Top Things To Do in Beijing Rankings
The best attractions, experiences, and things to do in Beijing.
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The Great Wall of China — Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections, the most awe-inspiring sight in China—
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum) — the world's largest palace complex, 980 buildings—
Tiananmen Square — the largest public square in the world, a place of profound history—
The Temple of Heaven — the Ming dynasty's altar to heaven, the most perfect Chinese architecture—
The Summer Palace — the imperial summer retreat, Kunming Lake and Long Corridor—
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) — hauntingly beautiful ruins of the destroyed palace—
Beihai Park — one of China's oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens—
Jingshan Park — Coal Hill above the Forbidden City, the finest aerial view of the palace—
National Museum of China — the world's most visited museum, China's history from prehistory—
National Palace Museum — not to be confused with Taipei's, extraordinary imperial collections—
Capital Museum — Beijing's city museum, excellent collection of Beijing culture and art—
The 798 Art District — former military factory compound turned contemporary art hub—
UCCA Center for Contemporary Art — China's most important contemporary art museum—
Pace Gallery Beijing — international gallery powerhouse in 798—
Hutong neighbourhoods — the ancient alleyways that are the soul of old Beijing—
Nanluoguxiang — the most famous hutong alley, boutiques, cafés and street food—
Shichahai lakes — the three interconnected lakes in the old city, cycling and boat trips—
Houhai bar street — the lakeside bar strip, Beijing's most atmospheric night out—
Wangfujing Street — Beijing's main shopping street, the famous snack street with scorpions—
Sanlitun Village — the international shopping and dining hub, great bars and restaurants—
Gui Jie (Ghost Street) — the most extraordinary late-night restaurant street in China, crayfish—
Peking duck at Da Dong or Quanjude — the definitive dish of Beijing, a ritual experience—
Zha Jiang Mian (Beijing noodles) at Hai Wan Ju — the definitive Beijing street noodle—
Jianbing (savoury crepes) from a street cart — the essential Beijing breakfast—
Hot pot at Haidilao — China's most celebrated hot pot chain, impeccable service—
Dim sum brunch at a Cantonese restaurant — Beijing has some of China's best Cantonese food—
Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) — the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet—
Confucius Temple & Imperial College — the most important Confucian temple in China—
White Cloud Temple (Baiyun Guan) — the most important Taoist temple in Beijing—
Dongcheng district temples — a morning of temple hopping in old Beijing—
National Centre for the Performing Arts (The Egg) — Paul Andreu's titanium and glass opera house—
Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest) — Herzog & de Meuron's Olympic masterpiece—
National Aquatics Centre (Water Cube) — the shimmering bubble building of the 2008 Olympics—
Olympic Park — explore the 2008 games site on foot or by electric cart—
Jiankou Great Wall — the wild, unrestored section, the most dramatic of all—
Simatai Great Wall — night tours under the stars, the most atmospheric Great Wall experience—
Ming Tombs — 13 imperial burial mounds, the Spirit Way lined with stone animals—
Tanzhe Temple — the oldest temple in Beijing, older than the city itself—
Cuandixia Village — a perfectly preserved Ming dynasty village in the mountains—
Fragrant Hills Park — the best autumn foliage in Beijing, scarlet sumacs and maples—
Beijing opera at the Liyuan Theatre — learn to appreciate this extraordinary art form—
Acrobatics show at Chaoyang Theatre — jaw-dropping Chinese circus acrobatics—
Peking opera face-painting — the iconic makeup art of China's greatest theatrical tradition—
Panjiayuan Antique Market — the largest antique and curio market in China, weekends only—
Liulichang Cultural Street — Beijing's most famous antique and art supply street—
Beijing Bookworm — the beloved expat bookshop, literary events and a great café—
Cycling in the hutongs — the only way to truly explore Beijing's ancient back alleys—
The Great Bell Temple (Dazhongsi) — home to the world's largest surviving ancient bell—
Temple of Earth (Ditan Park) — north of the Lama Temple, beautiful and rarely visited—
Beijing in winter — the Forbidden City in snow is among the most extraordinary sights on earth—