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

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

Best Art Complex: 798 Art District 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: Head to the Red Theater near the Temple of Heaven to watch martial artists in action.

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

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

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

Best Escape: Ritan Park 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: As well as being a pleasant place to enjoy nature and the site of the Forbidden City Concert Hall, Zhongshan Park contains the emperors’ ancestral temples.

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

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