beijing places to visit at night

20 Exciting Things to Experience in Beijing at Night

Discover the captivating allure of Beijing’s nightlife, where exploration and entertainment await even after the sun sets. Despite not being a 24/7 city like its Western counterparts, Beijing exudes a unique charm after dark. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a thrill seeker, the city offers many exciting activities. Join us as we embark on a journey through the enchanting nightlife of this extraordinary capital.

1. Take a Moonlit Stroll Around the Forbidden City

Tiananmen Square Experience the mesmerizing ambiance of the Forbidden City under the moonlight. While the Forbidden City closes early, the surrounding areas offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities. Most visitors flock to Tiananmen Square during the day, but the evening view is even more enchanting. After the flag-lowering ceremony, the area down the Tiananmen Tower remains open to the public at night.

2. Ascend Jinshan Park for Panoramic Views

Climb to the top of Jinshan Park and be rewarded with panoramic views of Beijing’s cityscape. This picturesque park is renowned for its stunning vistas, especially during sunset. On Friday, Saturday, and Chinese holidays, the illuminated towers of the Forbidden City create a mesmerizing sight.

3. Capture the Forbidden City’s Beauty at the Turret

Take a memorable photo with the Forbidden City as your backdrop at the turret with the moat. This vantage point offers an excellent location to witness the sunrise or sunset in all its splendor.

4. Unwind in the Serenity of Beihai Park

Relax in the serene atmosphere of Beihai Park , which remains open until 8 pm (9 pm from April to October). This tranquil oasis is perfect for an evening stroll and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.

5. Indulge in the Laid-Back Ambiance of Houhai Bar Street

Immerse yourself in the laid-back ambiance of Houhai Bar Street, central Beijing. This lakeside area is a popular spot for locals and visitors, offering the perfect setting to relax with a refreshing beverage and enjoy the gentle breeze from Shishahai Lake.

Other Attractions

6. Marvel at the Beijing Skyline from the Top of the CCTV Tower

Gaze in awe at the breathtaking Beijing skyline from the circular open viewing platform atop the CCTV Tower. Standing at 238 meters, this unique vantage point provides an unforgettable panoramic experience. To complete the evening, savor a delightful meal at the revolving restaurant within the tower.

7. Explore the Illuminated Olympic Park

Discover the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube at the Olympic Park , illuminating the night sky from 7 pm to 9 pm, offering a captivating display of architectural brilliance. This site gained global recognition during the 2008 Olympics.

8. Take an Enchanting Stroll through the Summer Palace

Experience the enchanting lights of the Summer Palace as the sun sets. This magnificent palace remains open until late, providing a magical setting for memorable photographs.

9. Embark on a Culinary Adventure at Wangfujing Food Market

Delight in a culinary adventure at Wangfujing Food Market, a vibrant culinary hub in Beijing. Sample a wide array of delicious street food, including the famous Beijing dumplings, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this famous market.

10. Discover Authentic Chinese Cuisine at Ghost Street

Explore the flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine at Ghost Street (Gui Jie), known for its diverse culinary delights. With numerous Chinese restaurants open until midnight, this street is a haven for food enthusiasts.

11. Savor the Renowned Beijing Duck

Indulge in the renowned Beijing Duck , a must-try delicacy for all visitors to the city. We’ve curated a list of the top Peking Duck restaurants in Beijing, ensuring you have an unforgettable dining experience.

Shopping Markets and Malls

12. Immerse Yourself in the Charm of Nanluoguxiang

Immerse yourself in the charm of Nanluoguxiang , a bustling hutong renowned for its unique shops and vibrant atmosphere. Explore a variety of stores offering everything from food and clothing to electronics, creating the perfect blend of travel and shopping.

13. Venture into Silk Street

Embark on a shopping spree at the famous Silk Street shopping mall, a haven for international travelers seeking branded replicas. While the mall has changed in recent years, you can still find a wide selection of products on the lower level.

14. Experience the Stunning LED Display at The Palace

Be captivated by the stunning LED ceiling display outside The Palace shopping mall. With flagship stores like Zara and MAC, this mall is a shopper’s paradise, where you can indulge in retail therapy while admiring the captivating evening lights.

15. Discover the Vibrant Atmosphere of Solana

Uncover the vibrant atmosphere of Solana, a famous shopping mall boasting a wide range of brands. The mall’s evening illumination creates a captivating backdrop for unique and memorable photos.

Beijing Night Activities

16. Raise a Glass in Beijing in a nice local bar

Beijing, the capital of China, is known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant and diverse bar scene. From trendy rooftop bars to hidden gems tucked away in alleyways, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

17. Be Amazed by the Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theatre

Marvel at breathtaking acrobatic routines of flexibility involving chairs, bikes, jumping hoops, spinning plates, and human strength. Acrobats and gymnasts from throughout China perform awe-inspiring routines at Chaoyang Theatre.

18. Experience the Rich Heritage of Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre

Be captivated by the captivating performance of Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese opera. Complete with elaborate costumes, music, and storytelling, this performance is an authentic cultural experience.

19. Camp on the Great Wall of China

Embark on a unique adventure by camping at night on the Great Wall of China. Witness the majestic beauty of this ancient wonder under the starry night sky and create memories that will last a lifetime.

20. Dance the Night Away at Sanlitun

Unleash your inner party animal at Sanlitun, Beijing’s renowned nightlife district. With a wide selection of bars, clubs, and live music venues, Sanlitun offers an exhilarating nightlife experience.

With so many options, Beijing’s nightlife promises endless excitement and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, indulging in culinary delights, shopping, or enjoying thrilling performances, Beijing at night has something for everyone.

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Beijing Nightlife Guide: Shows, Attractions, Food 2024/2025

As the capital city of China, Beijing is a bustling city with stunning cityscape at night. The nightlife in Beijing is more than bars and karaoke, you can either go to explore various attractions, night markets, and fancy shopping malls or stay indoor to watch a Kungfu show, an acrobatic performance, and maybe the Peking Opera. Here, we have the best things to do and best places to go at night in Beijing, offering you a detailed and useful Beijing nightlife guide!

Top 3 Best Night Shows in Beijing

If you come to Beijing for the first time, the nightlife in Beijing can not be fully understood without watching the famous traditional shows. If you come with children or come as a whole family, the exciting Kungfu show at Red Theater and the amazing acrobatics show at Chaoyang Theater may get everyone's attention. If you would like to learn more about the traditional Beijing opera, you can go to Liyuan Theater and enjoy the essence of Chinese Culture.

Watch a Stunning Kungfu Show

Performed by the best of China's Kung Fu practitioners, the Legend of Kung Fu Show is recommended as a wonderful evening entertainment for all ages. The story tells about a young monk's growth from a boy to a confident Kung Fu master, overcoming his fears and many obstacles. It is not just about kung fu but also dance and the music is all great. All the narrative is shown in both Chinese and English so you can easily understand the story.

• Where to Watch: Red Theater (Chinese:红剧场 Pinyin:hóng jù chǎng) • Duration: over 1 hour • Address: 44 Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District, Beijing 北京市崇文区幸福大街44号

Enjoy an Amazing Acrobatic Performance

Chaoyang Theater is one of the top venues to enjoy traditional Acrobatics Shows in Beijing. This is what Chaoyang theater has made its fame, and it has been performing for over 20 years, and received over 3 million guests from overseas, including numerous foreign celebrities, leaders, and officials. The various acrobatic performances are very stunning, such as bicycle acrobatics, ballet, hoop jumping, ball skills, contortion, and Chinese magic tricks, etc.

• Where to Watch: Chaoyang Theater (Chinese: 朝阳剧场 Pinyin: cháo yáng jù chǎng) • Duration: over 1 hour • Address: Chaoyang Theater, 36 Dongsanhuan North Road, Chaoyang District 朝阳区东三环北路36号

Appreciate the Peking Opera

Peking opera, or Beijing opera is the most dominant form of Chinese opera which combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance and acrobatics. To watch the most authentic Peking Opera and get to understand the Chinese culture, you are recommended to go to Liyuan Theater, which was founded in 1979 and lead by the most famous Peking Opera actors, such as Cheng Yanqiu and Mei Lanfang. Besides watching the opera, you can also try the opera dress and masks and buy the instruments, paintings, Chinese calligraphy here.

• Where to Watch: Liyuan Theater (Chinese: 梨园 Pinyin: lí yuán) • Duration: over 1 hour • Address: 1st Floor, Qianmen Jianguo Hotel, 175 Yong'an Road, Xuanwu District 宣武区永安路175号前门建国饭店1楼

Top 4 Best Places to Enjoy the Nightscape

If you would like to move around or stroll a little bit, going to the different scenic sites in Beijing to enjoy its amazing nightscape should be on your to-do list. The top 3 places to visit at night are Beihai Park, Jingshan Park, Chang'an Avenue, and Olympic park, where the scenery may be varied, but altogether beautiful.

Beihai Park

Beihai Park (Chinese: 北海公园 Pinyin: běi hǎi gōng yuán) is a beautiful public park, located in the northwestern part of Beijing and connected at its northern end to the Shichahai, and it used to be an imperial garden. With a lot of royal towers, doorways, pavilions and bridges still lighted at night, the park is beyond what the words can describe. Especially during summer time, the artificial lights is intermingled with the moon light and reflections from the lake with the gentle breeze, and it can be a masterpiece to witness the Chinese garden art.

• Type:  Sights & Landmarks, Water & Amusement Parks • Opening Hours: 06:30 ~ 20:00 • Ticket: CNY 10 • Address: No. 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京市西城区文津街1号

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park (Chinese: 景山公园 Pinyin: jǐng shān gōng yuán) is the best place enjoy the nigtscape of the Forbidden City and central Beijing, a perfect photography and sightseeing site. This park is still open after sunset, and won't be closed until 9pm in summer and 8pm in winter.

It is recommended to climb 'Scenic Hill' (Jingshan) at dusk, when the Forbidden City is particularly beautiful, clothed in the golden sun ray with the artificial light on later, and the eaves and roof tops are still gorgeous and stunning in the dark . Look to the further, you could only image how the shimmering cityscape, the palaces of Beijing, have endured over thousands of years.

• Type: Historical Sites, Architectural Buildings, Museum, World Heritage Site • Opening Hours: Apr – Oct: 6:30 to 21:00 / Nov – Mar: 6:30 to 20:00 • Ticket: Apr to Oct: 10 RMB / Nov to Mar: 5RMB • Address: No.44 Jingshan West Street, Xichengcheng District, Beijing 北京市西城区景山西街44号

Beijing Chang'an Avenue and Tiananmen Square

Chang'an Avenue (Chinese: 长安街 Pinyin: chǎng ān jiē), built in the Ming Dynasty, enduring over 600 years, is the most important street in China. The parade and important events will be held here and the famous Tian'anmen Square is located in the central area of the street, dividing the west and east part of the street. Strolling at the massive square of Tiananmen or along this bustling street, you can enjoy the cityscape at the heart of Beijing and overlook the busy aorta of China glowing in the dark.

• Type: Historical Sites, Architectural Buildings, Avenue, Interest & Landmarks • Opening Hours: 5:00 ~ 22：00 • Ticket: Free • Address: Chang'an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing北京市东城区长安街

Beijing Olympic Park

Beijing Olympic Park (Chinese: 奥林匹克公园 Pinyin: ào lín pǐ kè gōng yuán), also called Olympic Green, is another wonderful site to enjoy the nightscape of Beijing. Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the Bird's Nest and Water Cube are inside the park, and lit up in red, blue or multiple-colored. You will be amazed at the two magnificent buildings and complete your traveling experience by enjoy the modern architectural masterpieces.

• Type: Sights & Landmarks, Parks • Opening Hours: 6:30 - 22:00 (May - October); 7:30 - 21:30 (November - April) • Ticket: Free (not including entrance fee of stadiums) • Address: #15 Beichen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京市朝阳区北辰东路15号

Top 3 Most Popular Night Markets in Beijing

Besides fine dinings and fancy restaurants, the night markets and food streets can not be missed during your food adventures in Beijing. The authentic Beijing snacks include sugar coated hawthorns, rolling donkey, pea flour cake, sticky rice cake with fillings, and there are also some interesting snacks that may need to take courage to try: deep fried insects and scorpions on a stick, pig's intestines in the meat broth, boiled lamb tripe, etc.

Wangfujing Food Street

Wangfujing Food Street is the most popular night market for its convenient location and large-scaled snack stalls. It covers an area of more than 2,000 square meters with complete facilities and opens 24 hours. Besides different kinds of stalls selling takeouts and kebabs, such as barbecue kebabs, sugar coated gourds, tea soup, pancakes and fruits, etc. Sometimes, you can even find snacks from other countries.

• Chinese:  王府井小吃街 • Pinyin:  wáng fǔ jǐng xiǎo chī jiē • Location:  Wangfujing Food Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京东城区王府井小吃街

Guijie (Ghost Street)

Since there are many embassies around Guijie, which also makes it convenient for foreign tourists and staff in Beijing to enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisines. It opens for 24 hours. Ninety percent of the stores at Guijie are restaurants, selling many well-known snacks and food in Beijing, Besides the traditional Beijing food, the most recommended food here is the spicy crayfish (麻辣小龙虾，má xiǎo) , the spicy crab, the frog hot pot and the roast fish.

• Chinese:  簋街 • Pinyin:  guǐ jiē • Location:  Dongzhimen Inner Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市东城区东直门内大街

Shichahai Food Street (Houhai Food Street)

Shichahai (Shicha Sea 什刹海) is a huge artificial lake, which belonged to the old royal family in the ancient time. The nightscape here is very beautiful. The Shichahai food zone includes Houhai Bar Street, Yandaixie Street, Yinyingqiao Food Street and Drum Tower of Di'anmen Outer Street. Hundreds of restaurants are gathered here. Some have been built here since the Qing Dynasty. More than 300 kinds of Beijing snacks gathered here, let alone international food and regional cuisines. Gourmet food, beautiful scenery, featured bars, all can be found in Shichahai Food Zone.

• Chinese:  什刹海小吃街 • Pinyin:  shí shā hǎi xiǎo chī jiē • Location:  Yinding Bridge, Houhai, Xicheng District, Beijing 北京西城区后海银锭桥

Top 3 Best Shopping Malls at Night

Besides enjoying the nightscape of Beijing and hunting for food at different night markets, you can always find a place to shop. Wangfujing has been the most famous shopping area since decades ago, and you can buy souvenirs and featured gifts, like handcrafts and packed Beijing snacks. For younger generations, you are more recommended to go to Sanlitun where you can find more fashionable brands and products. Shopping with kids, the lakeside shopping mall, Solana may be a good choice.

With the convenient location near Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, crowded with numerous all kind of shops and restaurants, Wangfujing Street is the busiest and most prosperous commercial street in Beijing. Equipped with numerous upscale shops and boutiques, it has been a vibrant shopping area for both local people and foreign tourists for a long time. There are many world-famous brands and most of shop keepers have a good knowledge of English. There are many time-honored stores, including Ruifuxiang Silk & Cotton Shop (瑞蚨祥) Shengxifu Hat Store (盛锡福), Gongmei Mansion (工美大厦) and Mass at Oriental Plaza (东方新天地) and so on. Apart from shopping, Wangfujing Street is also a good place to taste street food and enjoy the nightscape.

• Chinese:  王府井大街 • Pinyin:  wáng fǔ jǐng dà jiē • Location:  Wangfujing Avenue, Dongcheng District, Beijing 北京市东城区王府井大街

Known for its fashionable dining and nightlife scene, Sanlitun is a popular destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, which contains many bar streets and international stores. There, you can find the massive shopping mall Taikoo Li. It is an open shopping area, composed of 19 modern buildings. You can find many world-famous brands ranging from luxury shops to forefront designer brands, such as Adidas, Uniqlo, Mango, Puma, Balenciaga, Apple and Coach in these 19 buildings.

• Chinese:  三里屯 • Pinyin:  sān lǐ tún • Location: Sanlitun, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京朝阳区三里屯

Inside Chaoyang Park and next to the Crowne Plaza and Lido Hotels, Solana is a fairly large mall which has both closed and open areas where you can shop, stroll and eat. It is a shopping area where the whole family can have fun in one place. There are many good options available inside the mall for kids ice skating area and arcade games. Also, there are many different shops and the price level is medium and acceptable without the exaggerated high price like Sephora, Zara and Esprit, except for the luxury brands such as Gucci, LViton or Armani. Since it is built by a lake, the night view is very stunning at night, especially in summer.

• Chinese:  蓝色港湾 • Pinyin:  lán sè gǎng wān • Location: Solana, Houhai, Chaoyang District, Beijing 北京朝阳区蓝色港湾

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As the capital city of China for centuries, Beijing is an internatinal metropolis with numerous historic scenic sites. You can visit the Forbidden City to witness the royal buildings of the ancient China empire, hike on the incredible Great Wall, and wander along the traditional hutongs to experience the authentic local life...all of your dreams about Beijing can be tangible in our Beijing tours. We are also specialized in tailor-made tours that fit you best according to your own interests, requirement, traveling time, etc.

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16 Best Things to Do in Beijing at Night [2023]

China Travel Experts

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Have you enjoyed Beijing's nightlife before? As the capital of China, Beijing shows a side at night that is vastly different from the daytime.

As a frequent visitor to Beijing, I've experienced the city's exciting nightlife firsthand.

Whether you want to join the locals for karaoke or check out the avant-garde art scene, see a traditional Peking opera or go bar-hopping into the wee hours, Beijing has it all.

The night is young in this city that never sleeps! Get ready for an illuminating tour of Beijing's hottest nightlife destinations, most interesting after-dark activities, and can't-miss nocturnal sights.

Let's explore the many wonders of Beijing after sunset!

Beijing Nightlife for Foreigners

1.appreciate the night view of famous attractions.

Don't miss the night views of these famous spots.

These places may be too crowded during the day, but at night they become empty, and some performances and light shows are only open at night.

Temple of Heaven Park, Bird's Nest Stadium, and Jingshan Park at night are the most beautiful night views I've seen in Beijing.

Even, you can also choose to hike the Great Wall at night, or walk along Chang'an Avenue.

Here are some of Beijing's most famous sights .

🌟Best Beijing Night Tours

2.night ride in the evening breeze.

