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10 Things to do in Beijing, China: Top attractions for first-timers
There are many exciting things to do and places to visit in Beijing, including Houhai Lake, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and more.
Beijing, China, is one of the world’s oldest cities. Over 3,000 years of history have cultivated a major city with endless things to do and see, making it a top — and often overlooked — destination for travelers worldwide.
Rustic temples, historic summer palaces, traditional Chinese architecture, and flavor profiles that will pleasantly shock your palette — the capital of China has something for every traveler’s interests. Here are 10 things to do in Beijing, some of them being the most famous in all of China.
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Visit the Forbidden City and Palace Museum
Visiting the Forbidden City and Palace Museum remains one of the most popular things to do in Beijing. Located in the notorious Tiananmen Square, this imperial palace once housed the regal emperors of China until the end of imperialism in 1912. The palace has now been converted into a museum with over 1 million invaluable Chinese art pieces. Make sure you charge your cameras and phones, as you do not want to forget the awe-inspiring interiors worthy of emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
- Entry fee: $5-9 USD (prices may vary due to off/peak seasons)
- How to get there: The Metro is the easiest way to reach the Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Get off at Tiananmen East (天安门西) or Tiananmen West (天安门东) station. Both of these metro stations are on Line 1. From there, it’s only a short walk to the main entrance.
- Top tip for tourists: All foreign visitors need a passport to book and enter the Forbidden City and Palace Museum.
Trek along the Great Wall of China
One of the architectural wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China is a top Beijing tourist attraction and definitely a location to visit on your trip to China. The 13,171 mile-long (21,196 kilometers) wall is believed to have been built in the seventh century BC. However, there’s evidence that most of it was constructed during the Ming Dynasty. Initially built to protect China against invasions from outsiders, the Great Wall of China is open to the public, free to explore its winding, staggering ways. Did you know it would take around 18 months to walk its entire length?
- Entry fee: $5-11 for various entrances (Mutianyu, Badaling, Simatai, Huanghuacheng, etc.)
- How to get there: The Badaling entrance is the only section accessible by train (Beijing North to Badaling Great Wall station). Other entrances require a combination of transport (taxis, private cars, and buses).
- Top tip for tourists: Get there early to beat the crowded rush and take in the serene surroundings peacefully. Take a high-speed train to the Badaling Great Wall with around 35-50 minutes of journey time.
Experience the historically renowned Tian’anmen Square
Tian’anmen Square is famous for being right next to the Forbidden City and Palace Museum, for its political importance, and for being one of the best places to visit in Beijing. Its several historical landmarks make it an iconic and culturally significant public square. You can find the Great Hall of the People, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the National Museum of China. The 53-acre square is deeply rooted in history and was the site of several important events, warranting visits from tourists worldwide.
- Entry fee: There’s no admission fee to enter Tian’anmen Square!
- How to get there: Take subway line 1 to Tian’anmen East or Tiananmen West, or take subway line 2 to Qianmen and exit at C.
- Top tip for tourists: You’ll need a reservation to enter, and you can book your visit up to seven days in advance.
Wander around the Yiheyuan (Summer Palace)
When considering the best things to do in Beijing, visiting the stunning Yiheyuan, also known as the Summer Palace, must be on top of your list. The palace is designed to be a peaceful retreat with many intricate imperial gardens and shimmering lakes. Construction began in 1153 during the Jin dynasty, and the project was completed around 600 years later. Three-quarters of the complex is water; hence, its original name was Qingyiyuan – the Gardens of Clear Ripples. From the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity Hill to the Heralding Spring Pavilion, don’t miss out on this collection of gardens, peaceful lakes, and historical interiors.
- Entry fee: $2-11 (varies according to age and off/peak seasons)
- How to get there: The easiest way to get to the Summer Palace is via subway. Take line 4 to Beigongmen station (North Gate) and use exit D to exit the station. The Summer Palace is a short walk westward.
- Top tip for tourists: Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the Summer Palace. Moderate temperatures, blossoming flowers, and auburn leaves add to the natural beauty.
Experience the sacrificial altars at Tian Tan (Temple of Heaven)
Tian Tan — the Temple of Heaven — is one of the most memorable things to see in Beijing. The city has many majestic temples, but few are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tian Tan boasts a complex of timeless temples where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties used to pray for a good harvest. In fact, the complex is constructed so that the Altar of the God of Agriculture is symmetrically laid out in the east and west wings. This alone highlights the respect and emphasis on rituals in Chinese planning and architecture. It is the largest ancient worship complex in China and offers an insight into the ancient ceremonial worship that used to take place so long ago.
- Entry fee: $2-7 (varies according to age and off/peak season)
- How to get there: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to help you navigate Beijing’s maze-like subway system. To get to the Temple of Heaven’s east gate, take the subway line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen Station, and take exit A.
- Top tip for tourists: Get there early and start your journey at the East Gate instead of the South Gate to catch a glimpse of local residents’ culture and lively morning activities.
