Things to Do in Beijing

Badaling Great Wall

Give yourself about 2 hours to climb up the wall if you're a slow climber, an hour or less if you're speedier. The least expensive way of getting there is to take the Bus #919 Express (#919直快, zhíkuài) from Déshèngmén (德胜门) (take Metro Line 2 to ''Jishuitan'' stop, walk past a huge number of different buses until you get to an outdoor station with a large number of 919 buses). Make sure you arrive early in the morning. The journey lasts at least one hour depending on traffic, and costs ¥12. '''Please note:''' there is more than one #919 line, and only one goes to Badaling. Also be careful about unofficial tour buses that will put a cardboard sign on their dashboard/windshield saying #919 but charge ¥50 and not even go to Badaling. Apart from the public bus, there are the official tourist buses that leave from Dongzhimen, Qianmen, and Beijing Railway Station. Tour companies charge ¥150 and usually stop at a jade factory, and one or two other stops. They do provide an English speaking guide and lunch which may be convenient. Thanks to the opening of the Beijing Suburban Railway Line S2 in 2008 it is much more convenient to reach Badaling by train. There are 16 trains per day in each direction from Beijing North Station to Badaling Station (1hr15min, Y13). The trains are brand-new and offer spacious aircraft-style seating and an on-board bar and as the line is still being developed with only 3 intermediate stations open to the public the train is always half-empty! However as the line is developed more intermediate stations are being opened resulting in more passengers and longer journey times. Once you arrive at Badaling Station, ignore the minibus drivers offering to drive you to the wall, turn left and walk about 500m to reach the main ticket office. The final option would be to hire a taxi for the day. It's common to have a 4-hour package from a taxi running somewhere around ¥600-800 (the driver should pay the tolls). Be sure to get the driver's cell phone number. Your best bet is to hire a driver using a trusted tour guide company, such as those found in the major hotels. Be sure to collect a taxi receipt as well. Near the entrance of the wall it may feel a little like you have entered a ski town, with some gift shops and coffee to warm you up to during the cold winter months.

Tickets to climb the wall are around ¥40, with discounts available for the young and the disabled.

Chongwen's hutongs

Take a walk in the rapidly disappearing small streets of the Chongwen hutongs. The present situation (March 2009) is that the area between Qianmen Dajie (前门大街) and the newly established Qianmen East Street (前门东路) is not accessible due to the ungoing renovation, which can be expected to transform the area to a touristy and commercial area like the area west of Qianmen Dajie in neighbouring Xuanwu District. Furthermore, the area further east is partly deserted due to ongoing renovation, which here seems to leave things more or less as they were, a quiet primarily residential neighbourhood with few shops and restaurants. For a less disturbed area, you might want to check out north and north east of Tiantan, which is mixed hutongs and lower apartment buildings, and with a nice laid back feel and many cheap shops and restaurants.

Hutongs

Beijing's ancient alleyways, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture. They date back to when Beijing was the capital of the Yuan dynasty (1266-1368). Most buildings in hutongs are made in the traditional courtyard (四合院 ''sìhéyuàn'') style. Many of these courtyard homes were originally occupied by aristocrats, though after the Communist takeover in 1949 the aristocrats were pushed out and replaced with poor families. Hutongs can still be found throughout the area within the 2nd Ring Road, though many are being demolished to make way for new buildings and wider roads. Most popular among tourists are the hutongs near Qianmen and Houhai. The hutongs may at first feel intimidating to travellers used to the new wide streets of Beijing, but the locals are very friendly and will often try to help you if you look lost.

Cooking Classes in a hutong

Try to create one of many Chinese dishes — from cold starters to famous noodles and dumplings. Beijing is a very interesting place for gourmet tours and exploration of the cultures and traditions through food. This is a very delicious way to learn new things! The additional bonus of such learning is that you are acquiring new skills and bringing back home a piece of Chinese culture along with fantastic taste of Chinese cuisine. One of the options is "[http://www.blacksesamekitchen.com/ The Black Sesame Kitchen]". A cooking class or a fancy dinner with explanation of major flavors and meaning of different ingredients will be given in English. Reservations are a must!

