Beijing blends imperial grandeur, vibrant street life, and cutting‑edge art, offering ancient palaces, bustling markets, and modern skylines. Best visited in spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the city’s parks are at their most colorful.
Top Things to Do in Beijing
Tap an attraction to look it up on TripAdvisor.
Getting Around Beijing
From the Airport
Train. Airport Express from Terminal 3 to Dongzhimen Station runs every 15 minutes, takes ~20 minutes and costs ¥25 Bus. Airport Shuttle Bus Line 1 connects the terminals with major city hotels; journey 45‑60 minutes, ¥30 Rideshare. DiDi is the dominant app; rides from the airport to central Beijing cost ¥120‑¥180 and take 45‑60 minutes
Once You're There
Metro. Beijing Subway lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and the Airport Line cover most attractions; trains run 5‑00 am‑11‑30 pm Walking. Historic districts like the Forbidden City, Tiananmen, Nanluoguxiang and Houhai are best explored on foot Rideshare. DiDi offers convenient door‑to‑door service citywide; fares start around ¥15 for short trips
Where to Stay in Beijing
Hotel picks for Beijing are coming soon. In the meantime, search directly:
Where to Eat in Beijing
Siji Minfu Roast Duck★ 4.6 (98)XC69+X62, He Ping Li Xi Jie, Andingmen, Chao Yang Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100029Classic Peking duck with traditional carving and a historic ambience
Bai Jia Da Yuan★ 4.6 (83)X8J3+9QC, Gang Gou Lu, Hai Dian Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100086Imperial‑style courtyard cuisine featuring seasonal dishes and Peking duck
The Commune Social★ 4.5 (60)511 Jiang Ning Lu, Jing An Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200041Creative fusion plates set in the heart of the 798 Art District
TRB Hutong★ 4.5 (48)China, Beijing Dong Cheng Qu, # 23 Shatan North Street 邮政编码: 100009Offers a refined modern Chinese tasting menu inside a restored courtyard
Haidilao Hot Pot★ 4.4 (41)China, Bei Jing Shi, Chao Yang Qu, 南磨房路29号旭捷大厦1层 邮政编码: 100021Interactive hot‑pot experience famed for its attentive service and sauce bar
Da Dong Roast Duck★ 4.3 (419)China, Bei Jing Shi, Dong Cheng Qu, Jin Bao Jie, 88号金宝汇购物中心5层 邮政编码: 100005Renowned for its ultra‑crisp Peking duck served with innovative plating
Quanjude Roast Duck★ 4.0 (630)9 Shuai Fu Yuan Hu Tong, Wangfujing, Dong Cheng Qu, Bei Jing Shi, China, 100005Legendary royal‑style duck that’s been a Beijing staple since 1864
Tours & Activities
Bookable through Viator.
3 Days in Beijing
Imperial Core
Morning. Start at Tiananmen Square, then wander the Forbidden City and climb Jingshan Park for city vistas.
Afternoon. Stroll through Beihai Park’s historic pavilions before meandering the narrow lanes of Nanluoguxiang.
Evening. Explore the neon lights and snack stalls of Wangfujing Street.
Art & Spirituality
Morning. Visit the Temple of Heaven, admiring the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and its surrounding park.
Afternoon. Head to the 798 Art District, checking out the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art and the iconic 798 Space galleries.
Evening. Wander the lakeside bars and historic hutongs of Houhai for night‑time ambience.
Nature & Modern Icons
Morning. Spend the morning at the Summer Palace, cruising Kunming Lake and climbing Longevity Hill.
Afternoon. Take a half‑day trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall, walking the restored watchtowers and enjoying panoramic views.
Evening. Conclude at Olympic Park, photographing the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube illuminated at night.