Cycling is the freest way to tour at night in Beijing, and you don't have to endure the high temperatures and sun exposure during the day.

Night riding on Chang'an Avenue is a relatively popular nighttime activity, many people go there to take pictures.

Then you can ride around the surrounding hutongs, enjoying food and the bustling crowds.

If you like natural scenery, you can also go to Shichahai and Jingshan Park, where there are beautiful lake views and lush vegetation.

In addition, the Wetland Park is very quiet, and you can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers.

🌟Best Beijing Night Ride Tours

3.night tour to gubei water town and simatai great wall.

Simatai Great Wall is the first section of the Great Wall in Beijing that opened for night tours, and is adjacent to the beautiful Gubei Water Town.

When you climb to the top of the Great Wall, you can overlook the entire Gubei Water Town, like glowing pearls scattered in the darkness.

Gubei is a beautiful waterside town, where many performances are held at night, including flying Kongming lanterns, drone shows, and 3D water shows.

I like to go back to a small bar in the town after hiking the Great Wall, find a window seat, drink while taking in the sight and sound of the whole town.

Oh, it's really relaxing!

🌟Best Beijing Simatai Great Wall Night Tours

4.night hiking on mutianyu great wall or badaling great wall.

Are you still worried about the crowded Badaling or Mutianyu Great Wall sections during the day, like sardines in a can?

Why not try hiking the Great Wall at night then!

No scorching heat and crowds. The glowing wall and watchtowers add more atmosphere.

However, Badaling Great Wall is quite steep, with very tall steps, so night climbing is more challenging.

I also don't recommend the cable car, because I found it pitch dark and you can barely see any sights.

🌟Best Beijing Mutianyu And Badaling Great Wall Night Tours

5.camp on the great wall.

Do you like camping or want to try it? Camping on site after climbing the Upper Great Wall is a great experience.

The nights are very quiet, you can hear all kinds of insects and the breeze through the trees.

You can also choose to camp at the top of the mountain, then wake up early to watch a sunrise, breathe the fresh air at the summit, and get perfect sunrise photos.

I usually bring my own camping gear, because I have friends living in Beijing.

If you haven't prepared in advance, you can join some tour groups, they provide full camping equipment.

🌟Best Beijing Great Wall Camping Tours

6.watch an exciting acrobatic show.

The Beijing Chaoyang Acrobatic Troupe is a prestigious Chinese acrobatic troupe, known for their thrilling acrobatic moves and heart-stopping teamwork.

Almost every visitor to Beijing chooses to watch an acrobatic show at night.

The most exciting act is the solo chair stacking, where the performer climbs up a 10m tall stack of chairs and does various high-difficulty moves on it.

There is also the motorcycle act, which is very popular, with 4 motorcycles riding simultaneously inside a large metal hoop, showcasing great team coordination.

🌟Best Beijing Chaoyang Acrobatic Tours

7.watch traditional chinese peking opera.

Peking opera, or jingju, is a cherished performing art in China blending music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics.

With over 200 years of history, it is considered one of the cultural treasures of China.

Performers wear extravagant costumes and symbolic, stylized makeup.

Accompanied by music, singing in classical dialects or special vocabulary, and elegant dance moves, they act out traditional Chinese stories.

You may have a hard time understanding it, but it's still a unique experience.

🌟Best Beijing Opera Show Tours

8.night walking to find delicious food and bars in hutong.

Beijing's hutongs are lively even in the evenings, and you should definitely spend an entire night experiencing the nightlife in here.

Hutongs are often located near many attractions, allowing you to visit various historical buildings at night and then leisurely stroll through the hutongs.

In the hutongs, you'll find a variety of small shops, street food stalls, cafes, and bars.

I enjoy browsing for cute items here, trying out various foods, and if there's enough time, I'd choose a cozy little bar to sit down, have a beer, and unwind for the entire evening.

🌟Best Beijing Hutong Night Walking Tours

9.night walking to wangfujing street(beijing cbd).

Wangfujing is one of Beijing's five CBD centers, with bright and spacious streets, towering buildings and numerous luxury brands, even the food is more upscale.

It doesn't have the down-to-earth hutong atmosphere, but a completely different style.

The most popular spots include: Wangfujing Catholic Church, Wangfujing Department Store, Lao She Memorial Hall, Wangfujing in88 mall etc.

🌟Best Beijing Wangfujing Night Walking Tours

10.experience beijing's fashionable place – sanlitun.

Sanlitun is known as Beijing's fashion center, with many young people gathering here, very lively even at night.

There are clusters of trendy brands, including Butterful Creamorous (iconic big green bag), BM, Uniqlo etc, and the prices are not expensive, it's the first choice for young people to shop.

In addition, there are many affordable foods here, Hong Jie Hot Pot is my favorite.

The Sanlitun bars are also places I like to go. Who can resist the young hormones, lol?

🌟Best Beijing Sanlitun Night Tours

11.cruise on the liangma river.

Liangma River is known as the Seine River of Beijing.

With over 600 years of history, it crosses multiple ancient bridges, and is surrounded by many interesting buildings.

Nowadays many lighting effects have been added around Liangma River.

Visiting at night makes you feel like being amidst a galaxy, very beautiful.

Liangma River boat tours are a new attraction, taking a cruise ship through the Blue Harbor and Chaoyang Park is an immersive experience.

12.Boat Tour at Shichahai, Then a Couple Drinks at a Bar

Shichahai nights are so beautiful, I absolutely 100% recommend it.

It's close to the hutongs and Houhai Lake, most people choose to stroll and eat along the lakeside.

But the most fun is definitely boating, there are larger boats for groups, and tiny two-person boats suitable for couples.

Of course, you can also choose to row your own boat and go wherever you want.

There is also a very famous bar here – Great Leap Brewing. Converted from a traditional courtyard, I like its ambience.

🌟Best Beijing Shichahai Night Tours

13.go to the place to see the asia largest screen.

The Place is one of Beijing's famous spots.

It has the largest LCD screen in Asia, and is also a big mall, a good place for photos, dining and shopping.

However, there is no subway access here, and not many nearby attractions, so I suggest making it just one of the stops in your itinerary, so you won't feel it's too monotonous.

🌟Best Beijing Major Landmarks Night Tours

14.go to panjiayuan night market to find antiques.

Panjiayuan Night Market (also called the Ghost Market,a night-only market), is the largest antique market in Asia.

Here you can find all kinds of antiques, including jade, woodwork, ancient coins, ceramics, bronze ware, etc.

There are also stalls selling used electronics, I like to hunt for old game consoles and game cards here, reminds me of fond childhood memories.

If you want to buy some small souvenirs, there are often nice surprises here.

🌟Best Beijing Night Shopping Tours

15.enjoy a nightclub night.

Want a night of revelry and passion? Then you must go to Beijing's nightclubs!

Workers' Stadium West Road is currently the hottest nightclub and bar street, with clusters of nightclubs in various styles, and many young people.

The Sanlitun bar street has a longer history, with many well-known bars, also a great nightlife destination.

Hutong nightclubs have more personality, with mostly live house performances, popular among foreigners.

🌟Best Beijing NightClubs Tours

16.get a massage to relieve your fatigue.

I like to get a massage or visit a spa after a day of sightseeing, it helps relieve the day's fatigue.

Beijing has many massage places and spas, especially traditional Chinese massages, including full body or just foot and back massages.

They provide plentiful snacks, some even let you sing karaoke or watch movies during the massage.

Also, Thai massage is very popular in Beijing, so you have a lot of options.

🌟Best Beijing Massage Tours

Is beijing safe at night.

Beijing is very safe at night!

As the capital of China and an international metropolis, with the Chinese government's strict crackdown on crime, it's rare to encounter pickpockets or robbers here. You're also free to move around at night without police questioning you.

Is Beijing Busy at Night?

Yes, Beijing is busy at night.

With tens of millions of people, Beijing also has a very vibrant nightlife. You can do anything you can imagine in the evenings – see my list above. Of course, drugs and gambling are not allowed here.

Does Beijing Have Nightclubs?

Yes, there are many nightclubs in Beijing. The most popular nightlife area for young people is Gongti Xi Lu, also Sanlitun and 798 Art District, while bars in the hutongs are often open air.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Beijing?

Yes, you can.

China, including Beijing, does not ban alcohol. You can buy alcohol in any convenience store, supermarket, restaurant, bar, hotel, or club.

You May Also Like:

Top Tourist Attractions in Beijing.

Best Things to Do in Beijing.

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What to do in beijing at night — 11+ where to go, see & best things to do in beijing at night.

Beijing, the capital city of China – located in the northern part of the country, is a captivating destination for travelers due to its blend of ancient history and modern development, along with its cultural heritage. So, where to go in Beijing at night and what to do in Beijing at night? Let’s check out our Beijing nightlife guide with the suggested 11+ best things to do in Beijing at night, what to see in Beijing at night as follows!

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So, what do you plan to do to fully enjoy your Beijing visit? Hopefully, it is not just going out to eat, shopping a little and then resting to save energy for your next day’s journey. Well, here are the most interesting nighttime activities you should experience to have countless more unforgettable memories of this ancient capital of China.

Seeing Chang’an Avenue and Tiananmen Square (# best things to do in beijing at night)

Chang’an Avenue, named after the ancient capital of the Tang Dynasty and also known as the “Eternal Peace Avenue,” is a prominent thoroughfare in Beijing. It was built around the same time as the Forbidden City in the years from 1406 to 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. Stretching from the west to the east of Beijing, covering a distance of approximately 45 kilometers, it is one of the widest and longest avenues in the world, with multiple lanes for vehicles and spacious sidewalks for pedestrians.

Chang’an Avenue is lined with numerous significant landmarks, government buildings, cultural institutions, and commercial centers. Some notable structures along the avenue include:

Tiananmen Square: Located at the eastern end of Chang’an Avenue, it serves as the central focal point and is one of the most well-known landmarks in Beijing.

The Great Hall of the People: Situated on the western side of the avenue, it is an imposing structure that serves as the meeting place for the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body.

The National Museum of China: Located on the eastern side of the avenue, the National Museum of China is one of the largest museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts reflecting China’s history and culture.

Beijing Railway Station: Situated near the western end of Chang’an Avenue, Beijing Railway Station is a major transportation hub connecting the city with other parts of China.

Beijing Concert Hall and China National Grand Theatre: These cultural institutions along Chang’an Avenue host various performances, including concerts, operas, and theater productions.

Over the years, Chang’an Avenue has witnessed extensive modernization and urban development. Due to its traffic importance as well as historical and political significance, the avenue has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing needs of Beijing as a rapidly developing city. Soaring skyscrapers decorated with splendid lights makes it a popular spot at night, attracting lots of visitors.

At the eastern end of Chang’an Avenue is Tiananmen Square. It is one of the world’s largest public squares, covering an area of approximately 44 hectares. Tiananmen Square has been the site of numerous historical events, political gatherings, and public demonstrations. A colorful Tiananmen Square at night is a sight you definitely can’t see during the bustling daytime.

Enjoying Pecking Opera at Mei Lanfang Grand Theater (# what to do in beijing at night)

Mei Lanfang Grand Theater has been opened to the public since late November 2007. The theater is located at the north end of Ping’an Xili Street in Xicheng district.

The theater’s architectural design is a fusion of traditional Chinese elements and modern aesthetics. The exterior is remindful of the style of traditional Chinese architecture, with its elegant curves, sloping roofs, and decorative motifs. Inside, the theater incorporates state-of-the-art technology, ensuring optimal acoustics, lighting, and stage effects for performances.

The theater is named in honor of Mei Lanfang (1894-1961), one of the most celebrated Peking Opera performers in China’s history. Mei Lanfang is known for his exceptional skills in portraying female roles (dan) and his contributions to the art of Peking Opera.

There is a statue of Mei Lanfang measuring 1.5 meters high and 2.5 meters wide at the center of the grand theater’s lobby. Along with that, dozens of sculptures depicting the history of Pecking Opera are mounted on the wall.

Mei Lanfang Grand Theater has multiple performance spaces including a grand main theater with a capacity of more than 1,000 seats. The main theater is designed to enhance the acoustics and visual experience of Peking Opera performances. In addition, the theater complex houses smaller studios and rehearsal spaces for training and staging performances.

With ticket prices ranging from 7 USD to 40 USD, you can enjoy Peking Opera, a traditional Chinese art form known for its unique combination of singing, acting, acrobatics, and martial arts, performed by experienced artists about Chinese history, folk culture and also works inspired by modern life.

Apart from traditional opera productions, the theater also hosts other forms of Chinese performing arts, including classical music concerts, dance performances, and theater productions. This diversity allows audiences to experience various facets of Chinese culture and performing arts. So, you should check before buying tickets.

Exploring Wangfujing Snack Street (# beijing nightlife guide)

Food is always an interesting part of travel and it’s no different when it comes to Beijing. You should not miss the opportunity to experience Beijing’s unique and long-standing culinary culture on Wangfujing Snack Street in the evening. You will definitely not be disappointed.

Wangfujing Snack Street is situated in the heart of Beijing, near the Wangfujing shopping district and not far from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient stop for both locals and tourists.

The street offers a diverse range of snacks, street food, and local delicacies. You can find a variety of options, including skewered meats, dumplings, noodles, pancakes, stinky tofu, fried insects, candied fruits, and much more. Some Muslim dishes or Xinjiang specialties are also available here. From traditional Beijing snacks to regional specialties from other parts of China, there is something to satisfy every taste.

Wangfujing Snack Street truly comes alive in the evenings when the night market atmosphere takes over. The street becomes illuminated with colorful lights, and the lively environment adds to the excitement of the culinary experience. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local street food culture and enjoy the bustling air.

Walking along Wangfujing Snack Street is like embarking on a gastronomic adventure. The street is lined with numerous food stalls and small shops, each offering its unique specialties. The aroma of sizzling food fills the air, enticing you to sample different dishes and experience the local flavors.

Watching an Acrobatic Show at Chaoyang Theater (# where to go in beijing at night)

Chaoyang Theater is located in the Chaoyang District, hence the name of the theater, and is primarily known for its spectacular acrobatic shows. Acrobatics is a traditional Chinese performing art that combines impressive feats of strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. The theater hosts daily performances featuring a variety of acrobatic acts, including aerial silk performances, contortionists, jugglers, trapeze artists, balancing acts, and more.

While the acrobatic performances at Chaoyang Theater showcase traditional Chinese acrobatics, the shows also incorporate modern elements and innovative choreography. The performances feature dazzling costumes, captivating storytelling, synchronized movements, and breathtaking stunts, creating a visually stunning and immersive experience for the audience.

Chaoyang Theater provides a comfortable and well-equipped venue for performances. The theater has a seating capacity of several hundred spectators and offers excellent sightlines to ensure a clear view of the stage. The lighting, sound, and stage design are carefully arranged to enhance the overall theatrical experience.

For about 75 minutes, you will go from surprise to surprise because of human’s extraordinary abilities as well as heart-stopping dangerous performances that will leave a deep impression on the audience. It only costs you about 40 USD to 120 USD to watch an entire show and get a DVD record of the show as a souvenir. Try it!

Taking selfies at the Bird’s Nest Stadium (# what to see in beijing at night)

Built to serve the 2008 Olympic Games taking place in Beijing, Beijing National Stadium, also known as Bird’s Nest Stadium, played a significant role during the 2008 Summer Olympics. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as track and field events, football matches, and other competitions. The stadium’s striking design and grandeur became one of the iconic symbols of the Beijing Olympics.

Bird’s Nest Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 80,000 seats. The stadium is equipped with modern facilities, including VIP lounges, restaurants, retail spaces, and broadcast facilities. After the Olympics, Bird’s Nest Stadium continued to be a venue for various sporting events, including local and international football matches, athletics competitions, concerts, and cultural events. It has also been used for other purposes, such as hosting exhibitions and trade shows.

The stadium has become a popular tourist attraction in Beijing. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the stadium’s interior, visit the Olympic Museum located inside, and learn about the history and significance of the 2008 Olympic Games. Its distinctive design and historical importance make it a must-visit landmark for sports enthusiasts, architecture admirers, and tourists exploring the vibrant capital city of China.

The stadium’s exterior is illuminated at night from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day, creating a visually stunning spectacle with beautiful reflections in the water, attracting many photography enthusiasts. Light shines from within in gorgeous yellows and reds, turning the entire bird’s nest-shaped structure into a brilliant flame. The best part to take selfies here is the southeast side of the building, opposite the dragon-shaped sprinkler system.

Stopping at the bars on Houhai Lake Bar Street

Houhai Lake Bar Street is situated near the historic Shichahai area in the Xicheng District of Beijing. It surrounds the picturesque Houhai Lake, which adds to the charm and ambiance of the street. Houhai Lake is a man-made lake with scenic views, traditional architecture, and narrow alleyways known as hutongs. The combination of the lake’s serene beauty and the traditional hutongs creates a unique and nostalgic atmosphere that attracts locals and tourists alike.

After walking around Houhai Lake, you should stop at a bar here to enjoy some of your favorite drinks and watch the energetic old town at night. Houhai Lake Bar Street features a variety of bars, restaurants, cafes, and teahouses. Each establishment offers its own distinct ambiance, cuisine, and beverages. You can find everything from traditional Chinese teahouses serving tea and snacks to lively bars with live music and dance floors.

You can say that Houhai Lake Bar Street is the paradise of nightlife in Beijing. It comes alive at night with its full-of-life night scene. The street is bustling with locals and tourists enjoying drinks, music, and socializing. Many bars feature live performances, including traditional Chinese music, jazz, rock, and more. It’s a great place to experience the energy and excitement of Beijing’s nightlife

In addition to the bars and restaurants, Houhai Bar Street is also home to various shops and boutiques. You can find a range of items, including traditional handicrafts, clothing, artwork, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to pick up unique gifts or mementos of your visit to Beijing.

Enjoying a bird’s eye view of Beijing at night on the CCTV Tower

China Central Television (CCTV) Tower was built in 2004 and completed in 2012. The building stands at a height of 234 meters (768 feet) and has 54 floors. It is primarily composed of reinforced concrete and steel, with a glass facade that reflects the surrounding skyline.

The most distinctive feature of the CCTV Tower is its unconventional architectural form. The two towers lean towards each other at an angle of approximately 6 degrees, creating a dramatic visual effect. The towers are connected by a cantilevered section known as the “Overhang,” which houses a public viewing platform.

The Overhang section of the CCTV Tower features a glass-bottomed public viewing platform called the “Skywalk.” Visitors can walk on this transparent platform and enjoy panoramic views of Beijing’s skyline. It offers a unique and exhilarating experience for those brave enough to step onto it.

The CCTV Tower is an impressive sight at night when it is illuminated with colorful LED lights. The lighting scheme can change dynamically, creating captivating visual displays that enhance the building’s unique form and add to Beijing’s nighttime skyline.

Visiting The Place Shopping Mall

The Place Shopping Mall is situated in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, specifically in the central business area of CBD (Central Business District). It is also near prominent landmarks such as the China World Trade Center and the CCTV Tower.

One of the distinctive features of The Place is its unique architecture. The mall is known for its large outdoor LED screen, which covers the entire ceiling of the open-air central plaza. The LED screen is one of the largest of its kind globally, measuring approximately 250 meters in length. The LED screen displays captivating visual content, eye-catching advertisements, and artistic displays, creating a dynamic and immersive environment for visitors.

The Place offers a diverse range of shopping experiences. The mall houses a variety of international and domestic brands, including fashion, accessories, electronics, cosmetics, and more. You can explore multiple floors of retail outlets and boutiques, with a wide selection of products and brands to choose from such as ZARA, Kappa, New Balance, H&M, Uniqlo, among others.

The Place Shopping Mall is not just about shopping – it also provides a range of dining and entertainment options. The mall features numerous restaurants, cafes, and food courts where visitors can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from local Chinese dishes to international flavors. Additionally, there are entertainment facilities such as cinemas, game centers, and karaoke venues for visitors to enjoy.

Experiencing a night tour of Simatai Great Wall

Simatai Great Wall is a section of the Great Wall of China located in the northeast of Beijing, approximately 120 kilometers away from the city center. It is known for its rugged terrain, steep slopes, and well-preserved ancient architecture.

Exploring the Great Wall at night provides a unique ambiance and atmosphere. The moonlight casts a mystical glow over the rugged landscape, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring setting that differs from the daytime experience.

Simatai is particularly renowned for its picturesque vistas and its combination of natural beauty and ancient architecture and is the only section of the Great Wall open for night tours. The nighttime tour allows you to witness the stunning panoramic views of the Great Wall and the surrounding countryside under the moonlit sky.

It’s important to note that night tours of the Great Wall at Simatai are not available every day. The tours are typically organized on special occasions, such as full moon nights or during certain festivals. You should check with local tour operators or travel agencies in Beijing for information on the availability of night tours.

To ensure safety and visibility during the night tours, the Great Wall at Simatai is often illuminated with artificial lighting. This allows participants to navigate the wall’s pathways and steps more easily while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings. If you are concerned about safety, you can also book an evening tour for about 118 USD to ensure protection.

Watching a Kungfu performance at the Red Theater

The Red Theater, also known as the Red Theatre Beijing or Hong Ju Chang, is a renowned venue dedicated to showcasing traditional Chinese performances, particularly Kungfu shows. It is located in the Chongwen District of Beijing, near the Temple of Heaven.

If you are a fan of Chinese historical dramas, you definitely should not miss these shows. Kungfu performances here are staging ones that highlight the discipline, skill, and artistry of Chinese martial arts. These shows feature a combination of martial arts choreography, acrobatics, music, dance, and storytelling, all woven together to create an exciting and visually stunning performance.

Highly skilled performers showcase their mastery of different forms of Kungfu, including Shaolin Kungfu, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and other traditional Chinese martial arts disciplines. The choreography is meticulously executed, emphasizing agility, strength, precision, and coordination.

The duration of the Kungfu performances may vary, but they usually last around one to two hours, starting from 7:30 p.m. every day. The shows are designed to be visually captivating and can be enjoyed by audiences regardless of their language, as the storytelling is often conveyed through actions and movements rather than dialogue.

Immersing yourself in the Hutongs of the Old Town

The Old Town is located in the central part of Beijing, surrounding the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It is characterized by a network of narrow alleyways called Hutongs, which form the traditional residential neighborhoods of Beijing.

The place is not just a tourist attraction but also a living, active community. The Hutongs are home to local residents who have lived there for generations. Exploring the Old Town allows you to observe the daily life of Beijing locals, witness traditional customs, and interact with the community.

The Old Town takes on a different charm at night, with beautifully lit streets, traditional architecture, and a lively spot. Taking a leisurely stroll through the Hutongs and narrow alleyways is a wonderful way to soak up the atmosphere and explore the local nightlife. You can discover hidden cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street scenes.

The place’s historic architecture, illuminated streets, and brilliant colors provide excellent opportunities for nighttime photography. You can capture stunning shots of the ancient Hutongs, traditional courtyards, and iconic landmarks against the backdrop of the city’s sparkling lights.

Nighttime in Beijing can be very exciting or very peaceful, depending on how you choose to experience it. So, are you an introvert or extrovert traveller? Please share with us your good experiences!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Beijing you can refer to

• Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)
• [Cool Summer] Universal Beijing Resort Ticket
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour from Beijing (With Pick Up)
• Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) Admission Ticket in Beijing
• [Up to 20% Off] Private City Transfers for Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
• Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour by Bus with Options
• [Sale] Mutianyu Great Wall-Downtown Beijing Round Trip Bus Pass
• Mutianyu Great Wall Ticket & Cable Car
• The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Ticket in Beijing
• Beijing Wildlife Park Admission Ticket
• Beijing Happy Valley Ticket
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
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• 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

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Beijing Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Beijing’s #1 nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Beijing. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Hosting the Great Wall of China, Beijing has a rich cultural heritage and modern civilization that attracts tourists every year. This happening city has a rich culture and plenty of tourist spots to enjoy in the mornings and late at night. 

In addition, the capital of China offers splendid nightlife, which is a must-visit experience. Find out more about this beautiful city.

About Beijing

Beijing is one of the longest political headquarters and cultural centers of China. Fondly called Peking, the city lies between two rivers and is flanked by the Taihang Mountains on the western side. 

Ruled by Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties over eight centuries, the city has grown into a metropolitan and tourist landmark.

Highlights of Beijing

Beijing is one of the oldest inhabited areas on the planet, dating back to 3000 years. It is the second-largest city in China after Shanghai . 

The city has 20 million people with 16 massive districts and plenty of historic sites, parks, museums, shopping malls, and nightclubs to visit. Beijing has the second busiest airport with a hundred million visitors every year.

Interesting Facts About Beijing

The city is home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, The Ming Tombs, The Summer Palace, Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, The Temple of Heaven,and The Grand Canal.

The forbidden city is the largest Palace, and Tiananmen Square is the biggest square in the world. The city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. It’s also one of the bicycle capitals of the world.

The bird’s nest or the Olympic Park is the most complex stadium ever constructed in the history of humankind. Beijing will host the 2022 winter Olympics and has built excellent ski resorts, including the hosting venue in Zhangjiakou.

Beijing’s Art

Beijing has one of the oldest architectural buildings preserved for thousands of years. In addition, this city has plenty of museums, including the National Museum of China, Beijing Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Beijing Railway Museum, Beijing Ancient Coins Museum, and Beijing 798 Art Zone. The museums showcase the achievements of the capital city, its treasures, antique coins, and modern art.

With modernization, that city has constructed plenty of modern architectural buildings, including the national grand theatre, an egg-shaped building, the China Central Television headquarters that resembles the geometry of interlocking structures, and the bird’s nest or the Beijing National stadium.

Beijing’s Culture

Beijing has preserved the traditional Chinese culture by encouraging its modern generation to follow the traits. The religious culture includes Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, and Islam. Beijing Opera, Chinese painting, calligraphy, jade carving, Chinese silk, ceramics, and Chinese tea are among the wealthiest essences of traditional Chinese culture.

Hutong street, an amazing attraction in Beijing, has plenty of folk-custom museums and private courtyard residences, which are an integral part of the Beijing local culture. The biggest irony is that this 500-year-old Hutong nestled under a towering skyscraper reflects the modern spectacles of the fast-developing city.

Beijing’s Lifestyle

Being one of the biggest metropolitan cities in China, the locals lead a fast-paced and interesting life. It is a dynamic city, welcoming plenty of visitors from all nooks and corners of the world. Locals crowd the parks, squares, and historical places while the nightlife dazzles with plenty of shopping malls, local bars, and nightclubs springing into action.

Beijing’s Nightlife

The rich heritage and modern civilization have brought the capital of China to have a varied nightlife. As a result, the city offers plenty of evening activities suitable for people of different interests.

With plenty of nightclubs, bars, theatres, and cocktail lounges, Beijing offers a fantastic nightlife experience. It is one of the biggest cities in China that allows you to party all night. Enjoying the city lights with a night tour is one of the best experiences. Most bars host plenty of singers and performers from South Korea and Russia to entertain the guests.

The quintessence of China; Beijing Opera is a unique Chinese art form that portrays Chinese culture’s acrobatics, singing, and dancing performance. Liyuan Theatre is the best site to witness traditional music, dance, and watch performers late at night. Peking Opera House has highly appreciated foreign audiences for over 200 years.

Best Bars & Nightclubs in Beijing

Vics is the oldest pub in Beijing, catering to the needs of locals and tourists for over a decade. This is an upscale eastern club where you can find plenty of rich youngsters dancing, drinking, and partying all night. The bar offers free entrance and free drinks, while the dance floor is free from drinking; you can have them in the seating area.

This is one of the popular Beijing clubs frequented by tourists and locals every night. If you love parting, Vics is definitely the best cheerful nightclub you can find in the city.

DJs play amazing music, and the crowds go crazy during the weekends. The place gets really dramatic after midnight with a mix of R&B, pop, and reggae music. It is one of the hottest clubs to visit if you enjoy partying hard.

Address: Workers’ Sports Complex N Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Phone Number:+86 10 5293 0333

Timing:8:30 p.m-6.00 a.m.

Cargo Club is one of the typical Chinese clubs you have to experience when you visit Beijing. Interiors look fabulous with a Chinese setting, and the DJs play awesome music to enjoy a night with your friends or family members. In addition, the club attracts plenty of international crowds because it hosts great musical events every night.

The mainstream club along GongtiXilu is a perfect dance club to visit late at night and have a blast with your friends. They play a mix of fast-paced music to keep the Vibe alive throughout the night.

Address: 6 Gongti Xi Lu, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Phone Number: +86 10 6551 6898

Timing:8:30 p.m-3:00 a.m.

A very popular club in Beijing to visit when you want to have a good night of music, fun, and food. The nightclub has a crazy atmosphere which makes you have an unforgettable experience of Beijing. This is the most excellent place to hang out with your friends and dance, party, and have a wild night in the city.

The DJs play plenty of raps, hip hop, and R&B music with a great selection of music. They have a big dance place to dance with plenty of strangers, and you can find a mix of different nationalities in this bar.

The staff is professional and helps you have a glorious night with friends. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are busy with plenty of locals and foreigners trying to chill with a bottle of beer and music. Being one of the largest dance clubs in Beijing, the mix club makes your nights memorable with the perfect blend of music and drinks.

Address: China, Beijing, Chaoyang, Workers’ Sports Complex N Rd, 

Phone Number: +86 10 6530 2889

Timing: 8:30 p.m-5:00 a.m.

One of the best lounge-style clubs in Beijing, Baby Face has a great reputation for bringing DJs and cocktail beats to the city. The atmosphere is ravishing with scintillating music and the perfect ambiance to spend a night in the city.

Two ballrooms play a good mix of hip hop and contemporary music to keep the audience on their feet. The neon lights, wall mirrors, and pinball machines make the interiors look like an expensive club to chill and party in all night. There are private rooms to lounge, and the bartender serves an array of cocktails and Chivas; mixed with tea.

If you want an authentic experience of a Chinese club that offers a mix of both cultures, Baby Face is the ideal spot.

Address: China, Beijing, Chaoyang, Sanlitun Rd, 

Phone Number: +86 10 6551 9081

Timing: 8:30 p.m-3:00 a.m.

A popular Russian nightclub and restaurant attract guests for its baroque-style decor and superb food. The picture of the great Napoleon catches your eyes as you first glide down the escalator to chocolate, while the bar serves a variety of cocktails and lip-smacking delicacies. 

The staff speaks Russian and politely serves their guests every night. They have a great food selection and play soft Russian music to create the perfect ambiance to enjoy with your loved ones.After midnight, talented Russian and Chinese dancers perform on stage. In addition, this place serves cold beer and hookah.

Address: Chaoyang, China

Phone Number: +86 10 8561 3988

Timing:8:30 p.m-5.00 a.m.

Best Restaurants to Have Late-Night Food in Beijing

Golden Mango Russian Restaurant

Serving their Chinese guests from 1980, Golden Mango Russian restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in the city that serves Russian food and Russian sparkling wine and vodka.The restaurant has a separate bar and dance floor for their guest to drink and party all night. In addition, there are semi-private rooms where you can lounge with a magnificent view of the dance floor.

The terrace has a great seating area and fantastic food with a mix of Russian and Mexican dishes on their menu. The restaurant serves hookah and Russian beers. Every week, Cuban and Russian singers and dancers organize events at night. A fantastic place to enjoy chilled drinks and listen to good Russian music late at night. They offer excellent service and food at reasonable prices.

Address:  6 Ritan N Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Phone Number: +86 10 8561 3685

Timing: 10.00 a.m-12:00 a.m.

Morel’s Restaurant & Café

This old Belgian restaurant is a legendary place to visit in Beijing. Over two decades, the restaurant has entertained guests with a traditional and delicious menu. If you are a foreigner visiting Beijing and would love to try some European food, this is the restaurant to visit at night.

They have a vast menu with delicious appetizers, mains, and mouth-watering desserts. A splendid restaurant that can give you a European experience with the perfect ambiance and accordion music. The right spot to have a good steak and beer with your friends and family. Locals visit this restaurant for its amazing mussels and Belgian cuisine.

The best old-style western restaurant to have a romantic and intimate dinner with your loved one on your trip to Beijing. The staff is cordial and offer excellent quality service.

Address: China, Beijing, Dongcheng,

Phone Number:+86 10 6416 8802

Timing:11:00 a.m-1:00 a.m.

This famous Mexican bar and restaurant is a vegetarian-friendly place for locals and tourists in Beijing. It is one of the best places to try out lasagne, fajitas, nachos, burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, burritos, tortilla chips, salsa, quesadilla, onion rings, and salads. In addition, they serve a variety of special dishes on each day of the week.

A perfect hang-out spot to enjoy a delicious dinner with great ambiance and music. If you love draft beer, you can check in on the Happy Hours from Sunday till Thursday. The restaurant has a pool table, foosball table, darts, and TV screens to create a lively youngster-friendly atmosphere.

If you would love to try a different cuisine other than Chinese in Beijing, you can visit La Bamba for a late-night dinner. Both foreigners and locals often visit this Mexican restaurant. The staff is friendly, and the service is fast. In addition, food is affordable compared to other locations in the city.

Address:  China, Beijing, Haidian District, Caijing E Rd, 华清嘉园12-3

Phone Number: +86 10 8286 6755

Timing: 10:00 a.m-1:00 a.m.

Burger King

A well-known fast-food chain serves grilled burgers, ice cream, fries, shakes, and sandwiches late at night in Beijing. A place that is crowded with college students and professionals who love readily available food.

If you are staying in Beijing for a long time and crave a hamburger, this is a pleasant spot to visit. The atmosphere is lively, with plenty of people dining at the restaurant, and the service is fast.Burger King is famous for its bread and soft patties andis one of the best places to visit in Beijing to have a crispy and tasty meal.

Address: 16 Guangshun N St, Wangjing Subdistrict, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

Phone Number: +86 10 5978 0430

Timing: 7:00 a.m-12:00 a.m.

Beersmith Gastropub

Being one of the best entertainment places to visit at night, the BeersmithGastropub offers a great dining experience in Beijing. It has a massive space with indoor and outdoor seating, beer tanks, pool tables, and big televisions screening live sports events.

The pub offers a variety of beers, including brew beer, which is the best in the town. The menu includes popular dishes such as wagyu burger, spicy garlic shrimps, beef tenderloin, beer marinated ribs, fish and chips, soups, salads, and finger foods.

The dark and cozy ambiance offers the perfect atmosphere to dine with a group of friends. The bar has foreign singers to entertain their guests with live musical performances every night. So go with a group of friends to enjoy amazing food and sing along with the band and have a blast all night.

Address:  China, CN 北京市朝阳区建国门外大街 1号新国贸饭店1层邮政编码: 100034

Phone Number: +86 10 8647 1098

Timing: Friday & Saturday – 11:00 a.m-2:00 a.m.

Sunday – Thursday – 11:00 a.m-3:00 a.m.

How Nightlife Scintillates in Beijing?

Beijing has dedicated spots for foreigners and locals to enjoy their nights by drinking and dancing. The narrow Hutong has a bar street called the Sanlitun, where plenty of foreigners visit the bars in this area. 

The forbidden city concert hall hosts plenty of acoustic performances, like classical jazz world music and traditional Chinese folk music, to entertain people in the evenings and late nights. The National Center for the Performing Arts is a great place to enjoy world-class visiting orchestras, opera companies, and dance troops.

For classic cocktails and newly fashioned bars, you can visit nightclubs in Chaoyang Park. There are plenty of brewpubs in town serving craft beers, locally inspired brews, and slow-cooked barbecue platters.

The city has plenty of karaoke bars to sing in groups in private rooms. The biggest bowling venue, GongtiXilu, has plenty of places to go bowling in Beijing.If you love an upscale style of indulging in a civilized crowd, you can head to lounge bars that serve creative gins, tonics, and signature cocktails with music.

Foods to Eat Late at Night in Beijing

Peking duck is the most famous dish of Beijing cuisine. Try this at Qianmen Street, one of the oldest food streets in Beijing, serving this delicacy for over decades. For delightful French, Italian and International cuisines, visit the shops and restaurants on the Xiaoyun road.

Crowds gather for late-night dinner along the sidewalks under the fluorescent city lights. Beijing is famous for its hot pot, barbecue skewers, and grilled food. In addition, you can indulge in Kung pao chicken, rice noodles, sweet soymilk, beef noodle soup, shrimp dumpling, and dim sum after midnight.

Experience the night markets of Beijing by going on food tours to enjoy its local cuisine. For example,the Donghuamen night market serves over 600 specialty snacks while the locals and foreigners frequent the Baodao night market for its Taiwanese specialties. 

If you love seafood delicacies, local beer, and gossip, head to Puhuangyu to enjoy grilled clams, oysters, shrimp, mussels with sauce. On the other hand, if you love Chinese regional cuisines, you must visit Fucheng, the upscale food street in Beijing.

Visit the most popular snack Street and the busiest shopping street in Beijing, Wangfujing snack street, to try deep-fried scorpions, insects, and candied fruits. For spice lovers, Guijiei Street has plenty of snacks from the Sichuan province. HuguosiHutong Snack Street has cold rice noodles and beef pancakes which are the must-try snacks in the city.

Things to Do Late at Night in Beijing

Nothing beats watching a highly populated and metropolitan city like Beijing at night. If you want to see the forbidden city in another light, you must do these activities after the sunsets.Take a walk on the longest and widest street in the world, Chang’An Avenue. Get a glimpse of the forbidden city by night.

The Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town are open only at night, where you can enjoy a boat ride and hot springs with friends while getting a beautiful view.

Go shopping at Solana lifestyle Park at night and enjoy a grand night out by playing arcade games, ice skating, and visiting fancy restaurants and retail shops. If you are a first-time traveler, take the Dang Dang night sightseeing bus to visit all the famous streets in the city.

Take a picture of the Olympic stadium; the largest park lit at night. Catch the colorful reflection of lights from the bars on the famous Houhai Lake and try taking a boat ride on the lake too.Beijing is renowned for its martial arts, Kung fu, and the Red Theatre is one of the best places to watch a Kung fu fight and get lost in spectacular martial art performances.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Beijing safe at night?

The capital city of the People’s Republic of China is one of the safest cities. You will find plenty of locals and foreigners late at night partying, dancing, shopping, and watching live performances.

What are the things to do as a visitor in Beijing?

Take a tour of the Great Wall of China, the forbidden city, the summer palace, the Lama temple, and Ming Tombs to get in touch with ancient China. 

What are the best places to visit in Beijing?

Visit the Happy Valley Park, Beijing Wildlife Park, Beijing World Park, Shijingshan Amusement Park, Madame Tussauds Beijing, Fun Capital, Fuguo sea World with your kids and loved ones to have fun.

What is the best time to visit Beijing?

April, May, October, and November are the best months to visit Beijing to enjoy its glam nightlife and age-old historical sites.

Beijing will truly capture your heart, from its traditional, cultural, and historical architecture to the romantic neon light sceneries at night. People flock day and night to the city to enjoy its scenic attractions and the scintillating nightlife.

Beijing has many shopping malls, commercial areas, shopping streets, food streets, and bar streets, which makes it one of the best destinations to experience nightlife in the world. In addition, it has zoos, aquariums, parks, amusement parks, and exhibitions to enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities.

Go trekking in the morning and bar hopping late at night. Take a leisure stroll on the food streets and glimpse at the high-rise buildings. Then, enjoy a romantic dinner at the rooftop restaurants lit up with red lanterns.

Experience Beijing’s most awe-inspiring, mind-blowing, and stunning culture and cuisine by packing your bags and visiting the city this year!

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15 Fun Things to Do in Beijing at Night

Beijing transforms into a vibrant hub of activity as the sun sets, offering a multitude of experiences that cater to every taste.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a culture seeker, or just looking to soak in the city’s nocturnal ambiance, Beijing at night does not disappoint.

This “15 Fun Things to Do in Beijing at Night” guide, carefully curated, reveals the top things to do in Beijing at night, ensuring your nights in the city are as unforgettable as your days.

From bustling night markets to serene park views, each suggestion promises a unique glimpse into the heart of Beijing’s nightlife. So, let’s embark on a journey to discover the best and most fun things to do in Beijing after dark!

1. Experience Wangfujing Night Market

Wangfujing Night Market is a must-visit for adventurous foodies looking to sample Beijing’s culinary delights. Known for its exotic street food, this bustling market is a kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas. From savory snacks to sweet treats, there’s something for every palate.

To get there, take subway Line 1 to Wangfujing Station, and it’s just a short walk to the market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and be sure to try some local specialties – it’s an experience you won’t forget!

2. Explore Houhai Bar Street (Shichahai)

For a more laid-back evening, head to Houhai Bar Street (Also known as Shichahai ), nestled alongside picturesque lakes. This area is perfect for unwinding with a drink while enjoying live music in a serene setting. The blend of traditional architecture and modern establishments creates a unique vibe.

You can reach Houhai Bar Street by taking subway Line 8 to Shichahai Station. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the nightlife in a beautiful, historic part of Beijing.

3. Enjoy Jingshan Park for City Views

J ingshan Park is a serene oasis offering a breathtaking panoramic view of Beijing, particularly mesmerizing at night. The park, located just north of the Forbidden City, is easily accessible via subway Line 8, getting off at Shichahai Station and walking east for about 15 minutes.

Jingshan Park is open until 9:00 PM, allowing visitors to witness the stunning night skyline of Beijing. The gentle climb to the top is well worth the effort, as the city lights create a magical backdrop against the ancient architecture.

4. Have a bite at Ghost Street (Gui Jie)

Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Ghost Street (Gui Jie) is a haven for food enthusiasts. This lively street comes alive at night with restaurants serving spicy crayfish, Peking duck, and other local delicacies.

To get to Gui Jie, take the subway to Dongzhimen Station (Line 2, 13, or Airport Express), and it’s just a short walk from there. The street is usually bustling from late afternoon, but the real atmosphere picks up after sunset, with most restaurants open until the early hours of the morning, typically around 2:00 AM.

5. Take Simatai Great Wall Night Tour

Visiting the Simatai section of the Great Wall at night offers a serene and majestic experience, with the wall beautifully illuminated under the starry sky. This part of the Great Wall is about 120 kilometers northeast of Beijing city center.

The easiest way to get there is by car or by joining a guided tour, as public transport options are limited. The night tours are usually available on weekends and holidays, starting from around 5:30 PM until 9:30 PM. It’s an enchanting way to experience one of China’s most iconic landmarks away from the daytime crowds.

6. Bargain at Silk Street Market

For late-night shopping enthusiasts, Silk Street Market is a paradise. Known for its vast array of silk products, tailor-made clothes, and unique souvenirs, it’s an ideal place to find gifts and mementos.

Located in the Chaoyang District, the market is easily accessible via subway Line 1, alighting at Yong’anli Station. Silk Street Market welcomes shoppers until about 9:00 PM, offering ample time to explore its numerous stalls. Haggling is part of the experience here, so don’t hesitate to negotiate prices with vendors.

7. Feel the Vibe of Sanlitun

Sanlitun, particularly TaiKoo Li Sanlitun, is a trendy and fashionable district known for its dynamic nightlife, with an array of bars, clubs, and international restaurants.

To reach Sanlitun, take subway Line 10 and get off at Tuanjiehu Station (Exit A), then walk west for about 500 meters. Alternatively, you can use Line 6 to Dongdaqiao Station (Exit B), walking north for 700 meters, or Line 2 to Dongsishitiao Station (Exit C). TaiKoo Li Sanlitun is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering a whole day of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences in its contemporary open-air complex.

8. Enjoy Night view of Chang’An Avenue & Tiananmen Square

Chang’An Avenue, known as one of the most significant streets in China, presents a magnificent view at night with its buildings and monuments lit up, including the majestic Tiananmen Square.

The best way to experience this is by walking along the avenue, easily accessible from Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West subway stations on Line 1. The area is particularly vibrant in the evening, with the lights usually turned on shortly after sunset and remaining lit until around 10:00 PM. It’s a splendid way to feel the historical and modern mix of Beijing.

9. Discover the Night View of Beijing CBD

Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD) transforms into a spectacle of lights and modernity at night. To witness this urban marvel, take the subway to Guomao Station (Line 1 or Line 10), which brings you directly to the heart of the CBD.

The illuminated skyscrapers, particularly the China World Trade Centre Tower III, create a breathtaking skyline. The best time to enjoy this view is from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, making it an ideal spot for night photography and experiencing Beijing’s contemporary side.

10. Explore Illuminated Qianmen Street

Step into the vibrant past of Beijing with a night stroll down Qianmen Street. Accessible via Qianmen Station on subway Line 2, this historic street is a hub of traditional Chinese architecture and culture, especially enchanting in the evening lights.

The area comes alive from 6:00 PM, with shops and restaurants open until about 10:00 PM. Exploring Qianmen Street and its alleys at night offers a delightful blend of shopping, dining, and cultural immersion.

11. Marvel at the Night View of Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

Experience the architectural grandeur of Beijing National Stadium, known as the “Bird’s Nest”, and the Beijing National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube”, in their nighttime glory.

Both Bird’s Nest and Water Cube are situated in the Beijing Olympic Park and can be reached via subway Line 8, alighting at Olympic Green Station. While the Bird’s Nest radiates with a stunning array of lights, the Water Cube dazzles with its unique bubble-like structure. They are particularly captivating after sunset, usually until 10:00 PM, offering a striking contrast to their daytime appearance.

12. Witness the Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatics Show

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary talent showcased at the Chaoyang Theatre Acrobatics Show. Located in Chaoyang District, the theatre is easily accessible via subway Line 6, getting off at Hujialou Station.

The performances, featuring a blend of traditional Chinese acrobatics and modern theatrics, usually start around 7:00 PM. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance for this popular show, which is a celebration of agility, strength, and artistry, making it a must-see for visitors.

13. Experience the Beijing Kungfu Show

Be captivated by the high-energy Beijing Kungfu Show at the Red Theater. Situated in the Dongcheng District, the theater is accessible via subway Line 5, alighting at Tiantandongmen Station, followed by a short taxi ride.

The show, featuring a talented troupe of martial artists, combines traditional Kung Fu with modern theater and storytelling. Performances are typically scheduled in the evening, around 7:30 PM. Booking tickets in advance is recommended for this mesmerizing display of Chinese martial arts and culture.

14. Attend a Traditional Chinese Opera at Liyuan Theatre

Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Beijing by attending a traditional Chinese opera at Liyuan Theatre. Located within the Jianguo Hotel, the theatre is reachable via subway Line 7, exiting at Hufangqiao Station.

The Peking opera performances, usually starting around 7:30 PM, offer a glimpse into ancient Chinese art and storytelling, enhanced by elaborate costumes and makeup. This experience is not just a performance; it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of Chinese history and arts.

15. Visit the National Centre for the Performing Arts

End your night by visiting the iconic National Centre for the Performing Arts, a marvel of modern architecture and acoustics. Located near Tiananmen Square, it’s easily accessible via subway Line 1, getting off at Tiananmen West Station.

The center, known for its stunning glass and titanium dome, hosts a variety of performances ranging from opera to orchestral music. Evening shows usually begin around 7:30 PM. It’s advisable to check the schedule and book tickets in advance for an unforgettable cultural experience in this world-class venue.

Beijing’s nightlife offers an array of experiences, from traditional cultural performances to modern architectural marvels. Each location mentioned in this “15 Fun Things to Do in Beijing at Night” guide provides a unique way to explore and appreciate the city after dark.

Whether you’re sampling local delicacies at a night market, enjoying a serene view from a historical park, or immersing yourself in the arts, Beijing at night is sure to captivate and enchant. Embrace these experiences and make your nights in Beijing as memorable as your days.

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Top 9 Things to Do at Night in Beijing

The nightlife in Beijing is always full of surprises where one can enjoy a variety of Chinese cultural activities, such as theatres featuring opera, drama, acrobatics, and dancing, as well as night tours in the hutongs, bars, food streets, and even on the Great Wall.

Here we’ve summarized the top 9 things to do at night in Beijing. There must be something that suitable for you.

1. Take a Bird’s Eye View of the Forbidden City

Forbidden City at Night

Facing the northern gate of the Forbidden City , Jingshan Park is the best place to get a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and central Beijing. It is open from 06:30 to 9 pm in summer and to 8 pm in winter.

Climb on the highest point of the mountain at dusk in the park, you will get a totally different view of the imperial city, which is even more eye-catching than views from inside.

2. Lose Yourself in the Hutongs

Small Shops in the Hutongs

Hutongs are one of the unique features of Beijing. These maze-like traditional alleys are associated with courtyard dwellings, making them an excellent place to catch local life . Strolling around the hutongs on a summer night, you’ll see residents playing mahjong or traditional instrument on the street.

The best hutong areas are around the Drum Tower and Tongluoguxiang. You can walk there from Jingshan Park within 30 minutes.

3. Go for a Crazy Shopping

Qianmen Street

Beijing is a paradise for shoppers. From local souvenirs to the latest high-tech devices and fashion, there’s nothing you can’t buy home. Just go on a crazy shopping spree!

Wangfujing Street is a nice option after a day trip to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Qianmen Street can also be your place if you are a fan of Beijing’s old-brand products- clothes, shoes, and traditional specialties. Sanlitun and Xidan are contemporary large shopping malls that feature world-famous brands, more suitable for young shoppers.

Click and see the Best 9 Places for Shopping in Beijing .

4. Try Street Foods in a Night Market

Night Market

Exploring night markets of any city is a good way to experience local food culture. Beijing is no exception. You can easily find many outlets in any night market or food street to feast on local street foods and snacks.

Huguosi Snack Street is the best place to sample Beijing traditional snacks, while Niujie Muslim Snack Street features halal street food. Ghost Street (Guijie) is a night market where there are street-side restaurants open all night.

There are 11 Beijing street foods you should try, from the delicate imperial snack Pea Cake to the wired Stewed Liver and fried insects.

5. Enjoy Live Music in a Bar

Live Music in a Bar

Not only is Beijing famous for its cultural heritage and long history in the world, but it’s celebrated for its prosperous bar culture, highlighted by its numerous high-end bars, laid-back pubs, and luxury nightclubs.

The bars in Beijing are mainly concentrated in three districts: Chaoyang, Xicheng, and Haidian. Sanlitun Bar Street in Chaoyang District, where is close to the embassy area, is favored by many foreigners in Beijing.

6. Savor Peking Opera

Peking Opera

Peking Opera , combining music, acrobatic dance, theater, and bright costumes, creates the narrative of stories based on the historic past and Chinese folklore. The best place for Peking Opera in Beijing is Liyuan Theatre . It performs from 19:30 to 21:00 in the evening.

Maybe you want to try our night tour: Beijing Roast Duck Dinner and Beijing Opera ?

7. Watch a Kung Fu Show

Kung Fu Show

Watching a night show is very popular for foreign travelers to experience traditional Chinese culture. Kung Fu Show is the most exciting one. It performs twice at Red Theatre every night. The first performance starts at 17:15 and the second one at 19:30.

It combines music, dance, and acrobatics and tells a story about how a monk becomes a grandmaster by hard work. The theme of this show is Hardship and Growth. The average age of the talented performers in this show is only 17. English subtitles are applied for visitors to follow.

There are also other famous shows and concerts in Beijing, such as the Golden Mask Dynasty Show in Beijing Happy Valley, and the acrobatics show at Chaoyang Theatre.

8. Experience a Night Tour on Simatai Great Wall

Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall open for night visits, which means you can get a rare chance to explore the magnificent Great Wall at night. The night walk starts from Gubei Water Town (Beijing WTown), a lovely ancient town at the foot of the subtly lit wall itself.

9. View the Nighttime Cityscapes

Scenic spots are scattered everywhere in Beijing. many buildings in the central area look fabulous when night falls down and lights up. Below are two best places for you to get Beijing’s night views:

Tiananmen Square and Chang’an Avenue

Tiananmen Square at Night

The area around Tiananmen Square is one of the most beautiful places in Beijing at night. The majestic Tiananmen Tower and the mystery Forbidden City are more prominent against the dark sky.

Chang'an Avenue stretches along the north side of Tiananmen Square. It is one of the busiest streets in Beijing, which is brightly lit at night.

The Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube

Bird's Nest at Night

The 2008 Beijing Olympic Games made the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube world famous. After the Olympic Games, they have become the icons of Beijing.

When night falls, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube are illuminated. The light of Bird's Nest is orange, which represents hospitality. The light of the Water Cube is sea blue standing for soft beauty.

Experience Beijing Nightlife with Us

Our Beijing tours include golden opportunities in the evenings. If you want to add any of the above activities to your itinerary, please let us know . If you don’t know how to plan your nightlife in Beijing, maybe our most-selected tour packages will inspire you:

• Night Tour: Quanjude Roast Duck & Kungfu Show in Red Theatre
• Night Tour on Unrestored Wild Great Wall
• Beijing Essence and In-depth Tour

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China’s sprawling capital city of Beijing is one of the world’s oldest cities and has an amazing history going back more than 3000 years. Beijing is the most populous national capital in the world, with over 21 million residents. The megacity is the centre of power and development in China and a hotspot for culture, finance, politics, education, business and economics. Once the centre of the powerful Ming and Qing dynasties in the Forbidden City, the modern city of Beijing is known as much for modern architecture as its historical sites, such as the Great Wall of China.

The massive Tiananmen Square is one of the world’s largest meeting areas and features a 37 metre (121 feet) obelisk along with Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the National Museum of China. Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China in Tiananmen Square in 1949.

Beijing has a bit of everything. From history, traditions, and stunning scenery to unique and unforgettable street food, Beijing can easily fill anyone’s bucket list. Beijing’s history is intertwined with Chinese history, with the city often being the centre of political and cultural change in the past. The city has constantly expanded through history, with its walls, palaces, and temples being knocked down and rebuilt as the city expanded to become one of the largest cities on earth. At one point in history, the Forbidden City was the centre of power and the heart of the largest empires on earth.

Beijing transforms into a beautifully lit city with neon lights and romantic night sceneries by night and offers a vibrant and memorable experience once the sun sets. While the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven areas in central Beijing give an old-world charm after sunset, CBD and the newer areas provide a modern and upscale vibe to the city after dark. Learning some basic Chinese words and putting an effort to communicate with the locals in their own language will go a long way while shopping, bargaining, or evening ordering in a restaurant. Also famous for many performances, and shows like the Shaolin Kung Fu performance, Peking Opera and other cultural performances provide entertainment in Beijing at night.

Planning a trip to Beijing?

1- watch an amazing acrobatics show, 2- enjoy a stunning kung fu performance, 3- watch an authentic peking opera, 4- take a stroll along beihai park, 5- walk in old beijing’s hutong alleys, 6- learn the great wall of china’s history at simatai, 7- take a class on ancient chinese calligraphy, 8- taste beijing’s street food on a night food tour, 9- view the forbidden city after sunset from jingshan park, 10- get wowed by the nightime colours, 11- snack and shop in the neon-lit wangfujing street, 12- visit the historic temple of heaven complex, 13- go shopping in silk street (xiushui) and pearl market (hongqiao), 14- go for a retro photoshoot in traditional chinese attire, 15- go shopping in the ancient qianmen and dashilan streets, 16- take a stroll in the olympic park, 17- spend an evening in the sanlitun area, 18- go bar hopping in houhai, 19- enjoy food in ghost street (gui jie), 20- enjoy an evening at solana lifestyle shopping park, beijing at night.

Here are some top places to stay and tours to try.

• Four Seasons Hotel Beijing (5-star)
• The Orchid Hotel – Old Town & Drum Tower (4-star)
• Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3-star)
• Private Night Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall
• Hutong Night Tour with Yunnan-style Dinner
• Night Tour of Tiananmen Square and Olympic Park

Everyone likes watching a well-coordinated acrobatic performance.

Chinese acrobatic performances are a treat to watch because highly skilled and trained artists perform them.

The acrobats display stunning feats of balance and skill while performing traditional Chinese arts such as dancing, cycling, theatre, martial arts and even magic shows.

Acrobats generally perform in circus-style acrobatic feats or martial arts-style combat performances (specific performances depend on the scene), and the coordination and acrobatic skills are a delight to watch.

Chaoyang Theatre is at 36 E 3rd Ring N Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing and showtimes are at 4 pm, 5.30 pm and 7 pm. Find out more here .

Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is a Chinese martial arts form that originated more than 3000 years ago.

The martial arts form is world famous for its fighting styles, many of which are imitations of the fighting styles of animals.

Many Kung Fu-based action movies have a cult following as do the movie actors who perform such action scenes.

Kung Fu utilises a combination of muscular coordination combined with intellect and strategy.

Different from other combat sports like boxing and Muay Thai, Kung Fu was immortalised in the latter half of the 20th century through action films and actors who specialise in this art form.

You can watch a stunning Shaolin Kung Fu performance in Beijing at The Red Theater, which showcases this martial art form using artists with incredible skill and elegance amidst a perfectly set up backdrop.

Red Theater is at 44 Xing Fu Da Jie, Dong Cheng Qu, Beijing, and showtimes are at 5.15 pm and 7.30 pm. Find out more here .

Peking opera, also called Beijing opera, showcases quintessential Chinese culture through a uniquely Chinese art performance.

If you are a fan of singing and dancing in Western Operas, you will be amazed at the stylised and symbolic visual performances of a Peking Opera.

While both Western and Peking Operas are based on singing and dancing performances, Peking operas add a strong visual element to their act.

You can see performers in heavy makeup symbolising their character and performing in a much more intricate and symbolic style.

If you want to experience Chinese culture and enjoy their unique storytelling perspective, going to a Peking opera is the perfect way to spend your evening.

Liyuan Theatre is at No. 175, Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing and showtimes are at 7.30 pm everyday. Find out more here .

A 1000-year-Old Former Imperial Park, Beihai Park is a large 70-hectare park in the old Imperial city in the centre of Beijing.

Once the private gardens of the emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties, the public garden is now a place for locals and tourists to take a stroll, relax and exercise.

The park also has restaurants, shops and a large lake nicknamed the “northern sea” or Beihai in the local language.

The park’s central location and proximity to the Shichahai Lake area is home to many bars.

You can find many viewpoints and photo opportunities throughout the park, especially during sunset.

Beihai Park is at 1 Wenjin St, Xicheng District in Central Beijing and is open until 9 pm in summer and 8 pm in winter. Prebook your admission ticket online .

Old Beijing is famous for narrow streets or alleys called Hutongs formed by closely built traditional courtyards.

These narrow winding streets and old houses were once a common sight in Beijing, but urban development has seen them dwindle and give way to larger complexes and restructured housing.

The government still preserves some hutongs in Beijing to maintain the traditional way of life.

In the olden days, hutongs around the Forbidden City were classified according to elite status, with the hutongs closer to the Imperial Palace being of higher status.

Hutongs such as the Dazhalan Xi Jie shopping street, Nanluoguxiang, Dongjiaominxiang, and Qianmen street are preserved and attract many local and international visitors every day.

You can find several bars and street food stalls while exploring the hutongs. A guide will help you find the best food places. Here are two tours you may like:

• Hutong private walking tour
• Hutong food and beer tour by tuk tuk

Nanluoguxiang area is home to many hutongs and can be reached by a short walk from Nanluoguxiang subway station.

For more things to do in China read:

• 25 Famous Landmarks in China
• Best Time To Visit China
• 20 Ways To Celebrate Christmas In China
• 20 China Beaches For Your Bucket List
• 20 Things To Do In Shanghai At Night
• 20 Things To Do In Guangzhou
• 21 Places To Visit In China
• 7 Things To Do In Xiamen
• 20 Things To Do In Xian
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Inner Mongolia In Winter
• Places To Visit In Yunnan
• 20 Smart Cities in China
• Winter in China – 20 Things To Do
• 15 Things China Is Famous For
• Living in China – Everything You Need To Know
• 20 Endemic Animals In China And Where To See Them
• 12 National Parks in China
• 20 Things To Do In Chengdu At Night
• 20 Things To Do In Chongqing At Night

Beijing is a short distance away from China’s most famous historic structures and one of the seven wonders of the world – the Great Wall of China.

Many sections of the Great Wall that are less than two hours from Beijing, including the well-preserved Badaling and Mutianyu, the renovated Juyonguan, Jinshanling, Simatai, Jiankou and Gubeikou.

Among these, Simatai Great Wall is the section of the Great Wall open after sunset.

A trip to Simatai and the nearby Gubei Water Town can take a few hours, but visiting the ancient structures, taking a boat ride on a lake and visiting the nearby hot spring would be well worth the time.

You can take a cable car to go up the Great Wall and be mesmerised by the beautiful night scenery at Simatai.

Note that the night tour requires a special ticket here.

Simatai Great Wall is at Miyun District, Beijing.

Chinese Calligraphy is the stylised and artistic writing of Chinese characters using ink and a brush.

Calligraphy is considered one of the supreme art forms in Chinese tradition and plays an important role in uniting the vast country and regions.

Chinese calligraphers are well-respected in society for their artistic sense and beautiful composition.

Visiting Beijing is not complete without taking a peek into this beautiful art form. Better still, join a calligraphy class , where a Calligraphy Master teaches you this unique visual art form.

You will get a chance to expand your artistic skills and pick up a thing or two about the Chinese language, and of course – bragging rights!

Chinese is a favourite cuisine for many around the world.

From spring rolls, dumplings, noodles, and fried rice to stir fries and hotpots, everyone has a favourite way to eat their protein Chinese style.

Many countries have their own variations of Chinese food, but when in Beijing, you can taste those dishes served in authentic Chinese-style preparations.

Also, the term Chinese cuisine is a mix of diverse cooking styles, flavours and ingredients, which sometimes vary quite a lot depending on the regional cuisine.

Cantonese, Shandong, Sichuan, Hunan, and Zheijang are some of the prominent regional cuisines in China that have their own flavours, ingredients and preparation methods.

Going on a food tour with a food guide is the best way to understand and appreciate Chinese cuisine and the differences in regional preparations.

When in Beijing at night, this food tour will help you add a dish or more to the list of your favourite Chinese dishes.

Jingshan Park is one of the best places to enjoy the beautiful central Beijing panorama and the Forbidden City.

The park is set atop a hill, so time your visit to enjoy the beautiful sunset view from the park.

The park is also well known for its scenic views and instagrammable spots throughout the year.

The shimmering cityscape of Beijing can be best enjoyed after dark, while the city’s panoramic expanse is equally beautiful during sunrise when the sun’s rays glide over rooftops.

The park is at 44 Jingshan W St, Xicheng District, Beijing and is open till 8 pm during winter and 9 pm during summer. Book your admission ticket here .

Tiananmen Square is one of the first things that comes to anyone’s mind when talking about Beijing, and rightly so.

The area around Tian’anmen Square is one of the most colourful places in Beijing at night.

Mao Zedong first proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China here, and the Chinese flag is raised at sunrise every day here.

Tian’anmen Square, along with the Forbidden City and the 12-lane Chang’An Avenue, are beautifully lit up during the evenings. Try this night walking tour.

If you are looking for a cheap area to shop for souvenirs and taste local (and exotic) street food, head to Wangfujing street.

This bustling street offers a variety of shopping options, such as clothing, cheap electronics, spices, souvenirs and other stuff, along with authentic street food.

Try the Peking duck, dumplings, lamb tripe and other common street food options here.

If you have the stomach, try exotic street food such as scorpions, ox tongue and shark backbone, which would make for a wild story back home.

Wangfujing Pedestrian Street is at Wangfujing Ave, Dongcheng, Beijing.

Temple of Heaven is a 600-year-old temple complex famous for its massive and beautiful circular buildings and temples.

The park is similar in size to Central Park in New York.

Located at a short distance south of the Forbidden City, the temple complex was used by Ming and Qing emperors as a place of worship.

Comprised of centuries-old buildings with domes in distinctive circular shapes, the whole complex was built according to strict philosophical requirements in Chinese culture.

Today, the extensive complex and surrounding parks are used as playgrounds, game and exercise areas, ethnic dances, festivals and more.

The complex becomes even more picturesque during and after sunset with many photo opportunities and beautifully lit buildings.

The bustling and illuminated Qianmen street is close to the temple complex on the northern side.

Temple of Heaven complex is at 1 Tiantan E Rd, Dongcheng District, Beijing and is open till 9 pm daily. Skip the line and book your ticket here .

Silk Street (Xiushui) is a multi-level shopping centre close to the Central Business District in Beijing.

The centre is famous for its visual feast of coloured textiles, designer women’s clothes, accessories and more.

The buzzing shopping centre earlier used to sell counterfeit designer brands but now serves as a bargain mall for locals to shop for clothes and accessories.

Silk Centre also houses many restaurants.

Close to Silk Street is the Hongqiao Pearl Market, a huge marketplace for trading pearls.

Pearl Market is relatively newer and closes earlier than Silk Street.

Both these markets have a variety of shops where you can get different types of souvenirs.

Freshwater pearls are naturally white, ivory, pink, coral or peach in colour, but you’ll also find an interesting selection of other colours here.

Don’t forget to bargain while shopping here and start bargaining with half the price sellers are quoting.

Silk Street is at No.8 Xiushui East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing and is open till 11 pm. Hongqiao Market is at Tiantan Donglu 46, Chongwen district and is open till 7 pm. You may like this private markets tour .

Originally an important destination for silk trading and also part of the Silk Route, Beijing is world-renowned for its silk and textile markets.

Sericulture and silk weaving have always been a part of Chinese culture, dating back to more than 3000 years ago, giving rise to traditional clothing for women and men made from silk.

In ancient China, the type of dress worn by someone determined their status.

Although this tradition is no longer followed, traditional Chinese wear is still worn by locals on many occasions.

Hanfu, Qipao, Tang and Zhongshan Suits are some of the traditional clothing worn by the Chinese today.

You can try out the attire of your liking and colour and get photographed in a traditional Chinese courtyard or Hutong in a retro photoshoot.

Dashilan Street is one of Beijing’s oldest and most famous shopping streets.

This centuries-old lively commercial street is the best place to do souvenir shopping, try traditional Chinese clothes, and try traditional Chinese snacks in the city.

Lined with shops with an old and antique look, the street also has many tea houses and old shops selling time-honoured and trusted Chinese brands.

Although the street is more than 500 years old, some parts have been completely razed by fires and rebuilt while preserving the old architecture.

Qianmen Street can be reached by taking the subway to Qianmen station or by joining this walking tour .

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008 and Winter Olympics in 2022, when many beautiful structures and buildings were built to accommodate the games and visitors in the Beijing Olympic Park.

Also called the Olympic Green, this park houses two magnificent buildings called the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, along with many other buildings.

Bird’s Nest and Water Cube are brightly lit up during the evenings with red, blue and several other colours and are a treat to see at night.

The expansive walkways in the Olympic Park also showcase many sculptures and the well-laid-out design of the parks, streets and stadia make this area worth visiting, especially after sunset.

Also, don’t forget to drop by the Olympic Tower , one of the tallest towers in the city with a distinctive design and an observatory on the top floor.

Beijing Olympic Park can be reached by subway to Beijing Olympic Park station. You may also like the commentary on this night tour .

Sanlitun area between the 2nd and 3rd ring roads in Eastern Beijing is known for its fashionable dining and nightlife scene.

You can find many upscale restaurants serving international cuisines, star hotels, malls and various pubs.

Many restaurants and cafes in the area transform into luxury nightclubs once the sun sets, attracting a lot of foreigners.

You can spend an evening shopping at the Taikoo Li Sanlitun, have dinner in a restaurant with Chinese, European or International fare, and head over to the Sanlitun Bar Street – all in the same night.

Try the walking tour to try out famous food joints in this area, along with a knowledgeable food guide .

Sanlitun area can be reached by taking the subway to the Tuanjiehu, Dongdaqiao or Dongsishitiao stations.

Beijing has one of the highest number of bars in China and a vibrant bar culture with live shows and performances.

Located north of the Beihai lake in the Shichahai area, Houhai is a great place to take a casual stroll or hop into a bar in central Beijing.

The area is known for its scenic views and waterfront shops and eateries.

Houhai’s bar street is famous for its dozens of bars offering live music and cozy seating.

Take a break from sightseeing and spend an evening with your family or friend going restaurant and bar hopping.

You can also find traditional Chinese tea or stop for an evening snack here.

The area is crowded in the evenings and offers a warm and comfortable ambience, especially during snowy days.

The proximity of many bars close by means you can hop in and out of different bars and choose your entertainment and ambience.

Houhai is at 51 Di’anmen West Main Street, Xicheng District and can be reached by taking the subway to Shichahai station.

A trending street food street in Beijing is Ghost Street, close to many embassies and lined with many restaurants and street food stalls.

You can find traditional Chinese restaurants and street food where you can try spicy crawfish and crab, pork dumplings, roast fish, claypots, pastries and more.

Many restaurants serve European and international fare too. Most of the restaurants and eateries are open till midnight, making this street a go-to option for food anytime from morning to midnight.

Gui Jie is at Dongzhimennei Avenue, Dongcheng District and can be reached by taking the subway to Beixinqiao or Dongzhimen stations.

Located between the 3rd and 4th ring roads on the Eastern side of Beijing, Solana is a high-end shopping mall where you can find international high-end and signature branded items.

With hundreds of international brands, shops and restaurants, the mall is ideal for a little retail therapy.

You can also try out international cuisine, catch a movie, or just hang out with friends in a lively bar.

The mall also houses activities for kids, like skating and arcade games.

The mall offers many options if you want to spend an evening away from the city streets.

Solana is at 6 Chaoyanggongyuan Rd, Chaoyang, Beijing. This night tour will get you to several places mentioned above.

For more exciting cities at night, read:

• 20 Things To Do In Boston At Night
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• 20 Things To Do In London At Night
• 15 Things To Do In Rome At Night
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Top 10 Beijing’s most iconic views at night

Plan your Beijing tour ? Beijing is the capital city of China that has seen huge change in the past 30 years. Many of Beijing’s impressive buildings such as Forbidden and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests in Temple of Heaven have existed for centuries.

Two decades ago there were no such modern architectures as the CCTV Headquarters by Rem Koolhaas and Ole Scheeren of OMA and no Giant Egg (The National Center for the Performing Arts) by French architect Paul Andreu.

A great way to enjoy Beijing is to see it when night falls with changing skylines and dazzling neon lights. Spare one night for a dreamy night tour of Beijing . We’ve selected the top 10 most iconic night views in Beijing. Or you may have your own version of the most beautiful night scenes in Beijing.

360° Panoramic View from the hilltop in Jingshan Park

You may exit from the north gate of the Forbidden City and then cross the road in the front, you will see the south gate of Jingshan Park. For normal opening time, the entrance fee is only RMB2. But during the Peony Festival from later April and May each year, the entrance fee is raised to RMB10 per person.

The hill in Jingshan Park is 42.6 meters at relative height and 88.35 high at sea level. Just scale the stairs all the way to the tower – Wanchu Pavilion perched on the hill in the park. Wanchu Pavilion is the highest point along the Beijing’s north-south axis, a good place to have a panoramic view of the capital’s downtown area: CBD in the east; Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the north; Beihai Park in the west and the south is to the north gate of the Forbidden City.

The city of Beijing looks gorgeous seeing it change from dusk to sunset, and to the nightfall with bright neon lights around the city below.

Night View of Beijing Central Business District

The landscapes – China World Hotel, CCTV New Office Tower and the bustling Chang’an Avenue and more – Beijing’s Central Business District ), and night view is dazzling, every minute making you intoxicated.

China Grill is one of the highest restaurants in Beijing and it is located on the 66th floor, Park Hyatt Beijing, No.2 Jianguomen Outer St., Chaoyang, Beijing where you can have a clear view of CBD. Recommended cuisines: Seafood platter, Appetizer bread, mashed Potatoes, Black pepper lobsters and more.

TaiKoo Li Sanlitun in the evening

It is dubbed as the capital’s hottest fashion destination and the coolest place to hang out.

Taikoo Li Sanlitun is an open shopping district consisting of 19 low-density contemporary buildings. Sanlitun Taikoo Li itself represents a cultural gathering, so it’s all about people: creating art and leading fashion as well as enjoying food, shopping and fun.

Add: Courtyard 19, Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun Tel: 10-6417 6110 / 010-6417 7110 Web： www.taikoolisanlitun.com/en/ Opening Hours: 10am-10pm

Subway: take subway line 10 and get off at at the station of Tuanjiehu (团结湖), and exit from Exit A, 500 meters to the west; take Line 6 to Dongdaqiao Station （东大桥）, exit B, 700 meters to the north.；take Line 2 to Dongsishitiao （东四十条）Station, exit from Exit C.

Bird’s Nest & Water Cube

Beijing National Stadium, billed as “Bird’s Nest”, is located in the center of Beijing Olympic Park. It was the site for the opening and closing ceremony for the Olympic Games in 2008. It was the place where Usain Bolt of Jamaica broke the world record by winning both the 100 and 200 gold medals at the Olympics.

National Aquatics Center, popular known as “Water Cube”, is located just beside Bird’s Nest. It is “cube”” because of its semi-transparent “bubbles” spread out all over its surface with a shape very similar to the structure of “H2O”.

Qianmen Street

“qianmen” literally means “Front Gate”. Qianmen Street is located south of Qianmen Tower on the south of Tiananmen Square, hence the name of the street. The streets are dotted with neon at night with surreal atmosphere..

It is one of the last remnants of the business centers of old Beijing. It has been transformed into a modern commercial pedestrian street, the second walking street after Wangfujing Street in the downtown shopping district Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is oft-lauded as the largest public square of this kind in the world, a geological center of Beijing as well as a political barometer of China. Apart from the historical events and myths related to the square, Tiananmen Square has much to offer in terms of the significant buildings and solemn red flag raising and lowering ceremonies.

Visiting Tiananmen Square at different times of a day, you get different views of the square – Sunrise View of Tiananmen Square, Sunset View of Tiananmen Square. The awesome view comes when the night falls with sparkling lights dotting the buildings, towers and the ground.

North of Tiananmen Square is Beijing Tiananmen Tower ( Gate of Heavenly Peace ) . The tower sits on the platform which is a building with double-eave roof and yellow-glazed tiles. It has five archways with the middle gate used as the passage for Ming and Qing emperors.

View Night of Forbidden City Turret and Moat

Though not allowed to enter Forbidden City for a night view, people still have the opportunity to see Forbidden City’s night beauty. You may walk to the moat along on the northern wall of Forbidden City.

The night view of the turrets of Forbidden City is stunning with traditional buildings coated with lights.

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)

It is one of the 4 most important landmarks in Beijing. The egg-shape theatre is absolutely worth having a glimpse. It was designed by French architect Paul Andreu. Construction started in December 2001 and the inaugural concert was held in December 2007.

The total cost for its construction is said to be over RMB 3 billion. The theatre has total 5473 seats with each seat costing about half million! The exterior of the theater is a titanium accented glass dome that is completely surrounded by a man-made lake. It just likes like an egg cut half.

Shichahai Night View

“Shichahai”, literally “Ten Temple Lake”, actually refers to a large historical area (147 hectares) including the present three lakes – Houhai (Back Lake), Qianhai (Front Lake) and Xihai (West Lake) in the north of the central Beijing.

There used to be 10 temples in the area, hence the name of “Shichahai”. Some of the temples are still there, including Guangji Temple, Huitong Temple, Huoshen Temple, Guangfu Guan ( a taoist temple ), etc.

Acclaimed as “Historical and Cultural Scenic District” by the municipal government of Beijing in 1992, Shichahai has become one of the much-visited place equivalent of other highlights in Beijing such as Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and the Great Wall of China.

Shichahai is a place where modernity meets tradition – historical hutongs and courtyards; trendy bars and restaurants. It is also a scenic area with willow lined lakes – boating in summer and skating in winter.

Shichahai is a delight to explore either on foot or by bike. You’ll need 2 0r 3 hours to savour the picturesque Shichahai which is often called “Houhai” by foreign visitors.

Shichahai in different seasons or even at different times of a day give you different views and activities. Shichahai at night is most attractive with great fun – neon lights, crowded and bustling, stuffed with all way of bars, restaurants, stalls and gifts shops. It is an entertaining place to browse. In a word, Shichahai is an ideal hangout on your Beijing night tour no matter.

The Red-lantern Night View of Gui Jie

The over-1000 meter Guijie ( Gui Jie) is located between Dongzhimen Subway Station of Line 2 and Bexinqiao Subway Station of Line 5. So you may walk from Dongzhimen Station or Beixinqiao Station to the brilliant food street with Beixinqiao being closer.

Gui Jie ( Ghost Street 簋街) is an almost 24-hour food street with many eateries on both sides. It is quite popular with local Beijing people, expats, tourists, etc. Almost all the restaurants here are decorated in red – red store-front plaques, red lanterns and red lights with great vibe, a great place for friends, families and couples all to meet for dinner here.

The bright red lanterns hanging at the restaurant fronts and over sidewalks pose stunning views at night, an interesting iconic night view in Beijing.

Tip:  Hassle-free Beijing Guided Tours

If you don’t want to go the do-it-yourself route and prefer the hassle-free escorted tours,  here are some options for guided tours to Beijing:

Car Rental in Beijing Beijing Day Tour Beijing Tour Packages Great Wall Tour Beijing Winter Tour Beijing Tours China City Tours China Tour

Further Readings

Best Time to Visit Beijing How to plan a trip to Beijing

The Old World Charm in Beijing Houhai Winter Ice Skating Rink How to visit Shichahai Sunset Over Houhai Lake in Beijing The night view of Shichahai Shichahai, a nice place to walk at night in Beijing

Top 10 Attractions in Beijing How to Visit Forbidden City How to Visit Temple of Heaven How to Visit Summer Palace How to Visit Ming Tombs How to Visit the Great Wall of China How to Visit Tiananmen Square How to Visit Hutongs How to Visit Olympic Sites

Top 10 Markets in Beijing Top 10 Shopping Malls in Beijing Beijing Shopping

Wangfujing Night Snack Street Qianmen Commercial Street Beijing Huguosi Street

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Ask a Local: The Best Ways to See Beijing by Night and Day

By Charlie Hobbs

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Born and raised in Hebei—the province that, on the map, appears to wrap two arms around Beijing in a loving hug—restaurateur Amy Li moved to the Chinese capital some 26 years ago to live and work. In the time since, she and husband Jonathan Ansfield have run several food businesses (the latest, Vietnamese restaurant Susu, was conceived after a friend observed a dearth of such cuisine in the city.) Li loves Beijing's multifaceted nature, citing both the “powerful sense of order” wrought by such landmarks as the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Wall as well as the messy chaos of Old Beijing's hutong—here, she lays out what you can't miss of the old as well as the new on a visit.

White Tiger Village

“In the middle of the pandemic, our friend Nathan Zhang had the guts to reopen a chic bistro called White Tiger Village . It's now in the Maizidian neighborhood, which in recent years has spawned a hopping drinking-and-dining scene packed with Japanese izakayas and wine bars. They specialize in small plates paired with a large selection of natural wines. Nathan and chef Xiao Liang were inspired in part by the ultrafresh cuisine of Yunnan. Their new collaboration, In-Between, is tucked in an alleyway in the Xingfucun hood. These are great places to catch glimpses of Beijing's jet-setter crowd.”

The band Peking Floyd performs at Dusk Dawn Club.

Dusk Dawn Club

“In the basement of a seedy underground mall known as Yabaolu, you can see a range of musical acts, from experimental jazz to girl punk. The Yabaolu used to be a hub of Russian and Central Asian traders, where you'd find cheap tchotchkes, vodka, and fur coats.”

Dashanzi Art District

“UCCA and M Woods are the anchors of the Dashanzi Art District , also commonly known as 798. These museums pull in major international shows in partnership with galleries abroad. We visit their exhibits and stroll around Dashanzi more and more these days, now that our girls can start to appreciate it. The converted factory district is over 50 years old now. But that's the point—despite everything, it's still going fairly strong and attracting hordes of young Chinese people on weekends.”

The Chinese garden at Ritan Park.

“My husband and I and our two little girls seek out sanctuary in Ritan Park , one of Beijing 's fabled heritage parks. The landscape encapsulates the classic Chinese park setting—a world within a garden. It's peaceful yet bustling with life—retirees ballroom dance, middle-aged folks practice qigong, and kids make a beeline for the little carnival rides. You can climb the rock garden and get an excellent 360-degree view of the business district's mountainous skyline. Around the pavilion at the peak, people fly kites. Down below, a gorgeous lotus pond blooms in the summer.”

This article appeared in the December 2023 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

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Beijing Night Tours – 8 Things to Do at Night

Here are 8 things to do in Beijing at night, including some attractions that open late offering spectacular night views, such as the Simatai Great Wall and CCTV Tower, as well as leisure blocks with bars open to small hours, like Houhai and Sanlitun. Should you be looking for Beijing night tours, then these are the very recommendations you seek.

Beijing Night Tour by Dang-dang Sightseeing Bus

Night Tour of Simatai Great Wall & Gubei Water Town

Beijing night tour in houhai area.

Olympic Sports Center - Night View of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube

Panoramic night view on cctv tower, night piece on jingshan mountain, night life in sanlitun, taste night snacks in guijie street, you may like.

20 Ultimate Things to Do in Beijing

Having served as the capital of China for more than 800 years, Beijing is best known for having the finest remnants of China's imperial past and being a China culture hub.

The most popular thing to do in Beijing is to visit the Forbidden City , the Great Walls , and other famous attractions, in addition, many experiences in Beijing are worth your time.

Our local experts have journeyed to every corner of the city and uncovered the most enjoyable and discovery-filled things to do in Beijing. Here we describe for you the top 20 things to do in Beijing, a wide variety of experiences to cherish forever, including something for everyone.

1. Admire the Majestic Great Wall

Recommended stay: 1–3 days

The Great Wall of China extends 4,000 miles. Visiting the Great Wall is one of the top things to do in Beijing. There are several Great Wall sections around Beijing to choose from, both restored sections and rugged sections. Choose your way to enjoy a Great Wall trip.

• Take the cable car and enjoy an easy walk at Mutianyu . It is the most popular section among our customers and is perfect for ordinary travelers and children.
• Enjoy night views at the Simatai Great Wall, the only section open at night, with tasteful lighting allowing you a romantic or pleasantly different evening tour.
• If you are interested in hiking , the Jinshanling Great Wall is considered the best section. It's half restored and half-wild. It is also a good place for photography . >> Check more on Great Wall Hiking
• If you are an adventurous traveler, go to the awesome wild wall of Jiankou . It is the most precipitous section of the Great Wall, where you can enjoy some serious hiking.
• If you are a marathon runner , why not try it on the Great Wall? Every year a marathon race is held on the Great Wall, usually on the Huangyaguan or Jinshanling section.

Travel Tips: When you visit sections of the Great Wall with fewer tourists such as Simatai and Jinshanling , having a picnic seems a cool thing to do. There is the little option of restaurants near the Great Wall.

Touring with China Highlights, our tour guide will help prepare food and drinks and carry them for you to a perfect spot on the Great Wall.

Best times to visit the Great Wall : April to May, September to October

>>Check out more on Sections of the Great Wall in Beijing .

• 1-Day Jinshanling Great Wall Hiking Tour
• 1-Day Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hiking Tour

2. Discover Traditional Beijing Life

Recommended stay: 1–2 hours

The Beijing Hutongs are mazes of narrow alleyways linking old single-story traditional courtyard houses. Hutongs give a wonderful glimpse into the world of yesterday in Beijing.

Find your own way to discover more of your interesting things to do in the Hutongs with China Highlights . We can provide you with an authentic and customized Hutong experience.

• Your kids can be like Chinese children living in a hutong as they experience how they study and play and taste the snacks they love. Learn something about Chinese calligraphy. Try to write some simple characters with a brush. Play with a Chinese yo-yo made of wood or bamboo in the courtyard.
• Take a rickshaw through the Hutongs and visit a hutong family living in a traditional quadrangle dwelling. It is an authentic way to discover traditional Beijing life.
• Or you can check out our Hutong walking routes to help you discover the most interesting hutong lanes. >> See our Beijing-Life Discovery Walk Tour
• Taste fine rice wine in a hidden Hutong. In a traditional Chinese alleyway, Nuoyan Rice Wine House offers a pleasant atmosphere where travelers can taste traditional rice wine.

Best time to go : each season has its good points.

>> Also to find our Things to Do in Beijing Hutong

3. Hunt Old Beijing Food

Recommended stay: 3 hours with walking

If you like delicious food, a food hunt is one of the particularly enjoyable things do to in Beijing. Beijing is famous for many character-filled foods such as fried dough rings, doornail pasties, sugarcoated haws, and 'rolling donkeys'.

You can taste these famous Beijing snacks in Nanluoguxiang , Ghost Street, and Wangfujing Snack Street . Some authentic snacks are tucked away in the Hutongs .

Touring with China Highlights , we select small restaurants loved by locals and restaurants with time-honored reputations, where you can admire traditional cooking skills, rather than a night market or a snack market full of tourists.

Your guide will walk with you and tell you the stories behind the food. >> Read more about The Top 5 Beijing Snack Streets

Best times to go: April to May, September to November

>>See our Beijing Foodie tour .

• 5-Day Beijing Family Tour
• 6-Day Beijing Winter Tour with Skiing in a 2022 Olympic Winter Games Venue

4. Feast on Peking Duck

Recommended stay: 2 hours

A saying that is often heard is: "There are two things you must do in Beijing: eat Beijing Roast Duck and see the Great Wall ."Beijing roast duck is the epitome of Beijing cuisine . The dish is mostly prized for its thin, crispy skin, with authentic versions of the dish serving mostly the skin and little meat.

Your Beijing trip is not complete if you have not enjoyed an authentic Beijing roast duck dinner in a time-honored brand restaurant. The famous roast duck chains of restaurants are Quanjude (全聚德) and Dadong (大董).

Best time to eat: it's great all year round!

>>Find out more about The Best 10 Roast Duck Restaurants in Beijing >>>

5. Discover the Forbidden City Like an Emperor

Recommended stay :4 hours with walking

No one should leave Beijing without visiting the Forbidden City. Walking through the Forbidden City is atop your buck list of things to do in Beijing. The Forbidden City is the best-preserved imperial palace in China and the largest ancient palatial structure in the world.

Travel with an experienced guide to avoid the crowds and explore the hidden treasures of the palace. Discover the history and culture behind it, spanning the emperors' personal lives, imperial examinations, and heaven worship.

China Highlights' tour guide will help you explore 12 carefully selected places in the Forbidden City, while group tours routinely visit only 6–8 spots briefly.

Travel Tips: Entrance tickets have only been available online. You can book tickets on the official website of the Palace Museum, but only in Chinese. You are suggested to book via a travel agency like China Highlights.

Best times to go: All year round is good, except for China's golden week (Oct 1–7), which is most crowded.

• 6-Day Beijing Chinese New Year Tour

6. Admire the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube in Beijing Olympic Park

Recommended stay: 1 hour

Beijing Olympic Park , also known as the Olympic Green , will host the 2022 Winter Olympics. The Bird's Nest is the world's largest (non-linear) steel structure and the most complex stadium ever constructed.

The Water Cube was built to a unique and inspired design, based on the way soap bubbles come together in a 12-or-14-sided cell structure.

Travel Tips: The best view of the Beijing Water Cube and Bird Nest can be seen in the evening. If you wish to take the best photos, make sure you go there at night.

7. Stroll in the Restored Summer Palace

The Summer Palace , also called Yiheyuan, is the best-preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in modern China.

The most notable sight in the summer palace is its 'long corridor', a decorative walkway that is 728 meters (796 yards) long with 548 columns. There are more than 14,000 colorful paintings on each beam in the corridor, which are bright and magnificent.

With us, you can walk along the long corridor and listen to tales described by the paintings. Relaxing on a boat on Kunming Lake is a highly recommended way to continue your tour.

Best time to go: April to October

8. Explore the Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace was the resort for emperors in the Qing Dynasty. It was the grandest imperial garden until it was destroyed in 1860 by French and English troops. You will have a different experience when visiting the Old Summer Palace.

There used to be thousands of palaces, most of them made of wood. These were burned to the ground and now only European-style stone structures remain.

Travel Tips: The Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace are 3 kilometers from each other. You can visit both in one day. They are two different gardens, but both are worthy of your time.

9. Discover the Temple of Heaven along with a Tai Chi Experience

The Temple of Heaven , the royal altar where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped heaven, is seen as the holiest of Beijing's imperial temples. It has been described as "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design".

Temple of Heaven Park is a great place to see the locals doing their morning activities such as practicing tai chi. It is really one of the fun things to do in Beijing!

To give more people access to authentic tai chi and the underlying culture, our partnered professional tai chi master shave carefully designed a culture communication program for Westerners at the Temple of Heaven, where you can approach the locals and experience their quintessentially Chinese exercises .

Travel Tips: Qianmen Street is about a 20-minute walk from the Temple of Heaven. You can take some photos of the awe-inspiring architecture here to fill any Instagram in style

10. Attend a Flag Raising Ceremony on Tian'anmen Square

Tian'anmen Square is the world's largest famous square and can accommodate a million people. Like Times Square in New York and Red Square in Moscow, Tian'anmen Square is a must-visit place for travelers to Beijing.

Different from an ordinary visit to the square, we recommend attending a flag-raising ceremony, held every dawn on the famous Tian'anmen Square. The flag's guard of soldiers marches out at a slow and stately pace.

Everybody starts to sing when the Chinese national anthem plays. The short yet touching ceremony gives you an insight into the country and its people.

Travel Tips: The time for the flag-rising is determined according to the sunrise and sunset time in Beijing. The specific time is specially calculated by astronomers. You had better know the exact time of the rising flag in advance. Please contact us to check it.

Best time to go : July to August

• Beijing Traditional Food Tour
• Half-Day Beijing Walking Tour in a Neighborhood

11. Hunt for Treasure in the National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is a merger of two museums: the Museum of the Chinese Revolution and the National Museum of Chinese History. It contains over 600 million historical and cultural items, many of which are rare and precious.

Travel with China Highlights , and your personal guide will help you trace China's history and present you with an easy-to-access outline of Chinese civilization's development. Have a clear idea of the history of China in just half an hour!

In the exhibition hall for ancient China, you could go on a treasure hunt prepared by your guide (particularly recommended for kids). Find the 10 celebrated objects described on the task list that unlock the "code" for their splendid dynasties.

Travel Tips: Photography is allowed inside. Personal items, tripods, and equipment may have to be left at the entryway.

Best time to go : great all year round

12. Enjoy an Evening Show in Beijing

Recommended duration: 1½ hours

It is one of the fun things to do in Beijing. Several evening shows in Beijing are recommended depending on your interests.

Beijing opera is regarded as a Chinese cultural treasure. The make-up, the face masks, the gorgeous costumes, the unique vocal style, and the demanding choreography make Beijing opera a high-class performance entertainment. The best place to enjoy Beijing opera is Li Yuan Theater.

Watching a Kung Fu show is an exciting way to spend a night. The Legend of Kung Fu Show is the best one. It is visually stunning with a fast-paced plot and impressive martial arts skills. Children might like it.

The acrobatic show in Chaoyang Theatre is another breathtaking display of agility and flexibility.

Travel Tips: You can book tickets on the official website of Theaters, but only in Chinese. You are suggested to book via a travel agency, like China Highlights , which can also provide a private transfer.

Best time to go : All year round they're great!

13. Cycle along the Central Axis of Beijing

Recommended duration: 1 day

Really one of the cool things to do in Beijing! Many important buildings are located on the central north-south axis. With the Forbidden City at the center, the central axis extends to the Bell and Drum Tower in the north and Yongdingmen in the south, with a straight-line distance of about 7.8 km (4.8 miles).

On this central axis, you will not only visit the historical sights, including Yongdingmen, the Temple of Heaven , Qianmen , the Forbidden City , and Jingshan Park , but you can also admire outstanding architectural patterns and the overall layout.

>> See more on the Best Beijing Cycling Routes

Best time to cycle: September and October

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour

14. Take a Cooking Class in a Courtyard

Recommended duration: 3 hours

If you want to make your tour more impressive, don't miss the chance to take a cooking class with a local family. Experiencing the local lifestyle will increase the joy of your tour.

Visit a local family living in a Hutong , learn to cook traditional Beijing dishes, and talk with the local people. We believe you can have a cool experience that you can't get simply from visiting architectural structures.

Best time to cook: recommended all year round

15. Enjoy Nightlife in Sanlitun

Recommended stay: 2–3 hours

It is really safe at night in Beijing. Sanlitun is the best place where Beijing people usually walk for fun . It is also the most popular place for foreigners and young Chinese people, as it is lined with countless clubs, bars, and shopping malls.

You can relax by dancing in a party bar or finding a quiet bar where you can have a cocktail and listen to music.

>>Find out more on Things to Do at Night in Beijing

16. Discover Beijing's Time-Honored Brands

Recommended duration: 3 hours including walking

Beijing, the capital of seven dynasties, was for centuries the center of politics, the economy, and culture in medieval China. The time-honored brands of Beijing witnessed the glory days of the city. They bear the marks of the history, culture, and folk customs of Beijing.

There are three famous places in Beijing that have time-honored-brand shops :

Liulichang Street , Dashila'r Street, and Qianmen Avenue . A visit will enrich your understanding of China's literature and art, traditional Chinese medicine, clothing, and food.

>>Find out more Things to Do to Seek Out Old Beijing

• 4-Day Beijing Private Tour to Visit the Great Wall at Night

17. Shop for the Best Souvenir Deals in Local Markets

Recommended duration: as long as you like

Shopping is one of the foreign nationals' favorite things to do in Beijing. Beijing's outdoor markets sell a great variety of souvenirs and old arts and crafts. They are living museums of folk artwork, old articles for daily use, and antiques (though some of them are fake).

Panjiayuan Antique Market is the largest antique market in China, which is known for local specialties. The best souvenirs to bring back home are cloisonné, ivory carvings, jade pieces, lacquer carvings, antiques, and freshwater pearls.

Xiushui Street , also called Silk Market, is one of the major commercial streets in Beijing. You can find a variety of goods, such as clothes, bags, and suitcases, shoes and hats, pearls, and decorations.

Liulichang Street , there are many famous old stores at Liulichang selling books and ink, paper, and inkstones, including Huaiyinshan House, the Old Art House, Ruicheng House, Cuiwen Garret, Yide Garret, LiFishou Pen Store, as well as China Book Store —the largest old book store in China.

Best time to shop: all year round if fine

>> You may also be interested in knowing about The Best Souvenirs and Places to Shop or the Top 10 Shopping Areas in Beijing .

18. Relax in Romantic Landiao Lavender Garden

Recommended stay: half a day

One of the romantic things to do in Beijing! Landiao Lavender Gardens is known as a 'blues dreamland' in Beijing. It is in Chaoyang District, near many of Beijing's main attractions, and is one of the most romantic gardens in Beijing, covering twenty hectares (49 acres) with hot springs, a wedding hall, and a lavender farm.

The manor was designed by a French architect and the buildings have completely inherited the style of French farms. It would be a romantic experience to walk in the garden with your lover.

You will find many newly-married couples there taking wedding photos, and you may come across a wedding ceremony there.

Best time to go: July and August

• One Day Beijing Highlights Private Tour

19. Go Skiing at Nanshan Skiing Resort

Recommended stay: 1 day

"Skiing is one of the best things to do in winter," some would say. Beijing has become a popular place for skiing enthusiasts, due to the number of high-quality ski resorts in the area, especially after Beijing was selected to host the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Nanshan Ski Resort is one of the best skiing resorts in Beijing and also the largest ski resort of its kind in northern China.

It is located in Miyun County, only 1½ hours' drive from Beijing. It is family-friendly with a mini-park containing a kids' ski learning area and practice trail plus a children's playground. It is good for advanced skiers and beginners.

Best time to go: December, January

>> You may be also interested in knowing about other skiing resorts in Beijing .

20. Celebrate a Chinese New Year the Beijing Way

Recommended stay : 1 day

Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival , is the biggest holiday of the year in Beijing, which falls in January or February . Join in a local family for a Chinese New Year would be one of the greatest things to do in Beijing if your travel time is right during the Spring Festival period.

Most Beijing residents will make a traditional New Year's Eve family dinner . Touring with China Highlights we will enable you to experience this special date with a Beijing family.

Join your host family to prepare for the coming of the New Year. Learn how to write Chinese lucky phrases in Chinese calligraphy and join in preparations for the New Year's Eve dinner by making dumplings.

>> Read more about How Beijingers Celebrate Chinese New Year

Best time to go: Chinese Spring Festival (1st February 2022)

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. what are things to do in beijing during winter.

Wall section, at the Badaling Ski Resort and at the Forbidden City where you especially admire the beautiful snowy landscapes at the Meridian Gate Square and the Southeast Corner Tower out from Donghuamen (东华门).

See The Best Places to Enjoy Snow in Beijing.

2. What are romantic things to do in Beijing?

Take a boat on Shichahai Lake and enjoy the rich cultural landscapes and folklife on both sides.

Stroll around in the 798 Art District , a place where celebrities of art and culture in fashion gather.

Taste Red Wine at Chateau Changyu AFIP Global, the picturesque style of the castle makes you feel as if you have entered a fairyland.

Celebrate a Chinese Valentine's Day if you are traveling to Beijing in August. Also called Double Seventh Festival , it falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month Festival.

3. What are unusual things to do in Beijing?

Study the Universities

Stroll around Beijing's Best Art Galleries

Great Wall Marathon at Huangyaguan

Great Wall Camping at Huanghuacheng

4. When is the best time to visit Beijing?

The best times to visit Beijing are spring (April, May) and fall (September, October) when the weather is most pleasant, and the views are most spectacular, on average. >> Read more about the Best time to visit Beijing

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Discover Authentic Beijing with Local Experts

Now you should know what things to do in Beijing. Traveling with a local expert opens up so many more possibilities than trying to figure it out for yourself.

Tell us your interests, and one of our specialists will help you to maximize your travel experience by suggesting the optimal trip for the time you have and the things you love to do.

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THE 10 BEST Beijing Night Tours

Night tours in beijing.

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• Up to 1 hour
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Night Sightseeing Tour of Beijing

2. 4~5 hours Layover Night trip in Beijing With English Driver

3. 4-Hour Private Illuminated Beijing Tour with Authentic Chinese Dinner on Hutong Street

4. Jinshanling Private Tour with Night View of Simatai and Gubei Water Town from Beijing

5. 4 Hour Beijing Layover Night Tour

6. Private Night Tour: Discover Beijing in Bustling Lights

7. Beijing Hutong Night Tour with Yunnan Style Dinner and Chartered Boat Ride at Houhai Lake

8. Private Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town Night Tour from Beijing

9. Night Life of Beijing Hutong Walking Tour with 4 Food Stops

10. 3-Hour Private Night Tour: Beijing Foodie Experience

11. Private Tour: Tiananmen Area Night Walk with Lao She Teahouse Show

12. 3-Hour Private Beijing Night Tour

13. Beijing Private Night Walking Tour: Qianmen Street, Tian'ammen Square and Wangfujing Street

14. Private Beijing Bike Tour

15. Beijing Private Nighttime Sightseeing Tour w/ Transfer

16. Private Night Tour: Illuminated Gubei Water Town and Simatai Wall

17. Beijing Imperial Dinning Experience with Night Tour

18. Private Beijing Night Tour with Mr. Shi's Dumplings, Great Leap Brewing and Houhai Lake

19. Beijing Night Tour: Golden Mask Dynasty Show and Authentic Pekin Duck Dinner

20. Beijing Private Evening Food Tour with Great Leaping Brewery Taproom Hopping

21. Simatai Great Wall Private Night Layover Tour from Beijng Airport

22. Beijing Evening Tour: illuminated Great Wall and Gubei Water Town

23. Amazing Food Challenge for Brave Man in Beijing

24. Private Tour to Pearl Market Acrobatic Show & Peking Duck Dinner

25. Private Beijing Night Tour including Din Tai Fung Dinner

26. Mongolian Yurt Dinner with Jing-A Brewing Hopping and Beijing CBD Night Tour

27. Private Night Tour to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall with Cable Car

28. Private Evening Hutong Walking Tour with Mongolia Hotpot Dinner

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Top 10 Things to Do in Beijing at Night

No. 1: Beijing Bars & CafesBeijing Bars & Cafes Cafes provide the alternative to traditional Chinese restaurants and teahouses. Apart from Starbucks, most cafes have tea and simple meals. Naturally, the city bars are central to Beijing's quality nightlife. You can experience how the locals enjoy their night in this city in those Bars and Cafes.

Large bars have performances most nights and the main bar areas in Houhai, Shichahai, Workers' Stadium, Chaoyang Park, Asia Games Village (Yanyuncun) and the university area in the Haidian District are really worth checking out. New popular places include Yuandadu Bar Street, Xingbalu Bar Street. All of them are great places for people of all ages – you can have drinks, tea or coffee and with so many little places to choose from you can find the right one for you.

No. 9: Cultural City of Beijing NightBeijing Night Show is the only dinner theater in Beijing concentrated on Chinese traditional performing arts. Every evening, a luxurious artistic feast will be presented in this delicately decorated theatre that you can hardly resist. The brilliant Beijing Opera, the elegant Chinese dance, the magnificent acrobatics and marvelous Chinese Kong fu are well integrated with the beautiful costumes and settings, the pleasing music and spotlights and other modern stage arts which will be a real shock of beauty and an unforgettable experience to you in China.

Performance: Beijing Night ShowAddress: No.1 Dayabao Hutong, Dongcheng DistrictShow Time: Daily 19:30 – 21:00

No. 10: Beijing Night ShoppingWould like to go shopping in the evening? The Wangfujing Street is one of your best choices, and the shops are generally closed at around 22:00. Besides, the Donghuamen Night Market, close to the Wangfujing Street, is a top place to hang out. The market sells various edible and exotic snack foods with over 60 specialty snack hawker stalls.

Probably you will not get used to the sights and smell of some of the snack foods which consist of skewed scorpions, baby quails, little sparrows, sea horses, Grasshoppers and little squids. However, you should gather the courage to have a try, because they are delicious and yummy.

Of course, there are also edible ones, such as the grilled lamb kebabs, herbal, jelly drinks, and friend noodles, which are rather cheap too.

Source: ChinaTourismMaps.com

No. 3: Beijing AcrobaticsBeijing acrobatics is one entertainment that must not be missed by the young and old on a visit to Beijing. China has many world class acrobatic troupes because practically every province and major city will have its own acrobatic troupe, and children are selected to be trained as performers from a young age.

Success of acrobatics depends also on good stage arts like stage images, music, choreography and costumes backed up by props and lighting. The frequent local competitions in China for acrobatic excellence have made China a nation unique in an oriental form of acrobatics that is second to none in the world. Tickets can be obtained in Beijing at the Chaoyang Juchang and the Tiandi Juchang. And there are verous kinds of acrobatics shows to see, like Lion Dance, Hoop Diving and so on.

No. 6: Beijing Modern DramaAfter enjoying the Beijing Opera performance, there is still a unique course of culture dinner of old Beijing waiting for you. That is the folk arts of Beijing style derived from life and loved by common people.

1. Lao She Tea HouseAdd: Bldg.3, Qianmen West Street, Beijing; Time: 15:00 – 16:30, 19:40 – 21:20Take buses NO.22, 44, 8, 66, 808 or subway and get off at Qianmen Stop2. Beijing People's Art TheaterAdd: 22 Wangfujing Street, Beijing; Time: starting from 8:00amTake buses NO.101, 103, 108, 112, 803 and get off at Art Gallery stop3. Small experimental theater of the Central Drama InstituteAdd: 39 Xianghui Dongmian Hutong, Dongcheng District;Take NO.104, 108 buses and get off at Beibingmasi stop

No. 7: Beijing Spa & MassageThere are many options available for massage in Beijing. The foot bath massage is Beijing's specialty. For this, the feet are soaked in a warm bath infused with special minerals and herbs. The masseuse then rubs the feet, using principles of reflexology. In this way, the masseuse is able to relax the entire body by only touching the feet.

Pampering oneself has caught on in Beijing. As a result many other forms of massage are also available including full body massage, traditional ear massage, and full spa treatments.

No. 5: Beijing Teahouse TheaterTea is a kind of tree or bush, its leaves, and the beverage made from the leaves. Tea was first used medicinally when it was found in ancient China. Tea is a very important thing in Chinese lives. It even evolves a specific culture--- "Tea Culture".

For Chinese-Tea-lovers, Laoshe Teahouse is an exciting cultural place to experience the authentic Tea Culture of China. It is located at Qianmen and named after the famouse Chinese author, Laoshe. Lao She (1899-1966), real name Shu Qingchun, was of Manchurian descent and the famous author of the book called “Camel Xiangzi” also known in the US as “Rickshaw”. It was a bestseller in the US where Lao She was a visiting professor. He also taught Chinese at the Oriental School of London University in his earlier days.

No. 8: Beijing Theaters/CinemasBeijing has many traditional performances such as the Peking Opera, Acrobatic shows, Chinese Kungfu and Dramatic performances in the Beijing-styled houses or theaters are popular with the visitors to the Beijing, all that will ensure you have a wonderful and interesting nightlife!

The most popular theaters of Beijing include: Chao Yang Theater Beijing (Acrobatics Show), Huguang Guild Hall Beijing (Peking Opera Show), Red Theater Beijing (Kung Fu Show), Tiandi Theater Beijing (Acrobatics Show), and Liyuan Theater Beijing (Peking Opera Show).

No. 2: Beijing Opera ShowEnjoying the Peking Opera shows is one of the top 10 things to do for any Beijing tour. It gives a profound influence in China and plays a large role in Chinese culture.

Beijing Opera is a synthesis of stylized action, singing, dialogue and mime, acrobatic fighting and dancing to represent a story or depict different characters and their feelings of gladness, anger, sorrow, happiness, surprise, fear and sadness. The costumes in Beijing Opera are graceful, magnificent, elegant and brilliant, and mostly are made in handicraft embroidery. As the traditional Chinese pattern is adopted, the costumes are of a high aesthetic value.

Check the most recommended Peking Opera Theaters and appreciating the quintessence of Chinese Opera with the locals.

No. 4: Beijing Kung Fu ShowChinese Kung Fu (martial arts) is so prestigious on the global scene that Zheng zhou, Henan Province, has become the mecca for Wushu lovers who congregate there for an annual international Wushu festival. Every morning, street corners and public parks are thronged with people practicing Chinese martial arts.

And now, here in Beijing Red Theater, the modern dancers have mixed elements of Kung Fu into their performance and the Kung Fu performers have adopted some of the modern dance actions. The management and production team have been looking for the best performers all over China. You can find their hard work on the stage. The average age of the performers is only 17 years, but their performance tells that they are excellent!

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14 things you can do only in Beijing

Feb 23, 2024 • 8 min read

Beijing has many personalities – here are the best things to do in this dynamic megacity © Maridav / Shutterstock

It's incredible to think that a little over a century ago, Beijing was a kind of low-rise walled fortress, its nine humongous gates locked shut every night. 

Today, it's the very model of a modern megacity, hurtling toward a brave new future – though with one foot planted in the past. To put it simply, Beijing does things its own way: it's a city of 9 million gig-economy e-bikes and about as many tech workers, of historic hutong lanes overhung with facial-recognition cameras, of endlessly inventive ways to get your foodie fix.

Things move forward so quickly in China's capital, so it's almost futile trying to pin down exactly what the city is. What is Beijing known for? It's better to go there and figure it out for yourself.  Here's our guide to the most memorable, unusual things to do in Beijing.

1. Get lost in Beijing's hutong alleyways

Beijing's highly wander-able matrix of residential lanes has been shrinking for decades, but despite the demolitions, it's still possible to lose yourself in neighborhoods that time (almost) forgot, where old folks play xiangqi (Chinese chess), walk their songbirds and haggle over a few jin of persimmons from a handcart seller.

Head to Xisi to stroll the alleyways, hear  Beijinghua (the local dialect) and marvel at the majestic White Dagoba Temple rising up over tapering tiled rooftops. After dark, a stroll through hutong streets is one of the best things to do at night in Beijing.

2. Eat jianbing for breakfast (every single day)

Take one giant crepe-style pancake, crack an egg or two on top, lather on some furu (fermented bean curd) and chili sauce, sprinkle with cilantro and scallions, fold around a shatteringly crisp sheet of fried dough… and eat! Jianbing is a Beijing street snack you can get all over the city for around a dollar – and it's so tasty that it's now trending as far away as London and New York.

Full disclosure: the dish actually originates in the neighboring city of Tianjin , where locals use chewy crullers called youtiao  instead of the crispy dough. Tianjin's version may be slightly more authentic, but Beijing's is better.