3 Black Sesame Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing, PRC 100009

¥300-350

Hidden City Game

Players explore Beijing's hutongs and parks in a bi-lingual monthly competition on Sunday afternoons. Includes activities based on Chinese traditions, such as calligraphy, music, art, food, science and games. Restaurants sponsor prizes totaling over to 5000rmb. The next events will be:* 1:30pm 25th September 2016, starting at Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang District, near Dongdaqiao Station, Line 6* 1:30pm 16th October 2016 starting at Hot Cat Club, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of the Confucius Temple and near Yonghegong Lama Temple)* 2:00pm 30th October 2016 starting at Await Cafe, 59 Xisi Nandajie, near Xisi station exit D

Mutianyu Great Wall

Less congested than Badaling, and a good place for a three hour hike. Visitors can take the #916 bus from Dongzhimen Long Distance Bus Station to Huairou (¥12). The #916 buses run every few minutes from 5:50AM to 8:30PM. From Huairou, hikers can catch a cab to the Mutianyu stretch of the Great Wall (around ¥30). Visitors can also take a cab from Beijing (¥200-300). There is also a toboggan ride (¥55) and cablecars (¥35 single, ¥50 return). The website has more information on tours and activities around the area.

Summer: 6:30AM to 6:30PM, Winter: 7:30AM to 5PM

¥41 for entrance to the wall

Cooking Classes, Tea Tastings, Hutong Tours, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Located in a traditional courtyard home in downtown Beijing, The Hutong offers many different Chinese culture programs. Visitors can attend market tours, Chinese and international cooking classes, tea tastings and tours, traditional Chinese medicine appointments, private meals and events, or just stop by the roof top terrace to get a view of the authentic hutong culture. "[http://www.thehutong.com/ The Hutong]". Chefs, guides and teachers speak English, Chinese, Spanish, Dutch and more by request.

1 Jiu Dao Wan Zhong Xiang Hutong Beijing China 北京东城区九道湾中巷1号

¥100-250

Culture Yard

Explore Chinese culture through various workshops. Culture Yard is a foreign-run cultural centre in the heart of Beijing that offers language courses as well as cultural workshops, which focus on introducing Chinese culture to the international community, and foreign culture to the local community. Culture Yard hosts film, mahjong, tea, calligraphy, discussion seminars, art classes, Mandarin and other language study programs, and wine tastings.

10 Shique Hutong (石雀胡同10号)

9AM-7PM Mo-Fr, 10AM-7PM Sa

¥1,400 per course

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Debate!

If you think yourself a very argumentative person, are looking for intellectual exercise or just want to meet people you should attend at least one of the meetings of "[http://www.beijingdebate.com/ The Beijing Debate Society]" (BDS). BDS is a not-for-profit, non-religious, non-political organisation that seeks to improve argument-building skills. BDS is governed by the British Parliamentarian Debates rules. The debating language is English.

Runqiyuan Tea House, 65 Andingmen Dong Dajie. 润琦缘茶馆 安定门东大街65号

W 20:00-22:00

free

Chongwen south of Ring Road Two

Explore the part of Chongwen stretching down beneath Ring Road Two. Here is an area, which seems to have been forgotten by the city planners. Hutongs and small shops, restaurants and businesses are thriving here seemingly undisturbed by the rapid development elsewhere in Beijing. It is a nice place for a walk into the past of Beijing with almost no traffic noise but a lot of local life in the streets.

Taoyang Road (桃杨路; Táoyánglù) and the streets just south of this

Tour the University District

Peking and Tsinghua universities are the two most prestigious in China, and have attractive campuses next to one another at the center of Beijing's university district. Not many tourists visit, and so during the summer vacation months they can be relatively tranquil spots amidst Beijing busyness. Take subway line 4 to East Gate of Peking University (北京大学东门 Běijīng Dàxué Dōngmén).

The Biggest Ocean Gymnastic Club

Has a huge sauna, 3 different kinds of spas to soak in, a steam room, and showers. After a spell in the spa room, get dressed up in pyjamas and head upstairs to witness a variety show with comedians, singers and clowns. After the show, you can relax in the reclining sofa room or grab some snacks from the cafe.

