Best Things to Do in Beijing: Top Attractions, Food & Tips

For Canadian travellers craving a perfect mix of ancient royal history and modern urban energy, Beijing is an unmissable bucket-list destination. Few cities pair centuries-old heritage with futuristic cityscapes so seamlessly. There are countless amazing things to do in Beijing and wonderful top places to visit in Beijing, catering to history buffs, food lovers, families and casual explorers alike, guaranteeing a memorable China trip.

Top Places to Visit in Beijing: Iconic Landmarks You Can't Miss

These iconic landmarks answer exactly what to do in Beijing and what you shouldn't miss. They define the city’s identity and deliver once-in-a-lifetime experiences that form the core of any complete Beijing itinerary.

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Beijing's Imperial Heart

As the world’s largest imperial palace complex, the Forbidden City stands as Beijing’s undeniable historic core. Spanning 72 hectares with nearly 980 ancient wooden buildings, it housed Chinese emperors for more than 400 years, offering unrivalled insight into traditional imperial culture.

• Visit timing: Arrive early to skip massive crowds and set aside a full day to explore at a comfortable pace.
• Tour tips: Use an audio guide or book a guided tour to better understand the site’s rich historical stories.
• Ticket note: Special exhibitions inside the Palace Museum require an additional separate ticket, so advance planning is recommended.

Tiananmen Square: Iconic Historical and Cultural Landmark

Tiananmen Square is an iconic landmark of Beijing. Steeped in deep historical and cultural significance, it's a must-visit symbol of the city for every traveler. Here are some key highlights and practical tips for your visit:

• Key Highlights: The square connects to the Tiananmen Rostrum to the north and the National Museum of China to the east, and houses significant landmarks such as the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.
• Visitor Experience: The atmosphere here is solemn and respectful. We recommend taking a moment to quietly absorb the significance of the site and approaching its complex and profound historical background with an open mind.
• Crowd Alert: Daily foot traffic is typically high, with peak crowds during public holidays. We recommend visiting during off-peak times and keeping your personal belongings secure.

Temple of Heaven Park: A Masterpiece of Ming Architecture

The Temple of Heaven is an exquisite Ming Dynasty architectural masterpiece and sacred imperial venue. For centuries, emperors hosted annual harvest and blessing ceremonies here, with its perfectly symmetrical design carrying profound traditional cultural symbolism.

• Best visiting time: Sunset offers soft golden lighting, creating ideal conditions for photography and peaceful sightseeing.
• Local culture experience: The park is a popular gathering spot for locals. Travellers can watch residents practicing tai chi, dancing and socializing for authentic daily Beijing vibes.

The Summer Palace: Beijing's Imperial Garden Retreat

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Summer Palace is Beijing’s most breathtaking classical imperial garden. Centred on Kunming Lake, it once served as the royal summer retreat for emperors to escape urban heat, featuring exquisite ancient landscaping and architecture.

• Top highlights: Don’t miss Longevity Hill with the panoramic Buddhist Fragrance Pavilion, the 728-metre Long Corridor decorated with more than 14,000 traditional artworks, and the iconic Marble Boat.
• Visit suggestion: It is perfectly sized for a relaxed half-day sightseeing trip, ideal for slow walking and scenery appreciation.

The Great Wall of China: A Day Trip from Beijing You'll Never Forget

The Great Wall of China is Beijing’s most iconic day-trip highlight and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Multiple sections sit within day-trip distance of downtown Beijing, each catering to different travel needs. Below is a clear comparison of the two most popular sections for Canadian travellers, ideal for casual sightseeing, guided tours, hiking and photography.

Explore the Hutongs: Beijing's Ancient Alleyway Neighbourhoods

Hutongs are narrow ancient alleyways and the soul of old Beijing. Lined with traditional courtyard homes, they showcase authentic local life away from modern skyscrapers. Exploring hutongs is one of the most unique things to do in Beijing, especially popular among young adult travellers who love cultural immersion.

Nanluoguxiang: Beijing's Most Photogenic Hutong Street

Nanluoguxiang is Beijing’s most photogenic hutong, blending well-preserved historic layout with trendy modern vibes. This pedestrian street features cafés, boutiques, snack stalls and bars, making it a top Instagrammable spot in the city. While more commercial than residential hutongs, it retains genuine historical roots. Wander the main strip for treats and souvenirs, or explore quiet side alleys for traditional courtyard scenery.

Gulou and the Bell & Drum Tower Area: Old Beijing at Its Best

The Drum Tower, built in 1272, and adjacent Bell Tower were ancient Beijing’s official timekeepers. The Drum Tower houses China’s largest collection of ancient drums, highlighting the city’s unique historical heritage. Catch the hourly drum performance for a quick cultural show. The surrounding Gulou hutongs are quieter and more local than Nanluoguxiang, ideal for experiencing genuine old Beijing life.

Must-Try Food in Beijing: What to Eat and Where to Find It

Tasting local cuisine is a core must-do in Beijing. The city’s diverse dining scene ranges from world-famous signature dishes to affordable street food and lively night markets, suiting all tastes and budgets.

Peking Duck: Beijing's Most Famous Dish

Peking Duck is Beijing’s iconic centuries-old signature dish. Chefs air-dry duck before wood-fired roasting, creating ultra-crispy golden skin and tender, juicy meat unique to traditional preparation methods. Diners enjoy tableside carving, wrapping duck slices in pancakes with hoisin sauce, cucumber and spring onions. Stick to reputable local restaurants for an authentic experience.

Mongolian Hotpot: A Communal Beijing Dining Experience

Mongolian Hotpot is a 1,000-year-old communal Beijing tradition. Diners cook thin lamb slices and vegetables in a light simmering broth, then dip them in creamy sesame sauce for a rich, comforting flavour. Perfect for groups and couples, it offers a relaxed, social dining experience after a day of sightseeing.

Dumplings, Jianbing, and More: Beijing Street Food Worth Seeking Out

Beijing’s authentic street food includes crispy guotie dumplings, savoury jianbing crepes, hearty zhajiangmian noodles and classic jingjian rousi pork. These affordable local staples beat overpriced tourist snacks by far.

Beijing's Night Markets and Food Streets: What to Know

Top night food spots include Guijie (Ghost Street) for late-night hotpot and spicy crawfish, Qianmen Food Street for diverse classic snacks, and Nanluoguxiang Night Market for casual evening bites amid hutong scenery. Avoid Wangfujing Snack Street, which is overpriced, commercialized and inauthentic for genuine local food.

Cultural Experiences: Temples, Art, and Performances in Beijing

Beyond imperial landmarks, Beijing offers rich cultural experiences. These unique things to do in Beijing are perfect for young adults and travellers wanting deeper insight into local culture, including temples, parks and traditional performances.

Yonghe Lama Temple: Beijing's Most Stunning Buddhist Temple

Yonghe Lama Temple, Beijing’s premier Tibetan Buddhist temple, dates to the late 17th-century Qing Dynasty. Its striking red architecture and peaceful courtyards center on an sandalwood Buddha statue of total height 26 metres (18 metres above ground and 8 metres buried below), a breathtaking cultural treasure. As an active monastery, it requires quiet, respectful behaviour from visitors and offers a serene escape from city crowds.

Kung Fu and Acrobatics Shows: A Beijing Night to Remember

For vibrant night entertainment, don’t miss Beijing’s live Kung Fu and acrobatics shows. These energetic performances showcase traditional Chinese martial arts and circus artistry with stunning choreography and stunts. Red Theatre’s Legend of Kung Fu and Chaoyang Theatre’s acrobatics shows are top family-friendly options for an unforgettable cultural night out.

