10 Things to Do on a Layover in Beijing

Personally, I don’t believe having a layover has to be a bad thing. Layovers can often be an opportunity to catch a glimpse of a city you otherwise might not have traveled to. With that in mind, here are some worthwhile places to check out if you find yourself in Beijing and don’t want to just waste time refreshing your social media at the airport:

1. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square

Let’s start with some of the classic, more obvious places in Beijing that everybody should see the first time they visit China’s capitol. First and foremost, the UNESCO World Heritage listed Forbidden City is a must see. This awe-inspiring masterpiece of Chinese architecture served as the living quarters of Chinese emperors for nearly five hundred years during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The Forbidden City

Directly in front of the Forbidden City is Tiananmen Square, a sight worth seeing in its own right, but get there early if you want to see the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where Mao Zedong’s remains are displayed, as it is only open in the morning.

2. The Great Wall

If there is any site in China more essential than the Forbidden City, it is the Great Wall. You can’t actually see it from outer space as the popular urban myth goes, but seeing it up close should definitely be on your bucket list. “Great” wasn't an adjective given to the wall without reason. The wall truly is massive with many different sections you can visit from Beijing or other parts of China. Around the capitol, there is restored and unrestored sections of the wall that are both worth seeing. You can choose to do a hardcore hike along with the “wild” parts of the wall, or see it in comfort at one of the established tourist spots. Get in touch with Trippest for quick, efficient transportation between Beijing and any parts of the wall in the surrounding area. The Great Wall of China / Photo by David Deng

3. Peking Roast Duck

If you only have time in Beijing for one meal, make sure it is the city’s signature dish, Peking roast duck. Some of the more famous establishments selling the dish are Quanjude, Bianyifang, and Dadong Kaoyadian. The matter of which Beijing restaurant serves the best and most authentic duck is a matter of hot debate among locals and expats in Beijing. If you want to partake in the discussion, you might just have to try them all!

Peking Roast Duck  /  Photo by David Deng

4. 798 Art District

If you like art, you should definitely pay a visit to the 798 Art District. Here you can see the works of the best minds in China’s contemporary art world. What was once some rusty, old factories has been transformed into a vibrant art space with dozens of galleries, cafes, and public art pieces. Beijing is a city with a lot of history, but this thriving community shows Beijing has a modern side as well.

798 Art District / Photo by He Qian

5. Hutong

No other form of architecture screams old Beijing quite like the city’s classic Hutongs (alleyways). Talking a walk through these quickly disappearing short dwellings is essential. Or better yet, take a guided tour with a knowledgeable local through the Hutongs to really soak up the folk history of Beijing. The bicycle tours of the Hutongs come highly recommended as well.

Beijing Hutong / Photo by David Deng

6. The Summer Palace

Another of Beijing’s fantastic UNESCO listed sites is the magnificent Summer Palace which features some of the most impressive gardens, landscape design, and Qing era architecture in the country. You could easily explore the palace all day, but a half day is likely enough time to catch the highlights. Chinese Emperors used to go here for leisure and escape the summer heat, so a hot summer day is not an excuse to waste time at the airport instead of taking advantage of your layover!

Customers at the Summer Palace

7. 2008 Olympic Stadiums

Did you know that in 2022 Beijing will become the first city in history to have hosted both the summer and winter Olympics? The Water Cube, where Michael Phelps famously won all those medals, will be reused for the Winter Olympic’s curling competitions, and the Bird Nest next door will see more Olympic action in 2022 as well. If you arrive around sunset, you’ll be able to take some breathtaking photos as the buildings light up at night.  2008 Olympic Stadiums

8. Daguanlou Cinema

For something a little off the beaten track, why not go see a movie at China’s oldest movie theatre? They do screenings of classics, but just because you are at an old cinema doesn’t mean you have to see an old movie. Daguanlou also screens all the latest Chinese and Hollywood blockbusters.

9. Great Leap Brewing

Fancy a brew? With three locations around town, this might be Beijing’s best craft brewery, with dozens of delicious craft beers to try, you really can’t go wrong here if you’re looking for a night out. Great Leap Brewing also serves some of the best pizza in town if you’re craving for a taste of home. If you’ve got the energy, you can do a full out pub crawl in Beijing by checking out some other watering holes, pubs, and clubs around Sanlitun.

Great Leap Brewing / Photo by Ricky Jamer

10. Peking Opera

Peking Opera can be a bit of an acquired taste, but it can also be a very rewarding experience for someone willing to try something a little different. Be sure to read up on the meanings of different coloured costumes and makeup, as each colour signifies something different about the character, and will help you understand the plot. Even if you can’t understand, the elaborate costumes and unique music should be enough to entertain!

Peking Opera

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