Beijing

One of the turrets at the corner of Forbidden City,Beijing,China
Fragment of the Great Wall of China, in the Mutianyu village, one of remote parts of the Great Wall near Beijing

Beijing, China

Beijing is a city where ancient traditions and modern innovation collide in the best possible way. From exploring the majestic Great Wall to wandering the sprawling Forbidden City, Beijing is steeped in history and culture. At the same time, it’s a bustling metropolis with a vibrant food scene, cutting-edge architecture, and a lively local atmosphere. Whether you’re marveling at centuries-old landmarks or diving into bustling markets, Beijing is a city that constantly surprises.

For solo travellers, Beijing is an exciting and welcoming destination. It’s full of unique experiences, and its efficient public transport and friendly locals make it easy to explore independently.

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Things to Do in Beijing

Beijing is packed with incredible things to do, whether you’re exploring its rich history or enjoying its modern attractions. Wander through the Forbidden City, hike a section of the Great Wall, or enjoy a tranquil escape in the Summer Palace. Beyond the iconic landmarks, don’t miss the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods and street food stalls.

Coming Soon:

  • Top 10 Free Things to Do in Beijing
Chinese buildings within Jingshan park located within the city of Beijing China.
Beijing, China -Mao Zedong Memorial Hall
Beijing, China - Front facade of National Museum of China in Beijing capital city
Beijing, China - Red bus traversing intersection at the 700-year-old Wangfujing Street crossing. Dongsi West Street is at right; Meishuguan East Street is to the left. Ahead is the Civil Aviation of China building.
Beijing, China - Prime Hotel Beijing (Beijing Huaqiao Dasha) located on the 700-year-old Wangfujing Street, which is now a famous and busy shopping street. To the left is the Civil Aviation Administration of China building.
Summer palace marble boat during winter on ice lake in Beijing, China

Where to Stay in Beijing

Whether you’re seeking luxury, comfort, or a cozy budget option, Beijing has accommodations to suit every type of traveller. Stay near Wangfujing for shopping and dining, or opt for the hutong areas to experience traditional Beijing life. Business travellers might enjoy Chaoyang, while Dongcheng offers proximity to the city’s historical landmarks.

South East Asia / Singapore - Chinese Teochew Opera. Performers at backstage getting ready to perform during Chinese Ghost Festival. Asian traditional cultural arts.
Parkview Greens shopping mall in Beijing with international brands from fast fashion to high-end luxury. Shopping mall with visitors during Christmas period. Beijing, China.
Great Wall of China in Summer. Mutianyu section near Beijing. May
Chinese ancient Temple of Heaven. Translation: "Imperial Temple of Heaven". Asian architectural background. unique round roof of the temple on the blue sky background, Beijing. UNESCO World Heritage Site
Beijing, China - Inside of the Forbidden city, Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to Qing dynasty. It is China's most popular singular site tourist attraction.
Beijing ,China - : China Beijing City. China Central Television (CCTV) building is very spectacular in Beijing, China.

Itineraries for Beijing

With so much to see and do, having a well-planned itinerary is key to experiencing the best of Beijing. These guides offer step-by-step plans to make the most of your time, whether you’re in the city for a couple of days or an entire week.

Coming Soon:

  • 3 Days in Beijing Itinerary
  • 1 Week in Beijing Itinerary
Beijing, China - Forbidden city, Tiananmen square
Beijing, China - Buildings in hutong area of Dongcheng district of Beijing capital city
BEIJING, CHINA - Illuminated exterior of Legendale hotel in Beijing China
Beijing , China - statues sculptures in the streets of the 798 Art District zone aera in Beijing China
Beautiful view of the Lama temple in Beijing, China
Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing, China. Longevity Hill on the Kunming Lake, Summer Palace complex, an Imperial Garden in Beijing. UNESCO World Heritage site

Solo Travel Tips for Beijing

Beijing is a great city for solo travellers, with plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace or connect with others. Its excellent metro system and helpful signage make getting around easy, even if you don’t speak Mandarin.

  • Join a walking tour of Beijing’s hutongs to meet fellow travellers and learn about local history.
  • Use a translation app like Pleco to help navigate menus and signs.
  • Don’t be afraid to try street food—it’s affordable, delicious, and a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Changling Tomb of Ming Dynasty Tombs Shisanling at beijing City China.China - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Beijing, China - Forbidden city, Tiananmen square
Mutianyu, China - Unidentified tourists walking on the Great Wall of China, in the Mutianyu village, one of remote parts of the Great Wall near Beijing
BADALING, CHINA - Great Wall of China. Tourists visiting the Great Wall of China near Beijing.
Beijing Zhengyang Gate Jianlou in Qianmen street in Beijing city China.
Beijing, CHINA -: Wangfujing street is a famous shopping street in Beijing, China

Cultural Experiences in Beijing

Beijing is the perfect place to dive into China’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks or exploring local traditions, the city offers endless opportunities to learn and connect.

  • Take a tai chi class in the park with locals to experience a quintessential morning activity in Beijing.
  • Visit the National Museum of China for a deep dive into the country’s fascinating history.
  • Enjoy in a traditional Peking duck meal—Where to Get the Best Peking Duck in Beijing has all the insider tips.
BEIJING CHINA - Unidentified people vist Sanlitun village Tai Koo Li shopping mall.
BEIJING CHINA - Exterior of Beijing National Olympic Stadium also known as Bird's Nest. It was designed as the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
BEIJING, CHINA - National Museum of China in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China
Ship in the lake of Summer Palace Beijing
Summer Imperial Palace is the summer residence of the emperors on the outskirts of Beijing.
BEIJING, CHINA - The Tiananmen Gate at Tiananmen Square. The gate was used as the entrance to the Imperial City, within which the Forbidden City is also located.

FAQ’s

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit, with comfortable weather and fewer tourists. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold but ideal for travellers who enjoy snow-dusted landmarks.

Yes, Beijing is generally very safe for solo travellers. Use common sense, like avoiding unlit areas at night, and stay alert in crowded places to prevent pickpocketing.

Beijing’s metro system is extensive, affordable, and easy to navigate. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are also convenient options.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, along with layered clothing to adapt to Beijing’s changing weather. Don’t forget sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a VPN if you want to access blocked websites.

Peking duck is a must-try, but also sample jianbing (savoury crepes), zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), and hot pot. Beijing’s street food scene is a culinary adventure in itself.

Yes! Stroll through the hutongs, explore parks like Jingshan or Beihai, or visit the Tiananmen Square area for iconic photo ops.

Explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, or the ancient village of Gubei Water Town for a day of adventure beyond the city.

Wrapping Up Your Beijing Adventure

Beijing is a city that combines the best of old and new, offering unforgettable experiences around every corner. From its iconic landmarks and traditional food to its vibrant neighborhoods, it’s a destination that keeps you coming back for more.

Want to explore more of China? Check out our guides to Shanghai, Tokyo, and other incredible cities. Beijing is waiting—start planning your adventure today!