12 Special things to do in Beijing
Few places in the world offer as many bucket-list experiences as Beijing. Whether you’re walking along the Great Wall of China, immersing yourself in the ancient culture, or witnessing the rapid development of a modern metropolis, Beijing has something for every traveler. Curious about what makes Beijing so unique? The best way to find out is to explore it yourself. Here’s our guide to some of the most unforgettable and unique things to do in Beijing.
Wander in Beijing’s Hutong Alleyways
Beijing’s maze of historic hutong alleyways has been gradually shrinking over the years, but you can still find neighborhoods where time seems to stand still. In these narrow lanes, you’ll encounter locals playing Chinese chess, tending to their pet songbirds, or bargaining over fresh persimmons from a street vendor. For a true taste of old Beijing, head to Xisi, where you can stroll through the alleys, listen to the local dialect, and admire the White Dagoba Temple rising above the traditional tiled rooftops. After dark, a walk through the hutongs becomes one of the most enchanting nighttime experiences in the city.
Encounter China’s Largest Dragon-Tortoise
Dragons with tortoise shells, known as “bixi”, can be found at temples throughout Beijing, typically holding up stone stelae inscribed with the deeds of ancient emperors. However, the most impressive “bixi” resides at the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors in a secluded valley outside Beijing. This massive stone creature, weighing 50 tons and carrying a stele over 6 meters tall, guards the Spirit Way leading to the tombs, a grand avenue lined with pairs of carved animals, mythical creatures, and officials.
Hunt for Treasures at Panjiayuan Market
Panjiayuan Market is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Chinese antiques and curios. Among the thousands of stalls, you’ll find replica Qing furniture, traditional handicrafts, calligraphy brushes, and ink stones. Focus on items from the last century, and you might discover genuine Mao-era memorabilia, including busts, Little Red Books, and vintage cigarette posters.
Hike the Wild Great Wall
For a truly awe-inspiring experience, hike the Great Wall of China in its natural, unrestored state. The wall stretches over rugged mountain ridges, with trees growing through the crumbling watchtowers, offering a glimpse of the wall’s raw, ancient beauty. To avoid the crowded, touristy sections, consider joining a guided day hike that will take you to the wilder, less-traveled parts of the wall. This way, you can focus on capturing stunning photos while your guide handles the logistics.
Dine in an Imperial Deep Freeze
The Royal Icehouse is a hidden gem located in a hutong near the Forbidden City, boasting a unique feature in its basement—a royal refrigerator. These arched stone cellars were used to keep the emperor’s food cool during the summer, aided by large blocks of ice harvested from Beihai Park’s lake. The restaurant offers a quirky and historic setting for enjoying classic Peking duck and Shandong-style sweets like sugared crab apples, complemented by house-made rice wine and medicinal liquors.
Savor the World’s Best Peking Duck
When it comes to culinary experiences, few dishes are as iconic as Beijing’s Peking duck. Prepared with meticulous care, the ducks are dried, inflated with compressed air to separate the skin from the meat, basted with molasses, and then roasted in open-fronted ovens over fruitwood. The result is a dish that’s not only delicious but also a visual spectacle, with the carving process being an essential part of the experience. Enjoying Peking duck in its birthplace is a gastronomic delight not to be missed.
Witness the Sunrise at Tiananmen Square
At dawn each day, the People’s Liberation Army honor guard marches from under the giant portrait of Mao Zedong to raise the five-star red flag over Tiananmen Square. This iconic ceremony, full of military pomp and precision, is a must-see. If you’re not an early riser, don’t worry—the flag-lowering ceremony at sunset is equally impressive.
Climb Beijing’s Twin Towers
The Drum and Bell Towers are two of Beijing’s most iconic structures. Once the city’s official timekeepers, these towers now offer visitors the chance to climb up and enjoy panoramic views of the city. At the top, you can witness an hourly drumming performance and marvel at China’s largest bell. The towers are particularly enchanting when viewed from the surrounding hutongs, where traditional architecture blends with modern cafés, boutiques, and speakeasy-style bars.
Connect with the Gods at the Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is more than a place of worship—it’s a celestial portal reserved historically for the emperor himself. Twice a year, the emperor would leave the Forbidden City in a grand procession, complete with horse-drawn chariots, elephants, and a gigantic sedan chair. Upon arrival at the Round Altar, he would perform sacred rites to secure divine favor for his rule. Visiting this site offers a profound glimpse into China’s imperial past and its spiritual traditions.
Dive into the Forbidden City
While most visitors to Beijing’s UNESCO-listed Forbidden City focus on the grandiosity of the Three Great Halls and the vast parade grounds of the outer court, the real treasures are hidden within the more intimate and intricate northern sections. Venture into the maze of rooms and corridors, and you’ll discover some of the most remarkable sights the palace has to offer. Highlights include the Palace of Prolonging Happiness, an unfinished Western-style building featuring marble, cast iron, and glass, originally intended to be a walk-in aquarium, and the Belvedere of Pleasant Sounds, a three-story opera house equipped with trap doors, tunnels, and pulleys for special effects.
Start Your Day with Jianbing
One of Beijing’s must-try street foods is jianbing—a giant crepe-like pancake that’s a popular breakfast choice among locals. It’s made by cracking an egg or two onto the pancake, spreading on fermented bean curd and chili sauce, sprinkling with cilantro and scallions, and then folding it around a crispy sheet of fried dough. This delicious snack is available all over the city for about a dollar and has even become popular in cities like London and New York.
Explore China’s Most Fantastical Garden
The Summer Palace was the private playground of China’s royalty on an awe-inspiring scale. Dominating the landscape is Kunming Lake, which stretches over 2 kilometers, and Longevity Hill, a 60-meter-high elevation created from the earth excavated to expand the lake. Topping this hill are majestic halls, towers, and pavilions—all built for the Empress Dowager Cixi, who diverted funds meant for the navy to create her lavish retreat. The grandeur and opulence of this royal garden make it a must-see in Beijing.
There are many things that await your exploration in Beijing. Whether you visit it for the first time or return to visit it again, we believe you will discover a brand new Beijing. Come and plan your very own trip together with our travel consultant.
