If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Beijing, this travel guide will help you make the most of your visit to China’s iconic capital. With over 3,000 years of history, Beijing is the perfect mix of ancient imperial grandeur and vibrant modern life. From majestic palaces and centuries-old temples to bustling hutongs and modern food markets, the city offers something for every kind of traveler.
We spent three intense days exploring Beijing, visiting its most iconic landmarks and a few lesser-known gems. This itinerary is ideal if you want to dive deep into the city’s rich culture and history, even if you’re short on time. In this guide, you’ll find all the essential things to do in Beijing, practical tips for getting around, food recommendations, and the best places to stay.
🗺️ Things to Do in Beijing in 3 Days
Before exploring the top things to do in Beijing, it’s helpful to understand the city’s rich and complex history. Beijing isn’t just the political capital of modern China—it’s one of the country’s most historically continuous cities, with origins that date back over 3,000 years. For more than eight centuries, it served as the capital of various imperial dynasties.
Under the Yuan dynasty, established by the Mongols led by Kublai Khan, the city rose to prominence as the capital known as Dadu. Later, during the Ming dynasty, it became a fortified imperial stronghold with the construction of the majestic Forbidden City—one of the largest palace complexes in the world. This role as the political center continued during the Qing dynasty. With the fall of the empire in the early 20th century, Beijing witnessed the birth of modern China.
Throughout the 20th century, Beijing endured major historical events: the Japanese occupation, the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 by Mao Zedong at Tiananmen Square, and the country’s economic reforms beginning in the 1980s. Today, Beijing looks toward the future while proudly preserving its imperial heritage.
Three days may seem short to experience it all, but with good planning, it’s absolutely possible to enjoy the city’s highlights. If you have the chance to stay a fourth day, you’ll appreciate the extra breathing room. We had three full days and a bonus half-day between our international flights, and didn’t rest for a minute. This guide is designed to help you make the most of your time in Beijing—featuring must-see landmarks, plus a few lesser-known spots that might not top every traveler’s list but are well worth your time.
🏯 The Forbidden City
No list of things to do in Beijing would be complete without visiting the Forbidden City, one of China’s most iconic landmarks. This vast imperial palace was home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, serving as the political heart of the empire for nearly 500 years. Its name comes from the fact that, for centuries, no one outside the imperial court could enter without permission.
Built between 1406 and 1420, it’s the largest palace complex in the world, with over 980 buildings, 8,700 rooms, and covering 72 hectares. Its architecture follows strict principles of feng shui and symmetry. The entire complex is encircled by a 10-meter-high wall and a 52-meter-wide moat.
In 1987, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, its official name is the Palace Museum, and it’s one of the most visited museums in China.
We highly recommend renting an audio guide or using an app with an interactive map, since the site is massive and information signs are limited. If you’re unfamiliar with its history, it’s easy to get lost—both physically and contextually!
🎫 How to Buy Tickets for the Forbidden City
There are three main ways to get your tickets:
- Via the official website – Tickets are released one week in advance. If you’re visiting during peak season, they tend to sell out quickly. You must choose a time slot (morning or afternoon) when booking.
- Via the WeChat mini program – Search for “故宫博物院” in the WeChat search bar to access the official mini app. The process is similar to the website.
- In person at the Meridian Gate – If online tickets are sold out, don’t panic. You can try buying tickets at the main gate of the palace. Get dropped off in Doghuameng gate just before the moat using DiDi (the road is closed to vehicles beyond that point). Walk along the moat to the Meridian Gate (Wumen), the main entrance, where there are ticket counters. Show your passport to buy tickets—be sure to arrive early, as there’s a limited quota for foreign visitors.
Even if you manage to secure tickets online, we don’t recommend entering through Tiananmen Square, as security checks there are strict and can take a long time. It’s much smoother to access via Donghuamen.
To continue your itinerary after the visit, we suggest exiting through the north gate (Shénwǔmén 神武门).
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:30 – 17:00 (closed on Mondays)
🎟️ Ticket price: 60 RMB
🎧 Audio guide: Available in multiple languages for 40 yuan
🌳 Jingshan Park: the hill with the best views of the Forbidden City
If you’re wondering what to see in Beijing beyond temples and palaces, Jingshan Park (景山公园, Jǐngshān Gōngyuán) is one of those hidden gems. Located just north of the Forbidden City, this peaceful park offers one of the best panoramic views in Beijing—especially at sunset.
