What to do in Beijing

Activities, attractions and tours

Forbidden City showing a fountain
Forbidden City featuring a square or plaza and heritage architecture
Beijing showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Olympic Park showing modern architecture
Dongcheng - Wangfujing featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Beijing Attractions

Beijing, one of the world's largest and most vibrant cities, is full of rich Chinese history and features a blended mix of Asian cultures. This city is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy a blend of ancient traditions and modern-day marvels. There are a variety of things to do in Beijing for people of all ages.

The Great Wall of China is one of the top spots to visit. As such, you should begin your Beijing journey by visiting the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Part of many Beijing excursions, this part of the wall has been greatly preserved throughout the centuries. While it is a bit further from the center of Beijing than other sections, the area is rarely crowded, making for a great outing with your family.

While the Palace of Museum itself is one of the best local places to visit during your trip, the Hall of Great Harmony located within the museum is a must see for everyone. The Hall of Great Harmony features ancient architecture, artifacts, temples, and a large number of statues originally sculpted centuries ago.

There are a large amount of Beijing tours available to ensure you don’t miss any of the must-see spots of the area. As such, make sure the tour you choose includes a stop at the Temple of Heaven. This historical religious structure, built in 1420, was originally used by emperors to pay respects to their Gods from the heavens. Now, the Temple of Heaven stands as one of the main tourist focal points and one of the great attractions in Beijing. Don't forget to schedule a visit to this wonderfully preserved historical site.

To take advantage of all the wonderful Beijing activities available to visitors, Expedia recommends you carry a map at all times. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to take your family to one of the most exciting cities in Asia and book your vacation today!


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What to do in Beijing


Discover the most popular places to visit in Beijing

Explore areas of Beijing

Temple of Heaven featuring religious elements, a temple or place of worship and heritage architecture

Downtown Beijing

4/5(6 area reviews)

Historic sites, museums, and art galleries highlight some notable features of Downtown Beijing. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
Famous Qianmen pedestrian street south from Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China

Wangfujing Shopping Area

Historic sites, art galleries, and museums highlight some notable features of Wangfujing Shopping Area. Make a stop by Wangfujing Street or Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Dengshikou Station or Dongsi Station to get around town.

Wangfujing Shopping Area
Dongcheng - Wangfujing

Dongcheng

4.5/5(137 area reviews)

Home to major cultural attractions like the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, Dongcheng boasts vibrant nightlife in Nanluoguxiang's hutongs and shopping at Wangfujing. Prestigious hotels and nine metro lines ensure a convenient stay.

Dongcheng
CCTV Headquarters building is situated in the city centre of Beijing. One of the most amazing architectural creations I've ever seen in my life. It's a massive 200m something high structure. As I heard from the locals, visitors are not allowed inside.

Chaoyang

4/5(1 area review)

Discover a bustling district with foreign embassies, Sanlitun bar street, and a thriving business area. Explore attractions like 798 Art Zone, Olympic Green, and Chaoyang Park, while enjoying convenient access to 14 metro lines and Beijing Capital Airport.

Chaoyang
Set in Beijing and taken on a clear April night

Dongdan

Dongdan is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Wangfujing Street and Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum, and you can get around town on the metro at Dengshikou Station.

Dongdan
Summer Palace showing heritage elements and a river or creek

Haidian

4/5(10 area reviews)

Get to know Haidian and its many features like its museums and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Summer Palace and Fragrant Hills Park, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around the city.

Haidian

 

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Day trip destinations from Beijing

Frequently asked questions

Is Beijing worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Beijing. While you're here, head to Wangfujing Street, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Beijing?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then, tour other areas of Beijing for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Beijing?
The top tourist attraction in Beijing is Wangfujing Street, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Beijing?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, including Wangfujing Street, Forbidden City and The Palace Museum. The average stay in Beijing is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Daxing isn't far away.
Is Beijing a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Beijing is a good destination to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then take a stroll around Dongcheng, located 3 kilometres from the centre, and Wangfujing Shopping Area, which is roughly 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Beijing with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Beijing with kids.

What to do in Beijing for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Beijing for adults including Sanlitun Road and Qianmen Street.
Are there free things to do in Beijing?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Beijing is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wangfujing Street is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.

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