10 Things to Do in Beijing in Summer

Beijing is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in China. During the summer, it comes alive with a host of unique festivals and cultural events. In this article, I list some of the most outstanding festivals and events that take place during the summer season.

This city has it all, with its mix of modernity, tradition, delicious cuisine, events, temples, architecture and, of course, the Great Wall. Visiting Beijing is an adventure - are you in?

Book the Summer Palace tour and take the day to explore one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. This majestic palace and garden complex was built during the Qing dynasty and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the summer resting place of the emperor, so what better than touring it yourself in the summer months.

It is a vast complex covering an area of more than 290 hectares. It has an artificial lake, hills, gardens, pavilions and bridges that combine to create an atmosphere of tranquility and natural beauty. This place is known as the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China.

The highlights of the Summer Palace are:

• The Great Hall of Supreme Harmony, an impressive palace that used to be the venue for official ceremonies and imperial audiences.
• The gardens of the Summer Palace are especially impressive. With a design that mimics nature, they feature waterfalls, streams and pavilions that combine to create an environment of great beauty and tranquility. You can walk through the gardens, enjoy the scenery and relax while taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Visiting the Great Wall is a must on any trip to China. Considered one of the 7 wonders of the world, this stone structure was built to defend against possible invaders. It is the only man-made work that can be seen from space. There are several sections to visit the Great Wall, but the best is undoubtedly the one known as Mutianyu.

In summer, temperatures are pleasant, so it is a very good time to join one of the best all-day tours to the Great Wall. This kind of excursions are perfect to learn more about China's millenary history, since you will learn a lot from your guide. In addition, in this particular section of the Great Wall, the scenery is truly breathtaking and the views are unbeatable. You have several options:

• Take a tour to the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs from Beijing, from $79
• Take a tour of Beijing with the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, from $89.
• You also have the possibility to visit it on your own. In this case, I recommend you to book the bus transfer to the Great Wall of China from Beijing, from $128, to get there without complications.

Strolling through Beijing's classic hutongs (old town alleys) is a must-do on your trip. Summer is a perfect time to wander these ancient alleys, which are an important part of the city's history and culture. So if you are wondering what to do in summer, don't hesitate to sign up for one of the best hutong tours.

You can choose between day or night tours. Along the hutongs you will see a lot of traditional siheyuan-style houses. Visiting the hutongs is a unique experience that gives you a glimpse into the authentic daily life of the Chinese capital's inhabitants. You can also choose to book a gastronomic tour of Beijing in a tuk tuk where you will tour the main hutongs while tasting different foods and flavors.

For centuries, the hutongs have been the heart of Beijing's social and cultural life. They are home to numerous markets, stores, restaurants and teahouses, as well as temples and inner courtyards where locals gather to chat and engage in daily activities. One of the most popular ways to explore the hutongs is by bicycle or on foot, as the streets are too narrow for vehicular traffic. It is also possible to take a tuk tuk tour.

The Beijing Culture and Arts Festival has been held every year in summer since 1987 and aims to promote traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. It spans several weeks and features a wide variety of events, including opera performances, music, dance, theater, film and art exhibitions. There are also sporting events, such as bicycle races and horse races, and a host of cultural activities for children.

During the festival, top artists perform at various venues around the city, including the National Theater of Beijing and the Grand Palace Theater.

In addition, many international artists are invited to participate in the festival, making it a truly global event. One of the highlights of the festival is when the ** Peking Opera competition** takes place. Artists compete for prizes in a variety of categories, including acting, costume design and makeup.

Attend the International Music Festival! It is one of the largest and most prestigious music events on the Asian continent, held in the summer. It features a wide variety of musical genres, including classical music, jazz, rock, electronic music, as well as traditional Chinese music. The event features renowned national and international artists, as well as emerging young talents from around the world.

During the festival, you can enjoy various concerts at some of the city's most iconic venues, such as the Beijing National Theater, the Poly Theater and the Beijing City Theater. Outdoor concerts are also held in parks and squares throughout the city, allowing Beijingers and visitors to enjoy music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

This festival is not only an event for music lovers, but also plays an important role in promoting international culture and understanding. In addition to concerts, you can participate in workshops, lectures and exhibitions, which are designed to foster cultural exchange and dialogue between artists and audiences from around the world.

