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Classic Things to Do in Beijing
If you're visiting Beijing for the first time, it's highly recommended that you cover the classic tourist attractions as well as the must-do activities in the city. With just 3-4 days, you can easily fit the essential experiences into your itinerary, including hiking along the ancient Great Wall of China, exploring the world-famous palace complex that was the home of Chinese emperors for over 600 years, wandering through the old Hutong area, and relaxing at the Summer Palace.
1. Travel Outside Beijing to Hike on the Great Wall of China
No visit to Beijing is complete without a trip to the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Travelers can opt for a classic half-day or full-day tour of the popular sections of the wall, or choose to immerse themselves in an in-depth hiking experience to explore the less crowded areas of the wall. For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the classic tour offers breathtaking views and convenient access to the restored sections of the wall, such as Badaling, Mutianyu (1.5 hours’ drive from Beijing downtown). However, for those looking for a more authentic experience, the less crowded sections of the Great Wall, such as Jiankou, Jinshanling, and Simatai, offer the opportunity to enjoy sunset views, stay overnight, and hike with fewer crowds.
2 Days Beijing Great Wall Day & Night Tour to Mutianyu & Simatai2 Days Wild Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Gubeikou, Jinshanling, Simatai West3 Days In-depth Beijing Great Wall Hiking Tour: Jiankou to Mutianyu & Gubeikou-Jianshanling-Simatai4 Days Beijing Tour: City Highlights, Great Wall Night Views & Gubei Water Tour
2. Walk Into the Imperial Forbidden City to Unveil Hundred Years’ History
The Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties”. It is ranked as the largest palace in the world, over three times larger than the Louvre Palace in France. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1406, the Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for over 600 years. The complex consists of 980 buildings, encompassing 9,999 rooms and exemplifies the opulence of the residences of the Chinese emperor and the traditional Chinese palatial architecture.
As you walk through the gates of the Forbidden City, you'll be transported back in time to the golden age of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore the vast complex, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden.
As you wander through the halls and courtyards, marvel at the intricate architecture and details, and learn about the fascinating history of the emperors and their families who once lived within these walls. You'll gain insight into the customs, traditions, and daily life of the imperial court and discover how the Forbidden City played a pivotal role in shaping China's rich cultural heritage.
3. Feel Authentic Local Life through Beijing Old Hutongs
Just 2-3 kilometers north of the Forbidden City lies the famous Hutong area, a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Beijing. Immerse yourself in the authentic local life of Beijing by exploring the Old Hutongs, where traditional courtyard homes and narrow alleyways have been preserved for centuries. Some of the most popular Hutongs include Nanluoguxiang, Yandaixie Street, Wudaoying Hutong, and Maoer Hutong.
As you stroll through these historic neighborhoods, you'll feel as though you've been transported back in time to a bygone era. Observe the daily routines of the local residents, many of whom have been living in these areas for generations. Marvel at the unique architecture and intricate designs of the buildings, and take a break at one of the many quaint shops or tea houses for a taste of authentic Beijing snacks. Let the Old Hutongs immerse you in the rich history and culture of this vibrant city, and experience firsthand the charm and warmth of the local people.
4. Wander around the Summer Palace - An Imperial Garden in Beijing
After experiencing the grandeur of the Forbidden City, travelers are highly recommended to unwind and relax at the imperial garden of the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace was built in 1750 based on the design of Jiangnan gardens, using the West Lake in Hangzhou as a blueprint, with Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill as its foundation. Reputed as the "Royal Garden Museum," it is a large-scale landscape garden and the most well-preserved imperial palace and royal garden. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and splendor of Beijing by taking a leisurely stroll through this exquisite imperial garden, a true masterpiece of Chinese landscape design and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enter through the North Gate and wander through the lush gardens, where you'll be captivated by the breathtaking scenery, including the serene Kunming Lake and the magnificent Tower of Buddhist Incense atop the Longevity Hill. The Summer Palace not only offers a visual feast for the eyes but is also steeped in history. It was a summer retreat for the imperial family during the Qing Dynasty and played a significant role in Chinese politics.
As you explore the various pavilions, halls, and temples, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and history. Take a moment to soak in the tranquil ambiance of this oasis. You can even enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque Kunming Lake or savor a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse.
Fun Things to Do in Beijing
5. Visit Temple of Heaven and Join Locals for Tai Chi Experience
The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent complex of imperial religious buildings located about 5 kilometers away from the Forbidden City. Known for its symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and splendid decoration, it was built in 1420 and visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for a good harvest. In 1998, the Temple of Heaven was inscribed as a World Heritage site, recognized as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design which simply and graphically illustrates a cosmogony of great importance for the evolution of one of the world's great civilizations".
The Temple of Heaven is home to several must-see architectures, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (祈年殿), the Circular Mound Altar (圜丘坛), the Heart of Heaven (天心石), and the Imperial Vault of Heaven (皇穹宇).
Today, the Temple of Heaven is also a popular city park for locals to do morning exercises, including Tai Chi. Visiting in the morning and joining them for a session is a unique and memorable way to experience this ancient practice in a beautiful setting.
6. Catch Panoramic View of Beijing from Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park, located in the north of the Forbidden City, is best known for its stunning panoramic views of the Beijing. When you walk out the Forbidden City at the North Gate, you will arrive at Jingshan Park. The park was originally an imperial garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was later converted into a public park in 1928. It is home to a variety of lush greenery, including cypress, pine, and cherry blossom trees, and also boasts several historic structures, such as the Wanchun Pavilion, which offers an excellent vantage point to take in the panoramic views of the city.
At the top of Jingshan Hill, visitors can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Beijing, including a bird's eye view of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The view is especially breathtaking at sunset when the city is bathed in a warm golden light.
