What to See and Do in Beijing for an Unforgettable Trip
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Introduction
From imperial palaces to vibrant street markets, Beijing is a city where ancient history meets modern energy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for a deeper dive, the Chinese capital offers a dazzling variety of experiences, historic, cultural, culinary, and beyond. Home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, hidden hutongs, and world-class cuisine, Beijing promises something unforgettable for every type of traveler.
How to Get Around
Before diving into Beijing’s must-see sights, it’s helpful to understand how to navigate this massive, dynamic city. While it might seem overwhelming at first, Beijing’s transportation system is surprisingly efficient, affordable, and traveler-friendly, once you get the hang of it. Here are the best ways to get around:
Subway: Fast, Cheap, and Easy
Beijing’s subway system is hands-down the most convenient way to explore the city. It’s extensive, reliable, and covers nearly all major tourist attractions. Signs and announcements are in both Chinese and English, and single-ride tickets or rechargeable travel cards (like the Yikatong card) can be bought at any station. Just avoid rush hour if you can, it gets packed.
Taxis: Simple and Stress-Free (with a Note)
Taxis are everywhere and relatively affordable. Make sure the driver uses the meter, and always have your destination written in Chinese, most drivers don’t speak English. Apps like DiDi (China’s version of Uber) are also helpful and can be used in English with a foreign credit card.
Bicycles: Eco-Friendly and Adventurous
Beijing is surprisingly bike-friendly, with designated bike lanes on many roads. Rental bikes from companies like Meituan or HelloBike are available everywhere and can be unlocked with a QR code. You’ll need a local app, but hotel staff or locals can often help you get set up. Biking is a great way to explore hutongs, parks, and quieter parts of the city.
Buses: Budget-Friendly but Tricky
City buses are very affordable and cover almost every corner of Beijing. That said, they’re best suited for more experienced travelers or those who speak some Mandarin. Routes and signs are often only in Chinese, and stops can be frequent and crowded.
Walking: Explore at Street Level
In central Beijing, many key sights, like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the hutongs are close enough to explore on foot. Walking is also the best way to stumble across hidden tea shops, street food stalls, and the city’s everyday rhythms.
Private Car Services: Comfortable but Costly
Private cars with drivers are available through hotels or local travel agencies. While more expensive, this option is ideal for day trips, airport transfers, or travelers who prefer a more relaxed experience without navigating public transport.
It’s worth noting that most tourist attractions in Beijing are within walking distance of each other, so it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary accordingly. Before you head out, it’s also a good idea to check traffic conditions and plan your route accordingly.
Top Tips for Navigating Beijing Like a Pro
Beijing is an incredible city to explore, but it does require a bit of preparation, especially for first-time visitors. Here are some helpful tips to make your visit smoother, safer, and more enjoyable:
1. Keep Your Passport Handy
You may need your passport or at least a clear copy of it to check into hotels, buy attraction tickets, or pass through security at major tourist sites. Keep it on you or stored safely in a secure bag.
2. Have a Reliable Map App
Download Maps.me before you go. It’s one of the most useful offline navigation tools available and can help you find your way even without internet access. A paper map or a digital version in both English and Chinese can also come in handy when asking for directions.
3. Use a Translator App
Install a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco. Being able to type or speak what you need and instantly translate it can be a real lifesaver, especially when ordering food, asking for directions, or navigating signage.
4. Beat the Crowds with Early Starts
Beijing is one of the most populous cities in the world, and tourist spots can get overwhelmingly busy. Arriving early, especially at major sights like the Forbidden City or the Great Wall can mean shorter lines and a much more relaxed experience.
5. Avoid Public Transport During Peak Hours
Rush hour in Beijing can be intense. Trains and buses fill up quickly, and navigating packed platforms is not for the faint of heart. If possible, plan your travel for mid-morning or early afternoon to avoid the crush.
6. Try the Local Food, Even If It’s New to You
Beijing is a culinary playground. From street food stalls to family-run noodle shops, there’s no shortage of local dishes to sample. Be adventurous, you might just find a new favorite. Even if you’re unsure of an ingredient or preparation, trying something unfamiliar is part of the fun.
7. Stay Central if You Can
Book accommodation close to the city center or near a subway line that connects to the major attractions. Commuting in and out every day can eat into your time and energy, especially in such a sprawling city.
Now Let's Dive Into What to do!
Now that you’re ready to navigate the city, it’s time to dive into the best of what Beijing has to offer. From world-famous landmarks to hidden gems, here’s a mix of must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and food stops that will give you a well-rounded experience of China’s capital.
