Beijing: A Journey Through Imperial Grandeur and Contemporary Artistry
A city where ancient palaces meet avant-garde galleries, Beijing offers a captivating tableau for those who travel with an eye open for culture and an appetite for the extraordinary. Beyond the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, exploring what to do in Beijing unveils a metropolis alive with innovation, artistry, and centuries of ritual. From secret hutongs (lanes) to futuristic art districts, Beijing rewards the curious traveller with a nuanced portrait of China’s past, present, and future.
Partner Offer
Top Experiences in Beijing
Book one of the experiences that other customers have liked and recommended:
-
Beijing Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, 798 Art Zone + Folk Art Show with Tea
Beijing is the best destination to admire the Great Wall of China. After a convenient hotel pickup, appreciate the profound history and the amazing natural scenery at the Mutianyu Great Wall and wander in the 798 Art Zone and feel the contrast of the present with the past. In the evening, visit famous shops with over 100 years history along Qianmen Main Street and enjoy splendid performances combined with outstanding folk arts while enjoying famous tea, traditional Beijing‐style snacks in Lao She Teahouse. 1. Go on a guided hike at Mutianyu Great Wall and admire picturesque views 2. Cable car up and toboggan down are included to save your time and energy 3. Lunch is included, with vegetarian options available 4. Enjoy an in‐depth immersion into Chinese history courtesy of your private guide. 5. Hassle‐free pickup from most location within Beijing 5th Ring Road
-
Beijing Private Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, 798 Art Zone + Folk Art Show with Tea
Beijing is the best destination to admire the Great Wall of China. After a convenient hotel pickup, appreciate the profound history and the amazing natural scenery at the Mutianyu Great Wall and wander in the 798 Art Zone and feel the contrast of the present with the past. In the evening, visit famous shops with over 100 years history along Qianmen Main Street and enjoy splendid performances combined with outstanding folk arts while enjoying famous tea, traditional Beijing‐style snacks in Lao She Teahouse. 1. Go on a guided hike at Mutianyu Great Wall and admire picturesque views 2. Cable car up and toboggan down are included to save your time and energy 3. Lunch is included, with vegetarian options available 4. Enjoy an in‐depth immersion into Chinese history courtesy of your private guide. 5. Hassle‐free pickup from most location within Beijing 5th Ring Road
-
Private Full‐Day Sightseeing Tour of Beijing with Kungfu Show
Experience several signature sights of Beijing on the guided tour. After a convenient hotel pickup, visit the best‐preserved of the surviving imperial garden; admire the facade of Niaochao and Water Cube. After lunch, wander in the 798 Art Zone; explore a China's ancient sacrificial building; stroll along the most well‐known and prosperous Wangfujing Street. In the evening, we will transfer to Red Theater, admire the nighttime cityscapes along the way and enjoy a spectacular Kunfu Show at Red Theater. 1. Stroll around Kunming Lake and Long Corridor at the Summer Palace 2. Wander in the 798 Art Zone and feel the contrast of the present with the past 3. Lunch is included, with Vegetarian diet, Beijing Duck and Sichuan Cuisine available 4. Learn about local insights, history and geography from your guide on this private tour 5. Time‐smart arrangements: no hurrying, no shopping and no wasted time
-
Beijing Legend of Kungfu Show Ticket
Chinese Kung Fu is a treasure of traditional Chinese culture, with a long history and rich connotations. It is not merely a fighting technique, but also a way of cultivating both body and mind. Kung Fu stage play is a comprehensive performance that integrates various elements such as martial arts, music, dance and drama. Through the interpretation of plots and characters, it showcases the application of Chinese kung fu in different historical backgrounds and stories, allowing you to enjoy the wonderful kung fu while learning about Chinese culture and stories.
-
Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer
Acrobatic show in Red Theater is one that should be on the must‐see list if you are in Beijing. To choose your desired seats, it is necessary and wise to book the tickets in advance. We will arrange the private pick‐up and drop off service, you will be directly send to the destination. When you finish, find your driver and safely return. You also can just choose another option -- Standard show ticket only.
-
Beijing Red Theatre Acrobatic Show Tickets Official
Spend an evening watching mind‐blowing tricks, death‐defying acts, and graceful choreography loaded with color and excitement with tickets to the Red Theatre Acrobatic Show in Beijing. Don’t miss this must‐see spectacle of skill, strength, and artistry. Book your tickets in advance before they sell out! A seating chart is among the photos; please check where your seats are. The Temple of Heaven and Hongqiao Market(the largest market in Beijing) are nearby and worth visiting before the show starts.
