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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Top places to visit

1. Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street has been host to commercial activities in Beijing for many centuries. Today, it’s very popular with shoppers and tourists who flock here in search of bargains and unique clothing. This busy commercial thoroughfare has benches, bars, restaurants and cafés, all offering plenty of rest stops.
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Wangfujing Street showing a city and street scenes

2. Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Beijing, and in fact, the whole of China. For hundreds of years, only the royal entourage was allowed to enter through the formidable walls, which is why the complex earned the name “Forbidden City.” Since 1925, its opulent plazas have been open to the public, attracting millions of tourists each year.
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Forbidden City featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and a lake or waterhole

3. Tiananmen Square

It’s the history, more so than the architecture, behind Tiananmen Square that has brought it into the international spotlight. This public square is surrounded by Beijing’s most famous attractions, a sight you can’t miss if you are in Beijing.
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One of the most famous squares in the world, this spot is the beating heart of Beijing and has always been the site of mass protests and national celebrations.

4. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China Juyongguan is the closest part of these ancient fortifications to Beijing. This part, built between 770 B.C. and 221 B.C., is one of the principle mountain passes that the vast wall goes through and is called the Juyongguan Pass. Tour the historic architecture and take in the stunning vistas over the Jundu and Taihang mountains and valley.
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Great Wall of China featuring heritage elements, night scenes and a monument

5. Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven is bigger than the Forbidden City. It was originally constructed as a ceremonial space for emperors during the 15th century, but has been open to the public since 1918. Nowadays, the site is a gathering point for local musicians, dancers and other performers who practice their martial arts and hobbies here.
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Temple of Heaven which includes a city, a temple or place of worship and religious elements

6. Summer Palace

The Summer Palace on the shore of Kunming Lake is home to the largest royal garden in China and has many remarkable buildings. Enjoy the lush scenery and architecture and have a picnic on the lawns.
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Summer Palace featuring heritage elements

What to do in Beijing


Discover the most popular places to visit in Beijing

Explore areas of Beijing

Temple of Heaven which includes a temple or place of worship, religious aspects 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 Peninsula Beijing Shopping Arcade or Intime Lotte Department Store while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Jinyu Hutong Station or Dengshikou Station to get around town.

Downtown Beijing
National Museum of China featuring signage

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
China showing a garden

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
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
Dong Hua Men Night Market

Dongdan

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

Dongdan

 

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Day trip destinations from Beijing