Choose from 72 Fun Things to Do in Beijing
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 72 listings.
Olympic Green (Olympic Park)
In just a few years since Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympic Games, the structures built within the Olympic Green (Olympic Park) have become just as representative of the Chinese capital as the Forbidden City or the Great Wall. While the Olympic Green houses half a dozen different venues, most visitors come to see the two most iconic, the Beijing National Stadium (more popularly known as the Bird’s Nest) and the Beijing National Aquatics Center (Water Cube).
Today, the Bird’s Nest is used mostly for concerts and other high-profile sporting events, while the Water Cube has been transformed into a recreational swimming facility open to the public. You can visit the interiors of either for an extra fee, but both are arguably more impressive from the outside, and it doesn’t cost anything to walk the grounds of the Olympic Green.
If you want to see the Olympic Green at its most beautiful, plan your visit for the evening hours with both the stadium and the Water Cube are lit up.
Today, the Bird’s Nest is used mostly for concerts and other high-profile sporting events, while the Water Cube has been transformed into a recreational swimming facility open to the public. You can visit the interiors of either for an extra fee, but both are arguably more impressive from the outside, and it doesn’t cost anything to walk the grounds of the Olympic Green.
If you want to see the Olympic Green at its most beautiful, plan your visit for the evening hours with both the stadium and the Water Cube are lit up.
Address: Olympic Green, Beijing, China
From $ 15
Great Hall of the People
Sitting to the west of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, the Great Hall of the People is where the National People’s Congress is held, along with other administrative, social, and ceremonial events. Built in just 10 months and completed in September 1959, the Great Hall is a grand and modern structure with a flat green and yellow roof. It’s divided into three wings, with the central one raised higher than the outer two.
The East Gate is the only visitors' entrance to the hall. Through this bronze door with the emblem of the PRC above it, an expansive lobby reveals itself and leads into the Central Hall. The Great Auditorium is also in this section, which seats almost 10,000 people with audio equipment for simultaneous interpretations of various languages. Elsewhere, the Banquet Hall is situated in the northern section, and the offices of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress are to the south.
Practical Info
To reach the Great Hall of the People, alight at Tiananmen West station and you'll find it on the western edge of Tiananmen Square. Alternatively, alight at Qianmen Station and head north. No bags are allowed inside the building but a bag storage point is located outside the East Gate.
Address: Renda Huitang W Rd, Xicheng, Beijing, China
From $ 29
Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a Great Wall tour. Winding along the mountain ridges north of the capital city, the Great Wall of China stands as one of the world's most iconic wonders, largest historical sites, and greatest feats of engineering, showcasing the genius of the Ming Dynasty.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
The Basics
Visitors to Beijing may be surprised by the breadth of options they have for a visit to the Great Wall, as this UNESCO World Heritage site is actually composed of several sections. Badaling, by far the most popular segment, is easily accessible with or without a tour guide and services travelers making the rounds of top attractions like the Forbidden City and the Ming Tombs, while the Juyongguan and Mutianyu sections both feature restored segments of wall with relatively fewer visitors. Still restored but well off the beaten path is the section at Huangyaguan Pass, closer to the city of Tianjin than Beijing.
For adventurous travelers, the allure of the "Wild Wall" is hard to resist. In the vicinity of Beijing, hikers can traverse an historic segment of the wall between Jinshanling and Simatai in a single day. Other remote sections, like Huanghuacheng, Jiankou and Gubeikou, appeal to hikers and photographers seeking fresh air, stellar views, and photo ops free of other tourists. Multi-day guided hikes offer the opportunity to see more of the wall for a deeper experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get to the Great Wall of China
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
- Summers tend to be hot and wet, while winters can get icy; dress accordingly.
- While the Badaling section has some wheelchair accessibility, flatter, less-visited areas such as Shanhaiguan on the east coast and Jiayuguan in the western desert are best for wheelchair users.
- The Mutianyu section is recommended for seniors and kids, as the wall's watchtowers can be accessed from a cable car.
- Upgrade to a private tour for a more intimate experience, or book a tour with a local guide to get an insider's perspective.