The artificial hill at its center was created during the Ming dynasty using the earth excavated when digging the Forbidden City’s moat and other canals. At the top sits the Wanchun Pavilion, from which you’ll get a breathtaking view of the golden rooftops of the palace complex, perfectly aligned. It’s one of the best photo spots in the city—and without the usual crowds.
Aside from the five traditional pavilions, the park is filled with tree-lined paths, gardens, and open areas where you’ll often find locals doing tai chi, dancing, or singing. There are also several cafés and outdoor terraces where you can take a well-deserved break.
A curious historical note: this is where the last emperor of the Ming dynasty, Chongzhen, took his own life in 1644 as rebel troops approached the city. A tree on the eastern slope of the hill marks the tragic spot.
🕒 Opening Hours:
April-Ocotber: 6:00 – 21:00
November-March: 6:30 – 20:00
🎟️ Ticket price: 2 RMB
🌅 Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is one of the most important religious sites in China and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. It was built in 1420 during the reign of Emperor Yongle, the same emperor who commissioned the Forbidden City. Twice a year, emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would come here to offer sacrifices and prayers to Heaven, asking for good harvests and prosperity for the empire.
The most iconic structure in the complex is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a stunning piece of wooden architecture rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century. Amazingly, it was constructed without the use of nails or metal beams.
Other notable landmarks include the Circular Mound Altar, where the most important sacrifices were made, and the Echo Wall, known for its fascinating acoustics that allow whispers to travel from one end to the other.
Nearby you’ll find the Fasting Palace, a secluded residence where the emperor would retreat before ceremonies to fast, abstaining from food, drink, decision-making, and even music to achieve spiritual purity. A large ceremonial bell signaled the start and end of this sacred period.
Another interesting feature is the Seven-Star Stones: During the reign of Emperor Jiajing (Ming dynasty), seven large stones were placed southeast of the main sacrificial hall, engraved with mountain motifs representing the sacred peaks of Mount Tai. Later, Emperor Qianlong (Qing dynasty) ordered an eighth stone to be added to symbolize the Manchu people as part of the Chinese nation.
🕗 Opening hours:
Park: Daily, 6:00 – 22:00
Main attractions: 8:00 – 17:30 (April–October) / until 17:00 (November–March)
🎟 Ticket prices:
Park only: 15 RMB (low season) / 20 RMB (high season)
Combined ticket (includes access to main monuments): 28 RMB (low season) / 34 RMB (high season)
🏛️ Tiananmen Square
Another must-see on your list of things to do in Beijing is Tiananmen Square (天安门广场), the largest public square in the world, covering over 440,000 sqm.
Originally built during the Ming dynasty, it was expanded to its current size in the 1950s under Mao Zedong, who saw it as a symbolic space to showcase the power of the people. In fact, the founding of the People’s Republic of China was declared here on October 1, 1949, from the balcony of the Tiananmen Gate, which separates the square from the Forbidden City.
A pivotal moment in Tiananmen’s modern history was the 1989 student protest, a pro-democracy demonstration that ended with a military crackdown on June 4. The iconic image of the “Tank Man” became a worldwide symbol of peaceful resistance. This event profoundly shaped global perceptions of China and Beijing’s modern narrative.
Key landmarks on the square include:
- Monument to the People’s Heroes, a granite obelisk dedicated to revolutionary martyrs.
- Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, where the embalmed body of the Communist leader is preserved. Open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, closed on Mondays. Backpacks and cameras are not allowed inside.
- National Museum of China
- Great Hall of the People, the seat of China’s parliament.
🕒 Access hours: 4:00 – 22:00
🎟 Entry: Free, but you must reserve in advance via the WeChat mini program.
🎫 How to secure your ticket to Tiananmen Square
Tickets for Tiananmen square are free, but you need to book them through the official WeChat program.
Step 1: Open WeChat and search for “天安门广场预约参观”
Step 2: Click on “个人预约” (Individual reservation). Accept the terms and conditions to proceed.
Step 3: Select the date and time of your visit. There are 4 time slots:
- Flag-raising (4:00–5:14)
- Morning (5:14–12:00)
- Afternoon (12:00–17:27)
- Flag-lowering (17:27–20:30)
You’ll also have to choose a specific entry checkpoint. You can only enter through the one you select.
