Hey Leosquad! If you only have a short time in China’s imperial capital city, Beijing (北京) can feel overwhelming 🤯. The imperial city is massive, historic, modern, and constantly moving. That’s why this one-minute guide to the 11 best things to do in Beijing focuses on what truly matters—especially if this is your first visit.
From ancient imperial landmarks 🏯 to night markets 🌃 and unforgettable food 🍜, these experiences show what Beijing (北京) is, why it matters, and how to explore it efficiently without missing the essentials.
🎥 Beijing Will Surprise You With These 11 Best Things
🏯 Essential Beijing Landmarks
Start at Tiān’ānmén guǎngchǎng (天安門廣場) Tiananmen Square, the political and cultural heart of Beijing (北京)🏮. This vast open space sets the tone for the city and places you right in the center of modern Chinese history 📜.
📍 Locations: Tiananmen Square China, Beijing, Dongcheng, 前门 邮政编码: 100051
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 04:00 -20:30
🎟️ Entrance Fee : Free
💡 Tip: Come at sunrise for the flag-raising or at sunset for the flag-lowering.
🕒 Spend: 30-45 Mins
Just steps away, the Zhōngguó guójiā bówùguǎn (中国国家博物馆) National Museum of China offers free entry and one of the most comprehensive collections of Chinese artifacts, making it an easy stop to understand the country’s past before diving deeper.
📍 Locations: National Museum of China 16 E Chang’an St, 前门 Dongcheng, China, 100051
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday 09:00 -17:00 Closed Day: Mondays (except for national holidays)
🎟️ Entrance Fee : Free
💡 Tip: The NMC Showcases 1.7 Million Years of Chinese History with over 1.4 Million Artifacts
🕒 Spend: 2-3 Hours
💡 Golden rule: Since the museum capped 8000 Visitors/day, so book your slot the moment tickets are open 17:00 Beijing time, 7 days before your visit.
From there, walk straight into history at the Gùgōng bówùyuàn (故宫博物院) Forbidden City. Once home to emperors, this massive palace complex explains why Beijing (北京) was the center of imperial power for centuries. Give yourself time—this isn’t a quick photo stop but a full historical immersion 📜⌛.
📍 Locations: The Forbidden City 4 Jingshan Front St, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100009
⏰ Opening Hours: April 1-October 31 (Peak Season) 08:30 – 17:00, November 1-March 31 (Off-season) 08:30-16:30, Closed Day: Mondays (Except for national holidays)
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 60 RMB (8.47 USD) Book the ticket at Wechat Pay
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the views from Jingshan Park right across the street.
🕒 Spend: 3-4 Hours
🎟️ Book your Forbidden City ticket in advance on WeChat
Search 「故宫博物院预约门票」(Gùgōng bówùyuàn yùyuē ménpiào) on WeChat to reserve your official entry slot before it sells out.
🍜 A Taste of Beijing Downtown
As evening approaches, head to Wángfǔ jǐng (王府井) for a night walk. This downtown area shows a different side of Beijing (北京), where traditional snacks meet flagship stores and glowing city energy 🌃.
📍 Locations: North side of East Chang’an Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 18:00 – 22:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : Free
💡 Tip: It’s a “see and be seen” zone. Browsing is free but if you buy, you’ll need Wechat or Alipay.
🕒 Spend: 1-2 Hours
It’s also the perfect place to try Peking Duck 🦆, one of the city’s most iconic dishes. Crispy skin, soft pancakes, and rich flavor—this meal alone explains why Beijing (北京) is a global food destination.
📍 Locations: Běipíng jiā yàn (北平家宴) China, Beijing, Chaoyang, 1st Floor, Gongti Yutai Tennis Hall, No. 8 Gongti West Road (south side of the parking lot of Gongti 100 Bowling Alley)
⏰ Opening Hours: 10:30 – 21:30
💰 Price: 118 RMB (16.67 USD)
💡 Tip: Don’t skip the carving show. Watching a skilled chef slice the entire duck in minutes is part of the experience
For a calmer experience, the Tiāntán (天坛) Temple of Heaven offers a peaceful contrast. This is where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and today the park is just a quiet space where locals practice tai chi and visitors slow down ⌛.
📍 Locations: Temple of Heaven Dongcheng, China, 100061
⏰ Opening Hours: Park 06:00 – 22:00, April 1-October 31 (Peak Season) 08:00 – 18:00, November 1-March 31 (Off-season) 08:00-17:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 10 RMB (1.4 USD) Park-only ticket, 30 RMB (4.2 USD) Through ticket
💡 Tip: Go early, Arrive around 07:00 – 08:00 AM to see the park at its most active and vibrant
🕒 Spend: 2-3 Hours
Source: lifeofshal
Nearby, the Summer Palace provides lakes, bridges, and gardens that feel like an imperial escape from the city’s pace 🏃.
📍 Locations: Summer Palace Haidian District, China, 100091
⏰ Opening Hours: April 1-October 31 (Peak Season) 08:30 – 18:00, November 1-March 31 (Off-season) 08:00-17:30
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 65 RMB (9 USD)
💡 Tip: Plan for a half-day (at least): The complex is enormous (over 700 acres), You cannot rush it, and wear very comfortable shoes 👟.
🕒 Spend: 2-3 Hours
🏙️ Modern Icons and Hidden Treasures
Modern Beijing (北京) shines at the Guójiā tǐyùchǎng niǎocháo (国家体育场 鸟巢) Bird’s Nest Stadium, one of the most striking Olympic structures ever built. Even if you don’t go inside, the design alone shows how Beijing (北京) blends tradition with futuristic ambition 🤩.
