With China back in the travel game, we can’t skip out on a guide to the Forbidden City. So if you’re looking to head to Beijing any time soon (or in the far future), bookmark this list for the best hidden gems this city has to offer!
Are you ready to experience the ultimate blend of ancient and modern culture? Beijing, the Forbidden City, is home to one of the seven wonders of the world and a UNESCO heritage site. For over 800 years, this city has served as the great capital of China and is the perfect destination for history buffs and culture lovers. However, don’t let its ancient past fool you as it is also a city of excitement, adventure, and delicious food. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a taste of something new, our guide has got you covered. Join us as we take you on a journey through the must-see sights and hidden gems of Beijing!
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1. Walk The Great Wall Of China
Image credits: China Highlights
Extending 21,000 kilometres (4000 miles), the Great Wall of China is definitely the number one attraction you have to see in Beijing. As a wonder of the world, the Great Wall is the largest man-made structure on Earth and has been the symbol of Chinese culture for decades.
In Beijing, there are several sections of the wall that you can choose to climb and enjoy the horizons from. For those travelling with children and the elderly, it’s recommended that you take the cable car and enjoy an easy walk at the most popular section — Mutianyu. For those who want an amazing night view, head to the Simatai Great Wall — the only section open at night for tasteful lighting and a little evening romance. For our active adventurers, the Jinshanling Great Wall and Jiankou Wall are considered the best and steepest sections for hiking and running.
Ticket Prices:
| Great Wall | Entrance Fee |
| Badaling | 40 yuan (Apr – Oct), 35 yuan (Nov – March) |
| Mutianyu | 40 yuan |
| Juyongguan | 45 yuan (Apr – Oct), 40 yuan (Nov – March) |
| Jinshanling | 65 yuan (Apr – Oct), 55 yuan (Nov – March) |
| Simtai | 40 yuan |
| Gubeikou | 25 yuan |
| Huanghuacheng | 45 yuan |
| Jiankou | Free |
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Address: Huairou District, China, 101406
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2. Dine In At Quan Ju De For The Best Peking Duck In The City
Image credits: China Highlights
As Beijing’s oldest roast duck restaurant, Quan Ju De (全聚德 ) serves the most authentic traditional Beijing roast duck (or Peking duck). Enjoyed by people from all walks of life, the restaurant’s famed dish has seen many famed and high-profile visitors, such as Richard Nixon and Fidel Castro.
Upon ordering the Signature Roast Duck, the restaurant will carve it tableside for you in three different ways. As you sink your teeth into the flavourful salty meat, you can taste the layer of juicy fat underneath its golden-brown skin that’s wrapped with pancakes of shallots and cucumber. What’s interesting about this restaurant is that every duck comes with an ID number and certificate — from the very first duck roasted since the opening of the restaurant 150 years ago.
Unfortunately, the restaurant does not take reservations due to its popularity. At most of its storefronts, customers will be expected to queue for a table — with some reporting average waiting times of up to one and a half hours.
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: 9 Shuaifuyuan Hu Tong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100005
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3. Visit The Marco Polo Bridge — The Very Spot Where World War 2 Started
Image credits: Viator
Venture out to Beijing’s far western suburbs and visit the Marco Polo Bridge. Fun fact: This bridge obtained its name from Marco Polo’s famous travel diaries as he believed it to be one of the most beautiful bridges in the world (and from the small fortified town of Wanping). Spanning 266.5 meters, the bridge is built entirely from granite and is decorated by hundreds of stone lions — each statue having its own clan of little lions upon a closer look.
In 1937, the Imperial Japanese Army demanded to enter the town to search for a missing soldier. When they were refused, the army opened fire — leading to a full-blown invasion of China and the start of the second Sino-Japanese War and World War 2 by extension.
History buffs are bound to have a field day as bullet points can be found throughout the town and the bridge, a permanent reminder of one of the darkest periods in Chinese history. Located at the eastern end of the bridge stands the Museum of the War of Chinese People’s Resistance Against Japanese Aggression which tourists can visit to learn more about the historical event.
Opening Hours: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: No. 77, South Street, Luguoqiao, Fengtai District, Beijing, China, 100165
Price: 20 yuan
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4. Introduce Your Taste Buds To A Donkey Burger
Image credits: The Food Gallery
Originating from the northern Hebei Province, Beijing has adopted the Donkey Burger as its own. Found in both fine dining restaurants and street-side stalls around the city, most have described the palatable pockets of shredded meat to be tender, sweet, and delicious. Some chefs even mix it with chunks of fat or green peppers before sandwiching between crispy buns.
