Things to do in Beijing.
What to see
Forbidden City
Allow a full morning. Enter from the south (Tiananmen) and exit north into Jingshan Park for the rooftop view back over the complex.
Mutianyu — The Wall
The best-preserved accessible section. Two hours from central Beijing; cable car up, toboggan down. Book early morning to beat crowds.
Temple of Heaven
Best on a weekday morning when locals use the surrounding park for tai chi and kite flying. The round Hall of Prayer is the shot you've seen.
Nanluoguxiang & hutongs
The alley itself is touristy; the hutongs branching off it are the real Beijing. Get lost. That's the plan.
Summer Palace
Half-day. Best in autumn when the lake reflects the changing trees. Combine with the Old Summer Palace ruins next door.
Where to sleep
The best base. Walking distance to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Nanluoguxiang. Wide range of hotels. Where we'd stay.
Quieter and slightly cheaper than Dongcheng. Good access to Beihai Park and the Bell and Drum Towers.
Expat bar and restaurant district. Further from the historical sites but better for nightlife and international food.
Stick to international chains or English-listed hotels to guarantee foreign-guest registration. Search Beijing hotels on Trip.com → If you book a private apartment, you must register at the local police station within 24 hours — see our Stay guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Beijing?
Walk through the Forbidden City and up into Jingshan Park for the rooftop view, take a day trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, see the Temple of Heaven on a weekday morning, get lost in the hutongs around Nanluoguxiang, and spend a half-day at the Summer Palace. Three to four days covers the essentials.
How many days do you need in Beijing?
Three to four days. One day for the Forbidden City and Tiananmen area, one for the Great Wall day trip, and one or two for the Temple of Heaven, hutongs and Summer Palace. Beijing is large and the sights are spread out, so it rewards a slightly longer stay than Shanghai or Xi’an.
Which section of the Great Wall is best from Beijing?
Mutianyu is the best all-round choice for first-timers — well-restored, less crowded than Badaling, and about two hours from central Beijing, with a cable car up and a toboggan down. Go early in the morning to beat the tour groups. Badaling is closer and busier; Jinshanling is wilder and better for hikers.
Where should I stay in Beijing?
Base yourself in Dongcheng for walking access to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the hutongs. Xicheng is quieter and slightly cheaper; Sanlitun suits nightlife and international food. Stick to international chains or hotels listed in English on Trip.com to guarantee foreign-guest registration.
When is the best time to visit Beijing?
September and October — clear skies, comfortable temperatures and autumn colour. Spring (April–May) is also good. Summer is hot, humid and crowded; winter is cold but quiet, with the Forbidden City especially striking under snow.