My TOP 10 things to do in Beijing

This is an updated version of my post from July 2010. I recently had a friend ask for some advice for how to travel Beijing in three days. Here’s my quick and dirty list of what to do and eat while you’re drinking in 5,000 years of Chinese culture through a firehose.

1. Hike the Great Wall 长城 from Jinshanling to Simatai.
Four hours of breathtaking views along unrestored-to-restored wall. Wear sunscreen, pack water, and during winter wear layers. Extra time? Camp on the Great Wall.

2. Wander the corridors of the Forbidden Palace 故宫.
I recommend at least a day, if not two to wander the old palace—I still realize you only have three days—and don't miss Tian'anmen Square 天安门 across the street from the south gate.

3. Cycle through the maze of remaining hutongs.
Rent bikes along Houhai Lake 后海湖 (approximately 20 RMB ($3 / day) then note where the sun is and get lost. Visit Nanluoguxiang, Drum and Bell Towers, and snack on grilled chicken wings (烤鸡翅), deep-fried smelly tofu (臭豆腐), and grilled lamb skewers (羊肉串).

4. Scale the hill at Summer Palace 颐和园 and wind your way down to the lake.
Combine the same trip with a stop at the "Bird's Nest" Olympic stadium 北京国家体育场 and "Water Cube" or Beijing National Aquatic Center 北京国家游泳中心.

5. Visit the Temple of Heaven
Listen to older Beijinger's play musical instruments and sing Beijing Opera.
Exercise your joints and join some folks while they practice Taijiquan 太极拳.

6. Check out a mega-dance club or KTV
If you've never seen a mega dance club that looks and feels like an MTV music video set, go to Worker's Stadium's north and west gates and gape as you realize, this is a China you never dreamed existed. And if you feel like singing in the privacy of your own room with fruit platters and anything you want to drink, definitely go to a KTV (karaoke tv).

7. Get an outfit tailored
Visit a local Beijing tailor to have clothes or costumes tailored. You can pick up some pretty rad fabrics if your trek out to Muxiyuan, but if your short for time skip this. Whether you're outfitting for a future interview or Burning Man, this is the way to dress up. You can have outfits tailored within two days, allowing for one day to make, next days to try it on, and next day to pick it up. Rush fees may apply.

8. Hit up some art galleries at 798 
See what's stirring in the creative souls of China. This campus was once a weapons manufacturing site and was later squatted by a community of artists. Now the place is hoity-toity and hip. Definitely the must-visit for art and design folks.

9. Eat well.
You must have Beijing Roast Duck 北京烤鸭 at Da Dong. Do not go home without doing this (unless you are a vegetarian). I've tried duck at other restaurants, and while some other's like Li Qun are still tasty, my taste buds vote Da Dong as the best. However, if you want a little dilapidated courtyard chic to pair with your duck, many have trod the rubble into Li Qun – it's fun! After dinner, go for a Chinese traditional foot and/or back massage at one of Oriental Taipan's many locations in Beijing. Acupressure attention to your feet and muscles are a bargain to the dollar / euro prices that thwarted you from pampering yourself before.
Check out my review on Trip.com

Also, my absolute favorite upscale Chinese restaurant in Beijing is Transit. Here you'll find Chinese food made with love and unpretentious style. If you go out for a little something special, go to Transit.
Just checked and as of the time this blog post was written, Transit is temporary closed.
Check back here for an updated status.

For the best noodles you'll ever eat in Beijing, go to Yellow River Noodles. Get the biang biang mian (wide vegetarian noodles like no other) and have a roujiamou. 
Check out my review on Trip.com.

For a taste of Yunnan region while dining outdoors, go to Dali Courtyard.
Check out my review on Trip.com

10. Get lost! Try something new!
Juice up your batteries for your camera and get lost. Walk a few blocks and down an alley. You're certain to run into something fascinating and find stories to share at home. 

When in doubt, check out Time Out Beijing online or pick one up at The Bookworm. I used to be the food editor at Time Out Beijing and in my opinion it's the best magazine in Beijing for honest reviews of things to do in Beijing.