Lauded by many as the best donkey meat place in town, Wang Pang Zi (王胖子) specialises in flaky pastry pockets filled with lightly spiced shreds of donkey meat. The best item on the menu definitely has to be the Mixed Lean And Fat Donkey Meat Burger (9 yuan), which doesn’t taste stringy or gamey at all. On the other hand, daring consumers can try the Donkey Penis Burger (12 yuan) — just make sure you order a bowl of clear savoury soup to wash it all down!
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Address: No. 80 Gulou West Avenue, Xicheng District, Beijing, China, 100035
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5. 798 Art District
Image credits: Culture Trip
Are you an art lover looking for your next cultural fix? Look no further than Beijing’s 798 Art District — a must-see destination for any visitor to the city. Located in northeastern Beijing, the district is home to a wealth of galleries, museums, and artist studios showcasing some of the best contemporary art in the city.
Known for its unique architectural style, which is a combination of Bauhaus and Chinese elements, the art district hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, making it a great place to catch a glimpse of the local vibrant art scene. Visitors can find a mix of local and international artists that exhibit their works here, including works by Chinese contemporary artists such as Ai Weiwei, Liu Xiaodong, Yang Fudong, and Zhang Dali.
Whether you’re a serious art collector of just enjoy admiring the work of talented artists, 798 Art District is a must-visit destination for all!
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM
Address: Wangfujing, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006
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6. Enjoy A Super Sweet Tanghulu In The Streets
Image credits: On The Gas
Known as the Chinese toffee apple, Bing Tang Hu Lu or Candied Fruit on a Stick, is an extremely popular street snack and dessert for locals and tourists alike. Traditionally, a skewer with hawthorn fruits (shanzha) is dipped into liquid sugar and then dried to create the old Beijing-style dessert. The result is a super crunchy and sweet stick that is bound to have your tastebuds in a fix!
In keeping up with the modern times, vendors are including other fruits to suit tourists’ tastes and preferences, including strawberries, blueberries, kiwis, pineapples, and grapes. Visit Wangfujing Snack street located in the heart of the city for a wide variety of traditional Chinese snacks. For an average of 10 yuan per stick, the dessert can be readily found in any street — just keep an eye out for colourful sticks of fruits!
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM
Address: Wangfujing, Dongcheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100006
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7. Take A Hike On The Fragrant Hills
Image credits: TripAdvisor
Located on the western outskirts of Beijing, the Fragrant Hills offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, sightseeing, and picnicking. Covers over 160 hectares, the park is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage in October and November.
Imagine yourself walking through the park and feeling the crunch of red leaves under your feet and the crisp autumn air on your face. Now that is what we call true bliss in nature. The park also has several hiking trails of different lengths and difficulty levels, so there’s something for everyone here!
Don’t miss the ancient temples and pavilions scattered throughout the park. The most famous of these is the Cloud Dispelling Hall which offers an amazing view of the city. For our less active travellers, you can also take a cable car ride to the top of the hill as an alternative way to enjoy the majestic view.
Opening Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
Address: No 40, Maimai Street, Haidian District, Beijing, China, 100093
Price: 15 yuan
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8. Experience A Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony At The Lao She Tea House
Image credits: Attraction
Looking for a truly authentic Chinese cultural experience? Look no further than the Lao She Tea House. Imagine yourself transported to a traditional Chinese tea room, surrounded by the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese music and the aroma of the finest Chinese teas. Offering a variety of Chinese tea ceremonies, we suggest trying the traditional Gongfu tea ceremony — a ritualistic way of making tea that originated from China’s Fujian province. There, you’ll learn about the history, health benefits, and the proper way of making and drinking tea. Aside from sampling tea, lay your worries bare as you relax and enjoy traditional Chinese music and performances as well.
To commemorate your visit, pick out a Chinese tea pet to bring home with you! Made from a special type of clay that’s said to absorb the flavours and aromas of tea, these cute little critters are believed to enhance your experience and bring you good luck and prosperity.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Address: No.13, Dongmianhua Hutong, Donhuamen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
Prices: 80 yuan – 580 yuan, depending on the type of tea ceremony
Best Things To Do In Beijing, China 2023: Get your tickets here
Ready To Venture Into The Forbidden City?
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Beijing, you’re ready to venture out into the Forbidden City! But amidst the excitement of China being reopened, don’t forget to book your flight tickets and accommodations with your YouTrip card via YouTrip Perks for extra cashback and discounts!
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Safe Travels!
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