Things To Do In Beijing

When it comes to ticking things off your bucket-list, you don’t have to look far in Beijing. Made up of all things quintessentially Chinese, this is a city that will beguile, that’s for sure. 

Lying just north of the mega metropolis’ urban sprawl, is China’s main event. Yep, we’re talking Great Wall of China people. An attraction worthy of the hype, this sinuous construction, that dates back around 2,700 years, is one that will be ingrained in your memory forever. And you might want to turn your notifications off, because Instagram may not be able to cope with this one. The likes will be flooding in. 

Back in Beijing’s bustling centre, crimson lanterns sway beside neon lights, street-sellers’ shouts combine to make a glorious din and a smattering of trendy bars and hole-in-the-wall eateries mark the city’s historical hutongs – the remaining narrow alleyways that make up the capital’s traditional, labyrinth-like corners. Alive and sizzling with rich culture, these streets are best explored on two wheels, so grab a bike and get pedalling. 

Then there’s the Forbidden City – one of the most important imperial site’s in the world – which housed Emperors for nigh on 500 years and today stands as a living museum of countless colourful temples and shrines. Made up of just short of 1000 buildings, you’ll certainly have enough to keep you occupied for a few hours here, but when you’ve had your fill of Ming Dynasty history, head out of its southern entrance to make sure that you don’t miss Tiananmen Square. One of the largest public squares in the world, and China’s most political, this vast expanse of concrete signifies the country’s communist heart. 

Other icons likely to make it to the ‘gram are the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace. With the former a firm favourite for prayer amongst the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the latter the perfect spot to escape to from the imperial court – the Forbidden City tends to cook under the hot summer sun – you’ll get a chance to brush up on your ancient history, as well as getting the perfect shot, at these two sites. 

And let’s not forget the ex-industrial area that now homes one of the hottest hangouts in Beijing. 798 Arts District is where it’s happening. Think trendy galleries and museums, bohemian cafes and bars and some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, all seamlessly knitted with the urban cool of derelict Mao-era factories. It may be much of a mecca for modern Chinese art-lovers, but even if you’re not into art, the punk-like atmosphere of this hip part of town is one not to miss – hello, industrial chic.