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.
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.