Step 4: Fill in the form with your personal details: name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, etc. After submitting, you’ll receive a confirmation code. Take a screenshot or have it ready on your phone, as you’ll need to show it along with your physical passport on the day of your visit.
If you plan to attend the flag ceremony arrive early so you can have a good spot, as tt gets pretty crowded.
⛩️ Qianmen Street
Just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, Qianmen Street (前门大街, Qiánmén Dàjiē) is one of the liveliest things to do in Beijing, perfect for an evening stroll after sightseeing.
For centuries, Qianmen was a bustling hub where merchants, travelers, and locals came together. It was filled with teahouses, pharmacies, theaters, and traditional shops. Although much of it was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, the street was later rebuilt, and many of the facades were restored in Qing dynasty style, giving it a historical flair.
Today, you’ll find a mix of international brands, traditional boutiques, old-school pastry shops, and some of the city’s oldest restaurants. One of the highlights is the vintage-style tourist tram that runs down the street — a charming replica of the early 20th-century trolleys.
It’s a great place for dinner or a relaxed evening walk after visiting Tiananmen.
🕒 Opening hours: Open 24/7, most shops operate between 10:00 and 21:00
🎟️ Entry: Free
🏘️ Hutongs: The Traditional Soul of Beijing
One of the most charming things to do in Beijing is exploring the city’s hutongs — ancient narrow alleyways lined with low-rise courtyard homes that have shaped Beijing’s urban fabric for centuries. While many have been demolished due to modern development, others have been preserved and revitalized with a more tourist-friendly vibe.
Nanluoguxiang is one of the oldest hutongs in Beijing, originally built in the 13th century during the Yuan dynasty. Today, it’s a lively spot filled with quirky cafés, souvenir shops, hidden bars, and food markets. But if you wander off the main street into the side alleys, you’ll find a quieter, more authentic side of local life.
Although Nanluoguxiang can feel touristy, it’s a great starting point to explore quieter hutongs like Mao’er Hutong or Yandaixiejie, both located nearby. Many traditional guesthouses are also in this area — we stayed close to these hutongs and loved evening walks around the neighborhood.
A popular activity is renting a bike to explore the hutongs at your own pace. There are also guided tours, but we preferred to roam freely.
🎼 Drum and Bell Towers
Two iconic landmarks in this part of town are the Drum Tower (Gǔlóu, 鼓楼) and the Bell Tower (Zhōnglóu, 钟楼). These impressive buildings once served as Beijing’s official timekeepers during the imperial era.
Located just north of the Forbidden City, near Nanluoguxiang and Mao’er Hutong, the towers were originally built during the Yuan dynasty and later rebuilt during the Ming and Qing periods. Every day, the drums and bell signaled sunrise and sunset, helping the city run on time.
You can climb both towers for stunning views over the historic center and surrounding hutongs.
🕒 Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
🎟️ Ticket: 50 RMB (or 25 RMB per tower if visited separately)
Right next to the Drum Tower, on Gulou East Street, there’s a lovely pedestrian shopping area with restaurants and boutique stores. Look for it on Amap as “Gulouyuan”. If you visit at sunset, the views of the towers are especially beautiful.
🧱 The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section): The Best Day Trip from Beijing
If you’re wondering what things to do in Beijing beyond the city center, visiting the Great Wall of China is an absolute must—and the Mutianyu section is one of the best spots to experience it. It’s much less crowded than Badaling yet still easily accessible.
Originally built in the 6th century during the Northern Qi dynasty, most of what you see today was restored during the Ming dynasty in the 15th century. The section open to visitors stretches about 2.5 km and features over 20 watchtowers.
You can go up via cable car, chairlift, or hike along the northern or southern trails. The most fun way down? Definitely the slide, which has become a viral sensation on social media.
Once you’re at the top, you can choose your route depending on your fitness level. At the ticket office, they told us the most popular option is taking the chairlift up and sliding down, which takes about 45 minutes between the two towers. However, we decided to hike the entire open section: from Tower 14 to Tower 20 (warning: the final climb is intense—not recommended if you have vertigo!), then walked all the way back to Tower 1, finishing at Tower 6. The full hike took us about 6 hours.
