Beijing is a city of contrasts—where imperial palaces sit alongside glass skyscrapers, and ancient alleyways (hutongs) weave between modern metro lines. As China’s capital for centuries, it’s steeped in history and cultural depth, yet full of innovation and energy. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just curious about the rhythms of daily life in one of the world’s most populous cities, Beijing offers an experience like no other. Here’s a roundup of the best things to do when visiting this iconic and dynamic metropolis.

1. Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu

No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall. The Mutianyu section is a favorite. First, the Mutiyanu section is the best preserved section of the wall. Located on steep terrain, its height gives a true sense of what it was like defensively during the Ming dynasty. Possibly most importantly, it is far less crowded than Badaling. You’re more likely to find more locals as the tourists and foreigners head to Badaling. And, Mutianyu offers stunning views of the steep forested hills and well-preserved watchtowers. You can hike along the wall in either direction, taking in the vastness of this ancient defense system.

Be sure to check out the Mutianyu Gate, where you’ll see three side-by-side watchtowers, very rare in Great Wall construction. Also, check out the Hero’s Terrace, which is the highest watchtower at Mutianyu. There is a bit of a steep climb to get to the Hero’s Terrace, hence the name. But the views on a clear day are stunning.

Once you’ve had your fill of walking atop the wall, soaking in the history and breathtaking scenery, opt for the luge ride back down the mountain. This is a fun and surprisingly smooth toboggan-style ride. You’ll gently wind down the mountain through the trees. It adds a playful twist to a day steeped in history. One tip – make sure to allow ample space between you and the rider in front of you at the time you start. Otherwise, you may find yourself hitting the brakes or in a log jam before you arrive at the bottom.

2. Explore the Forbidden City

Right in the heart of Beijing lies the Forbidden City. This is a sprawling palace complex that was home to emperors for nearly 500 years. With over 900 buildings, golden roofs, and ceremonial courtyards, the scale and symmetry are awe-inspiring. Give yourself several hours to explore. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Garden, and the lesser-visited rear chambers where daily court life unfolded. I fell in love with the unique private Qianlong Gardens behind the royal sleeping areas.

For added context, rent an audio guide or join a guided tour. There’s so much history layered behind the ornate gates and red walls.

3. Wander Through the Summer Palace

Escape the hustle of the city and take a peaceful stroll through the Summer Palace, located in the Haidian District. Built as a retreat for emperors during hot Beijing summers, the palace is centered around Kunming Lake. It is surrounded by gardens, temples, and the famous Long Corridor, a covered walkway decorated with thousands of painted scenes.

Rent a paddle boat, climb Longevity Hill, and don’t miss the Marble Boat. This is a curious and photogenic pavilion by the lake. The whole area is perfect for wandering and imagining life in imperial times.

4. Visit the Temple of Heaven

In the early morning hours, the Temple of Heaven park comes alive with locals practicing tai chi, flying kites, or playing traditional instruments. This historic complex was where emperors prayed for good harvests. Its Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of the most beautiful structures in Beijing. The space is a perfect circle of blue-tiled roofs and ornate carvings.

The park itself is peaceful and filled with ancient cypress trees. It’s a great place for a stroll or quiet moment before diving back into the city.

5. Explore the Hutongs

Beijing’s hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes—are the soul of the city. Areas like Nanluoguxiang, Wudaoying, and the alleys around Houhai Lake offer a glimpse of old Beijing, sometimes with a modern twist. You’ll find teahouses, indie shops, and cozy cafes tucked into the gray brick walls.

Hop on a bike or take a rickshaw ride to explore deeper into these historic neighborhoods. Don’t miss chatting with locals if you get the chance—many families have lived in the same hutongs for generations. Their stories can be fascinating.

6. Eat Your Way Through the City

Beijing’s food scene is legendary. Start with Peking duck, roasted to crispy perfection and sliced tableside. Head to Da Dong or Quanjude for a classic experience. Then dive into local favorites like zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), baozi (steamed buns), lamb skewers, and jianbing (savory breakfast crepes) from a street vendor.

For more adventurous eaters, Wangfujing Snack Street offers everything from scorpions on a stick to candied fruit skewers. While it can feel a bit touristy, it’s definitely a memorable stop.

7. Climb the Drum and Bell Towers

Located in the heart of old Beijing, the Drum and Bell Towers once kept time for the city. You can climb both for great views over the surrounding hutongs and watch a drum performance that echoes traditions of imperial timekeeping. The narrow stairs and worn stone floors offer a tactile connection to the past.

8. Beihai Park: A Tranquil Escape

Just west of the Forbidden City lies Beihai Park, one of Beijing’s oldest and most beautiful imperial gardens. Once reserved for emperors, this vast park is built around a shimmering lake and dotted with temples, pavilions, and winding paths perfect for strolling. The star attraction is the White Dagoba, a striking Tibetan-style stupa perched on Jade Flower Island, offering panoramic views of the park and city. You’ll also find quiet teahouses, ornate bridges, and seasonal lotus blooms that make it a favorite spot for locals.

Beihai Park sits right next to Jingshan Park and is only a short walk from the Forbidden City, making the three a natural trio for sightseeing. With an early start, it’s entirely reasonable to visit all three in a single day: spend the morning exploring the Forbidden City, head to Jingshan Park for its hilltop views, and then finish the afternoon unwinding in Beihai Park’s tranquil gardens. It’s a balanced way to combine imperial grandeur, sweeping city views, and peaceful natural beauty.

9. See the City from Above at Jingshan Park

Just north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park offers the best panoramic view in Beijing. A short climb up the hill—originally made from earth excavated to build the Forbidden City’s moat—leads to a pavilion where you can look out over the golden roofs of the imperial palace and far beyond. Go at sunset for a particularly magical moment.

My colleague and friend, Cherry and I spent a lovely afternoon here chatting and exploring common threads. We enjoyed many similar experiences despite the immense distance between our countries. It was a lovely setting for a memorable discussion.

10. Stroll Tiananmen Square

One of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is both historically significant and symbolically powerful. Flanked by monumental buildings like the Great Hall of the People, Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the National Museum of China, it’s a place to reflect on China’s complex modern history.

While heavily patrolled and often crowded, a visit here is essential to understanding Beijing’s national identity and political symbolism.

Final Thoughts

Beijing isn’t the kind of city you can check off in a day—or even in a week. It’s a place of layers and contrasts, where ancient traditions and futuristic skylines coexist side by side. One moment you might be climbing the Great Wall, and the next you’re sipping jasmine tea in a quiet courtyard, wondering how such calm can exist in the middle of all that chaos. That mix is what makes Beijing so endlessly surprising—and why it has a way of sticking with you long after you leave.

And this is what, for me, makes Beijing unforgettable.