10 Things to Do in Beijing: Best Hidden Gems

Beijing isn’t just about the obvious tourist attractions you’ve seen in every guidebook. Sure, the Great Wall and Forbidden City are must-sees, but the real magic happens when you discover the city’s best-kept secrets. If you’re looking for authentic things to do in Beijing that go beyond the typical tourist trail, you’re in for a treat.

This guide will take you through hidden gems and unique experiences that showcase Beijing’s rich culture, incredible food scene, and fascinating history. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning traveler, these insider secrets will help you experience Beijing like a local.

1. Forbidden City Walking Tour: Uncover Imperial Secrets

While most tourists rush through the Forbidden City, taking a specialized walking tour reveals hidden stories and secret corners that regular visitors miss. Your expert guide will show you concealed courtyards, explain the symbolism behind architectural details, and share imperial legends that bring the ancient palace to life.

The best things to do in Beijing often involve slowing down and truly understanding what you’re seeing. These intimate walking tours typically last 3-4 hours and take you through lesser-known sections of the palace complex. You’ll discover hidden gardens, secret passages once used by emperors, and learn about the daily life of the imperial court.

Book your tour early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the golden light filtering through ancient courtyards. The experience transforms from a simple sightseeing trip into a journey through 600 years of Chinese history.

2. Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Tour: Beyond the Crowds

Most visitors head to the overcrowded Badaling section, but Mutianyu offers a more authentic Great Wall experience. This section features dramatic mountain scenery, well-preserved architecture, and far fewer tourists. Combined with the Summer Palace, you’ll experience two incredible things to do in Beijing in one unforgettable day.

The Mutianyu section allows you to truly appreciate the wall’s engineering marvel while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Take the cable car up and toboggan down for an adventure that combines history with fun. The Summer Palace, with its stunning Kunming Lake and intricate pavilions, showcases imperial garden design at its finest.

This combination tour typically runs 8-10 hours and includes transportation, entrance fees, and expert commentary. You’ll return to Beijing with incredible photos and stories that your friends back home will envy.

3. Tian’anmen Square & Forbidden City: Skip the Lines

Even though these are famous attractions, experiencing them properly requires insider knowledge. Skip-the-line tours for Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City are among the smartest things to do in Beijing, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Your guide will navigate the complex entry procedures, share fascinating historical context, and help you understand the political and cultural significance of these iconic locations. You’ll learn about the square’s role in modern Chinese history and discover architectural secrets of the Forbidden City that independent visitors often miss.

The key is choosing tours that limit group sizes and include early morning or late afternoon timings when the lighting is perfect for photography and crowds are thinner.

4. Temple of Heaven & Summer Palace: Spiritual and Imperial Beauty

These UNESCO World Heritage sites represent the pinnacle of Chinese architectural achievement, making them essential things to do in Beijing for culture enthusiasts. The Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, showcases perfect harmony between earth and sky through its circular design and symbolic colors.

Visit early morning to witness locals practicing tai chi, playing traditional music, and engaging in daily exercises. The Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design, offers peaceful boat rides on Kunming Lake and stunning views from the Longevity Hill.

Both locations provide insight into Chinese philosophy, religion, and imperial life. Allow a full day to properly explore both sites, including time to participate in local activities and enjoy traditional snacks from nearby vendors.

5. Lama Temple: Beijing’s Most Active Buddhist Temple

The Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple) represents one of the most spiritual things to do in Beijing. This active Tibetan Buddhist monastery offers an authentic religious experience where you can observe monks in prayer, smell burning incense, and feel the spiritual energy of centuries-old traditions.

The temple houses an incredible 18-meter tall Buddha carved from a single piece of sandalwood, along with stunning architecture that blends Tibetan and Han Chinese styles. Unlike tourist-focused temples, Yonghe Temple remains a functioning monastery where you can witness genuine Buddhist practices.

Visit during morning prayers for the most authentic experience, and remember to dress respectfully. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere provides a wonderful contrast to Beijing’s bustling streets and offers a moment of spiritual reflection during your travels.

6. Jingshan Park: The Best View in Beijing

Hidden in plain sight behind the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park offers the most spectacular views of Beijing’s ancient and modern skyline. This elevated park, built from soil excavated during the Forbidden City’s construction, provides unique things to do in Beijing for photography enthusiasts and sunset lovers.