Although bus and train lines run near the Great Wall, the easiest ways to travel include guided tours and chartered taxis from downtown Beijing, as public transportation options can get hectic and confuse travelers with little knowledge of Chinese. Visitors coming from Shanghai or Hong Kong can maximize their time by taking a flight or traveling by train.
When to Get There
No matter where you visit along the wall, crowds will be thicker on holidays, particularly at the portions closer to Beijing. The peak season runs roughly from April through November. Tours in the early morning are generally less crowded, and as bonus, these options offer the chance to see the sunrise.
Address: China
From $ 65
Beijing Zoo
Some 500 different species of animals and more than 14,500 furry friends call the 220-acre Beijing Zoo home. This popular destination, which attracts roughly six million conservationists and nature-lovers alike is one of China’s oldest zoos and houses the largest collection of animals in the country.
Visitors can explore the expansive grounds and get up close to some of the nation’s rarest mammals, like the golden snub-nosed monkey or Siberian tigers. The zoo’s giant panda exhibit is without a doubt its most popular and the nearby aquarium draws travelers eager to check out wild life under the sea, too.
Practical Info
The Beijing Zoo is located in the Xicheng District and is accessible via a number of public bus lines. The zoo is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. between April and October, and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. between November and March.
Address: 137 Xizhimen Outer St, Xicheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily April-Oct 7:30am-6pm & Nov-March 10am-5pm
Admission: 10-20 yuan (price varies per season)
From $ 30
Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Uncrowded and off the beaten path, the segment of the Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng is popular among hikers who want to experience the wilder side of the wall without investing the time required by some of the longer and more strenuous Great Wall walks. It is also the only waterside portion of the wall open to visitors, with the Xishuiyu Reservoir seen on either side of the wall.
While some parts of Huanghuacheng have been restored to what they may have looked like when built during the early Ming Dynasty, much of this portion of the wall remains in ruins. The reward for making the steep and uneven climb are the amazing views over the surrounding countryside and reservoir.
Since Huanghuacheng isn't quite as easily accessible from Beijing as other parts of the wall, visitors can book private transportation to and from the city with time included to hike independently. Guided hikes are also a popular option for the assistance provided in some of the steeper areas. Travelers can also opt to combine a visit to Huanghuacheng with stops at other parts of the wall, or, for a truly unique experience, cruise to the wall in a 1930s-style sidecar from the city.
Practical Info
This portion of the wall is located 43 miles (70 km) outside of Beijing.
Did You Know? The Great Wall at Huanghuacheng is nicknamed the Great Wall Under the Water, because three sections are submerged in the Xishuiyu Reservoir.
Address: Great Wall of China at Huanghuacheng, Beijing, China
From $ 48
Monument to the People's Heroes
The Monument to the People's Heroes stands in the center of Tiananmen Square, close to the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao. Construction of the monument began in 1952 and was completed in 1958. It involved the use of thousands of pieces of marble and granite brought in from provinces on the outskirts of Beijing. The result is a towering rectangular structure measuring in at almost 40 meters high.
The monument is engraved with the dates of significant revolutionary events in China’s history. In the center of one side, a piece of stone is inscribed with the words, "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes" in Mao Zedong's hand.
Practical Info
To reach the Monument to the People's Heroes and other attractions in this area, head for Tiananmen East station or Tiananmen West and walk south.
Address: Tiananmen Square, Dongcheng, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily 24/7
From $ 38
Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si)
The Hanging Temple is built into the cliff-side of the mighty Hengshan (Mount Heng) near Datong city in Shanxi Province. Held up by oak stilts slotted into holes chiselled out from the rock, the rest of the structure that supports the temple is hidden inside the bedrock. Built in 491, the Hanging Temple has survived more than 1,500 years. The face of the building hangs from the middle of the cliff under the summit, which has protected it from the elements over all the years.
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is the only temple that incorporates all of China’s traditional religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visitors to the temple come in their droves to marvel at this architectural feat for themselves, and to peer over the railings onto the rocks 50 meters below.
Practical Info
The Hengshan Hanging Temple is open to visitors between 9am and 5pm and there is a small entrance fee. This is one of the most popular day trips from Datong city so arranging a roundtrip by taxi or as part of a tour is easy enough.
Address: Country Rd 203, Hunyuan, Datong, Shanxi, China, China
From $ 40
Great Wall at Juyongguan
While the Juyongguan segment of the Great Wall of China is the closest to Beijing, it's not the most visited; after all, the steps here are still steep and often uneven. Those who make the tough climb up are rewarded with stellar views of the wall winding along the hilltops and—perhaps more importantly—sparser crowds.
The Juyongguan Great Wall, built during the Ming Dynasty, also features some interesting architectural elements (beyond the wall itself). Most notable is the Cloud Platform (Yun Tai), a squat white marble tower built in 1342 as a base for three stupas (and later a temple) that were subsequently destroyed. Visitors can still see carvings and inscriptions inside the platform's tunnel.
The Basics
Like the more popular Badaling, some parts of Juyongguan Pass have been restored to their original condition. From the main entrance, stairs lead to both the eastern and western sides of the wall. The stairs to the east are less steep than those to the west, making them a better choice for kids or those with physical limitations.
Thanks to its close proximity to Beijing, the Great Wall at Juyongguan can be visited on a half-day tour or be combined with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, or a Peking duck dinner back in Beijing. Travelers wanting a more in-depth Great Wall experience can spend a day hopping from Juyongguan to Badaling and Mutianyu to get an overview of the different segments and their characteristics.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Juyongguan section of the Great Wall is a must for time-pressed visitors and those looking to escape the crowds.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to climb up steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Depending on how much of the wall you’re planning to hike, it’s a good idea to bring along bottled water and snacks.
How to Get There
This portion of the wall is located 37 miles (59 kilometers) northwest of Beijing. The easiest way to get there is by taxi or as part of a guided tour. Those who wish to travel by public transportation can take Bus No. 345 from Beijing to Shahe and transfer to Bus No. 68 to Juyong Pass.
When to Get There
Aside from Chinese national holidays, when the wall gets packed with domestic tourists, spring, summer, and fall are all excellent times to visit this section of the Great Wall. The steps tend to get icy in winter.
Old and New Walls
If you have time, pay a visit to the nearby Water Pass section of the Great Wall, near Badaling. The unrestored and far less crowded segment offers a view of the wild Great Wall—an interesting contrast to the renovated Juyongguan section.
Address: Juyongguan, Changping, Beijing, China
From $ 53
China Aviation Museum
The China Aviation Museum is the largest of its kind in Asia. This huge facility, located in an old air force base, is an aircraft enthusiast’s dream, but is also fascinating for anyone with an interest in engineering or the military. The museum is also family-friendly, with various attractions and games for the kids.
Located around 50 kilometers north of central Beijing, close to several sections of the Great Wall, the China Aviation Museum makes for a great day trip from the city. There are hundreds of aircrafts and missile launchers of various makes to see, including various Russian and Chinese crafts, as well as two British Spitfires and a US Starfighter.
The museum features a large U-shaped underground hangar that used to shelter old warplanes, but is now filled with rows of planes and other exhibits. It was built with huge steel doors in case of nuclear attack.
Insider’s Tip: Battery-powered vehicles are available for those less able to walk around the museum’s vast site, while everyone else should be sure to wear comfortable shoes. To really appreciate the China Aviation Museum, it’s a good idea to read up on the history of aviation in China prior to your visit.
Practical Info
The China Aviation Museum is located at the foot of Xiao Tang Hill in Changping District, around an hour’s taxi ride from central Beijing. To reach the museum by public transport, take Line 5 of the subway to Tiantongyuan Station and then change to bus number 643.
Address: Xiaotangshan, Beijing, China
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm Tuesday-Sunday
Admission: Outdoor exhibits: Free / Indoor exhibits: CNY50
From $ 52
Chaoyang Theatre
If you’re planning to see a Chinese acrobatics show while in China -- and you should, since the young acrobats here are wildly talented -- Beijing’s Chaoyang Theatre is one of the best places to do so. Young acrobats from across the country perform in the theater, spinning plates, balancing on precarious stacks of chairs, riding motorcycles upside down in a steel cage and performing other seemingly impossible feats of athleticism and strength.