Beihai Park and Jingshan Park: Green Escapes in the City Centre

Beihai Park, one of Beijing’s oldest imperial gardens, features a peaceful lake, iconic white dagoba and famous Nine-Dragon Wall. Adjacent Jingshan Park delivers the best panoramic views overlooking the entire Forbidden City. Both green urban oases are perfect for relaxed walks, sightseeing and unwinding amid nature in central Beijing.

Shopping in Beijing: Markets, Antiques, and Souvenirs

Beijing boasts excellent shopping options for all tastes, covering antique markets, local craft boutiques and tourist malls, making shopping one of the most enjoyable things to do in Beijing.

Panjiayuan Antique Market: The Best Market in Beijing

Panjiayuan Antique Market, Beijing’s best weekend market, hosts over 3,000 vendors selling antiques, porcelain, calligraphy, jade, vintage art and cultural replicas. It’s ideal for unique souvenirs and collectibles. Visit on weekends for the market’s full-scale bustling atmosphere and widest selection of goods.

Silk Market and Nanluoguxiang Boutiques: Fashion and Local Crafts

For trendy fashion and everyday souvenirs, head to the Silk Market (Xiushui Market), a six-storey shopping complex packed with clothing, accessories, silk products, and popular Chinese brand goods. Bargaining is standard and expected here—don’t be shy to negotiate prices for the best deals. These local shops offer creative cultural crafts you won’t find at mainstream tourist malls.

Things to Do in Beijing at Night: After-Dark Experiences

Beijing transforms dramatically after dark, with diverse things to do in Beijing at night, including rooftop lounges, live performances, night markets and hutong walks for all traveller styles.

Rooftop Bars with Forbidden City Views

Rooftop bars with Forbidden City views offer iconic night experiences. Yin Rooftop Bar at The Emperor Hotel and Mei Bar at Rosewood Hotel deliver stunning sunset and city skyline views for memorable evening cocktails.

Hutong and Late-Night Street Food

Dimly lit hutongs host hidden cocktail bars and casual street food stalls after dark. Capital Spirits and Gulou’s bar district are perfect for relaxed night exploration and late-night snacks.

Beijing with Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do

Beijing offers plenty of fun, educational things to do in Beijing with kids. Family-friendly attractions blend entertainment and learning for smooth, enjoyable family trips.

Beijing Olympic Park: The Bird's Nest and Water Cube

Beijing Olympic Park is a top family spot, featuring the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube water park. The adjacent Olympic Forest Park offers wide green spaces for kids to play and relax outdoors.

Science, History, and Animals: Top Museums and Zoos for Families

Family-friendly educational spots include the interactive China Science & Technology Museum, dinosaur-focused Beijing Museum of Natural History, and Beijing Zoo, home to beloved giant pandas and diverse wildlife.

Practical Travel Tips for Visiting Beijing: What Canadians Need to Know

Below are essential travel tips for Canadian visitors to Beijing, covering seasons, transport, connectivity, visas and safety for easy trip planning.

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer mild weather and clear skies. Summer is hot and crowded; winter is cold but quiet with stunning snowy scenery at landmarks.
• Getting Around: The bilingual subway is the cheapest, most reliable option for major attractions. Use DiDi ride-hailing for destinations outside metro coverage.
• Payments & Connectivity: Beijing uses mobile payments exclusively. Canadian cards can be linked to international Alipay. Download a VPN before arrival to access overseas apps and social media.
• Visa Rules: Canadian tourists enjoy 30-day visa-free entry until December 31, 2026. Extended stays require a standard visa with a 75 CAD processing fee.
• Travel Safety: Beijing is very safe for all travellers, including solo females, with minimal petty crime. Avoid the tea ceremony scam by declining unsolicited private teahouse invitations from strangers.

Final Thoughts

Beijing blends timeless heritage and modern charm, with friendly visa rules, safe travel conditions and easy logistics for Canadians. Suitable for all traveller types, it delivers unique, unforgettable experiences and deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

[10% OFF] Beijing Hotel Recommendations