20+ COOL THINGS TO DO IN BEIJING, CHINA- OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

As someone who has spent a lot of time in Beijing, I can say that there are many cool things to do in Beijing, the capital of China beyond the tourist attractions.

Beijing is my favorite city in China. Maybe because I know it so well.

I worked in Beijing on and off for many years and I spent a lot of time there wandering its alleyways or hutongs and sampling its street food.

The off-the-beaten-path places and quirky things to do in Beijing are among the best things you can find in this ancient city.

Of course, when in Beijing you must see the highlights; Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Lama Temple, the Great Wall of China, the Ming Dynasty Tombs and other historical sites.

Visit my post on Beijing Highlights: What You Must See.

But to get a good feel for the real Beijing, check out these unique and cool things to do in Beijing and include them in your travel plan.

These sites are all easily accessible by Beijing’s very efficient subway line and general public transport although taxis are also pretty cheap. 

Just pick up a Time Out in English, or ask your hotel concierge for contact details.

TEN COOL THINGS TO DO IN BEIJING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Explore Beijing’s hutongs.

The best way to see Beijing’s hutong, or narrow alleyways, is in a rickshaw.  Most rickshaws are motorized now. There are central rickshaw rental locations at the Drum and Bell Tower and Beihai Park.

Insider tip: Hiring a rickshaw is a good idea and a fun way to wander old Beijing, absorb the local culture and see how the local people live.

Make sure to negotiate the fee beforehand. Use hand signals if you don’t speak Chinese. 

They’re used to it and will understand you.  Plus it’s fun. There is no language barrier when people want to understand each other.

Stay in a hutong hotel.

These are the traditional style Chinese homes that have been around for centuries.

A much more authentic experience than the local standard hotel. You can find these online. Here is one typical option for hutong hotels.

If you prefer a Western-style hotel rather than a hutong hotel, here are Beijing accommodations in the centrally located Beijing City Center.

You can get to any of Beijing’s fabulous attractions from this district. 

Visit Wangfujing’s night market. 

Wangfujing is a major pedestrian shopping street. A few yuan (Chinese currency) will get you a steaming plate of spicy dumplings. 

They also have a very interesting variety of food specialties including scorpions.

Spend an afternoon at 798 Art Zone.

I highly recommend spending an afternoon at the 798 Art Zone. This art district is about 5 square blocks of reclaimed factory space converted into an art venue.

They have special exhibits, nice restaurants, shops selling unique pieces of art, souvenir shops and a funky vibe.

Enjoy the view from the Drum and Bell Tower.

These structures were built around 1272 CE! (no, that’s not a typo) during the Song Dynasty 960-1279 CE, and are among the oldest temples in Beijing.

They offer a glimpse into the city’s long history.

Make sure to see the Drum Show.

The climb to the top of these towers is very steep but the panoramic view of Beijing and the surrounding hutongs, or narrow streets, is worth it.

Get a massage at Dragonfly.

Dragonfly is a chain of massage spas found in many major cities in China and one of my favorite spots in the city. Beijing has about 5 branches. 

The reasonably priced massages at this oasis of tranquility are heavenly and are a great way to just chill, the perfect place to rejuvenate.

Spend an entire day if you can afford the time and get everything done; facial, mani-pedi, head and foot massage. 

I once went to Dragonfly in the morning then went to a different branch in the afternoon because I didn’t want the first place to think I was addicted to massages. 

It’s THAT good. Definitely one of the best things to do in Beijing. Check them out Dragonfly here.

Dress up like an Empress in the Forbidden City.

Ok, it’s tacky, I know.  But, cultural appropriation notwithstanding, dressing up in period costumes is one of my guilty pleasures and it might be one of yours.

So there you have it. 

One of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had was dressing up with one of the attendants at the Forbidden City and pretending to be members of the ancient Royal Court.

Whether you dress up or not, visit the Forbidden City. It’s certainly not off the beaten path, but within this vast area surrounded by the city moat are many hidden gems of Beijing.

The Forbidden City is in the Dongcheng District of Beijing.

Built in the early 1400s it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s most popular tourist attractions with foreign visitors as well a Chinese tourists.

The sheer size of this ancient building is what will amaze you. One great hall leads to an even larger different room with period furniture and beautiful collections of Chinese artifacts.

Top tips for the Forbidden City: Wear comfortable shoes. The best time to go is in the late afternoon in time to see the reflection of the sun on the golden temple roofs.

Party at a jazz club in Beihai Lake Park.

A short walk from the Forbidden City is Beihai Lake Park. It’s beautiful during the day with its gardens and graceful curved Chinese bridges.

But at night it really rocks with clubs featuring all kinds of music.

This is the best place in Beijing to stroll the park and lakeside restaurants, check out the jazz clubs and interact with the Chinese people.

Sample world-class dumplings at Dintaifung.

If you eat nothing else in Beijing, you must sample dumplings at Dintaifung, a Taiwanese chain of restaurants featuring dozens of dumpling flavors and other delicacies.

Hunt for antiques at the Panjiayuan Antique Market.

You go here more for the experience than the actual antiques.  It’s an open-air market with stalls displaying paintings, jade art, porcelain and many other offerings.

It’s fun to walk around but unless you’re an antique dealer, you never know what you’re buying.  Still, they have some very pretty things.

What are some lesser-known attractions in Beijing?

If you’re looking for lesser-known attractions in Beijing, there are plenty to choose from. Some of these include the Xishiku Church, a historic Roman Catholic church in the Gothic style.

Another unique destination is Bai Gong Fang Street.

Here you’ll find a collection of about 30 shops selling high-end Chinese artifacts. The venue was designed as a way to keep Chinese arts and crafts alive.

Don’t miss the Beijing Ancient Observatory built in 1442 during the Ming Dynasty.

And, of course, you must see Prince Gong’s Mansion. Constructed in 1777, this is a collection of Chinese homes built in a garden environment.

Beautiful architecture in a lovely setting to absorb Chinese history and culture.

This post only covers off-the-beaten-track things to do in Beijing. See all the fascinating options you have for exploring all of China off-the-beaten-track. 

And for a real bang (pun intended) check out the coolest places to spend Chinese New Year’s

Where can I find the hidden gems in Beijing?

Insider tip: Beijing is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Get off the beaten track by visiting the hutongs, the lesser-known temples street markets and local parks.

Top tips for getting around Beijing

Beijing has an efficient and convenient subway or metro system. Buses are also efficient. Taxis are available.

You might want to call one from a hotel lobby rather than find one in the street.

Renting a bike is an option, especially for riding around the expansive and beautiful parks.

Lastly, Beijing’s equivalent to Uber or Lyft is Didi, but you must download the app.

If you’re looking for a complete guide, here is a comprehensive list of China travel tips.

Absorb a little bit of the city before you go. Here are two books I recommend highly. Both capture the essence of Beijing like no others: Midnight in Peking and The Incarnations. 

What are your thoughts on off-beat Beijing?

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