Beijing

Hutong lanes, teahouse afternoons & imperial landmarks

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Beijing is one of the most rewarding places to explore, and this local guide brings together the best things to do, where to eat and where to stay in one place. Highlights include Wudaoying Hutong, Pearl Market (Hongqiao) and Nanluogu Alley. Food lovers should not miss Daoxiangcun Pastries and Siji Minfu. Below you will find 13 hand-picked local recommendations across sights, restaurants, hotels and tours, which you can filter by category and budget to plan the perfect trip, whether you have a weekend or a week.

Beijing at a glance

Ideal stay: 2 to 3 days
Best time to visit: spring and autumn
Highlights: Wudaoying Hutong and Pearl Market (Hongqiao)
Where to stay: Mutianyu and Chaoyang
Local picks: 13 hand-chosen recommendations
Getting around: walkable, plus easy public transport

Local tips for Beijing

Stories and neighbourhood know-how from our local guides.

Local tipsBest Things to Do in Beijing: A Local’s GuideThe best things to do in Beijing, chosen by locals: top sights, where to eat, where to stay and the…

Where to stay in Beijing

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Dongcheng

Da Dong

The celebrated modern take on lean, crackling Peking duck.

★ 4.5

$$$

Dao Xiang Cun (稻香村)

It has the best native Beijing PASTRIES and DESSERTS that Beijingers have loved for more than 100 years. The store maintains our favorite flavors through generations while bringing new elements to their…

Dongcheng

Daoxiangcun Pastries

A Beijing institution for over a century, beloved for traditional pastries and desserts. Locals grab them for breakfast alongside porridge. Point at the counter to pick one of each and find your favourite – try the tao su cookie or the walnut he tao pai.

★ 4.4

Centre

Forbidden City

The vast, moated imperial palace at the very heart of Beijing.

★ 4.8

Mutianyu

Great Wall at Mutianyu Day Trip

A day trip to the restored, less-crowded Mutianyu stretch of the Great Wall.

★ 4.8

Chaoyang

Hotel Eclat Beijing

An art-filled luxury hotel dotted with Dali and contemporary works.

★ 4.5

$$$

Centre

Jingshan Park

The hilltop park with the classic postcard view over the Forbidden City.

★ 4.6

Dongcheng

Nanluogu Alley

One of Beijing’s most famous hutongs – a lively lane mixing old courtyard homes (some former residences of Chinese celebrities) with handicraft shops and snack bars. Wander off into the side alleys for the real surprises, and try local treats like double-skinned milk and candied fruits.

★ 4.3

Hongqiao

Pearl Market (Hongqiao)

A multi-storey market right by the Temple of Heaven, best known for pearls on the lower floors and a sprawling mix of stalls above. It’s tidier than it once was, but still a fun spot for a spot of good-natured haggling.

★ 4.1

Dongcheng

Siji Minfu

A local favourite for crisp Peking duck near the Forbidden City.

★ 4.6

Haidian

Summer Palace

The imperial lakeside gardens, pavilions and long painted corridor.

★ 4.7

Dongcheng

Temple of Heaven

The serene Ming temple and its park of locals dancing and practising tai chi.

★ 4.7

Sanlitun

The Opposite House

A sleek, light-filled design hotel in buzzing Sanlitun.

★ 4.6

$$$

Dongcheng

Wudaoying Hutong

A narrow, easy-to-miss hutong running parallel to the Confucius Temple approach, now dotted with stylish cafes, tea houses and little craft and jewellery shops. It comes alive late morning – a relaxed, not-too-touristy stroll after visiting the Lama Temple opposite.

★ 4.4

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Beijing travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Beijing?

Two to three days is enough to enjoy the highlights of Beijing at a relaxed pace.

Where is the best area to stay in Beijing?

Stay central and walkable to the main sights for a first visit.

What are the best things to do in Beijing?

Browse the local picks above, from top sights and museums to where to eat and stay. Or read our best things to do in Beijing guide.

What is the best time to visit Beijing?

Spring and autumn usually bring the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds, though Beijing is worth visiting year-round.