If you are a lover of the seventh art, you cannot miss the Beijing International Film Festival, also known as BJIFF. It is one of the most important film events in Asia and is held annually in the city of Beijing. This festival, which began in 2011, aims to promote cultural exchange and cooperation in film between China and other countries.

During the festival, you can watch films from all over the world, including feature films and documentaries, from both established filmmakers and new talents. The event features competitions to award the best films in different categories, as well as presentations of classic films and retrospectives of influential filmmakers.

In addition to film screenings, programming includes lectures, seminars and workshops. There are also opportunities for filmmakers to present their films and engage in discussions with the public. The festival has no fixed date, but always takes place in the summer.

Located just north of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is a wonderful place to take a break from the heat. It is a historic park in the center of Beijing, full of trails and viewpoints that will allow you to enjoy exceptional panoramic views, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Kunming Lake. A very popular place due to its stunning scenery, rich history and its role in Chinese culture.

The park was built in the 13th century, during the Yuan Dynasty, as a private imperial garden for the emperors of China. At that time it was considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. During the Ming dynasty it became a resting place for the emperors, and during the Qing dynasty, it was expanded and became a recreational place for the citizens of the court.

In the center of the park is the Iron Dragon Pavilion, a three-story wooden structure built in 1750 during the Qing dynasty. It is one of the park's most famous symbols and is said to have been built by the Qianlong Emperor to enjoy the panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Thanks to the pleasant temperatures, strolling through Jingshan Park is one of the best things to do in Beijing in July.

Arriving in a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, which is why one recommendation I always make is to take a bike tour. In the case of Beijing, which has so much to see, it is a very good way to get a mental map of the attractions the city has to offer, and to get to places you would not be able to get to on other types of tours.

The summer months are ideal for this type of tour, although I recommend doing it in the afternoon, when the sun starts to set. This way you can see how the city lights up and not suffer so much from the heat. You will visit some of the most important sites in Beijing, such as the Summer Palace or the Forbidden City, former residence of the emperor. These tours usually include all the necessary equipment, so you don't have to worry about anything, just enjoy.

What's better than an ice-cold beer in summer? The Beijing Beer Festival is an annual event held in the Chinese capital that attracts thousands of beer lovers from all over the world. This festival is one of the largest and most popular of its kind in Asia and takes place during the first days of September, i.e. in late summer.

At the festival you can sample a wide variety of beers from around the world, from the best-known brands to craft and local beers. There is also a wide selection of food, from traditional Chinese food to international food. In addition, you can participate in a number of beer-related activities and games, such as drinking contests, games of skill and guided tastings.

The festival also offers entertainment, including live music, dance performances and comedy shows. This is undoubtedly one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing in September.

The 798 Art District was formerly the site of former electronics industry factories, including the state-owned 798 factory. After these factories moved out, the district has become a new landmark of Beijing's urban culture.

In this district you can find art galleries, cultural centers and numerous bars. A variety of exhibitions are also held throughout the year to showcase the new trend of fashion and art. Visiting the 798 Art District is one of the best things to do in Beijing in summer, as the weather is mild and pleasant for walking around the outdoor area.

In addition, the number of visitors decreases, allowing you to enjoy the exhibits and artworks in much more comfort. This place will allow you to experience the unique energy and lifestyle of Beijing's modern urban culture.

Beijing summer temperatures usually range from 20 to 32 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is very frequent at this time of the year, due to the monsoons, so it is advisable to pack a raincoat in your suitcase. However, if you have an excursion planned, I recommend that you always check what the weather in Beijing is going to be like on that particular day.

Due to the frequent rains, the number of tourists in Beijing in summer is usually lower. That is why, at this time of the year, you can find better prices both in accommodations and in many of the attractions.

Prices in Beijing in summer tend to be lower, due to fewer tourists, and the abundant rainfall and warm temperatures. There is no doubt that you can get great deals on accommodations, attractions and city tours.

Due to the frequent summer rains, it is advisable to bring a raincoat and an umbrella. Otherwise, keep in mind that temperatures are hot and humid, so you will not need any kind of coat. Try to wear cool and comfortable clothing, especially shoes.

As you have seen, Beijing has many things to see and do. And it is a very cosmopolitan city, so in case of rain you have very good alternatives to have a great time. Visit some of the 10 best museums in Beijing or its incredible temples, two options that will allow you to learn more about the culture and traditions of China.