Things to Do in Beijing

Activities and Things to Do in Beijing…

The things that must be done in the imperial city, Beijing, are so numerous that it will take more than just a few days of vacation time to enjoy them all. Most tourists will try anyway by carefully planning their itinerary from the first until the last day although being prepared to meet the exciting surprises that Beijing provides its guests is also a good idea.

The things to do in Beijing can be roughly divided into the old and the new with each one offering its own appeal that seem to meld with the other one. Indeed, while the old Beijing is compelling with its centuries-old archetypal artworks and architecture, the new Beijing is exciting in its modernity. Such is the blending of old and new in Beijing that running out of things to do is simply unthinkable.

Pay Your Respects

We suggest paying your respects to the emperors that made Beijing what it is today – simply glorious. The Ming Tombs are located about 50 kilometers from Beijing through the Spirit Way with guardians of huge statues depicting magnificent men and mythical creatures. Most of the Ming emperors are buried in style in the tombs – a fitting way to pay homage to their greatness for the nation and the city.

Hike the Great Wall of China

No visit to Beijing is complete without hiking through a part of the Great Wall of China. Although other walls like Hadrian’s Wall are also of similar value, no other walls have equaled the greatness of the Great Wall for its hold in the popular imagination. It may have been urban myth that it is the only manmade structure that can be seen from space but it can definitely be seen in Beijing.

Hop on a Tour in Beijing

For a true taste of the old Beijing, go on a hutong tour before these areas vanish completely under the advance of modernization. With over 7,000 narrow alleyways to navigate, the tours have special surprises in store maybe even a glimpse into the lives of families calling these ancient single-storey homes surrounding large courtyards as home.

To see the city in a day and with a tour guide at the helm, bus tours are also available. The group will be taken on an 8-hour guided tour around the best sights of the city complete with interesting tidbits about their history. Inquire with the Beijing Tourism Information for these full-day city tours.

Eat and Be Merry

After a day of the old Beijing, you will want to get closer to the new Beijing at night. Pubs, nightclubs and discos serve alcoholic drinks to patrons while modern music pounds from the stereos. Dance and party the night away.

During the day, nonetheless, new Beijing has it alluring tourist attractions. Go shopping for either cheap knock-offs or genuine luxury brands as well clever reproductions or true antiques in the numerous local markets, department stores and malls. Indeed, if China is known for its mass manufacturing capabilities, then the best proof is in the stores of Beijing.

While in the city, keep your eyes open for the festivals as well. The Spring Festival is a raucous celebration of the end of winter while the international music festival introduces trends in many genres of music aside from the well-loved Chinese opera.

Indeed, Beijing is a city fit for the emperors. Tons of entertainment options can be found in many places across the disparate geography of the city.