200m east of Huawei Bridge

Haidian Theater

Modern theater with quality equipment, holding a large 1000-seat hall as well as two smaller halls. Foreign movies are usually screened in the respective language with Chinese subtitles. Besides movies there are various other performances, including concerts, opera, ballet, dance, plays and more.

28 Zhongguancun Dajie, 中关村大街28号

1:30PM-8:50PM

Huguang Huiguan Theatre

Theatre primarily performing excerpts of traditional Chinese opera. The theatre has been working since the 1830s. The theatre building from 1830 is the oldest and best preserved indoor theatre in Beijing. It is in area with other traditional buildings. Next to the theatre is an opera museum.

3 Hufang Street (虎坊路3号; Hǔfānglù)

Daily 7:30-8:40PM; museum 9AM - 7:30PM

¥150-580; museum ¥10

Shopping

Souvenir stores and stalls of varying quality dot the Forbidden City. Many of these are overpriced tourist traps, but if you are interested in Chinese art, it can be a good place to find the Palace Museum's high-quality reproductions of paintings and other artworks from its collection.

Hutong Cuisine Cooking School

A few places around Nanluoguxiang now offer Chinese cooking classes. One such place, Hutong Cuisine, is run by an English-speaking chef in a small hutong home. Classes are small. Reservations are necessary. Optional market tours are also conducted before cooking classes commence.

35 Dengcao Hutong (灯草胡同35号)

10:30AM, every day

¥300 per person

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Beijing Exhibition Theater

Theater from 1954 with a theater hall with 1,000 seats. The theater is part of a multifunctional building with exhibition, hotel, restaurant and entertainment. Wide range of shows including Chinese plays, Western and Chinese operas and ballets, musicals and rock concerts.

135 Xizhimenwai St (西直门外大街135号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē)

¥80-1,280

Poly Theatre

Large theater holding 1,428 seats, eight balcony boxes and two VIP boxes. Chinese, classical music, opera and ballet performances are staged here by both Chinese and international artist groups. The [Beijing Music Festival http://www.bmf.org.cn] is also held here.

14 Donzhimen South Street (东直门南大街4号; Dōngzhíménnándàjiē)

Prices range between ¥90-380 and ¥180-1,280

The Bookworm

A Beijing institution, it's famous for its literary festival in March. This café-restaurant acts a community centre for all things bookworms love. Regular music and cultural events are held and it holds the biggest foreign-language lending library in Beijing.

Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu 工体北路4号院

Daily 9am-late

50-80 pp

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Rent a bicycle

Traverse some of the remaining hutongs. There is no better way to see Beijing firsthand than on a bicycle but just be very aware of cars (Chinese driving styles may differ from those you are used to). See above for bike rental information.

Foot massage

Have a highly enjoyable and relaxing foot massage and/or pedicure etc (for a fraction of the price in the West) from any of the respectable and professional offerings in central Beijing (in the vicinity of the Beijing Hotel for example).

National Centre for the Performing Arts

Theater complex with three halls (opera, music and theater) covering almost 12,000m2 and seating a total of 5,452 people. One of the most stunning buildings in Beijing and a must see even if not attending an opera or concert.

2 West Chang'an St (西长安街2号; Xīchángānjiē)

Tianyi Farm Strawberry Emporium

A large strawberry farm in the countryside of Changping. From December to May you can pick your own strawberries for purchase. The strawberries are expensive so remember to pick only the best ones you can find.

150 yuan per kilo

Chaoyang Theater

Theater focusing on acrobatics, but also some Peking Opera. Acrobatics shows are impressive and slick, with a 'tropical bird' theme. The Peking Opera shows are in a small side theatre, and fairly amateur.

36 Northend of East Ring Road Three (东三环北路36号; Dōngsānhuánběilù)

Performances usually at 5:15PM and 7:15PM

¥180-¥680

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Tsinghua Chi

A spa experience from the famous Qinghua Chi, established in 1905. Great service. Affordable TCM treatments. Try the Ba Guan (Cupping) or acupuncture or opt for simpler manicure and pedicure and Massage.

