Top 10 Best Things to Do in Beijing: Cruising, Strolling, etc.

Beijing seems to have become a symbol, a cultural emblem, and a spiritual city that resides deep in the hearts of every Chinese person, with countless experiences and adventures waiting to be explored. When it comes to travel, Beijing is undoubtedly an essential destination. So, how can one explore Beijing to make the journey truly worthwhile? Following are the best things to do in Beijing.

Top 1: Watch a Flag-raising Ceremony

In the heart of Beijing, there is a ceremony that takes place every day, come rain or shine, summer or winter, at the same time without fail: the flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, this ceremony has never been interrupted. It is more than just a solemn formality; it is a symbol of the nation's dignity and a convergence of the emotions of countless people who are devoted to their homeland.

The flag-raising ceremony is synchronized with sunrise, symbolizing the rise of the five-star red flag along with the sun. Even before the official start of the ceremony, Tiananmen Square is already bustling. People from all over the country gather, with some even arriving as early as one or two in the morning, eager to get closer to the front, to stand nearer to the national flag.

The entire flag-raising ceremony lasts only 2 minutes and 7 seconds. As the sun rises above the horizon, it is also at that precise 2 minutes and 7 seconds.

As dawn breaks and the first light of morning appears, the sound of the flag-raising trumpet slices through the air. Thirty ceremonial soldiers stand in formation on either side, and 96 members of the flag-guard team march down the central axis of Beijing with firm, determined steps. The sound of their footsteps resonates like the rallying cry for the Chinese nation's rejuvenation, and the bustling square immediately falls silent.

The flag-guard team moves with flawless precision, their steps strong and full of power, exuding an unstoppable momentum. Accompanied by the stirring strains of the March of the Volunteers, the five-star red flag slowly rises, drawing the attention of thousands. Though the flag-raising ceremony is brief, with the flag reaching the top of the pole in just 46 seconds, it always stirs the hearts of countless spectators. No matter where visitors come from, they are certain to be deeply moved by this sacred scene.

Top 2: Climb the Badaling Great Wall

On the land of China, there stands an ancient wall that has witnessed countless historical changes and carries the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. This is the Badaling Great Wall, a magnificent structure that stands atop the mountains, enduring the ravages of time for thousands of years, yet still majestic and awe-inspiring.

Entering from the west gate of Badaling Pass, one climbs the many steps to eventually behold the grand sight of Badaling. As far as the eye can see, the mountain ranges stretch endlessly, disappearing into the mist, sometimes hidden, sometimes visible, reaching up to the clouds. Amidst the peaks and forests, the Great Wall winds its way, like a giant dragon lying across the mountains, following the terrain. It runs through the entire ancient mountain pass, covering the entire ancient road. Due to the uneven terrain, one often climbs stairs or descends stone steps, each path steep and treacherous, forcing one to advance slowly. Every time a watchtower is reached, it feels as if it is the highest point, truly embodying the saying, "He who has not reached the Great Wall is not a true man".

Also there is the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most spectacular parts of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, praised as "the most beautiful section of the Great Wall". Its architectural design is unique, unparalleled in the entirety of the Great Wall, served as the highest artistic achievement in the construction of the Ming Dynasty Wall, whose breathtaking and perilous scenery stands as one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Top 3: Overlook the Forbidden City

The historical Beijing hides a perfect point that offers a panoramic view of the Forbidden City—Jingshan Park. Once the geometric center of this ancient capital, it stands as the highest point on Beijing's central axis, a heart that once beat for the city.

Exiting the Forbidden City's Gate of Divine Prowess and crossing the street, you arrive at Jingshan. From the highest point of Jingshan, the Wanchun Pavilion, looking south, you can see the grand palaces of the Forbidden City, with their majestic halls and yellow-tiled eaves; to the west, the shimmering waters of Zhongnanhai and Beihai come into view; turning north, the iconic Bell and Drum Towers on the central axis capture your attention—it's a rare place from which to enjoy the sights of old Beijing.

