Best Things To Do in Beijing

Beijing (also called Beijing) can be a bit intimidating for us Westerners, especially because it seems like a city that is absolutely overgrown. There is so much of everything, so many people, so much noise, so many lights, so much tradition and so much modernity. However, I can assure you that getting to know its millenary culture, visiting the Forbidden City, touring the Great Wall of China or taking a walk through its amazing monasteries, will leave you in love and you will want to come back.

If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Beijing, let me tell you that there is always something interesting to discover in this city. From the Peach Festival in March to important national festivals such as the Moon Festival in October, Beijing has everything for you to have a great time. Join me on this tour of the best things to do in Beijing.

Definitely one of the jewels of Beijing is the ancient Forbidden City. You can't pass by without a visit, even if you only have 2 days in Beijing, it's a unique experience. You will see what has been the residence of the emperors for about 500 years, for the Ming and Qing dynasties. You will be able to visit its gardens and courtyards, its halls, as well as the Palace Museum.

Please note that tickets for the Forbidden City in Beijing should be booked in advance, as it is one of the main attractions in the Chinese capital. Because it is so popular, many tours and sightseeing tours include it. If you take a hop-on-hop-off bus tour in Beijing, you're sure to have a stop near Tiananmen Square, one of the ancient entrances to the city.

Stunning in every way, the Great Wall of China is the only man-made structure that can be seen from outer space. If you're wondering how to get to the Great Wall, don't worry, it's best to sign up for one of the best Great Wall tours in Mutianyu from Beijing. You will be led by an experienced local guide, who will also tell you all the secrets of its construction, along with ancient legends that will leave you speechless.

If you plan to visit Beijing in October, keep in mind that this month is ideal for walking the Great Wall, because its temperatures are some of the most pleasant of the year in China. The Great Wall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the 7 wonders of the world.

Being a bit far from the city centre, this tour is considered one of the best day tours from Beijing.

Another must on your trip is a visit to the Temple of the Lamas. As soon as you enter you will be transported by the aroma of incense. You will be able to see the classic Chinese architecture, pagodas with gold and silver ornaments, and images of dragons and tigers. This is one of the best temples in Beijing, an experience that will help you understand much more about the culture and worship.

This temple, one of the largest Buddhist-Tibetan monasteries in the world, was built in 1694 during the Qing dynasty. You will have the opportunity to tour its stately gardens and fall in love with Chinese art.

In 2008 Beijing hosted the Olympic Games. An important sports village was built for this purpose and is still standing today. A day tour of the Beijing Olympic Village is definitely an excellent idea. You will be able to see the stadiums and the buildings that were built especially for the event. At night, everything lights up and becomes magical.

The Beijing Olympic Village is located in the Chaoyang district of the city. On a guided tour of the Olympic Village you can see highlights such as the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest for its curious shape, the Beiding Niangniang Temple and the National Aquatics Centre. This tour is perfect if you plan to visitBeijing in September, as temperatures hover around 20 degrees Celsius at the end of summer.

If there is one thing that is representative of China, it is the image of the panda. Discover all the charm of these curious furry creatures at the Beijing Zoo. Of course, you can also see China's other characteristic animals, such as white tigers and golden monkeys, and take as many pictures as you like. This is one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing in summer, as the pleasant temperatures will allow you to enjoy the outdoors, in contact with the most adorable animals.

The Beijing Zoo is really huge, and has several attractions and places to have lunch, so you can spend half a day at your leisure. I recommend booking your tickets for the Beijing Zoo in advance, as everyone wants to see the pandas.

Food is always a great way to get in touch with a city. In the case of China's capital, let me tell you, it's quite an experience. Sign up for one of the best gastronomic tours in Beijing and try some of the most traditional dishes of Chinese food, go to markets, where you can taste fresh products and delicious snacks.

If you dare you can even try their curious sweets with insects. For this I recommend a visit to Donghuamen market, where you can buy caramelised skewers of cicadas, grasshoppers, spiders, cockroaches, scorpions and a hundred other bugs which, they assure you, are delicious... If you are going to visit Beijing in 7 days, a gastronomic tour is something you can't miss.

