10 Things to Do in Beijing in Summer

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

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

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 tranquillity and natural beauty. It 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 Summer Palace gardens are particularly impressive. Designed to mimic nature, they feature waterfalls, streams and pavilions that combine to create an environment of great beauty and tranquillity. 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 structure 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's a great time to join one of the best all-day tours of the Great Wall. This type of tour is perfect for learning more about China's ancient history, as you can learn a lot from your guide. Moreover, on this particular section of the Great Wall, the scenery is truly breathtaking and the views are unbeatable. You have several options:

• Take a tour of the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs from Beijing, from AED 320.
• Take a tour of Beijing with the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, from AED 365.
• You also have the possibility to visit it on your own. In this case, I recommend you book a bus transfer to the Great Wall of China from Beijing, from AED 470, to get there without any hassle.

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're wondering what to do in summer, don't hesitate to sign up for one of the best hutong tours.

You can choose between day and 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 opt to book a gastronomic tour of Beijing in a tuk tuk where you will tour the main hutongs while tasting different foods and flavours.

For centuries, the hutongs have been the heart of Beijing's social and cultural life. They are home to numerous markets, shops, 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 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, theatre, 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 in the city, including the Beijing National Theatre and the Grand Palace Theatre.

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 various categories, including acting, costume design and make-up.

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 National Theatre of Beijing, the Poly Theatre and the Beijing City Theatre. Outdoor concerts are also organised in parks and squares around 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 all over the world.

If you love the seventh art, you can't 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. The 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 for the best films in different categories, as well as presentations of classic films and retrospectives of influential filmmakers.

In addition to film screenings, the programme 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 centre of Beijing, full of trails and viewpoints that allow you to enjoy exceptional panoramic views, including the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and Kunming Lake. A popular place due to its stunning scenery, rich history and 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 place of recreation for the citizens of the court.

In the centre of the park is the Iron Dragon Pavilion, a three-storey wooden structure built in 1750 during the Qing dynasty. It is one of the most famous symbols of the park 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's a great way to get a mental map of the attractions the city has to offer, and to get to places you might 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 go down. This way you can see how the city lights up and not suffer so much from the heat. You'll visit some of Beijing's most important sites, such as the Summer Palace and the Forbidden City, the former residence of the emperor. These tours usually include all the necessary equipment, so you don't have to worry about anything, just enjoy yourself.

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. The festival is one of the largest and most popular of its kind in Asia and takes place during the first days of September 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 brews. There is also a wide selection of food, from traditional Chinese food to international fare. In addition, you can take part in a range of beer-related activities and games, such as drinking competitions, games of skill and guided tastings.

The festival also offers entertainment, including live music, dance performances and comedy shows. This is definitely 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.

Art galleries, cultural centres and numerous bars can be found in this district. A variety of exhibitions are also held throughout the year to showcase the latest fashion and art trends. 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.

Moreover, the number of visitors decreases, allowing you to enjoy the exhibitions 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 year, due to the monsoon, so it's advisable to pack a mackintosh. However, if you have an excursion planned, I recommend that you always check what the weather will be like in Beijing on that particular day.

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

Prices in Beijing in summer tend to be lower due to fewer tourists, heavy rainfall and warm temperatures. There's no doubt that you can get great deals on accommodation, attractions and city tours.

Due to the frequent summer rains, it is advisable to pack a mackintosh and an umbrella. Otherwise, bear in mind that temperatures are hot and humid, so no warm clothes are necessary. Make sure you wear cool, comfortable clothing, especially footwear.

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