7. Enjoy Modern Cityscape of Beijing at Central Business District
As China continues to rapidly develop in recent years, Beijing stands as a window to witness the remarkable changes taking place. While the city boasts an array of imperial palaces, ancient heritages, and old Hutongs, a visit to the Beijing Central Business District, nestled between the 3rd and 4th Ring Road, offers a strikingly modern contrast. Beijing's Central Business District (CBD) is a hub for contemporary architecture and a symbol of China's economic progress. To enjoy the modern cityscape of CBD, start your tour at Jinrongjie Street, Beijing's financial center. Walking down the bustling street flanked by skyscrapers, you feel like you have been transported to Manhattan's Wall Street. Here, one can marvel at the towering skyscrapers such as the China Zun, China World Trade Center Tower III, Beijing Yintai Center, Beijing TV Center, CCTV Headquarters, China World Trade Center, SK Tower Beijing, and more, all contributing to the breathtaking modern cityscape of Beijing.
Furthermore, for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in the modernity of Beijing, a visit to the Beijing Olympic Park (also known as the Olympic Green) is a must. This sprawling complex houses the main venues used during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, including the iconic Bird’s Nest and the mesmerizing Water Cube, offering a glimpse into China's impressive architectural achievements.
Things to Do in Beijing at Night
8. Try Symbolic Dish - Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude
A visit to Beijing is incomplete without savoring the city's most celebrated dish - Beijing Duck, also known as Beijing Roasted Duck. This dish is regarded as "the first dish to taste in China" and boasts a rich history dating back to medieval times when it was exclusively served to the royal court before eventually becoming a popular dish among the masses.
The dish consists of a whole duck that is roasted until its skin is crispy and golden while the meat remains tender and juicy. The preparation of Peking Roasted Duck is a meticulous process that involves marinating the duck with a blend of spices and then roasting it in a special oven until the skin is crispy and golden. It is typically served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and a sweet bean sauce or hoisin sauce, which perfectly complement the flavors of the succulent duck. The combination of crispy skin and succulent meat, along with the flavorful accompaniments, has contributed to the worldwide popularity of Peking Roasted Duck, making it a must-try dish when in Beijing.
In Beijing, the recommended restaurants to try Peking Duck are Quanjude (全聚德), Bianyifang (便宜坊), Dadong (大董), Yulin Beijing Duck Restaurant (玉林北京烤鸭店), Hongyun Tianwaitian (鸿运天外天). Quanjude is the most well-known Beijing duck restaurant globally, with branches around the world.
9. Watch a Dazzling Beijing Opera Performance at Night
Beijing Opera, also known as Peking Opera, is a traditional Chinese art form that originated in Beijing and is considered to be one of China's national treasures. It combines singing, speaking, dancing, and acrobatics, and is known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and distinctive vocal style.
There are several theaters in Beijing that offer performances of this art form, including the Liyuan Theater, the Chang'an Grand Theatre, and the National Centre for the Performing Arts.
Attending a Beijing Opera performance is a unique and memorable experience. The shows are often performed in Mandarin, but many theaters provide subtitles in English or other languages to help non-Chinese speakers follow along with the plot. The performances are accompanied by a traditional Chinese orchestra, which includes instruments such as the erhu, a two-stringed fiddle, and the pipa, a four-stringed lute.
In addition to the music and singing, Beijing Opera incorporates elaborate choreography and acrobatics, with performers executing intricate moves and stunts. The costumes and makeup worn by the performers are also an integral part of the art form, with each character having a distinct look that reflects their personality and role in the story.
Experiencing Beijing Opera in Beijing is a fantastic way to immerse oneself in Chinese culture and gain a deeper understanding of the country's unique heritage. It is an excellent way to spend an evening and is sure to be an unforgettable experience for visitors to the city.
10. Relax in a Bar at Houhai or Sanlitun Bar Street
After a day of serious exploration in the imperial city of Beijing, the night presents an opportunity to unwind and enjoy some fun. For those seeking a lively and vibrant atmosphere, Houhai and Sanlitun Bar Street are two popular destinations.
Houhai is a scenic lake area in central Beijing that is surrounded by traditional Chinese architecture and is home to a thriving bar scene. The area is known for its laid-back vibe and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to relax, enjoy a drink, and take in the picturesque surroundings. There are numerous bars and cafes dotted around the lakeside area, each with its own unique ambiance and offerings.
Sanlitun Bar Street, on the other hand, is a bustling nightlife district located in the Chaoyang district of Beijing. It is a popular destination for those seeking a more lively atmosphere, with a wide range of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to both locals and foreigners. The area is known for its trendy vibe and is a popular spot for young people looking to enjoy a night out on the town.
Both Houhai and Sanlitun Bar Street offer diverse options for a night out, from casual and laid-back to upscale and high-end. Visitors can choose from a variety of themed bars, live music venues, and rooftop bars, ensuring that there is something to suit every taste and preference.
Explore Beijing & Great Wall with Asia Odyssey Travel
Based in China with our office located in Beijing, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel provides the best service to ensure an authentic and unforgettable experience for those who want to visit Beijing. We offer a variety of carefully designed Beijing tours, including Classic Beijing Tours, Great Wall Tours, Hutong Tours, Layover Tours, Day Tours, and Visa-free Tours, that cater to your needs and desires. Whether you prefer a private tours with a flexible itinerary or a budget-friendly group tours without compromising on quality, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour to suit you, ensuring that your journey to Beijing is an enjoyable vacation.
lf you're looking to extend your Beijing trip into a longer vacation, Asia Odyssey Travel also offers a range of inspiring ideas through our China Tours from Beijing. Our professional travel consultants are ready to help you customize a tailor-made Beijing tour at the best local price. Don't hesitate to contact us to start planning your dream trip to Beijing today!
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