Dare to lose yourself in the alleys of the old city aboard a picturesque tuk tuk. My recommendation is to take one of the many tours through the Hutongs in Beijing, so your guide will tell you all about these picturesque alleys built during the Ming, Qing and Yuan dynasties. You'll learn about the city's past and sample some of Beijing's most popular street food.

This experience blends food, history, culture and entertainment, which is why, for me, it's one of the best tours in Beijing. Even if you only plan to visit Beijing in 1 day, this tour is perfect, as it is the best way to get in touch with the place and its people.

Another must-see in the Chinese capital is a stroll through the Silk Market. It is a multi-level building where you will find traditional costumes, kimonos, jewellery and much more. Bargaining is generally encouraged, so don't hesitate to haggle over a price.

There are plenty of things to do in the Beijing Silk Market, where you can experience authentic Chinese trade and buy gifts and souvenirs, such as fans and rice paper lamps. A place full of charm and authenticity. Be prepared, though, as it tends to get very crowded.

Beijing is synonymous with martial arts. Who hasn't seen a film about the origins of kung fu? If you are passing through the capital of China you can't miss an authentic kung fu show. It is a different experience, full of colour, skill and adrenaline.

If you are planning to visit Beijing in 6 days, this is one of those shows that go unnoticed, tourist-oriented, but highly recommended. It is also perfect for children. They will love watching kung fu masters perform acrobatic stunts and mock fights.

Cycling around a city is a great way to get in touch with the rhythm of the place. It's even better if you join one of the best bike tours in Beijing, where you can learn about each of the sites you visit from your experienced local guide. You will see the main highlights of the capital, places like the Forbidden City, the Great Wall or the monasteries of the lamas.

Among all the places you will visit on this tour, one of the must-see is Tiananmen Square. It is one of the most important squares in China, as it was one of the ancient gates to the Forbidden City, and the place where the mausoleum of Mao Tse Tung is located.

Here are some practical tips that you may find useful on your visit to Beijing.

Learn some Chinese

The city can be a bit complex if you don't speak any Chinese, so I recommend that you learn some basic words to be able to understand the slightest indication. Here is a list of the most common and practical expressions that can help you in Beijing:

• Thank you: xie xie
• You're welcome: bu iang xie
• Hello: Ni jao
• Goodbye: Zai jian
• Good morning: Zao shang jao
• Good evening: Wan an
• Sorry...: king wen
• I'm sorry: dui bu ki
• Help: Jiu ming
• The bill!: Mai dan
• How much is it: Ze ge duo shao kián?
• I don't understand: Bú tài míng bai
• Can you repeat, please: King zai shuo yi bian?

Beware of public transport

Public transport, although safe, can be a bit difficult to understand for us westerners, so I recommend that if you are planning to stay only 4 days in Beijing, you should get around by taxi or on foot. And when you leave, I recommend that you hire one of the airport transfers to Beijing. That way you are guaranteed to arrive on time for your flight.

Take the time to visit one of the many museums

Although not included in the list, I recommend you visit some of the best museums in Beijing. Among them, one of the most outstanding is the National Museum of China, where you can enjoy Chinese art at its best. This is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing in winter, as you can also find shelter indoors.

Nightlife in Sanlitun

One of Beijing's most vibrant nightlife areas is undoubtedly Sanlitun. Take the opportunity to have a few drinks and try some local street food in this district full of bars and restaurants. This is one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing at night, because it's not all about touring monasteries and learning about the city's history. If you only have 3 days in Beijing, don't miss Sanlitun.

Enjoy the city in every season

Beijing has a lot to offer, but there are some things you can only enjoy at certain times of the year. For example, in March, the cherry blossoms bloom in Beijing, especially in Yuyuantan Park and the Great White Cloud Temple Park. This is a popular time to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms and take pictures.

Also in March you can participate in the Yonghe Temple Lantern Festival. Held annually at the Yonghe Gong Temple, this is a colourful festival with the display of huge lanterns and various cultural activities. These are just some of the highlights of March in Beijing.

During the month of July in Beijing you can attend the Duanwu Festival. Also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, during this traditional Chinese event, locals participate in dragon boat races and eat zongzi, a type of snack made of rice stuffed with meat, egg and other ingredients. If you plan to visit Beijing in 5 days and your trip is in July, this is a great opportunity to get in touch with local traditions.