Choose from 72 Fun Things to Do in Beijing
ShowingFilter 61-72 of 72 listings.
Shijia Hutong Museum
The center of Beijing once consisted of an extensive network of narrow alleyways known as hutongs. Linking the capital’s traditional courtyard homes, these residential neighborhoods were a hive of activity and everyday life. While the city is still dotted with these traditional residences, Shijia Hutong Museum is unique in that it’s specifically designed to preserve the history of hutong culture.
The museum spans 1000 square meters, with various exhibition rooms showcasing items depicting hutong life as it was decades ago. Among the items are labor contracts from the 1920s and 1930s, old faded bus tickets, and baskets used by traditional Chinese households. There are also rooms fashioned according to the typical domestic furnishings of Beijing family homes from the 1950s through to the 1980s.
One of the exhibition rooms has been transformed into a mock up studio, where you can listen to recordings of the various sounds of hutong life, all at the touch of a screen. Sounds vary from birds tweeting and the calls of various street peddlers, to the sound of workers sharpening their tools and knives.
Insider’s Tip: It’s worth listening to all of the sounds in the museum’s studio until you get to the sound of the time being called out, which occurred every two hours after nightfall during the Qing dynasty.
Practical Info
The Shijia Hutong Museum is located just a few hundred meters north of contemporary Jinbao Jie and the Dongdan shopping area. It's around a 10-minute walk from Exit A of Dengshikou Station on Line 5 of the subway.
Address: 24 Shijia Hutong, Beijing, China
Hours: 9:30am-4:30pm (Closed on Mondays)
From $ 43
Temple of Heaven (Tian tan)
Built by the Yongle Emperor, the Ming Dynasty builder of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven (Tian tan) was a stage for important rituals performed by the emperor, or Son of Heaven. Chief among these were supplication to the heavens for a good harvest and the winter solstice ceremony, meant to ensure a favorable new year.
The Basics
The temple buildings are rich in symbolic detail, including variations on the number nine, which represents the emperor; colored glazes that signify heaven and earth; and pillars that represent the months of the year, seasons, and time. There are also echo stones where you can stand to hear your voice reverberate and a circular echo wall that carries your whisper to the far side of the circle.
The UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven ranks among Beijing’s most famous attractions and features on many city tours, along with the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square; some tours include the Great Wall of China. Those with a particular interest in the temple’s history can opt for a private tour to hear more about its rich spiritual symbolism. It’s also possible to combine a temple visit with a tai chi class in the surrounding park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple of Heaven is a must-see for first-time visitors to Beijing.
- Many of the outdoor areas surrounding the temple are wheelchair accessible, but the only building accessible to wheelchairs is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.
- Give yourself at least 90 minutes to tour the temple grounds.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.
How to Get There
The Temple of Heaven is located in the southern part of central Beijing. You can reach the temple on one of several public buses, or take subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen.
When to Get There
The Temple of Heaven is open daily, but one of the best times to visit is early in the morning when locals show up to practice tai chi, sword fighting, or traditional Chinese dance. Later in the day, you’ll see groups of elderly Beijingers playing chess or cards in the shade of the park’s long corridor.
What’s Nearby
The area near Temple of Heaven park is packed with other worthwhile attractions. The Beijing Museum of Natural History is situated near the temple’s west gate, while the Hongqiao Pearl Market is just across the road from Tiantan Dongmen subway station. Taoranting Park, the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, and the Ming Dynasty City Wall Relics Park are also within easy walking distance.
Address: Tiantan Road, Beijing, China
From $ 6
Shidu Nature Park
Shidu Nature Park is situated in the southwest of China’s Fangshan District. Sprawled across 300 square-kilometers, this scenic area is ideal for a day trip for those who enjoy nature and the great outdoors. The Juma River snakes through Shidu and is punctuated with striking limestone karst formations, making it a photogenic spot from almost every vantage point.
Adventurous types will enjoy the various activities on offer here, including bungee jumping, rock climbing, and river rafting. You may also wish to stroll around and explore all the different paintings, inscriptions, and memorials within the park. Shidu spills over into villages, with the valley making way for farm animals and scenes of rural life. Be sure to explore places such as Cottage Scenic Spot, Monkey Mountain, Wang Jingxian Valley, and Bali Valley.