-
Private Beijing Roast Duck Banquet and Acrobatics Show
Dine on exquisite Chinese cuisine at a Peking Duck banquet dinner then enjoy traditional entertainment from a Chinese acrobat troupe in VIP Seat on this Beijing evening excursion.
-
Beijing Private Full‐day Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall, Drum Show and Hutong Tours
Immerse yourself in Chinese history and culture on this guided excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall, Drum Tower and Hutong Tour. After a convenient hotel pickup, Appreciate the profound history and the amazing natural scenery at the Mutianyu Great Wall; Enjoy an excellent view of drumming performance at Drum Tower; and walk along Hutong, tasting snacks and experiencing the street life. 1. Go on a guided hike at Mutianyu Great Wall and admire picturesque views 2. Cable car up and toboggan down are included to save your time and energy 3. Lunch and traditional snacks are included, with vegetarian options available 4. Learn about local insights, history, and geography from your guide 5. Make the most of limited time with convenient hotel pickup and drop‐off
-
Beijing Dumpling Dinner and Acrobatics Show with VIP Seating
Enjoy a night of wonderful entertainment in Beijing with the VIP treatment. You won’t have to worry about organizing transport as a hotel pickup and drop‐off is included. Avoid long visitor lines by having your VIP tickets already booked. You’ll experience the Beijing Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theater, followed by a delicious dinner at the highly acclaimed Ding Tai Fung restaurant.
-
Full Day Private Tour Of Beijing Including The Great Wall And Acrobatics Show
Enjoy full day Beijing trip for exploring Mutianyu Great wall and Acrobatcis show, you can also try delicious peking duck dinner, hotel accommodation is not included.
What to Do in Beijing for Lovers of Art and Culture
Start your exploration at the 798 Art District, a sprawling, industrial-chic neighbourhood where old munitions factories now house contemporary galleries, artist studios, and conceptual installations. For art lovers who are serious about discovering what to do in Beijing, this creative enclave offers everything from avant-garde exhibitions to luxury concept stores.
Beijing at Night: Elegance by Lantern Light
As dusk drapes over the capital, it’s time to decide what to do with your night in Beijing. Start with a Peking opera performance at the luxurious Liyuan Theatre, where ornate costumes and hypnotic melodies offer a deep immersion into one of China’s oldest art forms.
Unique Things to Do in Beijing: Beyond the Guidebooks
Beijing richly rewards those looking for unique things to do. Visit the Red Gate Gallery, located inside the Ming-era Dongbianmen Watchtower, where cutting-edge art meets ancient stone walls. Or join a private tea ceremony hosted by a modern tea master in a hidden courtyard home, learning the subtleties of Chinese tea culture far from the tourist throngs.
A Curated List of What to See and Do in Beijing
The Forbidden City, with its labyrinth of crimson halls and gilded dragons, remains a must see in Beijing, but the real magic lies in taking your time. Hire a private historian-guide to lead you through some of the lesser-known narratives hidden within its ancient stones.
Pressed for Time? What to Do in Beijing in One Day
Just one day in Beijing and you’re wondering what to do? Start with a sunrise visit to Jingshan Park for an unmatched panoramic view over the Forbidden City. Then, descend into the old hutongs of Dongcheng, where boutique cafés and indie bookshops breathe new life into traditional alleyways.
A Deeper Cultural Dive: What to Do in Beijing in Two Days
If you have 48 hours at your disposal, choosing what to do in Beijing becomes an exciting exercise in balancing imperial splendour with contemporary pulse. On day one, explore the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and round off the day with an evening Peking opera experience. Begin day two with morning tai chi in the Temple of Heaven, followed by a culinary tour through Wangfujing’s boutique eateries, and an afternoon exploring the lush grounds of the Summer Palace.
The Unmissable Experience: A Beijing Must Do
Among the many dazzling experiences on offer in this multifaceted city, one absolute must do is walking a wild, unrestored section of the Great Wall at Jinshanling or Simatai. Here, without the crowds, you’ll feel the ancient heartbeat of China echoing through the rugged stones — a profound, almost spiritual encounter with history.
Final Reflections: The Artistic Soul of Beijing
Beijing is not simply China’s capital; it is a living canvas that encapsulates the country’s past and future. Culture hums through every alley, every palace gate, and every minimalist gallery. Whether you are contemplating ancient scroll paintings or sipping jasmine tea in a courtyard shaded by centuries-old persimmons, planning what to do in Beijing is an invitation to step into a vivid, multilayered world.