What to See and Do in Beijing

The hustle and bustle of Beijing is truly remarkable; from its crowded streets and markets to the high-octane energy of its constantly burgeoning population, Beijing could seem like a daunting place to visit, yet there is much to discover in China’s ever changing imperial capital. 

To learn more about its 5,000-year-old civilization, a visit to Beijing is best viewed through its museums, landmarks, and must-see attractions like the Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, and its renowned Great Wall. Other venues of interest include shopping streets like Wangfujing and the infamous back alleys called hutongs, where the local way of life emerges.  

The Forbidden City
The legendary palace was the heart of the Chinese Empire; within its fortifications, several emperors lived and ruled, served by thousands of officials, maids, and eunuchs. Considered the largest imperial palace in the world, the Forbidden City took 14 years to build and has over 980 buildings. Covering an area of about 72 hectares with a total space of 150,000 square meters, it consists of 90 palaces, a moat, a wall, and outer and inner courtyards. A marvel of architectural design, the Forbidden City is a must-see attraction for any first-time Beijing visitor.

Tiananmen Square
The way to the Forbidden City is through Tiananmen square; being one of the most attractive public plazas, it is Beijing’s symbolic and political heart. Overlooking the iconic Tiananmen gate is the portrait of Chairman Mao which leads to the entrance of the Forbidden City. For many, Tiananmen square has been the heart of Chinese politics. Among the remarkable places to see are the China National Museum, the Great Hall of the people, and Mao’s Mausoleum. 

The Summer Palace
Comprised of landscaped gardens, temples, and pavilions, Beijing’s Summer Palace is an exciting place to visit. A short drive from downtown Beijing, it features well-preserved royal parks, a temple, lake, and a marble boat. It is the largest imperial garden in China; Empress Cixi resided in the famed Hall of Happiness and Longevity and constructed a marble boat northwest of the popular Kunming Lake. The marble boat has colorful glass windows paved with colored bricks; it served as a major entertainment hub for the empress.

Explore the City
Before venturing to the Great Wall, stop at one of Beijing’s markets for a remarkable shopping experience, the most popular being Wangfujing and Qianmen street. Considered an upscale shopping street Wangfujing has large department stores, food stalls, and an array of restaurants serving exquisite Chinese delicacies like Peking duck, dim sum, and other specialties. Qianmen street, on the other hand, is a pedestrian street famous for its shops and eateries; it was once the entrance to Beijing city and is home to several courtyards and alleys called hutongs. In the hutongs, you will see fruit sellers, gossiping grannies, and chess contestants drawing crowds. Beijing’s hutongs are a pleasure to explore; these crooked, narrow, meandering alleys have some of the most authentic Chinese food stalls and noodle shops. 

Beijing’s National Stadium 
Commonly referred to as the Bird’s Nest Stadium, the Beijing National Stadium is one of the world’s largest steel structures. Considered a marvel of architectural design and engineering, it is around 8 kilometers (4 miles) from the center of Beijing. It was the main venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. Designed by Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, construction on the stadium began in December 2003 and was completed a few months before the Olympic games in 2008. It has a seating capacity of 91.000 spectators and will be used again in the 2022 winter games. 

The Great Wall
A trip to China isn’t complete without a stop at one of the world’s major landmarks; hop on a tour bus to the Great Wall of China, approximately an hour’s drive from Beijing. Draped across the mountainous hills, the Great Wall stretches its way through 23 degrees of longitude across several provinces, boasting a history of over 2,000 years. It is a great monument and a testament to China’s ancient grandeur. Visiting the Great Wall is the ultimate bucket list adventure and one of the world’s wonders. 

The most popular part of the Great Wall is Badaling which is also the most visited section. It is about 60 kilometers northwest of central Beijing, commanding a strategic position; it was once the first line of defense on the main pass between Beijing and the Mongol tribes. The Great Wall has the perfect backdrop for great photo opportunities; you can ride a cable car and experience the picturesque scenery over the mountains or try reaching the summit on one of the many towers scattered around the Great Wall.