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Things to Do in Beijing

3 attractions across 1 categories

Beijing blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.

Highlights

3 spots

Great Wall (Mutianyu section)

#1

Preserved + less crowded section; cable car + toboggan; 1.5h from Beijing.

CNY 80 ($11) entry + CNY 120 cable car 8:00-17:00 (varies) Full day

Local tip: Hire driver $80 RT or take tour. Toboggan slide down ¥100 ($14) iconic.

Forbidden City (book online)

#2

UNESCO 720,000m² imperial palace; 24 Ming + Qing emperors 1420-1912.

CNY 60 ($8.30) 8:30-16:30 (closed Mon) 3-4 hours

Local tip: Book online 7 days ahead with passport (sells out). Closed Mondays. Entry from south Meridian Gate.

Tiananmen Square + flag-raising ceremony

#3

World's largest public square 440,000m²; daily flag-raising ceremony at sunrise.

Free Always open 1-2 hours

Local tip: Flag-raising at 5:00-7:00 AM (varies seasonal). Bring passport for security check.

Practical Tips

Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.

1

Install VPN BEFORE arrival — Google + WhatsApp + Facebook blocked in China.

2

Pre-book Forbidden City online 7 days ahead with passport.

3

Mutianyu Great Wall (less crowded) better than Badaling.

4

WeChat + Alipay essential for payments + taxis.

5

Peking Duck at Da Dong (modern) or Quanjude (1864 original).

Getting Around

Subway ¥3-7 per ride; T-money 'Yikatong' card. Didi (Chinese Uber) for taxis.

Book Tours & Activities in Beijing

Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.

Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour

Book

Cable car + toboggan + lunch from Beijing

$80

Forbidden City + Tiananmen Skip-the-Line

Book

Skip-line + 3h expert guide + Tiananmen

$35

Beijing Hutong Rickshaw + Tea Tour

Book

Houhai hutongs + tea ceremony + courtyard

$30

Peking Duck Cooking Class

Book

Make Peking duck + dumplings + Mongolian hot pot

$70

Forbidden City + Great Wall Combo 2-Day

Book

2-day combo: Forbidden City + Mutianyu + lunch + transport

$180

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about attractions and activities in Beijing.

What are the must-see attractions in Beijing?
Beijing's most popular attractions include Great Wall (Mutianyu section), Forbidden City (book online), Tiananmen Square + flag-raising ceremony, among others. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Beijing?
Free entry attractions include Tiananmen Square + flag-raising ceremony, among others. Parks, plazas, and public museums let you experience Beijing without spending — perfect for budget travelers.
Which attractions in Beijing are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Great Wall (Mutianyu section) (CNY 80 ($11) entry + CNY 120 cable car), Forbidden City (book online) (CNY 60 ($8.30)). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Beijing?
Beijing has several day-trip-friendly destinations within 1-3 hours by train, bus, or organized tour. Check the tour booking widget below for popular day-trip packages.
What can families with kids do in Beijing?
Beijing offers parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, and themed attractions for families. Look for "family" or "interactive" keywords in the descriptions below.
Where can I see the best night views in Beijing?
Observation decks, riverside areas, and downtown nightlife districts offer the best night views in Beijing. Check the tour widget for night tours.
What scams should I watch for in Beijing?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Check the "Local tip" sections of each attraction below for insights you won't find in standard guidebooks. Outlying neighborhoods and local markets are often the best hidden gems.

More on Beijing

Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.

Main Guide Cost Guide Where to Stay

Why you can trust things-to-do guide

Jimmy Kong TripPick founder · Travel content creator

Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.

8+ years analyzing travel data 30+ countries visited Live exchange rate verified
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