25 Ultimate Things To Do In Beijing

Like China itself, Beijing is a study in contrasts: old versus new, tradition versus innovation, Chinese versus Western. These juxtapositions make this sprawling city a fascinating and vibrant place, but given its size (more than 21 million inhabitants) and history (three millennia and counting), Beijing can seem like an overwhelming destination to visit. Still, every city has its superlatives, so we’ve handpicked the best of Beijing for you to consider for your next trip. Spectacular palaces, historic temples, beautiful parks, bargain shopping, addictive cuisine, and so much more await you in the Chinese capital. —Michael Alan Connelly