Caribbean Lagoon Waterpark

Large Caribbean themed water theme park with waterslides, wave pool, lazy river pool and island. Mediocre Chinese restaurants available but good picnic areas if you bring your own food.

118 Quanshuitou, Yanxi Town, Huairou District (怀柔区雁栖镇泉水头118号; Huáiróuqū Yànqīzhèn Quánshuǐtóu)

10AM-4PM

¥120

Take a tour of Capital Steel

Since 2001, Capital Steel has been offering tours of its facilities and explanations of how steel is made. Get a Chinese-speaker to call find out when the tours are running.

Capital Theater

This theater is used by a number of different theater groups, including Beijing People's Art Theater. Performances include both contemporary and classical Chinese plays.

22 Wangfujing Street (王府井大街22号; Wángfǔjǐngdàjiē)

Tu-Sa: 6PM

Price range between ¥40-500 and ¥120-680

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Goose'N'Duck Ranch

Ranch with activities including go-kart racing, horseback riding, archery, paintball, both outdoor and indoor swimming pool, bowling, table tennis and party games.

怀柔县怀柔北宅; Huáiróuxiàn Huáiróuběizhái

One day package including food, bevarage and internal transporting ¥260; Two day package including food, bevarage, internal transportation and accommodation ¥600

Clocks demonstration

Some of the fanciest mechanical clocks from the Imperial collection are wound up and put into action twice a day - watch them reveal their elaborate surprises.

Clocks gallery - Hall of Ancestral Offering

11:00, 14:00

¥10 entry to gallery

Beijing Planetarium

Here you can watch movement of stars and planets, creation of the solar system, evolution of life, space shuttle simulation and the history of the sun.

138 Xizhimenwai St (西直门外大街138号; Xīzhíménwàidàjiē)

W-F 10AM-4PM; Sa Su 9AM-4:30PM; M closed

¥30-45

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New China Children's Store

Play center for children where the kids can catch goldfish, play in the gigantic sandpit or other. They also sell all kind of gear for children.

168 Wangfujing Street (王府井大街168号; Wángfǔjǐngdàjiē)

9AM-10PM

¥10-20 each ride

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Tianqiao Theatre

Theater with a seating capacity of 1,200 with performance of local folk music and dance, talk shows, and international ballet and musicals.

Beiwei Road (北纬路30号; Běiwěilù)

From 7:30PM

¥100-600

Century Theater

Upscale theater frequented by expats. Performances include dramas, classical concerts, dance performances, opera and other musical events.

40 Liangmaqiao Road (亮马桥路40号; Liàngmǎqiáolù)

Mandarin Pro

Their strength is in their Chinese language teaching methodology and organizing various language- and culture-related activities.

10B, Tower F, Fuhua Building, 8 Chaoyangmen North Street 朝阳门北大街8号富华大厦F座10B

International Shooting Range

Shoot Chinese automatic guns and other crazy military grade weapons at the International Shooting Range north of Beijing.

Crab Island

Artificial beach with real sand, parasols and beach chairs. Features a large pool with wave machine and water slides.

1 Xiedao Road (蟹岛路1号; Xièdǎolù)

Summer 8AM-1AM

Free

Read about China at the National Library

The National Library has a large collection of books in English about China. Day-passes can obtained for a small fee.

33 Zhongguancun Nadajie 海淀区中关村南大街33号

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China Puppet Theater

Both classical Western and classical Chinese plays for children performed by puppets. Also a playground available.

1 Anhua Xili, East Ring Road Three(东三环安华西里甲1号; Dōngsānhuán ānhuáxīlǐ)

Performances throughout the day

Chang'an Grand Theater

Traditional Chinese performances with focus on Beijing Opera. Also has a shop with paintings and folk handicrafts.

7 Jianguomennei Street (建国门内大街7号; Jiànguóménnèidàjiē)

9AM-7:30PM

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Chongwen Workers' Palace

Theater specialised in kung fu plays. Also art and culture exhibitions as well as a cinema in the same building.