If you want the freedom to enjoy Shidu Nature Park at your leisure, book a self-guided private day tour from Beijing. This allows for the convenience of getting there and back in a private vehicle with your own driver, but also the flexibility to spend the day as you wish.
Practical Info
Shidu Nature Park is located around two hours from Beijing. If not arriving as part of a tour, you can reach it by bus or train.
Did You Know? Shidu means ‘Ten Crossings’. In ancient times, ferries were built at each of the 10 main turnings in the River Juna. The name is still in use despite the fact that modern bridges have since replaced the ferries.
Address: Shidu Zhen, Beijing, China
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: Cost of various attractions in park varies
From $ 46
Temple of Earth (Ditan Park)
Of Beijing’s royal altars left over from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this is the last remaining temple dedicated to the God of Earth. (The Temple of Heaven is a popular stop on many day tours of Beijing.) The altar is based in Ditan Park, which these days is a public space that’s open all year round with a small entrance fee.
Autumn’s changing colors, when the park’s many ginkgo trees turn golden, makes this a popular time of year to visit Ditan Park, although the open spaces and tree-lined pathways make for a pleasant visit at any time of the year. Traditional Chinese pagodas and archways are also dotted throughout the park.
The annual Chinese Spring Festival held at Ditan Park is incredibly popular, attracting huge crowds to its large temple fair, with traditional performances and plenty of vendors providing food and entertainment.
Insider’s Tip: The best time to visit Ditan Park is in the early morning, when you’ll be greeted by locals dancing or practicing tai chi. Take a stroll using the circular path around the park’s four main gates so that you can explore the entire area.
Practical Info
Ditan Park has four entrances at its north, east, south, and west corners. The south gate is easily reached by taking Line 2 on the subway to the Yonghegong Lama Temple stop and using Exit A.
Address: Andingmenwai Street, Beijing 100011, China
Hours: 6am-9pm
Admission: Park: CNY2 / Temple of Earth: CNY5
From $ 46
Confucius Temple
Originally built in 1302, Confucius Temple in Beijing is China's second-largest temple dedicated to the great ancient Chinese thinker and teacher, whose influence is still felt today. The temple, which covers a space of 5.4 acres (2.2 hectares), also offers a peaceful sanctuary from the urban hustle and bustle.
The Basics
Confucius Temple has four separate courtyards, four main buildings"”Xianshi Gate, Dacheng Gate, Dacheng Hall, and Chongsheng Temple"”and numerous pavilions. There are also nearly 200 stone steles on which are inscribed the names of officials who passed the highest level of imperial exams, as well as the 13 Classics of Confucius, also known as the Qianlong Classics. Dotted around the complex are statues of Confucius and many old cypress trees, the most famous of which is the 700-year-old Chujian Bai (Touch Evil Cypress). Next to the temple, on the same grounds, is the Imperial College, or Guozijian Museum, and the site where emperors would recount Confucian classics to students.
Located close to the famous Lama Temple, many visitors visit both temples together, along with other attractions such as Dongyue Temple or nearby hutongs, either independently or as part of a guided tour. Some tours incorporate activities such as a rickshaw ride or calligraphy lessons.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Confucius Temple is a must-visit for those who want to better understand the impact of Confucianism on Chinese culture.
- The admission fee to enter the Confucius Temple also covers the Guozijian Museum.
- Plan to spend at least an hour to visit both the temple and the museum.
How to Get There
Confucius Temple is located in Beijing's Dongcheng district. Take the subway Line 2 or Line 5, get off at Yonghegong Station (Exit G), and walk southwest. Alternatively, take bus number 13 or 684 to Guozijian Station, or bus 116 or 117 to Yonghegong (Yonghe Temple) Station.
When to Get There
The temple is open year-round, with slightly reduced hours from November to April. During this same period, the museum is closed on Mondays.
The 13 Classics
There are more than 630,000 characters forming the 13 Classics carved in the Confucius Temple's stone steles. These cover the Book of Changes, the Book of History, the Book of Songs, and the Analects, among other key Confucian classics. The characters were engraved over a period of four years during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, which is why they are also referred to as the Qianlong Classics.
