Authentic Beijing: 21 Things to Do That Go Beyond the Great Wall and Guidebooks
•Oct 12, 2024
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Here, we offer you an honest look at the Chinese capital, revealing unique and authentic things to see and do in “Beijing”, beyond the landmarks.
![beijing-at-night](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/zhang_kaiyv_9v_Nork6_P1w_uns
Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash
“Beijing” is a city where ancient history meets modern dynamism, which makes it one of the world’s most fascinating capitals to explore. Many people know it for its iconic landmarks, like the “Great Wall”, the “Forbidden City”, and the “Summer Palace”, but while visiting them is incredible, there’s a lesser-known side that’s worth exploring.
If you care to deviate from the touristic route, in a city that offers travelers a glimpse into China’s imperial past and its rapid evolution into a global metropolis, you’ll find more. Beyond the famous attractions lies a more intimate, authentic Beijing experience. Let yourself get lost in Beijing’s winding hutong alleys, vibrant street markets, and centuries-old temples, and get a real peek at the city’s soul.
In this guide, we’ll take you beyond the checklist of must-see sights and introduce you to the authentic experiences that make Beijing truly special. Whether wandering historic hutongs, visiting serene temples, or discovering vibrant art districts, you’ll find a city full of contrasts, history, and vibrant everyday life.
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Things to do in Beijing
The iconic Landmarks
We can’t start this list without talking about the areas in Beijing that everybody knows about. These are the essential landmarks that all tourists add to their bucket lists.
The Great Wall of China
The “Great Wall of China” is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Near Beijing, you can see some of the most famous sections, like “Badaling”, the most well-known, preserved, and touristy of them. But if you want to have a more authentic experience, you can check out a different section, a bit further from Beijing.
Like “Mutianyu”, just 90 minutes away. This section offers a great mix of accessibility and authentic experience. It’s less crowded than the more popular sections, but just as stunning. Since it’s surrounded by forested hills, the best time to visit it is during the autumn, when you can get an incredible panoramic view of the orange and golden hills.
![great-wall-with-sunset-light](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/max_van_den_oetelaar_E13mcj_2_TLE_unsplash
Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash
The Forbidden City
Another tourist favorite awaits you right in the heart of Beijing. The “Forbidden City” stands as a symbol of imperial power and cultural heritage. It served as the home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and remained off-limits to the public for centuries. But now, you can enter and visit it! And you won’t be the only one, as it welcomes millions of visitors each year.
The layout is quite interesting and fascinating, as it follows ancient Chinese principles of balance and harmony, best known in the West as feng shui. Take an audio guide to get all the little cultural and historical details, and reserve a few hours for walking through the massive courtyards, intricate halls, and golden rooftops.
![forbidden-city](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/drz_w_Xyf_U8_Hqi_I_unsplash_5139d by __ drz __ on Unsplash
Temple of Heaven
If you want to escape the city’s busy streets, go visit the “Temple of Heaven”. This place offers both historical depth and beautiful open spaces. It was built in the early 15th century, and it served as a ceremonial site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests.
The best time to visit is during the early mornings, when locals gather to practice tai chi, dance, or play traditional instruments. So it’s a great place to observe daily life while taking in centuries of history. And there’s a lot of history you can see, as you can walk along wide stone paths, through gardens, and into carefully preserved halls.
Just like the Forbidden Palace, the layout and design reflect beliefs about heaven, earth, and harmony. In fact, everything in the complex has symbolic meaning, from the circular altar to the triple-roofed Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which makes it so rewarding to explore with the aid of a local guide.
Summer Palace
But the real masterpiece of Chinese garden design is the “Summer Palace”. These iconic and scenic landmarks. It’s located in the city’s northwest, and it served as a retreat for emperors seeking peace and cooler weather. That’s why it was built around the Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, to give the royals the best views possible.
Walking through the grounds, you’ll find ornate pavilions, stone bridges, covered walkways, and temples. The Long Corridor is especially popular. In this elaborately painted promenade, every beam features a unique painting, telling stories from Chinese history and folklore.
![summer-palace-with-visitors](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/nick_fewings_o_Kt5o6w_FKRA_unsplash_83c0a56fef Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Experience a Real Beijing
Now that you know the most popular spots in Beijing, let’s learn more about some lesser-known places and activities that can add a lot to your visit.
Visit Beijing Opera
If you’re looking for a way to experience Chinese culture aside from its incredible landmarks, you can’t skip the Beijing Opera. You can catch a show at a venue like the “Liyuan Theatre”, where you can catch an authentic show. And they are worth it. Chinese opera, in itself, is an incredibly rich cultural experience, with its elaborate costumes, symbolic gestures, and haunting melodies, is a treasure you have to add to your travel.
Kung Fu Show
If opera is not your cup of tea, maybe try going to a Kung Fu show! These incredible spectacles showcase the athleticism and philosophy of martial arts, often performed in theaters or cultural centers. Travelers love them, as they are captivating with dynamic movements and precision, and you can feel the connection to the old Chinese practice in the discipline and energy that the athletes put into the presentation.
