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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Old City

Nanluoguxiang

Chaoyang

Panjiayuan Antique Market

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

Xiangjiang / Shunyi border

Roundabout Charity Store

Why it matters: opened in 2008 by longtime Beijing volunteer Leslie Simpson, Roundabout was mainland China’s first charity store, and store proceeds fund medical care for orphans plus support for 80-some charitable organizations across China and Mongolia. The volunteer-run shop is a proper treasure hunt: secondhand books, furniture, clothes and expat cast-offs at bargain prices, with one of the city’s best English-language used-book selections. Every kuai you spend goes to the cause, since store sales cover all overheads. Practical tip: it’s out toward Shunyi near Cathay View Plaza, so pair it with a lazy brunch in the villa district rather than a downtown day.

Dongcheng

Siji Minfu

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

★ 4.4

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

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Sanlitun

The Opposite House

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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

Before you go

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Find hotels in Beijing Book tours and experiences

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.