Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Beijing
Best Free Things to Do in Beijing
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Travellers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travellers across the globe.
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99 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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Showing results 1-30 of 99
What travellers are saying
- WayneTokoroa, New Zealand462 contributionsA very secure place to visit, must have a passport for overseas tourists.
Plenty of space and heaps of photo opportunities.
Make sure not to discuss anything political with anyone while there, just enjoy it. There is a large museum, monuments and other buildings to visit if you have time.Written 30 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Stefano RMilan, Italy88 contributionsI wonder why this is not yet considered as a must-see in Bejing. After a full immersion in the ancient history of the city and its historical attractions, you should consider the 798 Art Zone the first place to visit. A whole industrial district converted into an area with contemporary art galleries, shops, installations, cozy arty clubs. It is something that many big cities around the world should replicate. Honestly i loved it.Written 12 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ShannonSuva, Fiji1,177 contributionsThe widest pedestrian street in china, and the main place to sort all your retail shopping demands. Theres a wide number of international malls with dining options but I thought there was a lack of street vendor outlets compared to other Tier one city pedestrian streets. Still highly recommendedWritten 1 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jet3904833408313 contributionsFor us this was a 3.8 km walk but certainly worth the time and effort. Los of things to discover along the way. There are 2 sections one is just jewelry whilst the other has a selection of other goods. Stall holders are friendly and willing to negotiate.Written 11 August 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- RamLondon, UK123 contributionsThis is a very popular and important tourist place for local and overseas tourists. Huge place, only walking is allowed. Getting into is a security check process, lengthy que but efficient. Carry passport if from overseas.Written 11 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Qing RAuckland, New Zealand23 contributionsMuseum itself was great, we had the opportunity to see lots of treasures and learn the culture and history of China, it was very educational for children, but it is Massive! I guess for a big country to put everything in it's going to be massive, we all had vry soe feet after a full day walking.Written 20 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lance GMetro Manila, Philippines14 contributionsThe mall is stunning in the evening because of the LED ceiling outside. It's great for taking pictures or even for just going for a stroll.
The mall itself has the usual shops and food options, as with many other malls in Beijing. It is on the bigger end of the spectrum of malls in the city, though, so you won't find yourself bored in this place. Most brands here are foreign/international (e.g. Muji, Zara, H&M, Victoria's Secret, Starbucks, etc. There are many local options for food together with a few international chains.Written 25 April 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ben KingLondon, UK185 contributionsThis was our last stop on our Beijing trip. This had a nostalgic side to it, as the 2008 Beijing is the first Olympics I remember watching. The park is big, yet the sights are close together. You can view the Olympic stadium and the cube. It’s generally a nice walk through memory lane. There was an event starting when we got there too - an art & culture festival, which seemed like a lot of funWritten 14 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- clairewrobelBeijing, China47 contributionsRows upon rows upon rows of shopping! I would say over half of it is selling beads and jewelry and the other half is home goods. There were some cool sellers that would carve a name stamp for you right there. There’s also an indoor part that has more expensive shops, such as for furniture, tea, or high end jewelry.
My family didn’t buy much but got a few trinkets. Remember to haggle! Overall a good experience but I don’t plan to go back soon.Written 12 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Meline 'TourGuide' Welcome to 🇦🇲Armenia299 contributionsI went to visit Madame Tussauds Museum and it's located on Qianmen street. There are various shops, museums there. I have spent some hours there.Written 30 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben KingLondon, UK185 contributionsHouhai was probably the most touristy area we went to in Beijing. There are people trying to sell you bike rides, boat rides, food, and hand made goods. We went to see the traditional hutongs and try some street food. We did both, which were awesome, and the area was buzzing with people. We ended up stopping at a bar on the infamous Houhai bar street. There is dozens to choose from all with different themes, but they are EXPENSIVE. We paid £20 for one beer and one cocktail (which is more expensive than London). So I’d say pop into a bar or two for happy hour, but stay away during other times. It is worth walking through Houhai and the Back Lakes, indulge in some local delicacies and enjoy the view, but be prepared for the more modern tourist experienceWritten 14 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Leong Chee ShengSingapore, Singapore353 contributionsThis is a vibrant shopping district that is much better than Wangfujing. Shops are also common big brands, but the area is much more walkable, and shops are much more aesthetic in design. Shops also close pretty early for a weekend when we're there, but there are bars and drinking spots nearby that kept the area lively and interesting.Written 3 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- trust me broAntarctica2 contributionsAn incredible shopping center in Beijing! So many stores, restaurants, levels and activities! You could definitely spend a whole day day here with no regrets!
For the winter season though, the ice skating ring isn’t as good as rated. The price you pay to enter, is the price with your ice-skates included. This might be a pretty good deal for people who borrow ice-skates to skate, but as a person who has my own ice-skates I think the price should be much lower than 200RMB, especially for the tiny ice-skating ring that they are providing to you. Plus you have to pay extra for the ice-strollers for kids.Written 6 February 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sunshine41897Tampere, Finland7 contributionsAs we read the reviews before our trip, it said that no cards accepted, BUT now the cards were accepted. This was a good thing because our trip was coming to an end.
The atmosphere is cool, liked the paintings and all. Service was good and the most important thing of all was that the lamb chops we ate were the best ever!Written 14 February 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - David MOslo, Norway236 contributionsFinding a decent bar outside the hotel was not that easy. The concierge recommend Sanlitun Bar Street and as a visitor to the city I loved it. The people outside are pretty aggressive as they try and entice you into their karaoke, strip or whatever kind of bar it is. We found a small craft beer bar where we could taste various Chinese kraft beers. My colleague and enjoyed it. A welcome break from the Beijing we had been experiencing. But Beijing is a fascinating city.Written 24 December 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
