Things to do in Beijing

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Forbidden City which includes a fountain
Forbidden City featuring heritage architecture and a square or plaza
Beijing showing a monument and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Olympic Park which includes modern architecture
Dongcheng - Wangfujing which includes a statue or sculpture and heritage elements

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

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Most popular activities in Beijing

Tours & day trips

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MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options from Beijing

MuBus: Mutianyu Great Wall Tours with Options from Beijing

Activity duration is 9 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥4,145 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 71 activities
Private Mutianyu Great Wall Trip With English-Speaking Driver

Private Mutianyu Great Wall Trip With English-Speaking Driver

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥26,057 per adult*
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Shows & concerts

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Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets

Red Theatre Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets

Activity duration is 1 hour
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥5,804 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 13 activities
Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience

Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony Experience

Activity duration is 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥1,466 per adult
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Attractions

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Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

Beijing Forbidden City Ticket Booking (Optional: guide service)

Activity duration is 4 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 15 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥2,369 per adult
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What to do in Beijing

Discover the most popular places to visit in Beijing

Wangfujing Street featuring street scenes and a city

Wangfujing Street

Find the latest fashion or cheap souvenirs and sample local cuisine in this bustling pedestrian-only street, one of the city’s most popular shopping strips.

Wangfujing Street
Great Wall of China

Great Wall of China

After visiting Great Wall of China, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Huairou. Amble around the area's parks or visit its monuments.

Great Wall of China
Forbidden City showing a river or creek, a lake or waterhole and heritage architecture

Forbidden City

This formerly restricted imperial palace complex is now a public museum that shows the splendor of the old China. It is one of Beijing’s most impressive sites.

Forbidden City
Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square

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.

Tiananmen Square
Great Wall of China which includes night scenes, heritage elements and a monument

Great Wall of China

See terracotta warriors, ancient temples and Ming Dynasty architecture at the Juyongguan section of one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world.

Great Wall of China
Temple of Heaven showing a city, a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Temple of Heaven

Behind a high wall stands an ancient building once used in sacrifices. This huge historical place of worship is a quiet oasis in busy Beijing.

Temple of Heaven
Sanlitun Road

Sanlitun Road

During your trip to Beijing, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Sanlitun Road. While in this walkable area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Sanlitun Road
Tsinghua university main courtyard

Tsinghua University

Enjoy the collegiate vibe when you visit Tsinghua University, during your trip to Beijing. Visit the temples and shops in this culturally rich area.

Tsinghua University
The Palace Museum

The Palace Museum

You can browse the exhibits at The Palace Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your travels to Beijing. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed art scene in this culturally rich area.

The Palace Museum

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Beijing

Temple of Heaven which includes a temple or place of worship, religious aspects and heritage architecture

Downtown Beijing

3.5/5(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 Wangfujing Paleolithic Museum 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(737 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

3.5/5(7 area reviews)

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(67 area reviews)

Get to know Haidian and its many features like its museums and monuments. You might want to explore sights like Spacious Pavilion and Summer Palace, and you can jump on the metro at Xibeiwang Station or Malianwa Station to get around the city.

Haidian
Houhai Lake which includes heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

Xicheng

4/5(90 area reviews)

Beihai Park and Jingshan Park offer serene green spaces, while the bustling Xidan commercial district and Houhai bar area provide lively entertainment. Explore historic sites like Prince Gong's Residence and enjoy easy access to seven metro lines.

Xicheng

Popular day trips from Beijing

Haihe Cultural Square featuring general coastal views, central business district and a city

Tianjin

Jinshanling Great Wall

Miyun

Shunyi

Shunyi

Great Wall of China which includes heritage elements and a monument

Yanqing

Jinshanling Great Wall

Chengde

Dong Hua Men Night Market

Langfang

Sanpu

Sanpu

Photo by Nosh Bj

Tongzhou

Frequently asked questions

Is Beijing worth visiting?
Offering a blend of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Beijing. While you're here, head to Wangfujing Street, a leading attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Beijing?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then, tour other areas of Beijing for local restaurants and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Beijing?
The top tourist attraction in Beijing is Wangfujing Street, so don't forget to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Beijing?
Three days will give you time to check out many city sights, including Wangfujing Street, Forbidden City and The Palace Museum. The average stay in Beijing is two days. If you have the time to extend your escape, Daxing isn't far away.
Is Beijing a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and leading attractions within walking distance of the city center, Beijing is a good destination to experience on foot. Enjoy wandering between Wangfujing Street and Forbidden City. Then take a stroll around Dongcheng, located 3 kilometers from the center, and Wangfujing Shopping Area, which is roughly 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Beijing with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Beijing with kids.

What to do in Beijing for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food connoisseur or thrill seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Beijing for adults including Sanlitun Road and Qianmen Street.
Are there free things to do in Beijing?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Beijing is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Wangfujing Street is one spot that doesn't have an admission fee.