Standing at the summit of Jingshan and gazing down at the Forbidden City, one cannot help but be awed by its beauty and grandeur. The entire palace complex is meticulously planned, with its symmetrical layout along the central axis and distinct layers of architecture. The red walls and golden tiles shine brightly under the sun, and the statues of sacred beasts on the roof ridges seem alive. The Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, and the Hall of Preserving Harmony, stand along the central axis, exuding magnificence. These palaces, arranged in an orderly yet varied manner, resemble chapters in a grand historical book, regimented yet profound.

Top 4: Cruise in the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is one of China's four great gardens and stands as the pinnacle of classical Chinese garden design, remaining the most well-preserved royal palace and imperial garden in the country. With the western hills as its backdrop, the Summer Palace is centered around Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake, drawing inspiration from the gardens of southern China and modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake, and seamlessly integrates natural beauty with cultural elegance. Covering an expansive area, three-quarters of the garden is water, featuring numerous docks for sightseeing boats, making it an ideal place for scenic boat rides. Notably, the Summer Palace offers traditional hand-rowed paddle boats at one of the dock to cater to nostalgic visitors.

Drifting across the lake, a gentle breeze brushes against the face as peach blossoms and willows come into view, and one can catch a distant glimpse of the majestic Buddhist Incense Pavilion from the water. Gliding along the rippling waters of the South Long River, the verdant waters and antique boats complement each other. With delicate carved wooden windows, ornate woven curtains, budding willows and flowers, visitors on the boat are transported back in time, as if passing through the bustling town of the Ming and Qing dynasties. For a moment, as the boat gently sways and water ripples, it feels like being immersed in the serene landscapes of a Jiangnan water town.

Top 5: Stroll among the Hutong

The hutongs are the soul of Beijing’s culture, the unique charm of this city. Turning off the bustling Wangfujing Street into a quiet alley, you will instantly feel a completely different atmosphere.

Upon entering the hutong, the first thing that catches your eye is the clear blue sky, like a vast and pure sapphire. Against the blue backdrop, green trees form a canopy of intertwined branches and leaves. A gentle breeze passes by, the rustling of leaves seems to tell ancient stories.

The hutongs wind and twist, their stone-paved paths smoothed by years of wear, rich with history and charm. On either side, the courtyards are arranged with a sense of order, their red-painted doors closed tight, the copper rust on the door rings bearing witness to the passage of time. High walls rise around the Siheyuan, with the occasional flower poking through, adding a touch of life and vitality to the ancient scenery. Some of these courtyards are well-preserved, showcasing architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties—curved eaves, and intricate carvings, all embodying past grandeur. Others have been restored, blending modern elements with the old, yet still retaining that ancient, dignified charm.

Strolling through the hutong, time seems to slow down. There is no hustle and bustle of traffic, no towering skyscrapers looming over you—just a sense of tranquility and serenity.

Top 6: Observe Morning Exercises

At the break of dawn, as the first light gently illuminates the sky, the Temple of Heaven emerges like a giant slowly awakening from slumber. Amid the hustle and bustle of Beijing, it guards its tranquil and solemn. However, the topic isn’t the park itself, but rather the spirited seniors who gather here for their morning exercise. As one of Beijing’s most renowned fitness hubs, the Temple of Heaven welcomes thousands of fitness enthusiasts each morning, their activities as diverse as they are fascinating.

You could never imagine how many hidden masters reside in this park until you step inside. On the surface, the elderly seem unassuming, yet, any senior’s intense workout routine will likely redefine your understanding of morning exercises. At first, such claims might sound exaggerated, but the truth speaks for itself. Walk to any corner of the park, and you'll find seasoned Beijingers showcasing remarkable skills. Every time you witness their movements, you can’t help but feel the urge to be apprenticed from them.

They can stand on one leg like a golden rooster, hang upside down with perfect poise, or even execute splits on horizontal bars—all in pursuit of fitness and mastering challenging poses. These efforts aren’t aimed at attracting attention or showing off, but rather at testing their limits and pushing themselves further. Simply watching these spry seniors in action is enough to ignite your spirit and inspire you to reclaim a passion for life.