More than 3 million foreign tourists have seen the performance over the course of its two-decade run in the Chaoyang Theatre. Performances last one hour and are typically held twice daily. Since the performances are largely visual, the language barrier isn’t an issue. Plan to take the metro to and from the show, as getting a taxi after a performance can be quite a feat.
More than 3 million foreign tourists have seen the performance over the course of its two-decade run in the Chaoyang Theatre. Performances last one hour and are typically held twice daily. Since the performances are largely visual, the language barrier isn’t an issue. Plan to take the metro to and from the show, as getting a taxi after a performance can be quite a feat.
Address: No. 36 E 3rd Ring Rd N, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Hours: Daily: 5:15pm - 7:15pm.
Admission: Prices range per seat: CNY 120-775
From $ 34
Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai
To experience both original and restored portions of the Great Wall of China without straying far from Beijing, many visitors choose the stretch between Jinshanling and Simatai, a trek seemingly made for hikers and adventurers. The 4-hour hike ranks among the wall’s most popular and rewards intrepid travelers with some of the most photogenic views.
The Basics
From Jinshanling, a six-mile (10-kilometer) stretch of largely unrestored wall leads to Simatai, where it's possible to take another steep, two-hour hike to and from a hilltop watchtower (there's also a cable car that heads most of the way up) or to continue on toward the Great Wall at Gubeikou. Visitors can choose between a small-group or private tour. Non-morning people can opt for a sunset visit to either the Simatai Great Wall or Jinshanling Great Wall, minus the hike.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This Great Wall section is a must for hikers, adventure travelers, and those who want to see old and new portions of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Most guided hikes between Jinshanling and the Simatai section include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing and lunch.
- Guided Great Wall hiking tours on this portion of the wall can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Wear comfortable hiking shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces and steep gradients, and bring plenty of bottled water.
How to Get There
This Great Wall hike starts at the Jinshanling section, 81 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. While most visitors arrive via guided tour, it’s possible to get to the starting point independently by catching the tourist bus from Wangjing West Station. The journey takes about two hours.
When to Get There
April, May, September, and October are ideal months for hiking thanks to moderate temperatures and the best scenery. The mountains around the wall are blanketed in apricot blossoms in April.
Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon
Travelers looking for a true physical test can take part in the Jinshanling Great Wall Marathon, hosted each April. This race, which also includes a half marathon and a 10K race, is one of five marathons held on the Great Wall.
Address: China
From $ 25
Great Wall at Gubeikou
In China's Yan Mountains stretches the Great Wall at Gubeikou, one of the most historically significant and difficult-to-reach sections of the Great Wall of China. This part of the wall once played a key role in protecting China from Mongol invasion and today stands as an untouched architectural feat—the last reconstruction work took place in 1567 and no renovations have been done since then.
Two hours from Beijing, the Great Wall at Gubeikou offers the opportunity for a relatively easy hike with picturesque views of the masonry stretching out to the east and west. Along the length of the wall are 143 ancient watch towers and three citadels, along with a number of other military constructions. While it's possible to explore this section on a long day trip from Beijing or as part of a single-day hike between Gubeikou and Jinshanling, it's more commonly visited as part of a multi-day guided hike of the wilder parts of the Great Wall.
Practical Info
Gubeikou is located in Miyun County, just over 60 miles (100 km) from central Beijing between the Shanhaiguan and Juyongguan passes. It can be reached by taking a bus from Sihui station to Chengde City or Luanping County and alighting at Gubeikou Tunnel. Many people visit this section as part of a longer hiking tour of the Great Wall.
Did You Know?
This section was first built during the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–570) but was restructured centuries later when another line of brick wall was laid beside the original, thus forming the double-lined wall seen today.
Address: Gubeikou, Miyun County, China, China
From $ 39
Chang'an Street
Chang’an Street is a major thoroughfare to the north of Tiananmen Square in central Beijing. It stretches from West Chang'an Street to East Chang'an Street (although some refer to it as the entire route from the Shijingshan district through to Tongzhou district).
