10 Best Things to Do in Beijing for First-Time Indian Travelers

Beijing, the grand capital of China, is a city where the ancient and the modern meet in the most dramatic ways. Towering glass skyscrapers rise beside centuries-old hutongs, and the aroma of sizzling street food mingles with the air of imperial history.

For the first-time Indian traveller, Beijing offers both culture shock and a sense of familiarity; its bustling energy can feel like Delhi or Mumbai, yet its traditions and lifestyle are entirely unique.

To help Indian travellers make the most of their first visit, here is a detailed guide to the very best things to do in Beijing.

What to Do in Beijing: Indian Traveler’s First Guide

1. Walk Through the Forbidden City: A Glimpse of Imperial Grandeur

For Indian travellers fascinated by royal architecture, the Forbidden City is a revelation. Once home to 24 emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest palace complex in the world. Its golden roofs, red walls, and marble carvings can leave any visitor awestruck.

Much like exploring Rajasthan’s palaces or Mysore Palace, but on a grander scale, the Forbidden City allows Indian travellers to step directly into Chinese history.

• Entry Fee: Around ₹600

• Tip for Indian travellers: Pre-book tickets online since the daily quota sells out quickly.

2. Climb the Great Wall of China: A Bucket List Essential

No journey to Beijing is complete without standing on the Great Wall of China. For Indian travellers, who may be used to climbing forts like Amer or trekking in the Himalayas, the steep and winding steps of the Great Wall will feel familiar yet awe-inspiring. The Mutianyu section is popular for its fewer crowds and stunning mountain views.

• Tour Cost: ₹3,500 – ₹6,000 for a day trip

• Tip for Indian travellers: Carry comfortable walking shoes and water. The climb can be tough, but it is rewarding.

3. Visit the Summer Palace: Royal Retreat Amid Nature

If the Forbidden City was about power, the Summer Palace is about leisure. Spread across gardens, lakes, and temples, it was the summer retreat of emperors.

For Indian travellers who enjoy peaceful settings like Udaipur’s lakeside palaces, this destination will feel like a serene blend of architecture and nature. Boating on Kunming Lake or walking under willow-lined pathways is an unmissable experience.

• Entry Fee: ₹350 – ₹500

• Tip for Indian travellers: Visit in the evening to capture the golden reflections on the lake.

4. Explore the Hutongs: Discover Beijing’s Living Traditions

The hutongs of Beijing are narrow lanes filled with courtyard homes, tiny eateries, and lively markets. For first-time Indian travellers, they are a chance to experience Beijing’s old-world charm.

Exploring them feels similar to navigating Chandni Chowk in Delhi or Kalbadevi in Mumbai, chaotic, vibrant, and authentic. Many tours even offer rickshaw rides or cooking classes in traditional homes.

• Rickshaw Ride: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500

• Tip for Indian travellers: Take part in a dumpling-making session with locals for an unforgettable cultural exchange.

5. Watch a Peking Opera: A Cultural Spectacle

For Indian travellers who enjoy Kathakali or Yakshagana, Peking Opera offers a fascinating cultural parallel. With exaggerated expressions, painted masks, and elaborate costumes, it is more than a performance, it is a tradition passed down for centuries.

The combination of music, martial arts, and storytelling makes it a must-see for anyone seeking Beijing’s cultural essence.

• Tickets: ₹1,200 – ₹3,000

• Tip for Indian travellers: Start with a shorter show to get a taste without feeling overwhelmed.

Also read: China temporarily eases visa requirements for Indian travelers

6. Shop at Panjiayuan Antique Market: A Treasure Hunter’s Paradise

Beijing is a dream destination for shoppers, and nowhere more so than the Panjiayuan Antique Market. From jade jewelry and calligraphy brushes to porcelain vases and cultural trinkets, the market is full of keepsakes.

Indian travellers who love bargaining at Sarojini Nagar in Delhi or Colaba Causeway in Mumbai will feel completely at home here.

• Souvenir Range: ₹200 – ₹5,000

• Tip for Indian travellers: Always bargain, start at half the quoted price.

7. Visit the Temple of Heaven: Spiritual Harmony and Architecture

The Temple of Heaven is not only a masterpiece of Ming architecture but also a living cultural space where locals gather to sing, dance, and practice Tai Chi.

For Indian travellers, it can feel similar to strolling in Lodhi Gardens in Delhi, except with the added beauty of circular temples symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth.