Top 7: Ride an Ice Cycle on Shichahai

Shichahai, also known as Haizi in Yuan Dynasty, has been a popular recreational spot since the Qing Dynasty for summer leisure. With its weeping willows swaying gently along the shore and distant mountains casting a delicate, ink-like shadow, the scenery in the summer here is picturesque, making it one of the most beautiful spots in Beijing. However, every winter, Shichahai transforms into a paradise for ice activities. The tradition of ice skating and other games on Shichahai's frozen lake has been long-standing, with ice beds shaped like sleds for entertainment as early as the Qing Dynasty.

Skating on the ice is naturally the most exhilarating experience. For visitors who may not be able to skate, however, the ice cycle is an excellent choice—effortless, safe, and enjoyable. The ice surface at Shichahai is as smooth as a mirror, with a thick, solid layer of ice that leaves only faint traces when ice cycle glide across it. On the ice, visitors ride their cycles, racing freely and enjoying the collision of speed and excitement. Here, tourists relish the fun of ice sports, their expressions pleased and content, savoring the peaceful pleasure of the experience.

Top 8: Enjoy the Night in Olympic Park

Have you ever imagined what enchanting glow the once-glorious Beijing Olympic Park radiates when the night falls?

As the first trace of twilight quietly descends, the massive steel structure of the Bird's Nest is gently awakened by lights, resembling a magnificent phoenix about to take flight, as the fiery, intense lights seem to narrate the passion of life. Nearby, the Water Cube transforms into a crystalline sapphire, its blue lights dancing and shimmering on the water’s surface, harmonizing with the surrounding neon lights, as if you can almost hear the whispers of the gentle waves. The two structures, complements mutually, one dynamic and one serene, weave a mesmerizing urban nightscape, drawing countless visitors to pause and linger in awe.

In the distance, the Olympic Tower stands tall like a giant star, illuminating the entire Olympic Park. From afar, the towering spire is surrounded by vibrant, colorful lights, with the flashing neon and shifting lights creating a dreamy, surreal effect.

Top 9: See a Peking Opera

Peking opera, a traditional Chinese theatrical art form, has long been regarded as the epitome of aesthetic ideals. Recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of China, it enjoys widespread acclaim. A visit to Beijing without watching a Peking opera performance would undoubtedly be a regret.

Stepping into a theater, the lively atmosphere is exhilarating. Actors, dressed in elaborate costumes, take the stage one by one, with intricate makeup and stunning attire showcasing the charm of Peking opera.

When the performers begin to belt out, the tones are melodious, alternating between sorrowful and uplifting. The high notes soar like a piercing cry through the clouds, while the low notes flow like a gentle stream, captivating the audience instantly. With every subtle expression—a glance or a furrowed brow—the performers vividly convey the emotions of their characters. Every movement, whether graceful and flowing or strong and powerful, resembles a living painting. The audience is entirely immersed, their emotions swaying with the plot—at times tense, at others relaxed. Only by watch a live Peking opera performance can one truly grasp the boundless allure of this national treasure.

Top 10: Have an Encounter in the Bar

In Beijing’s Sanlitun area lies a bar street that glimmers through the night and evolves amidst the city’s bustling transformation. On countless evenings, within its many bars, people raise their glasses in song, shed tears of passion, and revel in the moments. This street carries the youth of generations, holding cherished memories for seasoned locals, Beijing drifters, and expatriates in Beijing. As the city’s oldest leisure and entertainment area, Sanlitun boasts titles like the "Birthplace of Beijing Bars", "Cradle of Rock Music", and "Nightlife Harvester", encapsulating nearly a century of China’s cultural evolution.

Sanlitun is a hub for fashion icons, trendsetters, and urban nightlifers. Amidst the crowd of dashing men and stunning women, the air brims with a sense of modern. Whether you’re sipping a leisurely cocktail, sharing whispered laughter with him or her, or clinking glasses in jubilant companions, the ambiance here oozes charm and allure. Whatever your desire—sensuality, romance, relaxation, mystery, all gathers here. Immersed in this scene, you may find yourself in the heart of the city though, yet wrapped in a vacation-like ease that feels worlds away.

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