There are so many things to do in Beijing, it’s hard to know where to start planning your time in China’s capital. With that in mind, we’ve done the research, spoken to our guides, and put together everything a traveler needs to know about how to make the most of this city. From historical sites, to delicious dinners, and contemporary highlights, this is an essential guide for the savvy traveler looking for different things to do in Beijing.
Places to visit in Beijing: Ancient and modern sites
Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China
Forbidden City
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven
Summer Palace
Summer Palace
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum
Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum
Hutongs
Hutongs
National Museum of China
National Museum of China
Beijing Capital Museum
Beijing Capital Museum
Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo
798 Art Zone and Songzhuang Art Colony
798 Art Zone and Songzhuang Art Colony
Yanqing National Alpine Ski Centre
Yanqing National Alpine Ski Centre
Want to learn more about things to do in Beijing? Discover the best way to see the sites in and around Beijing on a small group or private tour.
Things to do in Beijing at night
Beijing is busy by day, so it’s no surprise there is much to keep visitors busy when the sun goes down. The city offers much to the international traveler, from food to culture and everything in between, we’re certain your adventures here will keep you curious about this city that never sleeps.
Night markets
With a side that’s more serious than you’ll find in its counterparts, strictly speaking, there aren’t many traditional night markets in Beijing any longer. That said if you have your heart set on a night market expedition while in Beijing, visit Nanluoguxiang or Guijie. You’ll discover the usual selection of quirky, small stalls selling everything imaginable. Getting to Nanluoguxiang is easy too, with many buses providing direct transport from central Beijing locations.
Beijing’s famous Guijie Street - or Ghost Street - is popular among locals as a snack food precinct. Not only is the food fabulous, a wander along this street lit up with its bright red lanterns provides an authentic experience of daily life for modern-day Beijingers. The moniker ‘Ghost Street’ came from the produce markets at which traders would operate from late night to dawn. Working by the light of kerosene lamps gave the appearance of ghosts, hence the name. Make a night of it by starting at one end and working your way to the other.
The Arts in Beijing: Shows and concerts
China’s cultural offerings are as rich as its cuisine, and you can expect to find a myriad of premium quality performances to enjoy while visiting Beijing. While there are many traditional culture experiences to observe in China, visitors can also choose more contemporary musicals, orchestral performances, ballet, and theatre for a dose of the arts. Beijing has many performance venues and shows worthy of note, and for that very reason, we’ve highlighted just a handful here. We recommend that once you know your travel dates, check out what’s on. In the meantime, here’s our go to list of places that will guarantee an amazing night.
National Centre for the Performing Arts
National Centre for the Performing Arts
Beijing Poly Theatre
Beijing Poly Theatre
Beijing Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theatre
Beijing Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theatre
Beijing Kung Fu Show
Beijing Kung Fu Show
Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre
Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre
Beijing Folk Art at Lao She Teahouse
Beijing Folk Art at Lao She Teahouse
Unique Beijing experiences
If you’re after experiences that take you off the beaten tourist track, then this section is for you. Craft your own bespoke experiences of Beijing with this list:
Shopping in Beijing
Beijing offers the devoted shopper incredible variety, and even if shopping is not your thing, expect to find a memento or two to take home from your travels. While all big brands can be found on Beijing’s high streets, a bespoke treasure requires that you dig a little deeper. Here’s our list of recommended shops where that something extra special can be found.