Beijing’s Best Arts and Leisure

Best Way to Get to Know Beijing [1]: See the city laid out beneath your feet at the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall [1].

Best Place to See Contemporary Art [2]: Established by controversial artist Ai Wei Wei, Caochangdi Art District [2] contains some of Beijing’s best contemporary galleries.

Best Art Complex [3]: 798 Art District [3] is the epicenter of Beijing’s ever-growing contemporary art scene. This former electronics factory has been transformed into a series of galleries, cafés, and shops.

Best Kung Fu Fighting [4]: Head to the Red Theater [4] near the Temple of Heaven to watch martial artists in action.

Best Place to Watch Opera [5]: The beautiful Huguang Guild Hall [5], with its Qing-era decor, hosts regular performances of traditional Chinese opera.

Best Community Show [6]: Watch homegrown, Beijing-based talent onstage at the intimate Penghao Theater [6].

Most Festive [7]: Falling on the last day of Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) celebrations, the Lantern Festival [7] honors Buddha lantern lightings and fireworks shows across the city.

Best Escape [8]: Ritan Park [8] is a great spot to relax among the flowers, ponds, and trees, admire a Ming-era temple, and learn some tai chi.

Most Historic Park [9]: As well as being a pleasant place to enjoy nature and the site of the Forbidden City Concert Hall, Zhongshan Park [9] contains the emperors’ ancestral temples.

Best Children’s Activity [10]: A trip to the Beijing Zoo [10] provides a reprieve for families who need a change from visting the city’s temples.

Best Tour [11]: Electric scooters are almost as popular in Beijing as the standard pedal bike. See the city like a local with Beijing eBike Tours [11].