Things to Do in Beijing in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April, 2025) | Trip.com

About Beijing

Recommended trip: 3–5 day(s)

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Time and Spring Blend in the Forbidden City@The Palace Museum

Check Out the Guose Fanghua-Inspired Peonies at Jingshan Hill in Beijing@Jingshan Park

The first immersive IP theme park in the trendy toy industry

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Beijing Local Travel Guide 2025

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Beijing Brief Guide

Beijing's history stretches back 3,000 years, with over 800 of them as China’s capital, from Mongol khans to Qing emperors. The Forbidden City’s crimson walls rise above Tiananmen Square, while the Great Wall winds north, a silent witness to many dynasties. Today, the city thrums with life—Sanlitun, the nightlife heart, glows with late-night energy, while historic hutongs shelter steaming noodle stalls. In parks, retirees sway to music beneath willows. Here, ancient roots and modern pulse intertwine, inviting you into Beijing's timeless dance.

Beijing Must-try Local Experiences

1.Imperial Echoes Wander the Forbidden City, where red walls and golden roofs sprawl over 72 hectares, a 600-year legacy of Ming and Qing rule. Cross bustling Tiananmen Square into its historic courtyards, then climb Jingshan Hill for a sweeping skyline view. Pair it with the Summer Palace—Qing royals escaped summer heat to Kunming Lake’s pavilions, Seventeen Arch Bridge, and Longevity Hill’s serenity. Rent a paddleboat or stroll for stunning views. 2. Hutong Rambles Roam Beijing’s hutongs, narrow alleys lined with gray-brick courtyard homes where daily life buzzes—bikes clatter and neighbors chat. Nanluoguxiang thrums with indie shops, Shichahai’s lakeside lanes offer bar-hopping charm, and quieter Baitasi reveals a striking White Stupa. Hop a rickshaw for a spin. Xinjiekou’s music shops, with erhu strings and hidden bookstores, dodge the tourist crush of Beihai. 3. Great Wall Wonders Trek the Great Wall, where stone watchtowers wind through rugged hills, guarding centuries of history. Badaling draws crowds with polished paths and easy trails; Mutianyu offers lush, quieter vistas via cable car or steps; Jinshanling tempts adventurers with wild, steep climbs. Visit in early spring or fall for crisp, clear views—wear sturdy shoes for the haul. Beijing’s timeless backbone awaits—choose your stretch. 4. Peking Opera Nights Catch Peking Opera, where painted faces, high-pitched falsettos, and acrobatic flips bring tales of love and valor to life, a tradition since Qing times. Huguang Guild Hall or Liyuan Theatre host bold performances—shows often start at dusk, though English subtitles may not be available for every production. It’s Beijing’s living cultural heartbeat. 5. Peking Duck Feast Try Peking Duck—crisp skin cracks over tender meat, sliced thin, rolled in pancakes with spring onions and sweet bean sauce; it’s imperial-born, Beijing’s food king. Quanjude roasts it classic, Bianyifang adds history—book ahead; dusk fills seats fast. A bite of local craft—don’t miss it. 6. Art District Dives Dive into Beijing’s art scene—798 Art Zone in Dashanzi, once a Soviet-era factory, now buzzes with striking galleries and hip cafes. Songzhuang in Tongzhou keeps it real with gritty studios and active artists. 798 shines with polished flair and tourist appeal, while Songzhuang offers a raw, quiet edge—both pulse with creativity. Pick your vibe. 7. Park Life Snapshots Join Ditan Park’s rhythm—spring temple fairs ignite, retirees sing folk tunes, and kids fly kites by the Earth Altar. Rendinghu Park hides a summer pool under willows, while Beihai Park offers lotus-lined calm. Ditan peaks at Lunar New Year; Rendinghu’s pool opens June to August—bring swim gear for a dip. 8. Lakeside Drifts Drift by Xihai Lake near Gulou, a serene spot where ducks glide past reeds and locals fish or sip tea—far quieter than Houhai’s bar scene. Nearby Di’anshan Lake sprawls with lotus; visit in late afternoon for golden light and a calm escape from the city’s roar. 9. Museum Deep Dives Explore Beijing’s museum trove—National Museum near Tiananmen unravels 5,000 years with bronzes and Mao’s relics, free entry; Capital Museum in Xicheng digs into city gems like jade, also free. Open mornings to late afternoon, closed Mondays—midweek keeps it hushed; halls sprawl, so pace yourself. 10. Market Frenzy Browse Beijing’s markets—Panjiayuan in Chaoyang overflows with jade, scrolls, and vintage finds, peaking on weekends; Donghuamen near Wangfujing sizzles with skewers and dumplings at dusk. Liulichang’s art stalls offer a calmer rummage—each brims with the city’s restless energy. 11. Temple Trails Trace Beijing’s temples—Lama Temple echoes with Tibetan chants by giant Buddhas; nearby Confucius Temple honors scholars with ancient stone tablets. Tanzhe Temple’s old pines west of town offer peace—mornings dodge the crowds, revealing Beijing’s spiritual calm. 12. Tea House Retreats Settle into Beijing’s tea houses—Wuyutai near Wangfujing pours jasmine and oolong with calm; Maliandao Tea Street dives deeper, with shops stacking pu’erh bricks. Sip slowly mornings or dusk—locals linger, sharing the city’s tranquil essence.