44 Xingfu Dajie (幸福大街44号; Xìngfúdàjiē)

Li Yuan Theatre

Plays from the Beijing Opera repertoire. Also exhibitions of opera costumes and other. Tea and snacks available.

175 Yong'anlu (永安路175号; Yǒng'ānlù)

7:30 - 8:45PM

¥280-580

Universal Theater

Acrobatic show performed by China Acrobatic Troupe. The theater itself is less impressive than the show.

10 Dongzhimen South Street (东直门南大街10号; Dōngzhíménnándàjiē)

7:15PM

¥180-480

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Tuanjiehu Pool

Water park with beach, pool with wave machine and water slides. Open only during the summer months.

16 Tuanjiehu South Road (团结湖南路16号; Tuánjiéhú Nánlù)

¥30

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Central Conservatory of Music

The main purpose of the conservatory is to educate musicians. Concerts now and then.

43 Baojia St (鲍家街43号; Bàojiā Jiē)

Beijing Youth Palace

Cinemas with Chinese and foreign movies. Also music and dance classes available.

68 Xizhimen Nanxiao St (西直门南小街68号; Xīzhímén Nánxiǎo Jiē)

Ethnic Cultural Palace Theatre

Performances of classical music, ballet, musical, opera, drama plays and movies.

49 Fuxingmennei St (复兴门内大街49号; Fùxīngménnèidàjiē)

Natooke

Bicycle shop for hire, purchases and upgrades owned by a champion bike acrobat.

19-1 Wudaoying Hutong 五道营胡同甲19-1号

Daily 10am-7pm

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Happy Land Arts and Crafts Center

The center offers pottery, painting, paper folding, jewelry making and other.

Xibaixinzhuang, Houshayu, Shunyi District (顺义区后沙峪西白辛庄; Shùnyìqū Hòushāyù Xībáixīnzhuāng)

Summer 9AM-6PM; winter 9AM-5PM

Philippe Active Space Station

Play center for children including ball pool, maze and arts and crafts area.

43 Pinganli Xidajie (平安里西大街43号; Píngānlǐxīdàjiē)

Tu-Su 9AM-5:30PM

¥20; children ¥30

Goldsail Concert Hall

Small concert hall without speakers. Suitable for chamber music also.

24 Wangfujing Street (24 Wangfujing Street (王府井大街24号; Wángfǔjǐngdàjiē)

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Central Experimental Drama Theater

Both Chinese and foreign plays and both classical and experimental.

45A Mao'er Hutong, Di'anmenwai Street (地安门外大街猫儿胡同45号; Dìānménwàidàjiēmāoérhútòng)

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Beijing Bocce League

A great place to enjoy your free time by playing sports

Xinzhong Street and Worker Stadium North Road 新中街跟工人体育场北路

Saturday 3PM till late

RMB 50 - 300

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Beijing Seven-Color Light Children's Theater

As the name would suggest, shows for children

14 Ju'er Hutong, Jiaodaokou (交道口菊儿胡同14号; Jiāodàokǒujúérhútòng)

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China Children's Art Theater

Established in 1956. Stages children's plays.

64 Donganmen Street (东安门大街64号; Dōngānméndàjiē)

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Central Academy of Drama Theater

Performances include both plays and dance.

39 Dongmianhua Hutong (东棉花胡同39号; Dōngmiánhuahútòng)

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Strawberry Fest

Music festival focusing on local bands.

Tongzhou Canal Park

Annual around 1 May

¥60 per day

Houhai

Take a walk in the Houhai area.

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Lao She Teahouse

See listing in Drink Section.

Raying Temple

An underground music venue.

Fundazzle

Large indoor playground.

Gongti South Road (工体南路; Gōngtǐ Nánlù)

M-F 9AM-5:30PM, Sa-Su 9AM-7PM

Adults ¥15 in weekends, work days free; Children ¥30

Tongzhou Pool

Outdoor swimmping pool.

Summer 1-9PM

¥25

Party Life

Karaoke.

3 Chongwenmenwai Street (崇文门外大街3号; Chóngwénménwàidàjiē)

24 hours