🕒 Opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00
🎟️ Entrance fee: 40 RMB + 100 RMB if you use the cable car, chairlift, or slide
ℹ️ Round-trip cable car tickets can be purchased at the main ticket booth, but if you want to take the slide or chairlift down, you’ll need to buy separate tickets at the top.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Great Wall of China
Set aside at least a morning—or a full day—for your visit to Mutianyu, depending on how you plan to get there. Here are the most common options with pros and tips:
- Organized tour from Beijing: The easiest choice if you don’t want to stress about planning. Many agencies (like Civitatis or Klook) offer half-day or full-day tours with round-trip transport, entrance tickets, and English-speaking guides (sometimes Spanish too).
- Public transportation: From Dongzhimen Bus Station, take bus 916 Express to Huairou North Rd (~1h), then transfer to a second local bus (H23/36/50/24/35). You can also take a high-speed train to Huairou and continue by bus. It’s doable, but slower and more complicated.
- Tourist bus: A direct bus to Mutianyu departs from the Beijing Tourist Distribution Center in Qianmen. The round-trip costs 80 RMB per person with no stops along the way.
- DiDi (Chinese Uber): This was our choice—it’s the most flexible and convenient. The ride took under 1.5 hours and cost about €35 round-trip. We booked it to pick us up at 6:00 AM to arrive just before opening and had the Wall nearly to ourselves.
💡 Pro tip: Avoid weekends and holidays. Arriving early means fewer crowds and better photos.
👟 Wear comfy shoes, bring water and a snack—though you’ll find a few food options along the Wall.
🏯 The Summer Palace
If you decide to hike the Great Wall in the morning like we did, a perfect plan for the rest of the day is to visit the Summer Palace, located about 15 kilometers northwest of Beijing. It’s one of the most magnificent imperial complexes in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was the imperial family’s summer retreat during the hottest months. Although originally built in the 12th century, the palace was rebuilt and expanded by Empress Cixi in the late 19th century after being destroyed during the Second Opium War by Anglo-French troops.
Some of the most iconic scenic spots inside the park include:
🖼 Wenchang Gallery – A museum housing priceless imperial relics.
🌸 Garden of Virtue and Harmony – A three-story theater where the empress watched opera and traditional performances.
🏮 Long Corridor (Changlang) – A covered walkway decorated with over 14,000 painted panels showing mythological stories, landscapes, and historical scenes.
🛶 Suzhou Street – A charming recreation of a traditional water market, built purely for imperial amusement.
📿 Tower of Buddhist Incense – A steep climb, but the panoramic view at the top is absolutely worth it.
Besides these, the palace complex features Tibetan-style temples, scenic pavilions, and hilltop viewpoints. There are plenty of cafes and rest areas inside the park, making it a great place to spend at least half a day exploring at a relaxed pace.
🕘 Opening hours:
April to October: 6:30 – 20:00
November to March: 7:00 – 19:00
Scenic spots inside the park close one hour earlier and are fully closed on Mondays🎟 General admission: 30 RMB
🎟 Combo ticket (includes Wenchang Gallery, Garden of Virtue and Harmony, Tower of Buddhist Incense, and Suzhou Street): 60 RMB
🎧 Audio guide: Available in multiple languages for 40 RMB
💡 Travel tip: If visiting in summer, avoid peak midday hours as the humidity can be intense.
🏯 More Things to Do in Beijing (If You Have Extra Time)
If you have more time in Beijing, we highly recommend visiting two temples that we, unfortunately, had to skip due to time constraints: the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple. They’re located very close to each other and offer two very different perspectives on Chinese spirituality and philosophy.
🛕 Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Originally built in 1694 as a residence for imperial eunuch-princes during the Qing dynasty, it was later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple in 1744. Today, it’s one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist centers outside of Tibet. The temple blends Han, Manchu, and Tibetan architectural styles. Its most striking feature is a massive 18-meter-tall statue of the Maitreya Buddha, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood.
🕘 Opening hours: 9:00 – 16:30
🎟 Admission: 25 RMB
📜 Confucius Temple
Built in 1302 during the Yuan dynasty, this is the second-largest Confucian temple in China, after the one in Qufu (Confucius’ hometown). The site was used for imperial ceremonies honoring Confucius and is home to beautifully preserved worship halls, stone tablets inscribed with scholars’ names, and a small museum on Confucianism. It’s a peaceful place, perfect for reflection and quiet walks.
🕘 Opening hours: 8:30 – 17:00
🎟 Admission: 30 RMB
💡 You can easily visit both temples in one morning and then explore the nearby hutongs for a more local experience.