📍 Locations: The National Stadium 1 Guojiatiyuchang S Rd, Chaoyang, China, 100101
⏰ Opening Hours: 18:00-21:00
🎟️ Entrance Fee : Free
💡 Tip: Come here at Night
🕒 Spend: 1-2 Hours
🧱 Traditional Wonders and Great Wall Views
To experience everyday culture, visit Pān jiāyuán jiù huò shìchǎng (潘家园旧货市场) Panjiayuan Antique Market, where treasure hunting meets local life. From vintage coins to old propaganda posters, it’s one of the best places to see what Beijing (北京) people buy, sell, and collect 🏺.
📍 Locations: Panjiayuan Antique Market Chaoyang, China, 100021
⏰ Opening Hours: 09:00-20:00, Night Market: Wednesday – Saturday 20:00 – 23:00
💡 Tip: (Saturday/ Sunday 6:00 – 9:00) Legendary Ghost Market
🕒 Spend: 2-3 Hours
🧭 Panjiayuan is where Beijing’s everyday culture comes alive. Read my full guide to see what locals really buy, sell, and collect.
Mutianyu is where the Great Wall stretches into the mountains, reminding you just how vast China really is. Located just outside the city, this section offers stunning views with fewer crowds, making it one of the best ways to understand why the Great Wall remains China’s most powerful symbol.
📍 Locations: Mutianyu Great Wall Mutianyu Rd, Huairou District, Beijing, China, 101406
⏰ Opening Hours: Weekdays 07:30 – 18:00, Weekend 07:30 – 18:30
🎟️ Entrance Fee : 60 RMB (8.5 USD)
💡 Tip: Go early or late: Arrive right when it open ( Around 8:00 AM ) or in the early afternoon to avoid the main day-trip crowds and you will be walking on uneven stone steps and some very steep, wear hiking shoes or supportive sneakers are essentials
🕒 Spend: Half Day
🌃 Downtown Energy and Must-Eat Flavors
End your day with Beijing (北京) sesame hotpot 🍲🔥, where numbing peppercorn broth meets rich sesame dipping sauce. It’s bold, warming, and the perfect final note to a full day of exploration.
📍 Locations: Sìjiǔ chéng yěmén shāng ròu (四九成也门商肉) Qisheng Road No.16, Xibahe Xili UrCove Yifei Restaurant Guozhan Sanyuanqiao Branch Yi Restaurant, Chaoyang Beijing China
⏰ Opening Hours: Open Everyday 11:00 – 14:00; 16:30 – 22:00
💰 Price: 12 RMB (1.67 USD) Lamb Skewers; 52 RMB (7.40 USD) Hot Pot
💡 Tip: Swish sliced meat in hotpot broth for 5-10 seconds then eat; Beijing sesame sauce is the key
😌 Beijing: The Slow Side That You Missed
Source: Wikipedia
Beijing (北京) is a city of sharp contrasts. Beyond the megamalls and skyscrapers, the hútòng (胡同) reveal a quieter, more intimate side of the capital. These narrow alleys and traditional courtyard homes offer a glimpse into everyday life and remain one of the most meaningful things to do in Beijing (北京) for travelers who want more than famous landmarks.
Walking through the hútòng (胡同) shows how old Beijing (北京) once lived. There’s no need for a detailed plan—simply wander, observe daily routines, and enjoy the slower pace. This is where the city feels human and unpolished, far from its modern skyline.
Well-known areas like Nán Luógǔ Xiàng (南锣鼓巷) and Yāndài xié jiē (烟袋斜街) near hòuhǎi (后海) Houhai Lake are popular starting points. They’re easy to access and combine historic alleyways with small shops and local eateries, making them ideal for first-time visitors.
While hútòng (胡同) aren’t essential if time is limited, they’re a rewarding addition if you have extra hours. They offer a calm contrast to Beijing (北京) ’s grand attractions and help balance the experience of the city.
Beijing (北京) has a way of overwhelming you one moment and surprising you the next. From centuries-old neighborhoods to everyday scenes of local life, this city leaves a lasting impression—and this guide is just where that journey begins.
📍 Locations: Nán Luógǔ Xiàng (南锣鼓巷) Di’anmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (北京东城区地安门东大街), only about 5km to the north of Beijing center. Yāndài xié jiē (烟袋斜街) Di’anmenwai Main Street, Xicheng District, Beijing (北京市西城区地安门外大街), near Houhai of the Shichahai area
🎟️ Entrance Fee : Free
🤓 Fun Fact: “Hutong” comes from mongolian word for “well”
🕒 Spend: 1-2 Hours
💭 Final Thoughts
Beijing (北京) rewards travelers who know where to go and how to pace themselves. These 11 experiences capture the city’s history, food, culture, and energy—whether you’re here for one day or planning to stay longer.
That’s it for this blog post! If you found this helpful, give it a thumbs up! See you in the next post! Love you all! Thank you!
Travel Deeper, Eat Bolder, Live the Moments, and Follow the Trails.✈️🍜🔥🌏
Bye Bye!
🎥 Watch The Full Video Here
🏨 Where to Stay In Beijing?
Source: Trip.com
Where I Stayed: Atour Hotel Beijing Sanlitun Gongti North Road
For an immersive Beijing experience, consider Sanlitun as your home base. Staying at Atour Hotel Beijing Sanlitun Gongti North Road feels relaxed and effortlessly stylish — the rooms are comfy and modern, and I loved how easy it was to walk out straight into Sanlitun’s lively streets of cafés, shops, and restaurants.