Join worshippers in the Yonghe (Lama Temple)
Ever wanted to visit a Buddhist monastery in Tibet? You can find one here in Beijing — the Lama Temple or Yonghegong. Initially, it was an imperial palace that was eventually converted into a temple and monastery for Tibetan Buddhist monks and is one of Beijing’s top tourist attractions. It still remains a popular place for worship among local residents. Visit the colorful and vibrant Lama Temple, partake in incense burning, and learn more about what it means to make a religious offering. Or marvel at the layout of the complex and make your way past the elaborate halls to the 18-meter-tall Buddha statue carved from sandalwood.
- Entry fee: $2-6 (varies according to age and children’s height)
- How to get there: Take the Line 5 or Line 2 subway to the Yonghegong Lama Temple metro station.
- Top tip for tourists: The monastery complex does not have dining facilities, so be sure to bring water and snacks!
Stroll through the vibrant Jingshan Park
Situated in an ideal spot — the geographical center of Beijing — Jingshan Park offers stunning views and unique vantage points. The entrance is lined with vigorous green cypresses, leading to a pavilion where emperors could worship Confucius’s memorial tablet. Explore the royal garden, hunting grounds, stunning pavilions, and intricate palaces that once served the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Hike up the Jingshan Hill, originally named Wansui Hill (Long Live Hill), and have a breathtaking view of the Forbidden City. The hill’s mid-summit is actually the highest point in Beijing and provides some perfect photo opportunities.
- Entry fee: $1-5
- How to get there: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station. Leave the station from Exit C and walk for about 15 minutes to the park’s north gate.
- Top tip for tourists: Visit Jingshan Park in May to witness Beijing’s biggest peony rose garden in full bloom.
Explore the old military factory now 798 Art District
Visiting the 798 Art District is arguably one of the best things to do in Beijing, especially for art enthusiasts. Formerly a military factory, 798 Art District is now densely packed with local and international galleries and cool restaurants, cafes, shops, and bars — a striking contrast from what it used to be. You’ll find the Bauhaus-inspired factory complex scattered with hipster tourists, crowds of art students, and aspiring artists. The district also hosts many performances and installations throughout the year, so be sure to stop by.
- Entry fee: The 798 Art District is free to enter, but some exhibitions may charge an entrance fee.
- How to get there: Take Subway Line 13 to Wangjing West Station and transfer to Subway Line 15. Get out at Wangjing East station and walk for 1.7 miles to 798 Art District.
- Top tip for tourists: Visit on the weekends for a more lively experience and the chance to participate in exhibitions. For a quieter or more secluded experience, try visiting during weekdays.
Take a boat ride across Houhai Lake
Initially built for the pleasures of the royal Yuan family, Houhai Lake is now open to the public and a must-visit attraction on your trip to Beijing. It belongs to a series of three connected lakes; the other two are Qianhai Lake and Xihai Lake. A trip to Houhail Lake combines the charming blend of natural beauty, lively nightlife, and cultural experience. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride and people-watching on the lake during the day, and stay past sunset to explore the bustling nightlife along the shoreline. Or take a classic rickshaw tour around the lake and explore Houhai Lake as a local. Nearby, you’ll find the majestic drum tower (Gulou) and bell tower (Zhonglou).
- Entry fee: Entrance to the park is free.
- How to get there: Take Subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station and leave via Exit A2. It’s only a short five-minute walk from there.
- Top tip for tourists: Try out authentic South Chinese cuisine at the many restaurants along Houhai’s shoreline.
Discover the legends behind Beihai Park
Beihai Park, also known as Northern Sea Park, is another one of Beijing’s many former imperial gardens. What makes this 1,000-year-old garden special is how well-preserved it is and the traditional Chinese legend it’s built on. It is believed that mountain-water combinations in ancient Chinese architecture would have healing and medicinal effects. Every emperor would build a royal garden with a one-pool-three-hills layout to mimic this, as seen in Beihai Park. You’ll notice three hills or “mountains” here: the Qionghua Islet, the island of the Circular City, and the Xishantai Island. Taiye pool acts as a body of water.
- Entry fee: $1-5 (children under age 6 are allowed in for free)
- How to get there: Take Subway Line 6 and get off at Beihai Bei Station. Leave via Exit B and walk 5 minutes eastward to reach the park’s north gate.
- Top tips for tourists: Have a bite at the famous Fangshan Restaurant located on Qingdao Isle in the park. Starting in 1925 with a cook who used to work in the Qing court, the restaurant’s food is said to have a delicious imperial flavor.
Find Beijing’s top attractions with Holafly
From temple-hopping to experiencing ancient Chinese heritage, there is so much to do and nothing you’d want to miss in Beijing. However, communicating with the locals may present some challenges, especially when navigating. It’s crucial to travel with a reliable internet connection and avoid any unnecessary stress. When it comes to Beijing’s mind-boggling subway system, you’ll be glad to have your phone guide you in the right direction — but only with a stable network.
You can opt for local SIM cards in China, but the most convenient option that is sure to give you peace of mind is Holafly’s eSIM for China. This avoids lengthy local SIM registration processes and gives you unlimited data, 24/7 customer support, and 500 MB of hotspot data to share with others. The best part is that our China eSIM has a built-in VPN, meaning you can access your favorite apps and circumvent “the great firewall of China.”
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Holafly's eSIM for China includes a VPN, ensuring maximum protection for your connection.
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Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!
