Beijing, the Chinese capital, is a thrilling holiday destination. This is one of those rare places where past and present coexist in perfect harmony. From historical landmarks to modern buildings, museums and art galleries to local street markets, you can find almost everything here. There are several things you can do here to ensure a fun-filled vacation experience for yourself. Some of these include exploring the Forgotten City, enjoying an opera performance, witnessing the Great Wall of China and a lot more.

Nestled in the northern side of the country, Beijing is a vibrant metropolitan city in China known for offering the perfect amalgamation of old and new. It has been China's capital for several centuries, and as a result, it is now home to several ancient landmarks. On the other hand, this city is also dotted with several skyscrapers known for their impressive, futuristic architecture. Apart from its vast, fascinating history and cosmopolitan vibe, the Chinese capital is also famous for its awe-inspiring museums and art galleries.

With so much to offer, Beijing has gained immense popularity among international tourists. People from all over the world come here to spend their holidays. This city should definitely be on your travel itinerary if you are planning a trip to China. No matter what your interests are, you will always find several places of interest in Beijing.

Best Time to Visit Beijing

While Beijing is a city that welcomes you throughout the year, the ideal time to visit depends on the type of trip you’re planning for.

Spring (March – May)

At this time, the weather is extremely pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 23°C. This is the perfect time for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

Summer (June – August)

During these months, temperatures significantly rise and reach an average of 28 - 34°C. At this time, you should focus on exploring the museums, art galleries and other indoor attractions of Beijing.

Autumn (September - November)

This season again brings crisp, dry air with comfortable temperatures. So you can indulge in sightseeing and all kinds of outdoor adventures. It is the perfect time for exploring the outskirts of Beijing as well.

Winter (December – February)

This season is perfect for witnessing the snow-dusted beauty of the Chinese capital. Especially, December is considered the best month to visit Beijing due to the festive vibes you get to see all around.

 

Things to Do in Beijing

Explore the Forbidden City.

A trip to China is never complete without visiting this famous historical landmark. Also known as the Imperial Palace, it is one of the best places to visit in Beijing. Located right in the heart of the city, the Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world. This ancient structure has an expansive history, which makes it a must-visit place among history buffs. It consists of more than 900 buildings that are an excellent example of traditional Chinese architecture and royal history. This is the place from which the entire Chinese empire was ruled for nearly 5 centuries. In all these years, this place served as the primary residence of 24 different rulers. If you’re someone who loves diving into the past of places you visit, taking a tour of this massive complex is among the best things to do in Beijing.

Walk Along the Great Wall of China

The awe-inspiring Great Wall of China is one of the greatest wonders of the world. Anyone who visits the country comes here to witness this architectural marvel. You can either opt for a walking tour or choose to bike along the Great Wall. While there are several sections that are easily accessible and remain open for tourists, Mutianyu and Badaling are the most preferred ones because of their well-preserved pathways. Another reason for this popularity is the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains one gets from here.

Relax at the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a peaceful retreat dotted with pristine water bodies, lush gardens, and various beautiful temples. It was originally built in the 18th century to serve as a royal retreat for Chinese emperors. After nearly 3 centuries, this place has turned into a popular tourist spot. If you want to take a quick break from exploring the city and spend a relaxing day away from the urban chaos, you should definitely come here. From taking a stroll along the Long Corridor to taking a boat ride on Kunming Lake, there is a lot you can do here.

Taste Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Chinese food is famous worldwide for its unique taste and flavour. While you can find authentic Chinese dishes everywhere in the country, Beijing is undoubtedly the best place to try this cuisine. From fancy high-end restaurants to small street-side food joints, this city gives you multiple options. However, the one thing that is common about all these places is the endless list of dishes, especially for non-vegetarians. If you are a food lover who loves exploring new delicacies, you should definitely try Peking Duck, Beijing’s most famous dish. There are several places that offer this dish, but classic restaurants like Quanjude and Dadong are among the best ones.

Discover the Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a highly revered religious spot in Beijing that enthrals a large number of visitors on a daily basis. This temple was built in the 15th century, and Chinese emperors used to pray here for good harvests. Over the years, it also gained huge popularity among tourists. The main highlight of this complex is its iconic Hall of Prayer. This is a stunning circular building that features a blue-tiled roof supported by large wooden columns. All the religious ceremonies are held here. Apart from this, the lush green surroundings of this temple are another thing that attracts visitors. People come here to spend some quiet time.

Experience Beijing Opera.

Beijing Opera, or locally called Peking Opera, is known for its colourful costumes, dramatic makeup, unique singing style, and martial arts movements. If you are looking for options to spend a fun-filled evening, you should definitely enjoy an opera. This will not only show you a different side of Beijing nightlife but also give you a sneak peek into Chinese history, mythology and culture. There are several venues like the Liyuan Theatre and the Mei Lanfang Theatre that host performances every evening. However, it is best to book a ticket in advance to avoid any last-minute hassle.

Climb Jingshan Park for the Best View

Located right behind the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is another addition to the list of most famous places in Beijing. This spot is known to offer the best panoramic view of Beijing. Many people come here to enjoy the sunrise and sunset on a daily basis. While you can go there at any time of the day, early morning or late afternoon is the most ideal time. This is when you can get breathtakingly beautiful aerial views of the city and get stunning pictures.

Beijing is a truly captivating destination that enthrals a large number of tourists every year. Planning everything well in advance is the best way to make the most of your time here. By following this list of things to do in Beijing, you can ensure that you don’t miss any major thing this city has to offer. Or, you can also choose Veena World as your travel partner for a more seamless vacation experience. We offer an extensive collection of all-inclusive Beijing tour packages. These travel packages come with well-crafted itineraries that include all the must-do activities and famous places to visit in Beijing. Choose any of these packages and make memories that will last a lifetime!

 

FAQs

Q1. Why does Beijing reward slower, more deliberate exploration?

Beijing’s scale, layered history and dispersed neighbourhoods mean its character emerges gradually. Allowing time for quiet streets, local eateries and everyday rhythms often proves as revealing as visiting major landmarks.

Q2. How do everyday spaces in Beijing add depth to a visit?

Parks, morning markets and residential hutongs reveal social rituals such as tai chi, calligraphy practice and communal dining, offering cultural insight beyond formal attractions.

Q3. What role does geography play in shaping a visitor’s experience of Beijing?

The city’s flat layout and surrounding mountains influence both its grand planning and its seasonal atmosphere, affecting visibility, climate and how comfortably different areas can be explored.

Q4. How can modern life and history be experienced side by side in Beijing?

Traditional temples often sit near office towers and shopping districts, allowing visitors to observe how heritage sites function as living spaces rather than isolated historical exhibits.

Q5. When does Beijing feel most approachable for first-time visitors?

Periods with moderate weather and lower domestic travel demand make the city calmer and more navigable, helping visitors engage more naturally with both its famous sites and daily life.