 Visit the Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing is complete without seeing the Great Wall. The Badaling section is the most accessible and fully restored, making it ideal for first-time visitors. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
Badaling Entrance fee: CNY 40 (low season CNY 35)
Cable car: CNY 140 (one-way), CNY 180 (round-trip)
Free admission: for children under 18 and seniors over 60; student discounts often apply
Want to visit without a tour? Click here for a full DIY guide.
Explore the Forbidden City
Step into imperial history at this vast palace complex that once housed the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City is one of the most impressive architectural feats in China. A guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate its significance and layout.
Entrance fee: CNY 60 (Apr 1–Oct 31), CNY 40 (Nov 1–Mar 31)
Wander around Tiananmen Square: Located at the political heart of the city, Tiananmen Square is one of the world’s largest public squares. Surrounded by monumental landmarks like the Great Hall of the People and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, it’s a key spot for understanding modern Chinese history.
Entry to the square is free. However, climbing the Tiananmen Gate Tower requires a CNY  15 ticket.
Take a Hutong Tour: The hutongs are Beijing’s traditional alleys and courtyard homes, many dating back centuries. Walking or biking through these neighborhoods offers an intimate glimpse into local life. Look for guided tours that include visits with local residents or food tastings.
Generally free to walk; organized tours typically range from CNY 100–200 depending on duration and inclusions like tea or local guides.
Visit the Temple of Heaven: This architectural masterpiece was once used by emperors to pray for good harvests. The Temple of Heaven is surrounded by peaceful parkland where locals gather for tai chi, chess, and dance. It’s an ideal stop for both history and people-watching.
Park-only ticket: CNY 15 (Apr–Oct), CNY 15 (Nov–Mar)
Complete ticket: CNY 28 (Apr–Oct), CNY 34 (Nov–Mar)
Scenic ticket: CNY 20 (includes main structures without park access)
Children under 18 and seniors over 60 enter free; youth aged 18–25 get half-price
Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner: One of Beijing’s most iconic dishes, Peking duck is a crispy, succulent must-try. Served with thin pancakes, hoisin sauce, and green onions, it’s a flavorful meal and a fun experience. Many restaurants serve it at surprisingly affordable prices.
Many mid-range spots charge between CNY 80–150 per person.
Take a day trip to the Summer Palace: Just outside the city, the Summer Palace is a serene escape with lakes, gardens, and pavilions. Once the imperial family’s summer retreat, it’s a great spot to slow down, rent a paddle boat, or take a long scenic walk.
General ticket: CNY 30 (off-season), CNY 40 (peak season)
Through ticket (includes major gardens): CNY 50–60 depending on season
Extra tickets: Tower of Buddhist Incense (CNY 10), Suzhou Street (CNY 10)
Children under 6 and seniors over 60 are free; those aged 6–18 get half-price
Visit the Capital Museum: Often overlooked, the Capital Museum offers a deep dive into Beijing’s local history and development. With fascinating exhibits and impressive artifacts, it’s well worth a few hours, especially if you want to escape the crowds.
Admission: Free with reservation
Special exhibitions: Additional charge (~USD 6 for some), reservation required
Take a stroll in the Fragrant Hills Park: Located on the city’s western edge, Fragrant Hills Park is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves turn a deep red. It also offers scenic views, historic temples, and peaceful trails—a great half-day nature break from urban Beijing.
Typically there is a small entrance fee CNY 3–10 depending on season and area), not widely published. Local entry fees often apply at ticket windows.
Explore the 798 Art Zone: For something more modern, head to 798 Art Zone, a repurposed industrial district turned creative hub. This area is packed with galleries, street art, indie boutiques, and trendy cafés, a perfect contrast to the city’s ancient landmarks.
Visit Wangfujing Food Market: Wangfujing Food Market is a must-visit destination for foodies visiting Beijing. Located in the heart of the city, it’s one of the oldest and most famous food markets in Beijing and offers a wide variety of traditional Chinese snacks and delicacies. If you are brave enough they also have a large selection of creepy crawlies for your tasting pleasure. I will recommend trying the stinky tofu, it smells terrible but tastes great!
Street food prices range from CNY 5–30 per item.
 12.  Feast on dumplings: You’ll never go hungry in Beijing, especially if you love dumplings. They’re cheap, flavorful, and come in endless varieties, pork, shrimp, veggie, pan-fried, or steamed. I ate them for breakfast every day and never got tired of them.