🛬 How to Get to Beijing and Transfer from the Airport
Beijing is one of the most common entry points for traveling around China. The city has two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and the newer Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Both are well connected to the city center, although PEK is still the most frequently used for international flights.
✈️ From Beijing Capital Airport (PEK)
This airport has three terminals. To reach downtown:
- Airport Express Metro: Connects Terminals 2 and 3 with Dongzhimen station (Lines 2 and 13). It costs 25 RMB and takes about 35 minutes.
- DiDi (China’s Uber): Super convenient and cheap. Our ride to a hotel near Nanluoguxiang cost just 45 RMB and took about 45 minutes.
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🛫 From Daxing Airport (PKX)
Located around 50 km south of Beijing:
- Daxing Airport Express Line: Connects to Caoqiao station (Line 10), takes 40 minutes and costs 35 RMB.
- Intercity train (Beijing–Xiong’an): Connects to Beijing West Railway Station.
- Taxi or DiDi: More expensive due to distance — expect to pay between 150–200 RMB.
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🚄 Arriving to Beijing by Train
You can easily reach Beijing from other Chinese cities like Xi’an or Shanghai via high-speed trains. The main train stations in the capital are:
- Beijing Railway Station (for regular trains)
- Beijing West Railway Station
- Beijing South Railway Station (for high-speed trains)
- Beijing North Railway Station (for high-speed trains)
🛏️ Where to Stay in Beijing: Yo-Yo Hotel
Accommodation in Beijing tends to be pricier than in other Chinese cities. We stayed at Yo-Yo Hotel, one of the most affordable options in a great location, close to many tourist attractions.
The hotel is within walking distance of the Lama Temple and the lively Nanluoguxiang hutong, a great area to immerse yourself in traditional Beijing life with alleyways, cafés, and local shops. Despite its central location, the neighborhood is quiet at night — perfect for resting. There’s even a 7-Eleven right next door, ideal for grabbing a quick breakfast before heading out.
The hotel is also well connected via Andingmen (Line 2) and Beixinqiao (Line 5) metro stations, although we mostly used DiDi for convenience. Rooms are basic and a bit small, but good enough if you’re just sleeping there. They were doing renovations during our stay, so the facilities may have improved by now.
💴 Price: €56/night
🍜 Food in Beijing: What to Eat
Beijing cuisine might not be the most famous in China, but it’s hearty and full of flavor. Expect lots of wheat-based dishes like buns, dumplings, and noodles. Here are some highlights:
- Peking Duck: The city’s signature dish. Served with crispy skin, juicy meat, thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. A must-try in Beijing!
- Zhajiangmian: Thick wheat noodles with a savory pork and fermented soybean paste sauce. A popular and satisfying street food staple.
- Baozi: Steamed buns usually filled with pork or vegetables. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Jiaozi: Chinese dumplings with meat, seafood, or veggie fillings. Can be steamed, boiled, or fried.
- 门钉肉饼 (Méndīng ròubǐng): Literally “door nail meat pie” — a flat, crispy bun stuffed with spiced meat. You’ll find it in markets and street stalls.
We didn’t eat out much the first few days (hello, 7-Eleven meals) because we didn’t realize how many street food stalls and restaurants would be everywhere. We tried to keep lunches quick to make the most of our days. That said, we did enjoy these two spots:
- Nanluoguxiang Market: Head toward the Drum Tower and you’ll find a small food market on the right side of the street with plenty of tasty stalls.
- Jingcheng Jiumenxuan Roast Duck (景城九门轩烤鸭店): A great place tucked away near Qianmen Street to try authentic roast duck in a traditional setting, without breaking the bank.
🧳 Final Thoughts: Things to Do in Beijing and How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Now that you know the best things to do in Beijing, you’ve probably realized that China’s capital has a lot to offer. While three days may not sound like much, a smart itinerary will allow you to cover the city’s most iconic attractions. Here’s how we broke it down:
- Day 1 (afternoon): Explore the hutongs, visit the Drum and Bell Towers.
- Day 2: Morning at the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park. Afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and dinner at Qianmen Street.
- Day 3: Morning trip to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section). Afternoon at the Summer Palace.
Don’t forget to sample the local food, wander the hutongs, and soak in the contrast between imperial architecture and modern cityscapes. Beijing is the perfect place to dive into Chinese culture and a must-visit stop on any trip through the country.
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