- Mr Plane Guy
- May 23
- 7 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
How to Spend Time in Beijing: The Ultimate Travel Guide
Including Food, Hidden Gems, and the Great Wall
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If you're heading to Beijing and wondering how to make the most of your time without falling into tourist traps or tech troubles, you're in the right place. This city is a chaotic mix of ancient dynasties and futuristic vibes, and somehow, it just works. I’ve just spent time exploring everything from the Great Wall to the backstreets of Beijing’s hutongs. Now, I'm here to share exactly how you can do it too.
This is your complete guide on things to do, what to eat, tours worth booking, and why you absolutely need a VPN before you land in China.
Where to Stay: DoubleTree Hilton in Beijing
I stayed at the amazing DoubleTree Hilton in Beijing. It offers a comfortable stay with great amenities.
"Traveling without NordVPN? Forget it. In China, I couldn’t even access Gmail, maps, or podcasts until I fired up NordVPN. Instantly, I was back online, safe, and free to browse anything, anywhere."
The Great Wall of China: It’s a Must
Let’s start with the obvious. You’re not going to Beijing and skipping the Great Wall. That’s like going to New York and skipping Times Square—except here, you’ll want to stay longer. There are several sections of the Wall, and choosing the right one makes all the difference.
Best Sections to Visit:
Mutianyu: Cleaner, quieter, and there’s a toboggan ride down if you’re into that kind of thing.
Badaling: Easiest to get to, but also the most crowded.
Jinshanling or Simatai: For the adventurers—less restored, more rugged, and seriously scenic.
I’d recommend booking a tour so you don’t have to deal with buses and maps. This Great Wall day trip on GetYourGuide includes hotel pickup and takes you to the more peaceful parts of the Wall without the stress.
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
If the Great Wall is the headline act, then this is the iconic opening scene. Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world and is packed with history, some glorious and some heavy. Across the road stands the Forbidden City, the seat of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years.
To truly enjoy the experience, I’d suggest joining a guide who can explain all the imperial tea (and by tea, I mean power struggles, concubines, betrayals—the usual royal drama). This Tiananmen and Forbidden City walking tour is a brilliant way to cover it in a half-day with context, not confusion.
Tips for Your Visit:
Bring your passport; you’ll need it to enter.
Book online well in advance. Forbidden City tickets often sell out.
Arrive early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Food in Beijing: What to Eat and Where
Now for the fun part, eating. Beijing is a dream if you enjoy noodles, dumplings, pancakes, and things that crunch. The depth of cuisine here is impressive, but let’s start with the essentials.
Must-Try Beijing Dishes:
Peking Duck: Crispy, juicy, usually carved at your table and served with pancakes, spring onions, and sauce.
Jianbing: A breakfast crepe filled with egg, chili, herbs, and crunchy bits—an elite street snack.
Zhajiangmian: Thick hand-pulled noodles with a salty-sweet fermented soybean sauce.
Hotpot: Cook your own meats, veggies, and tofu in boiling spicy broth.
Tanghulu: Candied hawthorn berries on a stick. It looks weird but is delicious.
Best Places to Eat:
Da Dong: A refined spot for Peking Duck.
Siji Minfu: A bit more casual but still high quality.
Wangfujing Snack Street: Good for street eats, from dumplings to deep-fried bugs (yes, really).
Local noodle joints: Look for queues of locals and open kitchens—you’ll rarely go wrong.
Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing
Here's your ultimate list covering history, food, culture, and some surprises:
Walk along the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Jinshanling.
Explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Visit the Temple of Heaven, peaceful and filled with locals doing tai chi.
Discover the Summer Palace, featuring imperial gardens and lakeside walks.
Try Peking Duck the proper way.
Wander around the 798 Art District, the hip, creative side of Beijing.
Bike through the hutongs (narrow alleys) of old Beijing.
Watch a Kung Fu performance or Peking Opera show.
Bargain at the Pearl or Silk Market for clothes and souvenirs.
10. Relax with a paddle boat ride at Beihai Park.
Is There Anything Fun to Do in Beijing?
