Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Beijing

Things to Do in Beijing: A Cultural Guide to China’s Ancient Capital

Are you wondering what are the things to do in Beijing if you’re craving deep cultural immersion, historical exploration, and even a touch of contemporary art?

This guide is for you.

Beijing, the capital of China, offers a remarkable blend of imperial legacy and modern innovation. From UNESCO heritage sites to off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods, there are countless ways to explore this vibrant city.

Must-See Historical Sights in Beijing

Beijing is home to more World Cultural Heritage sites than any other city on Earth. Here are a few highlights (Please make sure the book ticket in advanced especially for peak seasons!) :

Each of these sites carries centuries of history, perfect for travelers looking to reconnect with time and tradition.

Cultural Experiences You Can’t Miss

Looking for more than sightseeing? Here are immersive experiences in Beijing that go beyond the usual:

  • Explore Hutongs by rickshaw: These narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan) are the soul of old Beijing.

  • Try traditional Chinese medicine workshops: Discover herbal remedies and body balancing.

  • Participate in a tea ceremony or Tai Chi class: Great for slowing down and reconnecting with the moment.

  • Visit the National Museum of China: Home to over 1.4 million cultural artifacts.

  • Stroll through 798 Art District: A hip space of galleries and cafes built on repurposed industrial grounds.

Where to Shop, Eat, and Wander

Beijing offers shopping and culinary adventures for every taste:

  • Wangfujing Street: Iconic shopping street with food stalls serving everything from dumplings to exotic skewers.

  • Taikoo Li Sanlitun: Beijing’s fashion-forward, cosmopolitan shopping village.

  • Qianmen Street: Blends Qing dynasty architecture with trendy stores.

  • Lao She Teahouse: Sip tea while enjoying classic Chinese storytelling and opera.

  • Gubei Water Town: A picturesque village offering views of the Great Wall and artisan workshops.

Don’t forget to try Peking Roast Duck, fermented soybean milk, and candied Tanghulu—classics of Beijing’s food scene.

A New Face of Beijing: Creative Parks & Modern Art

Beijing is also a city looking forward:

  • New Shougang Park: Once a steel mill, now an industrial-chic park that hosted snowboarding events in the 2022 Winter Olympics.

  • National Centre for the Performing Arts: A futuristic ellipsoid-shaped theater floating on water.

  • CAFA Art Museum: Designed by Arata Isozaki, this museum features cutting-edge contemporary Chinese art.

These venues show Beijing as a city balancing history with reinvention.

Plan Your Trip to Beijing with Puyu Retreat

At Puyu Retreat, we believe travel should restore and inspire. Whether you're a solo traveler searching for clarity or a couple seeking shared discovery, Beijing can be a powerful destination of inner and cultural alignment.

Our upcoming experiences in Beijing may include:

  • Mindful tours of UNESCO sites

  • Tea and Tai Chi sessions in hidden courtyards

  • Intimate art walks in 798 Art District

  • Thoughtfully curated local food journeys

Let us know what intrigues you the most! Subscribe to the Puyu Retreat newsletter for upcoming wellness experiences in Beijing and beyond. Leave your email below and be the first to know when our next soulful escape launches.

 

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