things-to-do-in-Beijing

Beijing Travel Guide

Beijing, the capital city of China, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and entertainment. As a tourist, you’ll find endless options to explore this fascinating city.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. The Great Wall of China

  • Location: Mutianyu or Badaling Sections (best for first-time visitors)
  • Ticket Price: RMB 45-60 (around $6-$8 USD) per person, depending on the section
  • Time: Plan at least half a day to visit

The Great Wall of China is an iconic symbol of Chinese civilization. The Mutianyu and Badaling sections are two of the most popular and accessible parts of the wall.

2. Forbidden City

  • Location: Tiananmen Square, heart of Beijing
  • Ticket Price: RMB 60 (around $8 USD) per person
  • Time: Spend at least a day exploring

The Forbidden City was the imperial palace for over 500 years and is now one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient architectural complexes in the world.

3. Tiananmen Square

  • Location: Heart of Beijing
  • Ticket Price: Free admission (but you’ll need to pay RMB 25-30, around $4-$5 USD, for some attractions within the square)
  • Time: Spend a few hours exploring

Tiananmen Square is one of the largest city squares in the world and has played host to numerous historical events.

4. Temple of Heaven

  • Location: Tiantandongyuan Road, south of Beijing’s city center
  • Ticket Price: RMB 30 (around $5 USD) per person
  • Time: Spend a morning or afternoon here

The Temple of Heaven is a Taoist temple that was built in the 15th century and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other Top Attractions

1. Ming Tombs

  • Location: About an hour north of Beijing’s city center
  • Ticket Price: RMB 20-30 (around $3-$5 USD) per person, depending on the tomb you visit
  • Time: Plan at least half a day to explore

The Ming Tombs are the final resting place for 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty.

2. Summer Palace

  • Location: Western outskirts of Beijing
  • Ticket Price: RMB 50 (around $8 USD) per person, plus an additional fee for some attractions within the palace
  • Time: Spend a full day here to explore

The Summer Palace was built in the 18th century and is known as the “Royal Garden.” It features beautiful gardens, lakes, and temples.

3. Peking Opera Theatre

  • Location: In the heart of Beijing’s city center
  • Ticket Price: Varies depending on the performance; expect to pay around RMB 50-100 (around $8-$15 USD) per person
  • Time: Catch a show in the evening

Peking Opera is a unique and fascinating art form that combines music, dance, and acrobatics.

4. Wangfujing Street

  • Location: Heart of Beijing’s shopping district
  • Ticket Price: Free admission (but you’ll want to budget for shopping)
  • Time: Spend a day or two exploring the shops and restaurants along this famous street

Wangfujing Street is one of Beijing’s most popular shopping destinations, with everything from high-end fashion boutiques to local markets selling traditional goods.

Food

Beijing is known for its delicious cuisine. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Jiaozi (dumplings)
  • Peking roast duck
  • Zha Jiang Mian (noodles with sauce)

Don’t forget to try some local snacks, like mao tai (a type of rice wine) and bao zai gui (meat-filled buns).

Nightlife

Beijing has a lively nightlife scene. Some popular areas include:

  • Sanlitun: Known for its bars, clubs, and restaurants
  • Guanghua Lu: A trendy area with upscale bars and clubs
  • Yanjing Road: A nightlife district with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues

Safety

Beijing is generally a safe city. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions:

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
  • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in tourist hotspots
  • Follow local advice and instructions from authorities

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to explore the best that Beijing has to offer. Enjoy your trip!