KEY2 Pick
Historic Site • $$$
Mutianyu Great Wall
The best-restored, least crowded major Great Wall section within day-trip range of the city, with a cable car up.
Best for: Day Trip
Experiences in Beijing
Shows, flights, drives and private access — the reasons to leave the hotel.
KEY2 Pick
Palace Museum • $$
The Forbidden City
The former imperial palace at the heart of Beijing, nearly 1,000 buildings across almost 200 acres.
Best for: History Lovers
Guided Tour • $$
Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Tour
A pedicab route through the alleys around Houhai lake, stopping at a courtyard family home along the way.
Best for: Culture Lovers
Imperial Garden • $$
Summer Palace
A vast imperial lake-and-hill garden built as the Qing court's summer retreat from the Forbidden City heat.
Best for: Day Trip
Questions, answered
What are the best experiences in Beijing?+
The KEY2 editors' top picks for experiences in Beijing are Mutianyu Great Wall, The Forbidden City. Every listing in this guide is individually vetted, with hours, prices and booking links.
Where can I find good-value experiences in Beijing?+
For $$-level experiences in Beijing, consider The Forbidden City, Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Tour, Summer Palace.
What are the best experiences in Beijing for a special occasion?+
For a splurge, the KEY2 guide recommends Mutianyu Great Wall. Reserve ahead — the booking link is on each listing.
Do I need to book experiences in Beijing in advance?+
The most popular experiences in Beijing fill up days or weeks ahead. Every KEY2 listing includes a direct reservation or booking link where one is available.
More Beijing guides