Things to do in Beijing

Why go to Beijing

• The Great Wall (Mutianyu Section)

  Hike restored battlements above misty valleys for a once-in-a-lifetime view that no photo fully captures.

• Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

  Nine thousand rooms and 600 years of imperial grandeur sit at the literal center of the Chinese world.

• Temple of Heaven

  A stunning 15th-century ritual complex where locals still practice tai chi at dawn beneath ancient cypress trees.

• Summer Palace

  A vast lakeside imperial retreat of pavilions, covered walkways, and marble boats that feels like stepping into a classical painting.

• 798 Art District

  A converted Bauhaus factory zone packed with cutting-edge contemporary galleries, street art, and creative energy.

Good to know in Beijing

• The Beijing Subway covers nearly every major sight for $0.30-$0.60 per ride, load an IC card at any station to avoid queues and save time.
• Tipping is not customary in China and can occasionally cause confusion; skip it at restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
• Tap water in Beijing is not considered safe to drink; buy large bottles at convenience stores for $0.30 or use a filtered bottle, hotels provide complimentary hot water flasks.
• The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace offer free or reduced entry on certain national holidays; check the official calendar before booking, as crowds spike significantly on those days.

Trip essentials