Beijing Travel Tips

1. Pick Your Great Wall Spot Visiting the Great Wall is essential—Badaling draws large crowds, while Mutianyu offers a calmer experience with cable cars and fewer visitors. Opt for weekdays to avoid congestion—bring water; the steps can be demanding. 2. Get a Metro Card Beijing’s subway runs on the Yikatong Card—getone at stations for a small deposit, tap across all metro lines and buse. Rush hours (mornings, late afternoons) jam up—keep it handy; top up via digital wallets or at machines. 3. Download Apps Early Uber and Google services are unavailable—DiDi handles ride-hailing (English interface), and Gaode Maps (Amap) guides transit; download both before arrival. Link a card to DiDi for cashless payments—Gaode provides real-time routes. Set up your AliPay and WeChat wallets before your trip as well. 4. Grab a Local SIM A SIM’s essential—China Mobile or Unicom at PEK/PKX airports offer cheap data plans with calls; passport needed. Unlocks apps and Wi-Fi—roaming’s spotty; 5G’s everywhere. 5. Dodge the “Tea Scam” Invitations to “tea ceremonies” near Tiananmen or Wangfujing may lead to high bills (¥500+)—politely decline with “bu yao” (no thanks) and continue walking. Choose established teahouses in hutongs or consult your hotel for trusted options—avoid unsolicited offers from strangers. 6. Haggle at Markets Panjiayuan Market offers antiques—jade, scrolls, and more—where bargaining is expected; begin at half the asking price and settle around 30-40% off. Donghuamen’s food stalls haggle less—sample first, pay fast 7. Check Air Quality, Not Just Smog Beijing’s air quality has improved—annual AQI averages 30-35 µg/m³ (2023-2024), rarely exceeding 100; sandstorms have decreased. Monitor the AirVisual app—spring dust (Mar-Apr) or occasional spikes may warrant a mask; those with sensitive lungs should consider an N95 on affected days. 8. Time Tiananmen Right Tiananmen Square hosts flag ceremonies at dawn (6 AM) and dusk (6 PM), attracting many visitors; mid-morning (9-11 AM) offers fewer crowds and ample space. Photography is permitted, but avoid capturing soldiers or security—guards enforce rulesv strictly. Drowns are a no-go. 9. Book Palaces Ahead The Forbidden City and Summer Palace require online reservations, including submittin your passport details.Reserve 7 days in advance—slots fill quickly during holidays; walk-ins are rarely accommodated—plan carefully. 10. Steer Clear of Peak Holidays Golden Week (Oct 1-7) and Spring Festival (dates vary; late January-early February) bring heavy crowds—Great Wall queues lengthen, and the Forbidden City fills up.

Beijing Must-see Attractions

Beijing is a city rich in cultural heritage and modern attractions, featuring landmarks like the historic Forbidden City, the iconic Badaling Great Wall, the picturesque Summer Palace, the traditional Prince Kung's Palace Museum, and the contemporary Universal Beijing Resort. Each of these landmarks offers unique insights into China's past and present.

Beijing Where to Stay

Beijing’s stay spots hum with variety—imperial echoes meet neon beats across districts that pulse day and night. From Tiananmen’s historic sprawl to Sanlitun’s late-night glow, here’s five areas to crash that let you tap the city’s soul.

Beijing Food Guide

Beijing’s food scene thumps with Jing cuisine—street carts and old kitchens sling dishes that carry the capital’s northern bite.

Beijing Useful Guide

Beijing’s a massive travel hub—planes, trains, all roads lead here. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Northeast in Chaoyang, it’s the global gateway—most overseas flights land here. Airport Express zips to Dongzhimen—swap to subway downtown; taxis or DiDi roll faster but cost more. Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX): South in Daxing, the starfish-shaped newbie shines—less packed. Daxing Line hits Caoqiao for subway links; trains to Beijing West beat traffic—taxis or DiDi run pricier. Railway Stations: Beijing Station (near Tiananmen) and Beijing West (Fengtai) buzz—high-speed G-trains from all over China. Book online—Beijing West is a sprawl, follow the signs.