Top 5 Things to Do in Beijing: The Essential Guide
Beijing's 3,000 years of history pack a punch. Here are the 5 experiences that define China's capital for first-time visitors.
1. The Forbidden City (故宫)
The world's largest palace complex — 980 buildings, 8,700 rooms, 500 years of imperial rule. Enter through the Meridian Gate and walk the central axis north through succession halls of increasing intimacy. The final exit leads directly into Jingshan Park for a panoramic overview of the entire complex. Allow 3-4 hours minimum. Book tickets online in advance — same-day tickets often sell out.
2. Great Wall at Mutianyu (慕田峪)
Skip the tourist-clogged Badaling and head to Mutianyu instead. This section is beautifully restored but far less crowded, with watchtowers offering stunning mountain views. The cable car up and toboggan slide down make it fun for all ages. It's 90 minutes from the city center — book a shared bus or driver. Go early morning for the best light and fewest people.
3. Temple of Heaven (天坛)
The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is Beijing's most iconic silhouette. But the real magic is in the park at 6 AM — hundreds of locals doing tai chi, sword dancing, choir singing, and calligraphy on the ground with water brushes. Come for the architecture, stay for the living culture. The park opens at 6 AM (buildings at 8), and early morning is peak people-watching.
4. Summer Palace (颐和园)
Empress Dowager Cixi's imperial retreat centers on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. The 728-meter Long Corridor features painted scenes from Chinese literature. Rent a rowboat in summer, or walk the lake perimeter in winter when it freezes. The Marble Boat — a pavilion built to look like a ship — symbolizes Cixi's notorious extravagance.
5. Hutongs (胡同)
Beijing's ancient alleyway neighborhoods are disappearing fast, but the ones that remain offer a window into traditional life. Take a rickshaw tour through the Nanluoguxiang and Yandai Xiejie areas, or explore on foot. Many hutongs now house craft shops, cafes, and courtyard restaurants. The contrast between old alleys and new Beijing is what makes this city endlessly fascinating.
Pro Tip: Beijing is huge — group sights by district (Dongcheng: Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven; Haidian: Summer Palace) to avoid spending half your day in traffic.