Things to do in Beijing

Keen to visit the Great Wall? Who isn’t? It’s one of those historical sites that takes pride of place on everyone’s China bucket list. There’s a reason people say they can see the wall from space (in fact, this is NOT true). We think it’s because the Great Wall is just so – great! Its length exceeds 13,000 miles, and in many places it is four to five meters wide. These measurements alone are staggering, but thankfully, visiting the wall from Beijing is easy. Our recommendations for the best points to scale the Great Wall and enjoy everything it has to offer are Mutianyu, Badaling, Simatai and Juyongguan. You can learn more about the Great Wall here . Something to note: Juyongguan is the section of the Great Wall located closest to Beijing (it is closer even than Badaling). Considered of great strategic significance in ancient times for its terrain, which brings together the best of all worlds with its clear streams, green mountains, blooming flowers and trees. Juyongguan is appreciated both for its picturesque landscape and the ancient wall, buildings, towers, and temples which can still be seen and experienced. Juyong Pass is referred to as the first to three considered along the wall to be impassable.

Locals call the Forbidden City Gu Gong (故宫), which literally translates as ‘former palace’. Considering the Chinese penchant for highly descriptive names, ‘former palace’ is a decidedly unimaginative moniker for what many consider the most marvelous of all China’s ancient buildings, which was the royal residences of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City holds great appeal for any history enthusiast or traveler looking for things to do in Beijing. Within its walls, you will gain special insights to the life and times, not only of imperial China, but of the million or so people who built it, and those who lived and worked within its walls which have been witness to many a conspiracy and romance. The Palace Museum, located in the heart of Beijing, is an expansive architectural complex that covers 1,110,000 square feet. Not only is it impressive in size, stepping inside its walls provides a truly unique step back in time. Learn more here about why the Forbidden City should be on your list of places to see in Beijing. For its part, Tiananmen Square is the world’s largest city square at an impressive 44 hectares in size. It represents the political heart of China and is a symbol of national spirit and China’s advancement in modern history. Spend time here before visiting the Forbidden City.

Find the Temple of Heaven located in close proximity to the Forbidden City, and you’ll quickly realize that ‘grandeur for good’ could well be the theme that was front of mind during its planning and construction. Temple of Heaven is in fact a royal site used by emperors to worship heaven in the hope it would bring a good harvest and prosperity for the country. Remarkably, the site covers an area four times the size of the Forbidden City. A visit here provides the opportunity to observe locals as they practice Tai Chi or sing and dance while practising water calligraphy.

Wonder at the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China at the Summer Palace. Located approximately 15 kilometers north west of Beijing’s city center, the Summer Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first built in 1153. The palace garden was the summer retreat for emperors, concubines and, most notably, the Empress Dowager Cixi. After extensive restoration and reconstruction, the garden, palaces, temples, corridors and exquisite exhibits can be seen reflecting their former glory against the backdrop of a remarkable man-made lake. It’s easy to imagine the Empress wandering the beautiful grounds of the palace, or relaxing while floating on the lake. A visit here is perfect to coordinate with exploration at the Forbidden City

Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is a functioning Tibetan Buddhist temple. It has art treasures that have survived many changes to today where you will find it a popular site for locals and visitors alike. The fact the monastery is still operating is all the more remarkable because construction commenced centuries ago in 1694 during the Qing dynasty. It was originally built as the residence of Prince Yong, who later became Yongzheng Emperor. In 1725, it was converted to a temporary imperial palace called Yonghe Palace. In 1711, Qianlong Emperor, fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor, was born in this building. Because two emperors were associated with location, it was considered most auspicious and regarded as a ‘blessed land that gives birth to emperors’. As such, it was given rights to use yellow glazed tiles and red walls, just like at the Forbidden City. In 1744, it was converted to a lamasery by edict of the Qianlong Emperor. It then became the administration center of Tibetan Buddhism. The building is considered the perfect fusion of Han (Chinese) Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism through the blending of the architectural style of the buildings and many artworks. Today, a continuous stream of worshippers and pilgrims visit the temple, especially on the first day of Chinese New Year. The famous cham dance performed by the monks of Yonghe temple during the Dharma Assembly (usually held in the last week of the first lunar month and lasts 8 days) is the main highlight of this temple. Other sites in close proximity (about five minutes walk) are the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum.