• Entry Fee: ₹250 – ₹400

• Tip for Indian travellers: Arrive early in the morning to see locals engaging in group activities.

8. Taste Beijing Duck: A Culinary Legend

For Indian travellers who enjoy rich Mughlai dishes, Beijing’s most famous dish, Peking Roast Duck, is an absolute must. Known for its crispy skin and tender meat, it is served with pancakes, scallions, and sauce.

Eating Beijing Duck is not just a meal, it is an experience that Indian travellers will remember long after the trip ends.

• Meal for Two: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000

• Tip for Indian travellers: Try it at restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong for the most authentic version.

9. Wander Through the 798 Art District: Modern Creativity Unleashed

For Indian travellers who enjoy Hauz Khas Village in Delhi or Kala Ghoda in Mumbai, Beijing’s 798 Art District will be a delight. Once an industrial hub, it is now filled with contemporary art galleries, exhibitions, and trendy cafés. It is the best place to experience modern Beijing beyond its historic landmarks.

• Entry: Free (art galleries and cafés vary in price)

• Tip for Indian travellers: Dedicate at least half a day, the area is vast and full of surprises.

10. Experience Beijing’s Nightlife: A New Side of the City

Beijing by night is energetic and vibrant. Areas like Sanlitun are filled with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and karaoke lounges.

For Indian travellers, experiencing Beijing’s nightlife is both exciting and surprising, offering a very different side of the city compared to its temples and historical sites.

• Cost of Drinks: ₹800 – ₹2,000 per person

• Tip for Indian travellers: Be cautious with local drinks like baijiu, it is much stronger than Indian spirits.

Also read: 15 Most picturesque places in China that look otherworldly

Practical Travel Tips for Indian Travellers

Planning your first trip to Beijing? Beyond sightseeing, here are some essential tips tailored for Indian travellers to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable:

1. Visa Details

Indian travellers require a tourist visa (L-Visa) to enter China. As of 2025, applications can be made online through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website or via authorized agencies.

Expect processing to take 4–7 working days. A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity, return tickets, hotel bookings, and financial proof are mandatory.

2. Vegetarian & Indian Food Options

Food can be a concern for many Indian travellers. While Beijing is famous for its Peking Duck, vegetarians will find plenty of options like stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, tofu dishes, and noodles. Several Indian restaurants, such as Ganges Indian Restaurant and The Taj Pavilion, serve authentic Indian curries, rotis, and thalis.

• Pro tip: download a translation app to explain “no meat, no seafood, no egg” in Mandarin when ordering vegetarian food.

3. Language Tips for Indian Travellers

English is not widely spoken outside tourist spots in Beijing. To make communication easier, here are some basic Mandarin phrases every Indian traveller should know. Carry these in a small card or save them on your phone:

4. Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant seasons for Indian travellers are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is mild, skies are clearer, and sightseeing is comfortable. Avoid the peak summer (July–August) as it gets humid and crowded, and winter (December–February) unless you enjoy snow and freezing temperatures.

5. Currency & Payments

China uses the Chinese Yuan (CNY). 1 CNY ≈ ₹12 INR (as of 2025). Most payments are done digitally using apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay, but international cards may not always work. Indian travellers should carry some cash in Yuan for taxis, street markets, and smaller shops. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are easily found at the airport and around the city.

6. Transport Tips

Beijing’s subway system is extensive, affordable, and tourist-friendly with signs in English. Indian travellers should get a Beijing Transportation Smart Card for buses and metro rides. Taxis are safe but always insist on using the meter. For convenience, apps like Didi (China’s Uber) are useful.

7. Connectivity

International roaming can be expensive. Indian travellers are advised to purchase a local SIM card or an eSIM for affordable internet access. Remember that many Western apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube are restricted. A reliable VPN is necessary to stay connected with family and friends back home.

Also read: Ultimate Guide for Indian Vegetarians to survive in China

Final Word

Beijing is not just a city, it is an experience that reveals itself in layers. For the first-time Indian traveller, it offers everything: the grandeur of emperors in the Forbidden City, the adventure of climbing the Great Wall, the peaceful charm of the Summer Palace, the energy of hutongs, and the flavours of Beijing Duck.

Each corner tells a different story, blending history, culture, and modernity in ways that leave lasting impressions.

For Indian travellers, visiting Beijing is a chance to not just tick off global icons but also to discover a way of life that feels different yet oddly familiar.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a food lover, a shopaholic, or simply curious about Chinese culture, Beijing will exceed every expectation and make your first visit unforgettable.