Try a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony
You don’t have to be a cultural traveler to enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony; we highly recommend trying it at least once in your life. More than just a cup of tea, you’ll embark on a sensory journey that showcases hospitality, patience, and cultural reverence.
The ceremony emphasizes the art of brewing, appreciating aroma, taste, and presentation. Each tea variety, from jasmine to pu-erh, tells a story of regional history and craftsmanship, and the person serving it will guide you through it. Take this opportunity to really savor the whole experience and slow down for a bit especially if the ceremony includes performances of folk music or storytelling.
![teacup-with-tea](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/t_ed_C_Husyl_Rh_Zc_unsplash
Stroll Through a Living Hutong Neighborhood
After enjoying a nice cup of tea, you will probably be in the mood to take a pleasant stroll through a traditional Chinese neighborhood. “Hutongs” are narrow alleys formed by traditional courtyard homes, so you can expect a lot of Beijing’s old-world charm.
Among the most beautiful places to visit are neighborhoods like “Nanluoguxiang” or the Bell Tower Hutong. These are also great places to immerse yourself in local life. It’s just lovely to see the residents chatting, children playing, and vendors selling snacks and handicrafts. You can stop at a small café or a quirky shop and enjoy your visit more.
Visit the White Cloud Temple or Fayuan Temple
The Temple of Heaven might be the most popular in Beijing, but there are plenty more to visit, and while they aren’t as spectacular and aesthetic, they don’t lack charm. For example, to have a more authentic and quiet experience, you can visit the "White Cloud Temple"1 y el "Fayuan Temple"2.
Both are serene spiritual retreats amid urban Beijing, but they have fascinating differences. The White Cloud Temple is a center for Taoism, known for its peaceful gardens and rituals. Fayuan Temple, on the other hand, is one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples and offers beautiful halls, ancient relics, and tranquil courtyards.
Escape to Beihai Park or Purple Bamboo Park
As peaceful as the temples are, they are human structures, and sometimes we only want to retreat into nature. In Beijing, you have two excellent options: “Beihai Park” and “Purple Bamboo Park”. They are perfect if you’re looking for a green oasis to relax and people-watch.
Beihai Park has a historic lake, pavilions, and bridges that reflect centuries of imperial leisure culture. While Purple Bamboo Park offers scenic bamboo groves, serene ponds, and walking trails, it is popular for tai chi and kite flying.
798 Art District: Beyond Instagram Walls
We have talked a lot about the traditional side of Beijing, both the well-known and the more hidden. But Beijing also has a lot of modern places to visit, like the “798 Art District”, a contemporary cultural hub housed in a former industrial complex.
If you like to post photos for social media, you’ll find plenty of galleries, studios, cafes, and street art that challenge and inspire you. Beyond photo opportunities, 798 offers exhibitions, performances, and workshops showcasing China’s evolving art scene.
![grafiti-art-at-798-district](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/serg_balak_C_Kk_YQ_2y_T9d4_unsplash_bcdcbba2bd by Serg Balak on Unsplash
Liulichang: For Lovers of Books, Brushes, and Calligraphy
If you’re an artist, you’re going to adore this next place. China has a long history of fine arts, and you can try your hand at it if you visit “Liulichang”, Beijing’s historic cultural street. First of all, you can see antique shops, with beautiful items that you can get as souvenirs from your trip to China.
But you can also go to the calligraphy stores and art materials. It’s a paradise for collectors and those interested in traditional Chinese literature and arts. You can get handmade papers and ink stones, for example, which can be quite the fun addition to your artist collection. Chinese watercolors and brushes are of excellent quality.
Join Locals for a Morning Workout in a Park
Not all experiences in China cost money, and if you’re traveling on a budget you will like this next suggestion. You only have to wake up early enough and go to “Ritan Park” or “Jingshan Park”, where locals gather to do their morning workout. This is also a great opportunity to feel closer to Beijing’s community spirit. And there are plenty of activities to choose, from tai chi and group dancing to badminton and callisthenics. Even observing while you drink a warm cup of tea is an enriching your cultural experience.
![jingshan-park-air-view](https://rcdn2.yohomobile.com/arvin_yuan_49_Ut_TTD_9j_0_uns
Photo by Arvin Yuan on Unsplash
Conclusion
Beijing is a city of profound contrasts, where imperial grandeur meets vibrant street life, and ancient traditions that thrive alongside contemporary culture. While its iconic landmarks are essential visits, the city’s true essence lies in its authentic experiences, from quiet temple mornings and tea ceremonies to lively hutongs and art districts.
Authentic Beijing invites travelers to look beyond the postcard images and immerse themselves in the daily lives and traditions of its people. It’s a journey rich with discovery, reflection, and cultural exchange, one that stays with you long after you leave. What are you waiting?