Appreciate the legacy of ancient philosophies amongst the tranquil surroundings of the Confucius Temple, where for centuries scholarship and scholars have been recognized. Confucius Temple is located in Guozijian Street, which is the only street in Beijing that features four ancient memorial archways. A couple of fun facts: Construction on the temple began in 1302 and it is the second largest Confucian temple in China. The Imperial College Museum is where you’ll discover insights to Confucian philosophy and Chinese education in imperial times. Once considered the highest institute of learning in ancient China, it still holds significance for students today.

If you have a love for the curious, then a wander down the many winding alleyways of Beijing’s hutongs is an essential activity on your list of things to do in Beijing. Now considered the most expensive real estate in Beijing, narrow alleyways connect the siheyuan (traditional courtyard residences) to each other to form neighborhoods. The most well-known hutongs are Wudaoying Hutong, Shichahai Hutong, Nanluoguxiang, Shijia Hutong (visited by Prince William) and hutongs near the Drum and Bell Tower.

Located just to the eastern side of Tiananmen Square, the National Museum of China is the country’s preeminent establishment for collections, research, and displays of China’s traditional and contemporary culture. Among the many highlights to be found here are collections focusing on both ancient and modern history. Discover what makes China unique through art with perhaps the largest collection in the country.

While there are many museums throughout China with collections of a comparable size, the Beijing Capital Museum is well known for housing a significant percentage of artefacts that have been unearthed in Beijing itself. Although smaller when compared with other Chinese museums, is distinctive in its own right. It was designed with many traditional Chinese architectural features and has become one of Beijing’s leading cultural institutions.

Touted as the preeminent performing arts centre in China, the National Centre for the Performing Arts is worthy of a visit just to see its spectacular architecture. In keeping with the principle that bigger is better, the centre is home to various theatres and beautifully designed indoor performance spaces. Attracting spectacular acts from all over the world, arts lovers will definitely find something to tempt them.

Beijing Poly Theatre is a theatre management company that operates 68 theatres throughout China. With a remit to create meaningful cross-cultural exchange between the east and west, Beijing Poly Theatre has been instrumental in bringing some of the world’s finest acts to a broader audience in China.

For a more Chinese arts experience, why not take in some of the magic of acrobatics, a skillful art form the Chinese do so well. Enjoying somewhat of a revival in popularity, it’s easy to see why when you watch a show like that on offer at Chaoyang Theatre. The acrobats themselves are true artists, with many of their moves leaving you breathless. Definitely a must-see while in Beijing.

Performed at the Red Theatre, the Beijing Kung Fu Show is a spectacle of Chinese martial arts and culture. It showcases the incredible skill and prowess demanded of martial arts performers at every age, from young students to masters. Even if kung fu is not your thing, you’ll find plenty to amaze and enthrall you at this show.

Ever wondered what all the fuss is about Chinese opera? Well at night at the Liyuan Theatre should answer all your questions. With its ornately decorated costumes, exaggerated make-up, colourful masks, and drama-filled stories, it’s any wonder locals regard Beijing Opera as a national treasure. Bookings are essential.

The traditional teahouse holds a special place in the heart of Chinese people, as does classic Peking Opera. Imagine combining the two! That’s what you’ll find at the Beijing Folk Art Theatre. A show here combines traditional acrobatics and classic Peking opera, while the seemingly magical face-changing show is a montage of highlights from various well-known (at least in China) shows. While you’re watching, enjoy traditional Chinese tea and Beijing-style snacks.