42 Best things to see & do in Beijing

Dedicated to Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, Beijing’s surviving temples remain a rich repository of history, culture and architectural splendour.

From the mystique of Peking opera to the daredevil feats of acrobats and kung-fu masters, China’s cultural capital is a great place to get acquainted with traditional Chinese performing arts.

Capital of China for over 700 years, Beijing has hosted the last three imperial dynasties – the Yuan, the Ming and the Qing. Twenty-four emperors ruled in the Forbidden City until revolution swept it all away in 1911.

Wandering the narrow, grey-brick lanes and alleyways of Beijing’s historic residential core, and seeing local life and customs unfold. Beijing’s most evocative experience.

So much more than Peking duck, Beijing is a mouth-watering melting pot of regional Chinese cooking styles. You could stay in the capital for a year and never eat the same dish twice.

The grand residence of an imperial prince, this magnificent mansion close to Houhai Lake is most notable for its classical Chinese gardens. Pathways wind between carp ponds, artificial hills, ornate pavilions and even a miniature Great Wall folly.

Once the preserve of emperors, the sculpted surrounds of Beihai Park are dotted with fascinating temples, halls and pavilions, and crowned by the magnificent White Dagoba, towering over the central boating lake.

Three inter-connected lakes surrounded by willow trees, hutong lanes, and bars – a fun place to experience local culture, and take a rickshaw ride.

Beijing’s best park is also one of its only central hills, offering inspiring views of the Forbidden City. It’s also where elderly locals come to sing, dance and let off steam.

Beijing’s official timekeeper since the age of the Mongols, this splendid, 47-meter tall stone tower, facing its compatriot the Drum Tower, houses a gigantic copper bell said to weigh over 60 tons.