The 600-year-old imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties is the world's largest palace complex, with 980 surviving buildings across 72 hectares. A bucket-list cultural site packed with throne halls, courtyards, imperial gardens and the Treasure Gallery.
54 hand-picked things to do in Beijing, China — 11 completely free — each with a real address, price, hours, and an insider tip. Updated July 2026.
Watch the Flag-Raising Ceremony at Tiananmen Square, Wander the Hutongs around Nanluoguxiang and Gulou, Visit the National Museum of China are among the 11 completely free activities in our Beijing list. Each entry includes the address, hours, and an insider tip.
Our 54 hand-picked Beijing activities range from free up to about $45 per person, with most under $25. Use the Free / Budget toggle on the deck to deal within your price range.
Every activity is a real, verified place or experience with a current price, address, and opening hours — hand-picked for travelers and locals. Last updated July 2026.
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