This huge, wide street is possibly the most famous in China, with many of Beijing’s most significant historical attractions located along it. The Great Hall of the People and Zhongnanhai, as well as central government buildings, are located around Chang’an Street, while the National Museum of China, National Center for the Performing Arts, and the Beijing Concert Hall are also close by.
Practical Info
Chang’an Street is centrally located and easily accessible, with subway and railway stations nearby. Line 1 of the Beijing Subway runs right beneath Chang’an Street, and there are also bus routes serving the roads that surround it.
Address: Chang’an Street, Beijing, China
From $ 16
Great Wall at Mutianyu
The Great Wall at Mutianyu was fully restored in the 1980s as an alternative to the increasingly popular Badaling section of the Great Wall of China. The Mutianyu section is farther away from Beijing (about an hour and a half by car) than more popular sections, but it's also significantly less busy and features some fun, modern amusements, such as a cable car, chairlift, and toboggan. The long, flat segment—the longest fully restored section open to travelers—winds along heavily forested hilltops with 23 ancient watchtowers dotting the landscape.
The Basics
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is a good option for visitors with a full day to devote to the wall, as well as families looking for not-too-strenuous hiking away from the crowds. Travelers can choose to climb to the top via restored steps equipped with handrails, or opt for a leisurely cable car ride to the highest restored section. From the top of the cable car, visitors can explore the area before hopping back on for a return trip, taking one of the trails leading back down, or continuing east along the wall to the toboggan ride for a slide back to the bottom. The site is often visited with a guide who can help navigate the steeper portions of the wall and offer historical insight, and a trip can be combined with visits to other Beijing attractions, such as the Ming Tombs, the Olympic facilities, or the China Aviation Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This portion of the Great Wall is ideal for families with kids.
- Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to climb up to the wall.
- Mutianyu tours from Beijing can last between five and 14 hours.
- There's little shade on the wall, so be sure to wear sun protection and keep hydrated.
How to Get There
Mutianyu is situated 40 miles (65 km) north of Beijing. Due to a lack of convenient public transportation from the city to Mutianyu Great Wall, it's much easier to visit as part of a guided private tour or small-group tour. Those who wish to visit independently must first get to Dongzhimen, then transfer to Bus 867 to Mutianyu or Bus 916 to Huairou (then take a local minibus to the wall).
When to Get There
The area is open to tourists from 7:30am to 5:30pm daily. Spring and autumn offer mild weather and sparser crowds on the wall than summer, when the Mutianyu section of the wall can get quite hot and crowded. National holidays, particularly National Day in early October and Labor Day in early May, can be especially crowded.
Hiking the Great Wall of China
Adventurous travelers looking for a more in-depth Great Wall experience can opt to hike between Mutianyu and Jiankou. The most popular route starts at the Jiankou section with an hourlong climb up to the wall, followed by about four hours of leisurely walking from the rugged, wild portion of the wall to the well-restored section at Mutianyu. Hike independently or as part of a guided hiking tour.
Address: Mu Tian Yu Lu, Huai Rou Qu, beijing, China
Hours: Daily 7:30am–5:30pm
Admission: 40–45 RMB
From $ 6
Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera (Peking Opera) has been around since the late 18th century and was originally performed for the imperial family of the Qing Dynasty. It has enjoyed something of a revival since the Cultural Revolution, with visitors from around the globe coming to see the highly stylized costumes, dances, and singing.
The Basics
While Beijing Opera—much like Western opera—is a bit of an acquired taste, it’s well-worth experiencing during your time in the Chinese capital. Beijing hosts several theaters and performance troops, including the newbie-friendly Liyuan Theatre at the Beijing Qianmen Hotel and the more traditional Huguang Guild Hall.
The most popular way to enjoy a performance is in combination with a Peking duck dinner. In addition to dining on one of the city’s most famous dishes, you can also combine your night at the opera with a nighttime walking tour of Nanluoguxiang Alley and historic Shichahai, or a full-day visit to sites, such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or Summer Palace.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Beijing Opera is a must-see for music lovers, couples, and first-time visitors.
- Performances can be quite loud, so bring a pair of earplugs if you’re sensitive.
