Advertisement

Attractions & Tickets in Beijing

Planning to check out Beijing’s sights? You’ll want to think beyond the usual Great Wall tickets. Some of the best experiences, like wandering through the Lama Temple or catching a show at the Chaoyang Theatre, don’t need marathon queues if you buy tickets ahead. And trust me, some mornings in Beijing can be chilly, so if you’re aiming for a sunrise visit at the Forbidden City, grab your timed-entry ticket well in advance. You don’t want to end up staring at a closed gate.

Local tip? Skip the crowded Tiananmen Square photo moments early or late in the day and swing by the nearby National Museum for a quieter insight into China’s long history. Tickets here are often free but need to be booked online first. Also, if you’re curious about local street culture, the 798 Art Zone offers a fresh kind of ticketed experience , art galleries, quirky cafes, and pop-up exhibitions, plus it’s a good spot to catch some rare events without paying much. Beijing’s ticket system can be tricky with lights-out times and ID checks, so carry your passport with you. You’ll thank me later.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Not quite what you’re looking for yet?

Use filters to narrow things down or explore other categories.

Refine filters

Little local tips on tickets

If you’re heading to the Forbidden City, try to book a morning slot for a cooler, less crowded visit. Go early October or late April if you can,the weather is pleasant and the colors in Jingshan Park are worth the climb too.

For the Great Wall, Mutianyu is my personal favorite,easier hike, fewer tourists, and you can take a cable car up and a toboggan ride down. Booking tickets online in advance isn’t just convenient, it can also save you from surprise price hikes or fake tickets sold on the street.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what locals hear all the time about Beijing attractions and tickets.

Absolutely for places like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace, especially during peak season. Tickets sell out fast. Buying online a few days ahead can save you hours of waiting.

Yep, spaces like Tiananmen Square and the Olympic Park are free if you just want to stroll. But watch out for certain exhibitions inside that do require a ticket.

For popular sections like Badaling or Mutianyu, it’s smart to get your entry and bus tickets online ahead to avoid early queues. Some tour options bundle transport and entrance, which can be easier.

Beijing offers a cultural pass that covers several sites and helps you skip lines, but only if you plan multiple visits. Also, students with valid IDs often get reduced rates,always ask.

Sometimes, yes, but don’t count on it for the big spots,you might end up waiting in line or finding tickets sold out. Smaller or less popular places are easier for last-minute buys.

A few places, like the Olympic Park or the night show at Chaoyang Theatre, have evening tickets. Night visits tend to be less crowded and offer a different vibe.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (3428 places) Beijing is one of those cities where you can never see everything in one go, so picking the right city tour really matters. There’s something magical about wandering through the narrow alleys of the old hutongs early in the morning when the street vendors are just setting up and the sun is soft. Or hopping on a bike… Explore
Cultural Tours (3048 places) Beijing’s cultural tours don’t just show you famous spots, they let you feel the city’s heartbeat. It’s not just about the Forbidden City or Temple of Heaven , you can wander Hutongs with an expert who points out quirky courtyard details you’d miss alone or try your hand at paper cutting in a tiny workshop tucked away… Explore
Heritage Sites (3020 places) Beijing’s heritage sites aren’t just old buildings,they’re stories carved in stone, wood, and silk. When you stroll into the Forbidden City, it hits you , this place shaped empires. Don’t rush through; grab a map or better yet, follow a guided tour that points out the little details like the tiny dragons on the… Explore
Historical Landmarks (2892 places) If you want to understand Beijing, you've got to see its history in person. The Forbidden City, for one, doesn’t hit its full impact until you wander those vast courtyards yourself and notice the wear on the red lacquer and golden roofs. And Tiananmen Square? It’s more than just a big plaza,it’s where so many key… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (2824 places) Let me tell you, Beijing isn’t just about palaces and museums. There’s plenty here that kids actually enjoy, and families can relax too. For starters, the Beijing Zoo is more than just animals. Beyond the panda corner, try visiting early in the morning when the animals are more active and the place isn’t packed. If… Explore
Tastings (2616 places) If you’re a bit of a foodie or just curious about Beijing’s flavors, tastings are a great way to get a real sense of the city's food scene without committing to a full meal. Think less formal, more like you’re invited into someone’s kitchen. And Beijing has more than just Peking duck on offer , you’ll find everything… Explore
Guided Walks (1922) • Private Tours (1856) • Day Trips (1714) • Multi-day Excursions (1564) •

Top Things To Do in Beijing

See All →

Top Things To Do in Beijing

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide VietnamMy Guide BangkokMy Guide Pattaya

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
{[{slotLabel(slot)}]}

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel