Top Attractions & Things to do in Beijing

Beijing is a city that doesn’t reveal itself all at once. It pulls you in slowly, through quiet temple courtyards, early-morning steam rising from street-side breakfasts, and sudden views of palaces that stretch farther than the eye can follow. For first time travellers, it is a place of scale and ceremony. For returning visitors, it becomes a journey through layers of history, food, culture, and sharply contrasting neighbourhoods.

Whether you're planning a Beijing itinerary built around iconic landmarks like the Forbidden City or hoping to explore lesser-known corners such as Yonghegong Street and the old hutong alleys, the city rewards curiosity. From Beijing street food and hot pot sessions to immersive hutong food tours, from the Mutianyu Great Wall to the refined Peking duck restaurants, every experience feels rooted in centuries of lived tradition.

This guide takes you through the very best things to do in Beijing — practical, detailed, and written for travellers who want more than checklists.

Best Time to Visit Beijing

Beijing experiences dramatic seasons, each offering a distinct atmosphere.

Spring (April–May) is ideal for sightseeing. The days are clear, temperatures are comfortable, and the parks fill with blossoms. It’s perfect for exploring Beijing attractions such as the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park views, and the hutongs without summer heat.

Autumn (September–October) is widely considered the most beautiful time of year. The skies tend to be crisp and blue, and the Great Wall — especially Jinshanling and Mutianyu — turns golden with autumn colours. For Great Wall tours from Beijing, this is the most rewarding season.

Winter (November–February) is cold but atmospheric. Fewer crowds, frosty palace roofs, and steaming bowls of zhajiangmian Beijing make it surprisingly appealing. If you enjoy winter cities, Beijing in snow is unforgettable.

Summer (June–August) brings heat and humidity, but long daylight hours are great for full-day Beijing sightseeing and evening wandering around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street.

Top Attractions & Best Things to Do in Beijing

1. Explore the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park

A Forbidden City tour is essential for any first-time Beijing visitor. This vast imperial complex holds nearly a thousand buildings, ceremonial halls, and quiet courtyards that once shaped the country’s political life. Take your time here — wander beyond the main axis to discover its shadows, side passages, and quieter corners.

After exiting through the north gate, cross the road to Jingshan Park. A short uphill walk takes you to one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the capital. From here, the entire Forbidden City stretches out in perfect symmetry. If you want classic Forbidden City views, this is the moment.

2. Immerse Yourself in Beijing’s Hutongs

The hutongs are a living expression of Beijing culture — narrow alleyways lined with courtyard homes, tiny eateries, and everyday community routines. A hutong food tour is one of the most authentic ways to understand local flavours and traditions, especially around Yonghegong Street, Gulou, and Nanluoguxiang.

Look out for classic dishes such as:

• zhajiangmian Beijing
• Yin San Douzhi
•  Luosifen Beijing or snail rice noodles Beijing

Walking the hutongs gives you a sense of rhythms that modern Beijing hasn’t overshadowed.

3. Visit the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

The Lama Temple Beijing, near Yonghegong Street, is an active and atmospheric Tibetan Buddhist temple. Incense fills the courtyards, monks chant, and architectural details reveal centuries of devotion. The highlight is the towering Maitreya Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood.

This area is ideal for slow exploration and offers a peaceful break from the busier Beijing attractions.

4. Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is one of the most accessible and scenic Great Wall sections, perfect for travellers of all fitness levels. It is well restored, offering panoramic views of rolling mountains and watchtowers stretching into the distance.

For many travellers, Mutianyu is the ideal Great Wall tour Beijing offers, especially if it's your first time.

5. Hike the Jinshanling Great Wall

For a wilder and more dramatic experience, head to Jinshanling. Its uneven paths, open scenery, and quiet atmosphere make it popular among photographers and hikers. If you want a Great Wall experience that feels less curated, this is the place.

6. Discover Gubei Water Town

Gubei Water Town sits at the base of Simatai Great Wall, blending canals, mountain views, and traditional architecture. Lanterns glow along the water at night, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Many travellers combine a visit to the town with an evening walk on the illuminated Simatai Wall.

7. Explore Beijing’s Food Culture

Beijing’s food culture reaches far beyond the celebrated Peking duck, although it remains an essential experience for any visitor. Two notable places to try it are Da Dong restaurant Beijing, known for its crisp and refined style, and Quanjude Duck, famous for its long history and classic preparation. Both offer a memorable introduction to the city’s culinary heritage. Hot pot is another comforting favourite, especially at Jing Men Jiu Shuan, where flavourful broths and tender cuts of meat create a warming meal after a day of sightseeing. For something more adventurous, Beijing’s Michelin-level tripe dishes are unexpectedly delicious, known for their tender texture and aromatic seasoning that often wins over travellers who try them for the first time.

8. Stroll Through Qianmen and Wangfujing

Qianmen Beijing combines old facades with narrow alleys and traditional shops. It’s a pleasant place for slow exploration, especially in the late afternoon.

Nearby, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is one of the busiest Beijing shopping districts. It offers everything from modern stores to Beijing souvenirs, teas, pastries, and small local boutiques.

9. Enjoy a Beijing Breakfast Buffet

Hotels in Beijing often serve excellent breakfast spreads that introduce you to northern flavours. Popular choices include

• Empark Prime Hotel Beijing
• jade carvings Beijing Hotel

Expect congee, dumplings, noodles, steamed buns, fruit, and pastries — a satisfying start before sightseeing.

10. Discover Beijing Nightlife and Hidden Gems

Beijing nightlife is diverse, ranging from speakeasies to relaxed tea houses and rooftop bars with city views. For quieter evenings, explore small neighbourhood parks, temple courtyards at dusk, or backstreet cafes.

Beijing hidden gems often reveal themselves through slow wandering — small markets, tucked-away hutong lanes, or calm lakeside paths.

Where to Stay in Agadir

Beijing offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury retreats to affordable and character-filled stays. Travellers looking for a premium experience often choose The Peninsula Beijing, appreciated for its spacious suites and refined service, or Aman Summer Palace, which provides a peaceful setting just steps from the historic Summer Palace grounds. For those seeking comfortable mid-range options, Empark Prime Hotel Beijing is a dependable choice with a strong breakfast buffet, while Beijing Hotel Wangfujing combines historic charm with an excellent central location. Budget travellers will find good value in hutong guesthouses around Gulou or Yonghegong Street, where traditional courtyard living adds cultural depth to the stay. Alternatively, the Qianmen and Wangfujing areas offer simple budget hotels with easy access to the metro and major attractions.

Tips or Practical Advice

• Carry some cash for smaller eateries and Beijing street food stalls.
• Download basic offline maps or a translation app.
• Dress appropriately for the season, especially winter.
• Use the metro when possible; it is clean, reliable, and fast.
• Arrive early to major Beijing attractions to avoid crowds.
  
  

FAQs

Q1. What are the top things to do in Beijing for first-time visitors?

The Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, hutongs, Lama Temple, Mutianyu Great Wall, and Peking duck are ideal highlights.

Q2. Which section of the Great Wall is best for visitors?

Mutianyu is best for beginners, while Jinshanling suits hikers seeking quieter scenery.

Q3. Is Beijing safe for solo travellers?

Yes. It is one of the safest major cities, especially in tourist areas.

Q4. What Beijing foods should I try?

Peking duck, zhajiangmian Beijing, Yin San Douzhi, Beijing hot pot, and hutong snacks.

Q5. Are the hutongs worth visiting?

Yes. They offer an authentic view of Beijing culture and daily life.

Q6. How many days should you spend in Beijing?

Four to six days allow enough time for major attractions and a Great Wall trip.

Q7. Where can I shop in Beijing?

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, Qianmen, and small hutong shops for Beijing souvenirs.

Conclusion

Beijing blends centuries of architecture with lively street scenes, rich cuisine, and fascinating corners that reward slow exploration. Whether you are walking through ancient palace grounds, tasting regional dishes, or exploring hutong alleyways, the city leaves a lasting impression.

For more destination inspiration and hidden gems, explore The Peace Destinations and continue planning memorable journeys.