Things to Do in Beijing

The world's largest museum, covering Chinese history from prehistoric times to modern day. Highlights include the ancient bronze work and the Road to Rejuvenation exhibition.

🕐 Tue-Sun 09:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Mon

💡 Reserve a free ticket online at least 1-2 days before. Arrive at opening (9am) to avoid queues. The museum is huge—pick one or two halls, like the Ancient China hall, to avoid burnout.

A former electronics factory complex turned into a sprawling contemporary art zone. Galleries, studios, cafes, and street art in industrial buildings from the 1950s.

🕐 Most galleries 10:00-18:00; closed Mon (some open Tue-Sun)

💡 Wander the side alleys off the main hub—many galleries there are free and less crowded. Check a few gallery websites for current exhibitions; some bigger shows charge 30-80 yuan.

A hill park directly north of the Forbidden City, offering the best elevated view of the palace rooftops and central Beijing. Originally a coal mound, now a landscaped garden.

🕐 Daily 06:30-21:00 (summer); 06:30-20:00 (winter)

💡 Climb to the Wanchun Pavilion for sunset photos over the Forbidden City. Tickets cost just 2 yuan, making it one of the cheapest viewpoints in the city.

A Ming-era temple complex where emperors prayed for good harvests. The surrounding park is a lively public space with locals doing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards.

🕐 Daily 06:00-21:00 (park hours); temple buildings 08:00-17:30

💡 Go early in the morning (around 6am) to see locals practicing tai chi and singing. The park is free before 8am, but you need a ticket for the temple buildings.

The imperial palace complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Massive courtyards, halls, and gardens with over 900 buildings.

🕐 Tue-Sun 08:30-17:00 (last entry 16:10); closed Mon

💡 Book tickets online at least a week ahead, and enter from the south meridian gate. Avoid the main route crowds by exploring the eastern and western side halls first.