Climb to the park’s highest point for panoramic views of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops, modern Beijing’s skyscrapers, and the distant mountains. The contrast between ancient imperial architecture and contemporary urban development creates stunning photographic opportunities throughout the day.

Visit during sunset for the most magical experience, when the Forbidden City’s rooftops glow golden against the darkening sky. The park also offers peaceful walking paths, traditional Chinese gardens, and historic pavilions perfect for quiet contemplation.

7. Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour: Taste Authentic Beijing

Beijing’s culinary scene extends far beyond Peking duck, and food tours focusing on hidden gems reveal the city’s most authentic flavors. These specialized tours take you through narrow hutongs, local markets, and family-run restaurants that represent the best things to do in Beijing for food lovers.

Your guide will introduce you to regional specialties like jianbing (Chinese crepes), zhajiangmian (noodles with fermented bean sauce), and xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from vendors that locals have trusted for generations. You’ll also visit traditional tea houses, spice markets, and street food stalls that tourists typically never find.

These tours typically last 4-5 hours and include multiple food tastings, cultural explanations, and insights into Beijing’s culinary history. Come hungry and prepare to discover flavors that will completely change your understanding of Chinese cuisine.

8. Traditional Peking Opera: Cultural Heritage Live

Experiencing authentic Peking Opera represents one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Beijing. This traditional art form combines singing, dancing, martial arts, and elaborate costumes to tell classical Chinese stories through a unique performance style that dates back over 200 years.

The best venues offer intimate settings where you can appreciate the intricate face paintings, understand the symbolic movements, and follow storylines that have entertained Chinese audiences for centuries. Many theaters provide English translations or pre-show explanations to help international visitors appreciate this complex art form.

Book seats close to the stage to fully appreciate the performers’ incredible skill and the intricate details of their costumes and makeup. The experience provides deep insight into Chinese culture, history, and artistic traditions that few tourists ever discover.

9. Red Theatre Acrobatic Show: Spectacular Entertainment

Beijing’s acrobatic shows showcase incredible physical artistry that represents both ancient traditions and modern innovation. The Red Theatre, known for its spectacular performances, offers one of the most thrilling things to do in Beijing for visitors seeking world-class entertainment.

These shows feature gravity-defying performances, incredible flexibility, and artistic choreography that combines traditional Chinese acrobatics with contemporary staging and lighting. The performers, often trained from childhood, demonstrate skills that seem to defy human limitations.

The theater’s intimate setting ensures excellent views from every seat, and the 90-minute shows maintain constant excitement through varied acts including contortion, balance work, juggling, and group performances that create stunning visual spectacles.

10. Beijing Royal Dining Experience: Imperial Cuisine with Cultural Performance

Complete your Beijing adventure with a royal dining experience that combines imperial cuisine with traditional cultural performances. These exclusive experiences represent the most luxurious things to do in Beijing, offering insights into how Chinese emperors once dined and entertained their guests.

The multi-course meals feature dishes prepared according to imperial recipes, using traditional cooking methods and presentation styles that once graced the Forbidden City’s dining halls. Each course tells a story about Chinese culinary history, seasonal ingredients, and the philosophical principles behind imperial cuisine.

Live cultural performances during dinner might include traditional music, dance, or storytelling that enhances your understanding of Chinese court culture. These experiences typically require advance reservations and represent a perfect way to conclude your Beijing exploration with unforgettable memories.

Final Thoughts: Your Beijing Adventure Awaits

These hidden gems showcase Beijing’s incredible diversity beyond the typical tourist attractions. From spiritual temples to culinary adventures, cultural performances to imperial history, the city offers experiences that will create lasting memories and deep cultural connections.

The best things to do in Beijing combine famous attractions with authentic local experiences, allowing you to appreciate both the city’s historical significance and its vibrant contemporary culture. Whether you’re interested in food, history, spirituality, or entertainment, Beijing’s hidden gems offer something special for every traveler.

Start planning your Beijing adventure today, and prepare to discover a city that will exceed all your expectations through its incredible blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations.