Few cities pull off the old-meets-new balancing act quite like Beijing. One moment you're wandering the same marble courtyards emperors once walked, and the next you're sipping bubble tea beside a glass skyscraper that wouldn't look out of place in a sci-fi film. It's a city built in layers, and every layer is worth digging into. 

This guide breaks down exactly what to do, how to get in, and what it'll cost, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time actually enjoying them.

Malaysian passport holders can enter China, including Beijing, without applying for a visa. As of 2026, this arrangement has been extended through 31 December 2026, allowing Malaysians to stay for up to 30 days per entry for tourism, business, or family visits.

You'll still need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry, a return or onward flight ticket, and proof of accommodation, which immigration officers may ask to see on arrival. 

From imperial grandeur to hutong charm, here are 10 experiences that capture the best of what Beijing has to offer in 2026.

Address: 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: Tuesday–Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (April–October); or 8:30 AM –4:30 PM (November–March), last entry 1.5 hours before closing; Admission around CNY 40–CNY 60 (CNY 1 = RM 0,60), depending on season, booked online with passport details required

The Forbidden City was home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing dynasties, and walking through its endless red-walled courtyards still feels genuinely humbling. With nearly 1,000 buildings across 72 hectares, it's the largest palace complex in the world, so plan for at least half a day. Tickets sell out fast and must be booked exactly seven days in advance through the official website. 

Address: Dongcheng District, Beijing (directly south of the Forbidden City)

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, from around 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM; Free entry, though security screening and ID/passport checks are required

One of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square sits at the symbolic heart of modern China, flanked by the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and Mao Zedong's mausoleum. If you're an early riser, the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise is a genuinely striking sight, performed with military precision as crowds gather in near silence. Bring your passport, as security here is thorough.

Address: Mutianyu Village, Huairou District, Beijing (around 1.5–2 hours from central Beijing)

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, typically 7:30 AM–6:00 PM (hours shorter in winter); entrance around CNY45, cable car or toboggan rides extra (roughly CNY 100–CNY 180 round trip)

While Badaling is the most famous stretch of the Great Wall, Mutianyu is the section most travellers actually recommend. it's less crowded, beautifully restored, and set against gorgeous mountain scenery. Take the cable car up to skip the steepest climb, then walk the ramparts at your own pace before riding the toboggan back down, which is far more fun than it sounds. Go early to beat both the crowds and the midday heat.

Address: Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: Park: Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM; Historic Sites: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; park-only entry around CNY 15, combined ticket (park plus sites) around CNY 34

This UNESCO-listed complex was where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and the circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its striking triple-tiered blue roof, is one of Beijing's most photographed buildings. Beyond the temple itself, the surrounding park is genuinely lovely early in the morning, when locals gather to practise tai chi, play traditional instruments, and dance. it's a wonderfully human slice of daily Beijing life.

Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: 6:30 AM–6 PM (peak season) or 7:00 AM–5:00 PM (off-peak); admission around CNY 20–CNY 30, combined ticket with indoor exhibits around CNY 60

This sprawling imperial garden was the summer retreat of the Qing dynasty court, built around the vast Kunming Lake. Wander the 700-metre Long Corridor, painted with thousands of scenes from Chinese mythology and history, then climb up to Longevity Hill for sweeping views across the lake. In summer, hop on a dragon boat to cross the water; in winter, locals ice-skate straight across it.

Address: Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: Open 24 hours; shops and cafés generally 10:00 AM–10:00 PM; Free entry

For a feel of old Beijing life, nothing beats wandering the narrow hutong alleyways that once made up most of the city. Nanluoguxiang is the most accessible and lively of these. Packed with courtyard cafés, quirky boutiques, and street snacks, though the nearby Shichahai lakes area offers a slightly quieter, more local alternative. A pedicab tour through the smaller side alleys is a fun way to see how residents actually live in these centuries-old lanes.

Address: 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM(last entry); Admission around CNY 25

Beijing's largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist temple is a genuinely peaceful escape from the city's bustle, with intricately painted halls and a 26-metre-tall sandalwood Buddha statue that's officially recognised by Guinness World Records. Locals come here to burn incense and pray, so keep your voice down and dress modestly. It's especially atmospheric in the early morning, before the tour groups arrive.

Address: 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: District open 24 hours; individual galleries typically 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, many closed on Mondays; Free to wander, though some galleries charge entry

Once a cluster of Soviet-era munitions factories, 798 has been reinvented as Beijing's edgiest contemporary art hub, packed with galleries, street art, quirky cafés, and sculpture-filled courtyards. It's a refreshing change of pace after several days of imperial history, and even if contemporary art isn't usually your thing, the industrial architecture and photogenic corners make for a great couple of hours.

Address: 1 Universal Studios Boulevard, Tongzhou District, Beijing

Opening Hours and Admission: Hours vary seasonally, typically 9:00 AM/10:00 AM–8:00 PM/9:00 PM; Tickets from around CNY 418–CNY 528 depending on the day

China's first Universal Studios park opened in 2021 and has quickly become one of Beijing's most popular family attractions, with themed lands including Harry Potter's Wizarding World, Jurassic World, Transformers, and Kung Fu Panda's Land of Awesomeness. It's about an hour from the city centre, so budget a full day here. Book tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and Chinese public holidays, when queues can get long.

Address: Try Quanjude, 32 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing (one of several branches across the city)

Opening Hours and Admission: Daily, roughly 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; A full duck typically costs around CNY 200–CNY 300, enough to share between 2-3 people

No trip to Beijing is complete without sitting down to the dish the city is famous for. Watching the chef carve a whole roast duck tableside, its skin lacquered and glossy, then wrapping the crispy slices in thin pancakes with spring onion, cucumber, and hoisin sauce, is a proper Beijing rite of passage. Quanjude is the most famous (and oldest) name in the game, though plenty of smaller local spots serve equally excellent versions for less.

*Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website or contact the attraction directly for the latest ticket prices before your visit. 

Read More: What You Need to Know About Beijing Metro Card for Foreigners

A few practical pointers to help your trip run smoothly, from getting around the city to navigating everyday essentials.

Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download and set up a reliable VPN before you arrive, since app stores and VPN provider websites are often inaccessible once you're already there.

Cash and foreign cards are far less useful in Beijing than they used to be. Most locals pay for everything via Alipay or WeChat Pay. Both apps now let foreign visitors link an international credit card, so it's worth setting this up before you go.

The Forbidden City, Great Wall sections, and Universal Beijing Resort all sell out on popular dates, and several require passport details at the point of booking, not just at entry.

Beijing's metro is extensive, cheap, and far less stressful than dealing with traffic. Download a metro map app or use Baidu Maps (which works better than Google Maps locally) to plan your routes.

Summers are hot and humid, winters are dry and bitterly cold, with icy winds sweeping in from the north. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and are generally considered the best times to visit.

Whatever your budget, here are 3 well-located picks to suit everyone from luxury travellers to independent explorers.

Peace Hotel Beijing is #1 Foreigner-friendly Hotel in Beijing from Traveloka users. It is located in Wangfujing area, within easy walking distance of the Forbidden City and Wangfujing's famous shopping street. Room rates typically range from around RM 480 to RM 961 per night. 

Holiday Inn Express BEIJING DONGZHIMEN by IHG is a dependable, no-fuss choice in the trendy Sanlitun area, known for its nightlife, international dining, and shopping. It's around a 10-minute walk from Sanlitun's main strip and well connected to central Beijing via the nearby Dongzhimen transport hub. Room rates typically range from around RM 380 to RM 450 per night. 

A no-frills, dependable chain, Jinjiang Inn (Beijing Wangfujing) is only 1.3 km drive from the Forbidden City and a 15-minute walk (1 km) from Dongsi Mosque, right in the Wangfujing shopping district. It's a practical, well-connected pick for travellers who want a central base without paying for hotel frills. Room rates typically range from around RM 324 to RM 425 per night.

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

Read More: Where to Savour the Best Beijing Duck in Beijing

Discover the best things to do in Beijing! Book a flight to Beijing and arrange your hotel, car rental, airport transfer, and activity with Traveloka. Enjoy special deals, hotel discount of up to 25%, free hotel cancellation, and easy flight rescheduling. Terms and conditions apply. 

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