tourist attractions like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. However, if you want to get a taste for how the locals live, make sure to check out some off-the-beaten-path spots. These include:

– The 798 Art District, an area filled with galleries, studios, and cafes that feature contemporary Chinese art and architecture. You can spend hours here just walking around and soaking up the creative energy.
– Beihai Park, a serene garden and lake area that’s perfect for an afternoon picnic or a relaxing boat ride. Plus, you can check out the White Pagoda, a stunning temple that offers amazing views of the surrounding city.
– The Drum and Bell Towers, located in the heart of Beijing, are ancient structures that are still standing strong after more than 600 years. Hike to the top for an incredible panoramic view of the city.

Dining in Beijing: A Feast for the Senses

Beijing is a food lover’s paradise. There’s a wide variety of street food, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and high-end dining establishments that offer rich and diverse cuisine. To get a true taste of Beijing, make sure to try:

– Peking Roast Duck, a dish that’s known worldwide and must be tried at least once. The crispy skin and juicy meat will leave you wanting more.
– Dumplings, another Beijing staple and a great way to try a variety of fillings and dipping sauces. You can find them in many different eateries across the city.
– Jingjiang Roast Pork (京酱肉丝), a flavor-packed pork dish that’s sweet, savory, and a little bit spicy. It’s usually served with pancakes, which you can roll up with cucumbers and scallions.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Beijing’s Rich Traditions

Beijing is steeped in culture and history, so take some time to explore its rich traditions. Here are some cultural experiences you should add to your itinerary:

– The Beijing Opera is an art form that combines music, dance, and acrobatics. It has been around for over two hundred years and is truly mesmerizing to watch.
– The Hutongs (narrow alleys) are the old residential neighborhoods that date back to the Yuan Dynasty. You can take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs and see how locals live, work and socialize.
– Participating in a tea ceremony is not only a great way to taste Chinese tea, but also to learn about the history, culture, and philosophy behind this drink.

Local History: Stories from Beijing’s Past

Beijing has a long and fascinating history, and there are many interesting stories you can uncover by exploring the city’s past. Here’s a glimpse into Beijing’s rich history:

– The Summer Palace was once the royal garden of the Qing Dynasty. In 1860, it was severely damaged by Anglo-French forces as a result of the Second Opium War. It has since been restored, but the bullet holes in the walls are still visible, and a constant reminder of Beijing’s past.
– The story of Marco Polo and Kublai Khan is not just a legend. During the Yuan Dynasty, Kublai Khan invited Marco Polo to serve in his court, marking the first time a European had set foot in China in hundreds of years.
– The Ming Tombs are the burial sites of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, and one of the most well-preserved imperial mausoleums in China. It’s a chance to see Beijing’s history up close and personal.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Activities: Unexpected Adventures in Beijing

If you’re someone who craves adventure and exploration, then Beijing has plenty of unique opportunities to offer. Here are some off-the-beaten-path activities worth checking out:

– Watch a movie and order a drink at Dada Underground. A small theatre that shows indie films, you can sit back and relax in a silent movie-style underground den while sipping on a nice glass of cold beer or a cocktail.
– Play a round of Mahjong or Chinese Chess. Ming Dynasty’s favorite game, Mahjong (麻将) is a game that comprises 144 tiles with various Chinese characters. You can find local players to play against you in places like Ditan Park or Houhai Park. Chinese chess (象棋) is a game that is taken more seriously in Beijing, so take this game as an opportunity to study the Chinese culture or brush up on your chess game skills.
– Head to the Beijing International Sculpture Park and check out the art that brings the park to life. Opened in 2002, the park revolves around the theme of ‘Harmony between Man and Nature’. You’ll walk through an enchanted forest discovering sculptures of everything from animals, people to literature, and abstract pieces.

With this insider’s guide, you’re sure to fall in love with Beijing like a local! Whether you’re looking to explore history, art, cuisine or culture, this vibrant city has something for everyone.