- Beijing Opera performances are almost always in Mandarin Chinese, but the elaborate makeup, costumes, and gestures help add context for English speakers.
- Guided tours to an opera performance often include hotel pickup and drop-off.
How to Get There
There are several theaters hosting traditional Peking opera performances throughout the city. The easiest and most convenient option is to book a guided tour with round-trip transportation included.
When to Get There
Chinese opera performances typically take place in the evening around 7pm and last about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the production. It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early to find your seat.
It’s All in the Beard
Beijing Opera can be a bit mystifying for the first-timer, but there are many visual cues to help you understand what’s going on onstage. For example, the type of a performer’s beard can indicate the temperament of the character—ghosts and those with hot tempers often have red beards, while villains sport curly beards. Short beards demonstrate selfishness, while long and thick beards are a sign of wealth and power.
Address: Beijing, China
Admission: Varies
From $ 59
Great Wall at Jiankou
Jiankou is the adventurer's Great Wall of China—an unrestored section with crumbling masonwork snaking along a wild mountain ridge 43 miles (70 kilometers) northeast of Beijing. Built during the Tang Dynasty, the wall is dotted with interesting features, including the Nine-Eye Tower, which offers views of China's capital city on a clear day.
The Basics
Day-trippers, hikers, overnight campers, and photographers come to the Jiankou section to escape the crowds and enjoy the sublime scenery that stretches for nearly 10 miles (14.5 kilometers) along steep, jagged cliffs. At Beijing Knot, three segments of the Great Wall meet; it is from here that many visitors begin guided hikes between the Jiankou and Mutianyu Great Wall—the most popular Great Wall walk, lasting anywhere from three to six hours.
A tour guide can help navigate the trickier areas, including Eagle Flies Facing Upward, the watchtower-topped hill that’s so steep even an eagle would have to fly vertically to reach the top. The stairs leading up to the tower are very steep—so narrow in some areas that only one person can pass at a time.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Jiankou Great Wall is a must-visit for adventure travelers and photographers.
- Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for steep, uneven steps.
- Don’t forget to wear long pants for Great Wall hiking, as some of segment includes thick greenery.
- A small-group and private hiking tour to the wild Great Wall typically lasts upwards of eight hours.
- Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Beijing.
How to Get There
While it’s possible to reach this portion of the wall by public transportation, the journey takes nearly three hours and involves a bus transfer and a taxi ride. It’s much more convenient to visit on a guided tour.
When to Get There
For the best hiking weather, visit in spring or fall. Expect frequent rainfall between July and August. Avoid visiting during Chinese public holidays, when even the remote portions of the wall can get crowded.
Villages of the Jiankou Great Wall
Xizhazi Village and Wofo Mountain Villa serve as the terminal points for the Jiankou Great Wall hike. Both offer accommodations for those planning to stay the night, and both are a great place to treat yourself to some local food after a day of physical exertion.
Address: Huairou District, Beijing, China
From $ 30
Chaoyang Park
Built in 1984 on the site of a former imperial palace, Beijing’s Chaoyang Park is the largest park in the city and a great place to spend a morning or afternoon relaxing or people watching. The 714-acre (289-hectare) space includes 20 designated scenic spots as well as the venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics beach volleyball competition.
The park is divided into several themed areas. You’ll find a collection of European-style fountains and sculptures in Art Square, aquatic plants and trees in Ecological Valley and wild ducks on Binshui Island on Lotus Lake. The beach volleyball venue was converted into a bathing beach after the Olympics, complete with white sand imported from Hainan.
Besides the usual park activities, you can rent bicycles and a variety of boats for exploring the 168-acre (68-hectare) lake situated within the park. You’ll also find facilities for basketball and a few amusement park rides geared toward kids.
The park is divided into several themed areas. You’ll find a collection of European-style fountains and sculptures in Art Square, aquatic plants and trees in Ecological Valley and wild ducks on Binshui Island on Lotus Lake. The beach volleyball venue was converted into a bathing beach after the Olympics, complete with white sand imported from Hainan.