Absolutely! Beijing isn't just temples and monuments; it also has quirky coffee shops, underground bars, bustling markets, and random karaoke sessions in public parks. Whether you're into food, photography, or architecture, you'll find plenty to fill your days.
Is Beijing Worth Visiting?
Without question. It’s one of the few places where you can go from standing on a 700-year-old city wall to ordering bubble tea in a neon-lit mall within the same hour. There’s history, chaos, order, and beauty—all often at the same time.
Is 3 Days Enough in Beijing?
It’s tight, but yes, if you plan well. Here's a quick itinerary:
Day 1: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and a walk through Wangfujing.
Day 2: Great Wall day trip (Mutianyu or Jinshanling), then back by dinner.
Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and a stroll through the hutongs.
Add in a few late-night dumplings and you're all set.
What is Beijing Popular For?
The Great Wall of China.
Ancient imperial architecture (Forbidden City, Summer Palace).
Traditional Beijing cuisine (especially duck).
The distinctive hutong neighborhoods.
Hosting the 2008 Olympics and the dramatic Bird’s Nest Stadium.
A rich cultural scene with opera, martial arts, and local markets.
Non-Touristy Things to Do in Beijing
Once you’ve hit the big hitters, dive into these lesser-known spots:
Panjiayuan Antique Market: A massive flea market with calligraphy, jade, and Mao-era oddities.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong): A peaceful Tibetan Buddhist temple often overlooked.
Beijing Planetarium: Low-key and great if you're into space or traveling with kids.
Local mahjong parlours and parks: Head to Ritan Park or Ditan Park to see locals dancing, singing, or playing cards. Always a lively vibe.
Hidden hutong coffee shops: Try Soloist or Metal Hands for top-tier coffee in a vintage setting.
Things to Do in Beijing with Kids
Beijing is surprisingly family-friendly. Here are a few things that kids will love:
The Great Wall (especially Mutianyu): There’s a cable car up and a toboggan slide down.
Beijing Zoo: Home to giant pandas and other kid favorites.
Boat rides at the Summer Palace: Scenic, calm, and fun for all ages.
The Science and Technology Museum: Features hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
Chaoyang Park: Great for a picnic or just to let kids burn off energy.
What to Do in Beijing for One Day
If you’ve only got 24 hours, you’ll need to move quickly. Here's a smart one-day plan:
Morning: Arrive early at Tiananmen Square and head into the Forbidden City.
Lunch: Grab noodles or dumplings nearby.
Afternoon: Head to the Temple of Heaven or Beihai Park for a relaxing walk.
Evening: Book a duck dinner and, if time allows, check out the 798 Art District or see a local performance.
Or, if you prefer a hassle-free option, consider this GetYourGuide full-day city tour that covers the key sights and gets you back to your hotel by dinner.
You Definitely Need a VPN in China
This is not a maybe. China blocks Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and most Western news outlets. Even your Gmail won’t work. Before you land, make sure to download a VPN that actually works in China.
Once you're in the country, downloading a VPN is either impossible or extremely complicated. Do it beforehand.
Final Tips for Visiting Beijing
Cash and Apps: Many places don’t take foreign cards. Bring cash or use WeChat Pay (if applicable).
Language Barrier: Learn a few basic phrases or use the Pleco app for offline translation.
Traffic: Be prepared. It’s rough. Use the metro when possible—it’s clean and efficient.
Weather: Summers are hot, and winters can be freezing. Spring and autumn provide much better conditions.
Respect Local Customs: Be aware of political sensitivities and follow local rules, especially in temples or government areas.
Ready for Take Off to Beijing!
Start with the icons: the Wall, the City, the Square. Then dive into street food, hidden alleys, and peaceful parks. Beijing is as challenging as it is rewarding, and it’ll leave you full—both literally and culturally. Whether you have one day or an entire week, this guide will help you skip the guesswork and go straight to the good stuff.
谢谢 (pronounced xiè xiè)
Don't forget to get an eSim before you travel to China to avoid data roaming fees! Otherwise, you won't be able to access Gmail, Google, Apple, emails, maps—the list goes on!
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Hello! I’m Paul, a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport. I mastered plane travel hacks and am now a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on. Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humor, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading How to Spend Time in Beijing: The Ultimate Travel Guide.
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