Address: China
From $ 35
The Legend of Kung Fu Show
The Legend of Kung Fu Show, which premiered at Beijing’s Red Theatre in 2004, tells the story of a young monk who dreams of one day becoming a kung fu master. The best kung fu practitioners from all across China tell the story through Chinese martial arts, traditional and modern dance, and Chinese acrobatics.
The Basics
Two performances are staged daily, and while the 80-minute production contains no dialogue, a screen above the stage tells the story with English subtitles to help foreign visitors follow along. The show is popular with both international and domestic tourists and is often included in package tours that also feature a Peking duck dinner or an afternoon visit to Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) or the Temple of Heaven.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Chinese kung fu and acrobatic show is a must for performing-arts enthusiasts.
- Most Legend of Kung Fu Show tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing.
- Book your Legend of Kung Fu Show tickets ahead of time, as they often sell out.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Red Theatre is by taking subway Line 5 to Tiantandongmen Station, situated near the east entrance to the Temple of Heaven. Taxis can sometimes be difficult to find near the theater.
When to Get There
There are two shows nightly at Beijing’s Red Theatre. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to find your seat.
Legend of Kung Fu Show Performers
This popular kung fu show is a hit largely due to the skill of the performers. China’s leading performing arts production company scouts for the best martial artists and dancers from around the country. The average age of the performers is only 17—a testament to their incredible talent.
Address: 44 Xingfu Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Day show: 5:15pm, Evening show 7:30pm.
Admission: Prices vary by seat
From $ 27
Yandaixie Street
Located in the Xicheng District not far from Shichahai, Yandaixie Street is one of the oldest streets in Beijing. It’s a street of contrasts, blending the ancient Beijing with the modern city it has become today. Various shops and cafes cater to locals and visitors from far and wide, who explore the street on foot or by rickshaw.
Yandaixie Street got its nickname, Tobacco Pouch Street, due to the huge popularity of tobacco and subsequent tobacco shops during the Qing Dynasty. Most of the shops in Yandaixie Street are situated on sidesteps and have large wooden tobacco pipe symbols at their entrances. Some even say that the shape of the street itself resembles a tobacco pouch.
The original ancient architectural styles found on Yandaixie Street, along with its historical and cultural significance, saw the street named one of China's Historical and Cultural Streets by the Ministry of Culture in 2010.
Practical Info
To reach Yandaixie Street, take one of the many buses bound for the Drum Tower and then walk south down Di'an Men Wai Street. Yandaixie is the first street on the right.
Address: Yandai Byway, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 25
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
In 1750, the grand Summer Palace was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong as a lavish lakeside retreat from the heat of Beijing. With pavilions, walkways, gardens, and bridges, the UNESCO World Heritage site on Kunming Lake served as the seat of government for Empress Dowager Cixi during the last years of her life.
The Basics
Due to its historical importance and popularity, the Summer Palace is included in nearly all guided tours of Beijing. Though you could easily spend a half-day at the Summer Palace, it’s also possible to visit the palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven all in a single day. Other tour options might include the Summer Palace and Mutianyu Great Wall, or the Summer Palace and Lama Temple.
While general admission grants entry to the main palace complex, including the Long Corridor and Longevity Hill, some individual attractions have an additional cost, such as the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, the Tower of Buddhist Incense, Wenchang Gallery, and the Hall of Serenity.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Summer Palace is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes; a palace visit involves a lot of walking, some of it over uneven surfaces.
- Book a guided tour to avoid waiting in long entry lines, particularly during high season or Chinese national holidays.
- The main entrances and most palace attractions are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
It’s easy to get to the Summer Palace by subway; take Line 4 to North Gate station or Line 10 to South Gate station. Numerous public buses also stop at the palace’s three entrances.
When to Get There
Due to its popularity among both Chinese and international tourists, the Summer Palace can get quite crowded during Chinese national holidays and the peak summer season (July and August). Visit first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Boating on Kunming Lake
Don’t leave the Summer Palace without taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake. Short cruises depart from the Marble Boat and take visitors past Nanhu Island, the Bronze Ox, and the beautiful 17-Arch Bridge, offering a different view of the palace complex along the way.
Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily April–October 6:30am–6pm; November–March 7am–5pm
Admission: 20-30 RMB
From $ 4
St Joseph's Church
Located on Wangfujing Street in the Dongcheng District of Beijing, St. Joseph's Church (sometimes referred to as the East Cathedral), is one of four significant Catholic cathedrals in Beijing. The construction of the church was finished in 1655, making it the second oldest in the city after the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Throughout the years, St. Joseph’s Church has seen a number of restorations. It’s a huge and imposing grey stone building, predominantly Romanesque in style but with some Chinese architectural features. Over the years it has become not only an important venue for Catholics, but also a significant cultural site and a popular attraction for visitors to Beijing.
Practical Info
St. Joseph’s Church is located at 74 Wangfujing Street. The nearest subway station is Wangfujing.
Address: 74 Wangfujing St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Vary
From $ 18
Wangfujing Street
There are two reasons to visit Wangfujing Street in Beijing: shopping and eating. The main portion of this commercial street is home to nearly 300 Chinese brand name stores selling everything from clothes and shoes to tea and herbs. In recent years, international and high end brands have also started appearing at this outdoor shopping venue, and while prices tend to be slightly more expensive than in the US, it’s still a fun place to people watch and window shop.
The neighboring Wangfujing Snack Food Street appeals to intrepid tourists and adventurous local eaters. The hundred some food stalls lining this outdoor food market (only open at night) cook and serve a bizarre range of street foods. You’ll find centipedes, star fish, scorpions and honey bees being served alongside sheep innards, candied fruits and other delicacies from around the country. While the offerings may not all sound appetizing, rest assured they are safe, as each stall must meet strict hygienic requirements.
The neighboring Wangfujing Snack Food Street appeals to intrepid tourists and adventurous local eaters. The hundred some food stalls lining this outdoor food market (only open at night) cook and serve a bizarre range of street foods. You’ll find centipedes, star fish, scorpions and honey bees being served alongside sheep innards, candied fruits and other delicacies from around the country. While the offerings may not all sound appetizing, rest assured they are safe, as each stall must meet strict hygienic requirements.
Address: Wang Fu Jing Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Beijing, China
From $ 16
Yungang Grottoes
The Yungang Grottoes are ancient Chinese Buddhist grottoes that reside in the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain near the city of Datong in Shanxi Province. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 2001, the Yungang Grottoes are a brilliant display of Buddhist rock-cut architecture dating back to the fifth and sixth centuries.
The grottoes are divided into east, middle, and western sections. Pagodas dominate the eastern parts, while the west comprises small to medium sized caves. The caves in the middle section feature front and back chambers with Buddha statues at their center. In total, the complex comprises 252 grottoes with more than 51,000 stone Buddha statues.
Practical Info
The Yungang Grottoes are one of the most popular attractions around Datong so arranging a return trip from the city via taxi should prove easy.
Address: Nanjiao, Datong, Shanxi, China 37007, China
From $ 40
Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang)
Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public plaza, has always been a symbol of Mao’s epic Communist project—and resistance to it. Despite its bleak history, the site of the 1989 massacre is today a bustling place, often teeming with tourists and local kids flying kites.
The Basics
One of the most famous landmarks in all of China, Tiananmen Square and its 125-foot-high (39-meter-high) granite Monument to the People’s Heroes features on just about every Beijing tour. Visitors from around the globe come to have their picture taken in front of the photo of Chairman Mao mounted on the monumental Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen). For those pressed for time, it’s possible to visit the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square in a single day.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tiananmen Square is a must-see for history buffs, people watchers, and first-time visitors.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk; the square and neighboring Forbidden City are huge.
- Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as the square provides little shade.
- Visitors are required to pass through a security checkpoint before entering the square.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Tiananmen Square is to take the Beijing subway Line 1 to either Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West, or Line 2 to Qianmen. Several public buses also stop at the square.
When to Get There
The national flagpole sits within Tiananmen Square, and the flag-raising ceremony that takes place at sunrise each morning is well worth seeing. Expect big crowds and long lines at the Forbidden City and Mao’s Mausoleum during peak tourist season in summer and on Chinese public holidays.
Attractions in Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square sits at the heart of Beijing, surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions. The Forbidden City, the Museum of Chinese History, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Great Hall of the People, and the Chairman Mao Mausoleum bound the square, so there’s always a lot of activity.
Address: Beijing, China
Admission: Free
From $ 16