3. Go on a "wild" Great Wall hike

Seeing the Great Wall in its naturally eroded state, snaking away over the ridgelines of mountains with trees erupting from buckled watchtowers, is a sight more fantastical than anything the Game of Thrones art department could dream up.

It takes a bit of planning to skip the cable-car stretches rebuilt for tourists (and avoid the security guards posted at popular wild wall-hiking spots near the city), so it's a good idea to sign up for a day hike with Beijing Hikers . Let them handle the details so you can concentrate on the photographs.

4. Delve deeper into the Forbidden City

Most visitors to Beijing's UNESCO-listed centerpiece focus their energies on the Three Great Halls and parade grounds that comprise the outer court, and t hey are indeed awe-inspiring.

Yet it's by venturing into the tightly woven labyrinth of rooms and corridors to the north that you'll dig up the most remarkable sights. Don't miss the Palace of Prolonging Happiness , an unfinished, Western-style building of marble, cast-iron and glass designed to be a kind of walk-in aquarium; or the Belvedere of Pleasant Sounds, an elaborate three-story opera house with trap doors, tunnels and pulleys for special effects.

5. Go on a historical run

Keeping fit, exploring the city and learning about old Peking at the same time: what more could you want? The founder of a local tour company Beijing Postcards has combined his twin passions of Beijing history and jogging into a series of themed runs, clocking in at about 10km each, that stitch together hutong alleyways, leafy canal paths and little-visited parks.

Planning tip: You don't need to be super fit, as the run stops every few minutes for a brief intro to a particular sight or topic and finishes up at the company's hutong HQ for drinks and snacks.

6. Explore China's most fantastical garden

Meaning "Garden of Preserving Harmony" but known in English as the Summer Palace , Yiheyuan served as a private royal playground on a truly epic scale.

Kunming Lake, at its heart is over 2 kilometers across, while Longevity Hill, raised from earth dug out to expand the lake, climbs 60m (197ft) over the water and is crowned with majestic halls, towers and pavilions. All this opulence was created for just one person: the Empress Dowager Cixi, who siphoned off funds earmarked for a new Chinese navy to design her dream retirement home. 

7. Gorge on the world's best Peking duck

Molecular gastronomy has nothing on proper kaoya (roast duck), and the dish Beijing gave the world tastes better in the capital than anywhere else.

T he distinguished birds served at Sìjì Mínfú  take days to prepare:  The ducks are dried, inflated with compressed air to separate the meat from the skin, basted in molasses, then roasted in open-fronted ovens over crackling fruitwood. Even the precise method of carving takes years to master and is an essential part of the culinary theater that's an exciting accompaniment to one of the world's great dishes. 

8. See the sunrise at Tian'anmen Square

Every day as dawn breaks, a People's Liberation Army honor guard marches out from under the giant portrait of Mao Zedong to raise the five-star Red Flag over Tiananmen Square . It's an iconic spectacle, full of pomp and swagger. (Supposedly, the immaculately attired soldiers are drilled to march at precisely 108 paces per minute.)

Planning tip: Don't worry if you're not an early riser; the same ceremony happens in reverse at sunset. 

9. Climb Beijing's twin towers

The magnificent Drum and Bell Towers are inseparable icons of Beijing. Until a century or so ago they were the city's official timekeepers, sounding out curfews and coordinating the patrols of the night watch. These days, you can climb both to see old-world views, hear an hourly drumming performance and gawp at China's largest bell.

But the monuments are actually at their most inspiring when seen peeking over rooftops as you wander the surrounding hutong alleyways of Gulou (literally "drum tower"). Beijing's hippest neighborhood, it's home to third-wave cafes, quirky boutiques and speakeasy-style cocktail bars.

10. Dig for treasures at Panjiayuan Market

Even knowing that pretty much every antique at this huge market is fake, Panjiayuan still offers an unforgettable shopping experience. In addition to ersatz Ming vases "aged" with fake dust and artificially tarnished Buddha statues, you can find replica Qing furniture, traditional handicrafts, calligraphy brushes, ink stones and more among the thousands of dealers. Stick to the last century, and you might dig up genuine Mao busts, Little Red Books, faded cigarette posters and the like.

Planning tip: On weekends, Panjiayuan starts trading well before dawn, which is when the best of the loot gets snapped up.

11. Drop a line to the gods at the Temple of Heaven

Less a place of worship than a divine conduit to the cosmos, the Temple of Heaven used to be reserved for the emperor alone, who twice a year would set forth with great fanfare from the Forbidden City in an entourage that included horse chariots, elephants and a gigantic sedan chair. After arriving at the open-air Round Altar, he would perform esoteric rites and ceremonies in the hope of summoning divine blessing for his continued rule.

Every detail of the Temple of Heaven's architecture is cosmologically significant, making it a fascinating place to ponder millennia of Chinese thought. 

12. Meet China's biggest dragon-tortoise

You'll see bixi (dragons with tortoise shells) at temples all over Beijing, holding up stone stelae upon which are inscribed the virtuous deeds of emperors of old. But the alpha bixi resides at the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 emperors in a secluded valley outside Beijing. Weighing in at 50 tons, this stone giant carries a stele over 6m (20ft) tall and guards the Spirit Way leading to the tombs, an astonishing funerary avenue lined by a dozen pairs of carved animals, mythical beasts and officials. 

13. Ride a bullet train to the Great Wall

At the turn of the 20th century, travelers in Beijing went to the Great Wall by mule litter, a kind of sedan chair lashed between two donkeys. The reward for this grueling, two-day trek was Badaling , an astounding sprawl of brick battlements and watchtowers in the Jundu Mountains.

Since 2020, the bullet train makes the same trip in just over 20 minutes, stopping at the world's deepest underground station directly beneath Badaling, which has now morphed into a kind of Great Wall resort with its own Starbucks and KFC. Times have changed.

14. Dine in an imperial deep freeze

Royal Icehouse is a hard-to-find hutong restaurant near the Forbidden City with an icy secret in its basement: a royal refrigerator. The arched stone cellars were used to keep the emperor's victuals cool in summer, helped in the task by giant blocks of ice cut from the adjacent lake in Beihai Park .

It's a quirky setting for classic Peking duck and Shandong-style sweetmeats, like sugared crab apples, best washed down with a tot or two of the in-house own rice wine and medicinal liquor. (You'll spot it brewing in pig bladders and clay jars along the walls.)

This article was first published Feb 9, 2022 and updated Feb 23, 2024.

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10 Things to Do in Beijing at Night

Beijing is one of the most important cities in China, so you can find activities at any time. During the night you can discover its typical lights and shows.

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Beijing by night | ©Nörben0815

Beijing is not only one of China's most famous destinations, but also the country's capital and therefore the epicenter of many of the local customs and some of the most significant attractions. Noted as one of the cities that never sleeps , during a night tour you can discover luminous decorations and interesting shows.

Some of the best things to see and do in Beijing at night include visiting the Silk Night Market, enjoying a typical show at the National Theater, taking in the panoramic views from the Olympic Tower, touring the traditional hutongs on a bicycle tour and dining in the street markets.

1. Visit the Silk Night Market

The Silk Night Market is one of Beijing's most popular shopping sites and one of the places you will almost certainly be taken if you book a Beijing tour . There you can find clothing, handicrafts, electronics, jewelry, souvenirs and a wide range of varieties. But you can also do other activities such as tasting Chinese cuisine and enjoying the atmosphere, which becomes festive at night.

At the food stalls you can enjoy traditional dishes of the local cuisine. Meanwhile, you will also notice the neon lights, the music and the crowds of people that congregate there every night. Please note that in all markets in China the custom of bargaining is widespread. In all cases, the more products you buy, the better overall prices you will get.

Another activity you can do at the Silk Night Market is to attend a traditional Chinese dance and music show, which usually takes place on an open-air stage. You can either tour the market on your own or visit it during a Beijing tour that includes a visit to this site.

Details of interest

• Price: admission to the market is free.
• Location: 186 Wangfujing, Dongcheng, Beijing.
• Hours: from 10 am to 11 pm.

Book a Beijing tour

2. See the best panoramic views at night from the Olympic Tower

The Olympic Tower has one of the highest observatories in Beijing and marks one of the landmarks of the city, as it was built to highlight the highest point of the Olympic Village for the 2008 Olympic Games, which divided the capital into an old and traditional part, the center, from the modern area on the outskirts . From the 234-meter observation deck you can see some of the best views, especially at night.

Currently the Olympic Tower is used only as an observatory and from there you can make out the bright lights of the city and some of the most famous buildings, such as the National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest, the Aquatic Center, the Forbidden City and the modern skyscrapers that rise on the banks of the Hai River.

The Olympic Tower will give you one of the best nighttime views of the city from high above and outside the main city center, which is crowned by Tiananmen Square and the imperial palaces, especially if you plan to visit Beijing in summer . Book a Beijing tour and find out more about this iconic place.

Interesting details

• Price: the entrance fee is approximately €15.
• Location: Kehui South Road, Olympic Park in Chaoyang, Beijing.
• Hours: from 7:00 am to 11:30 pm.

3. Stroll through Tiananmen Square and see the illumination of the Gate of Heavenly Peace

Tiananmen Square is one of the most iconic places in Beijing and its night view is breathtaking. You will marvel at the illuminated buildings and visit the Monument to the People's Heroes, where you can learn more about China's history and culture.

If you book a tour of Tiananmen Square , you will visit the Heavenly Peace Gate, which is one of the most recognizable symbols and is located at the southern end of Tiananmen . This impressive structure was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and rebuilt in the 17th century during the Qing Dynasty. The gate is 33 meters high and consists of a central tower and two side wings, each with five rooms.

The Gate of Heavenly Peace occupies a central space in Beijing's past, as it served as the main entrance to the Forbidden City , which is China's imperial palace. Today, it remains an important political symbol and is used for official events. You should note that it is also known for its tragic history. In 1989 Tiananmen was the scene of student protests that ended in a violent crackdown. Since then, the site has been guarded by the authorities.

• Price: Admission to the square is free.
• Location: Dongcheng, Beijing
• Hours: there are no opening and closing restrictions, although it is guarded 24 hours a day.

4. Take a boat ride on Houhai Lake and discover the Forbidden City

Houhai is an artificial lake located in the center of Beijing that is characterized by offering some of the best panoramic views of the city, especially at night, when the buildings and lights of the capital are reflected in the water. It also has a direct view of the Forbidden City , which was for several centuries the official residence of the Chinese emperors.

Among the options you can choose to discover the views from the lake, you can rent small rowing boats to discover it on your own or join the tourist boats that have capacity for a large number of people. In addition, in the lake area you can also find restaurants, bars and temples nearby.

The Houhai Lake area also includes other activities such as visiting the surrounding hiking trail, doing water sports, enjoying the local music and atmosphere and taking some of the best pictures from a different skyline of the city. The lake can be reached by Beijing' s hop on-hop off sightseeing buses .

• Price: boat rides have an initial cost of approximately €9 per adult.
• Location: Houhai Lake, Beijing.
• Hours: Tours are available until approximately 11:30 pm.

5. Dine in the street markets

Beijing and the routine of its citizens vibrates around the street markets that exist in the capital, so if you want to live a local experience, you can not miss these places at night and dine at their stalls, which are usually included in the tours of the best gastronomic tours of the city .

If you book a gastronomic tour by tuk tuk , among the markets you can visit are the Silk Market, Panjiayuan Market, which is the most famous antique market in the city, Hongqiao Market, Yashow Market, Dashilan Market, Liulichang Market and Wangfujing Market, which offers a wide variety of products. Throughout the capital there are more than 100 markets, but these are the most recognized.

Note that the markets are usually open until midnight, so you can not only dine at them, but also discover the festive spirit of the city, which revolves around the music and lights of its stalls .

Book a gastronomic tuk tuk tour

6. View of the Drum Tower and Bell Tower

The Drum Tower and the Bell Tower are two famous historical structures. Both towers are ancient monuments dating back to the Ming Dynasty era and are considered important treasures of local culture . Nowadays, you can discover from there some of the best views of the city, although it is ideal to visit them at night to contemplate their particular oriental structure.

The Drum Tower was originally used to mark the time and to signal the beginning and end of the day, so it occupied a preponderant space in the city's past . Today, it is one of the most visited monuments in Beijing and houses an exhibition that displays ancient musical instruments and is considered one of the best museums in the Chinese capital .

The Bell Tower, meanwhile, is located north of the Drum Tower. It will catch your attention with its 47-meter height and also for its beautiful garden. Visitors can climb to its top to enjoy panoramic views of the city of Beijing, but only until 8 pm. However, it will be enough to see the sunset. During clear summer days you can even see one of the Beijing parts of the Great Wall of China from the Bell Tower.

• Price: the entrance fee for both towers is approximately 22 € per person.
• Location: Zhonglou Wan Tong, Dongcheng, Beijing.
• Hours: The towers are open to the public daily from 7 am to 8 pm.

7. Ride through the traditional hutongs on a night bike tour

Hutongs are narrow alleys typical of traditional Chinese cities that you can discover if you book a Beijing tour . These narrow lanes, which are a tourist attraction in Beijing, are flanked by low buildings, usually residential, which are designed to form a complex of terraced houses. The best alternative for touring them is to rent a bicycle and take a night tour, which is when there is a smaller influx of people.

In ancient times, hutongs were common in many Chinese cities, but with rapid urban development and modernization many of them have been demolished to make way for high-rise buildings and wider roads . Today, the hutongs that have survived are considered historical and tourist sites, and are often seen as a symbol of the culture and identity of traditional China.

The best Beijing bike tours usually propose a tour of the hutongs to discover a classic skyline of the city and experience the atmosphere of these alleys, where typical houses are mixed with food stalls and shops.

• Price: night bike tours have a starting cost of approximately €18 per person.
• Location: In Beijing you can find them in the city center, which is considered the old part of the Chinese capital.

8. Walk through the Olympic Park

The Olympic Park, in the Chaoyang district on the outskirts of Beijing, was built to host the delegations during the 2008 Olympic Games and has since become a reference of the new part of the city, in contrast to the center of the Chinese capital that refers to ancient oriental architecture and traditions.

In this park you can discover some of the best views of the city and, during the night, you can see illuminated the imposing scenarios of the Olympic Games, such as the Bird's Nest or the Water Cube, which offers luminous panoramic views and a large number of attractions, including green areas, fountains and artificial lakes.

The best alternative to visit this site is to opt for full-day tours of the Olympic Village or choose one of the city's hop-off tour buses that offer stops at the Olympic Park.

• Price: Admission to the Olympic Park is free.
• Hours: Open 24 hours a day.

9. Attend a typical show at the Beijing National Theater

The Beijing National Grand Theater is one of the most important and modern theaters in China and is considered a masterpiece of contemporary architecture. The theater, moreover, is located in an area close to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square , so it is possible to combine your visit with other excursions.

With a circular structure design with a titanium and glass dome that resembles a giant egg, the building is an attraction in itself. It seats over 5,000 people and has three main halls: the opera house, the concert hall and the theater hall where you can attend shows during your trip.

If you are an opera fan, you can enjoy a typical classical music show hosted by the Beijing Philharmonic. These concerts are usually available at least once a month and you can get tickets in advance on the official website of the National Theater . Enjoying a show at this theater is one of the best things to do in Beijing at night.

• Price: depends on the show, but you can get tickets from 18 €.
• Location: 2 Chang'an West Avenue, Xicheng, Beijing
• Hours: Shows start at 8 pm.

10. Discover the Chinese Opera at the Liyuan Theater

The Liyuan Theater is not as modern and architecturally striking as the National Theater nor as eclectic as the Red Theater, which offers the best Kung Fu shows in Beijing , but it is one of the most traditional in the Chinese capital, offers the best concerts of Chinese opera and is one of the places to see and do in Beijing

The theater is located in a building over 100 years old that is characterized by the quality of its acoustics, which is often accompanied by the lighting effects and costumes of the protagonists of the concerts. Traditional Chinese opera is a very colorful spectacle, which also includes acrobatics and performances of different types, so visiting the Liyuan to attend these shows is one of the best alternatives for your trip.

Although the shows are periodic and tickets usually do not sell out, I advise you to book tickets in advance to avoid last minute delays and to avoid price changes.

• Price: traditional Chinese opera performances have an initial cost of approximately 24 € per person.
• Location: 175 Yong'an, Xicheng, Beijing.
• Hours: Evening performances start at 7pm.

The Best Travel Guide to Beijing

• 10 Things to Do in Beijing in Summer
• Best Things To Do in Beijing
• 10 Things to Do in Beijing in Winter
• Beijing in 5 Days: everything you need to know
• Beijing Hop on Hop off Bus Tours
• Beijing Zoo Tickets: how to buy, prices and discounts
• 10 Things to Do in Beijing in July
• Olympic Village Day Trips from Beijing
• 10 Things to Do in Beijing in September
• Great Wall of China at Mutianyu Day Trips from Beijing
• Beijing Forbidden City Tickets and Tours
• Beijing Airports Transfers

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The conservative justices of the U.S. Supreme Court Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

Trump's immunity arguments and the experiences of the justices who might support it

by  Nina Totenberg

The Chicago Bears kicked off the 2024 NFL Draft with the No. 1 pick

As venice grapples with overtourism, the city tests a 5-euro fee for day-trippers.

by  Willem Marx

Founder of the country's first scuba club for Black divers has trained thousands

by  Kayla Lattimore

by  Shannon Bond

Seattle City Council takes up changes to new minimum wage law

by  Lilly Ana Fowler

Jennifer Aniston's production company plans to reboot '9 to 5'

Minnesota tradition uses arbor day to plant trees and ease political tensions.

by  Clay Masters

University protesters want their schools to divest from Israel over its war in Gaza

After a 3-hour hearing, the supreme court must define presidential immunity.

Former film producer Harvey Weinstein ,appearing in a Los Angeles courtroom in Oct. 2022. Etienne Laurent/Getty Images hide caption

Harvey Weinstein's 2020 sex crimes conviction in New York overturned

by  Anastasia Tsioulcas

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on Friday. Stefen Chow for NPR hide caption

Interview highlights

Blinken tells china it's in their interest to stop helping russia.

by  Steve Inskeep ,  Reena Advani ,  Taylor Haney ,  Majd Al-Waheidi

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