Besides the usual park activities, you can rent bicycles and a variety of boats for exploring the 168-acre (68-hectare) lake situated within the park. You’ll also find facilities for basketball and a few amusement park rides geared toward kids.
Address: Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang, Beijing, China
Hours: Open: Mar 15 - Nov 14: 6am - 10pm; Nov 15 - Mar 14: 6am - 9pm.
Admission: CNY 5, CNY 8 (Monthly), CNY 80 (Yearly)
From $ 65
Qianmen Street
Qianmen Street is a famous commercial street in the heart of Beijing that has been restored to its former glory after initially being established in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1911).
The street was once the entrance to Beijing city and is now bustling with various shops and eateries. The area has the architectural style of old Peking, and is home to 50 courtyards and hutongs that are listed as protected heritage sites. Many of the traditional shops in the area have been in operation for well over a century.
Visitors can approach Qianmen Street from either its north of south entrance. The Dangdang Che (trams) that ran in Beijing from the 1920s until the 1960s can also be found running the length of the street. These are modelled on the old trams and serve as sightseeing cars for tourists.
Practical Info
To visit Qianmen Street, take Subway Line 2 and alight at Qianmen Station. A number of bus routes also serve the area.
Address: Qianmen Street, Beijing 100050, China
From $ 18
Great Wall at Badaling
When the Great Wall of China opened to tourists in the late 1950s, the 2.3-mile (3.7-km) segment at Badaling was the first to welcome visitors, and today, some 10 million people visit annually. Situated on the eastern part of the wall just north of Beijing, Badaling is by far the most popular, the most easily accessible and the best restored section.
Built in 1502 during the Ming Dynasty, the wall at Badaling runs around Jundu mountain, reaching an altitude of over 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) that provides stunning views. While other portions of the wall require rather arduous climbing, the Great Wall at Badaling has been outfitted with a cable car to ferry passengers to the top of the highest tower. Another of the site's most appealing features is its proximity to Beijing; visitors with limited time in the Chinese capital can combine a visit with a stop at the nearby Ming Tombs or squeeze the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square into a single day.
Insider's Tip: Since this is the most popular section of the wall, expect heavy crowds on weekends and national holidays.
Practical Info
The Great Wall at Badaling is part of the eastern section of the Great Wall of China, about 43 miles (70 km) north of Beijing. The stairs here are equipped with hand rails and aren't nearly as steep as those found at other parts of the wall. The site is open from 6:30am to 7pm in summer and from 7am to 6pm in winter. Admission costs CNY 45, with additional charges for the pulley train and cable car. Access to the on-site Great Wall Museum and Great Wall Circle Vision Theater is included in the entrance fee.
Address: Badaling, Beijing 102112, China
Hours: 6:30am–7pm in summer; 7am–6pm in winter
Admission: CNY 45
From $ 16
China World Trade Center
Nowhere is China’s rapid modernization more apparent than in Beijing at the China World Trade Center. Completed in 2010, the complex houses Beijing’s tallest skyscraper, the China World Trade Center Tower III, as well as upscale hotels, shopping complexes, apartments, convention space and office buildings.
The entire complex is also representative of China’s opening relations with the rest of the world. The China World Mall, located within the China World Trade Center, was one of the first places to sell imported brand name good in the country. The China World Exhibition Hall has hosted several high-profile trade shows since its opening.
From a tourist perspective, the China World Trade Center is perhaps best known as the home of the China World Hotel, Shangri-La's Beijing luxury accommodation offering. For shopping enthusiasts, the China World Mall houses an ice skating rink as well as retailers for brand names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci and E. Zegna.
The entire complex is also representative of China’s opening relations with the rest of the world. The China World Mall, located within the China World Trade Center, was one of the first places to sell imported brand name good in the country. The China World Exhibition Hall has hosted several high-profile trade shows since its opening.
From a tourist perspective, the China World Trade Center is perhaps best known as the home of the China World Hotel, Shangri-La's Beijing luxury accommodation offering. For shopping enthusiasts, the China World Mall houses an ice skating rink as well as retailers for brand names like Cartier, Prada, Gucci and E. Zegna.
Address: Beijing, China
From $ 67