Looking for something different from Beijing’s usual tourist attractions? Shunyi, in northeastern Beijing, offers a surprisingly varied lineup of summer events, from the Yanjing Beer Festival and traditional Chinese puppetry to immersive AI art and a riverside Qixi celebration.
Shunyi is farther from central Beijing than areas such as Dongcheng and Chaoyang, but it can be a good choice if you want to experience a less touristy side of the city.
Here are some of the best things happening in Shunyi this summer:
1. Yanjing Beer Festival: Beer, Music and Summer Nights
When: August 14–23, 2026
Where: Capital International Exhibition and Convention Center
If you’re looking for a lively night out, the 35th Beijing International Yanjing Beer Culture Festival is one of Shunyi’s biggest summer events. Despite the name, there is more than beer. The festival features craft beer, live music, markets, public film screenings, and evening performances with a distinctly local Beijing atmosphere. It’s a good option for travelers who want to experience a large-scale local festival rather than another sightseeing spot.
Tickets: Purchase through the Maoyan app or WeChat mini-program by searching for “第35届北京国际燕京啤酒文化节”.
Getting there: Take Subway Line 15 to China International Exhibition Center Station (Exit A), then walk to the venue. Buses 915, 916, 933 and Airport Bus 10/13 also stop nearby.
Bonus: Festival ticket holders can receive special offers at more than 200 participating businesses across Shunyi District.
Best for: Nightlife, food and drink, live music, and travelers looking for a more local summer atmosphere.
2. Celebrate Qixi by the Jianhe River
When: August 15, 17:00–20:20
Where: Jianhe Park, Shunyi
Want a more romantic evening? Shunyi’s Qixi-themed park tour combines traditional Chinese culture with a modern summer-night atmosphere. Jianhe Park will be decorated with traditional-style lanterns and strings of lights, while Kunqu Opera and traditional folk music will be performed around the waterside pavilions. There will also be a traditional-style market and AI-powered photo booths, creating an unusual mix of old and new.
Qixi, often described as China’s traditional Valentine’s Day, is based on the famous story of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. Visiting during the festival gives travelers a chance to experience a Chinese tradition that is very different from Valentine’s Day celebrations in the West.
Best for: Couples, families, photography, and travelers interested in Chinese traditions.
3. See Traditional Chinese Puppetry and Shadow Puppetry
When: July–August 2026
Where: Shunyi Grand Theater
For a deeper look at China’s traditional performing arts, head to the Shunyi Grand Theater for a summer program featuring puppetry and shadow puppetry from different parts of China.
Five regional troupes are presenting traditional works, including: Large-scale puppetry from northern Sichuan, Rod puppetry from Yangzhou, String puppetry from Quanzhou, Multimedia shadow puppetry from Huazhou, Medium-sized rod puppetry from Zizhong.
These performances represent different regional traditions and forms of Chinese intangible cultural heritage, making this one of the more culturally distinctive events on the Shunyi summer calendar.
Tickets: Follow the WeChat account “Shunyi Grand Theater’s Ticket Manager” (顺义大剧院票务管家) to ask about combination tickets. Service hours are 9:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00.
Language tip: Performances may be difficult to follow if you don’t speak Chinese, but the visual nature of puppetry and shadow theater makes them accessible even without understanding every word. A translation app can also help with venue information and ticketing.
Best for: Families, culture lovers, and travelers looking for traditional Chinese experiences beyond the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.
4. Step Into an Immersive AI Art Exhibition
Where: National Base for International Cultural Trade (Beijing), Shunyi
For something completely different, visit Future Realm – Immersive AI Art Exhibition at the National Base for International Cultural Trade. The exhibition combines AI technology, digital art and immersive experiences. Visitors can explore AI emotional sensing, XR virtual filming, and digital light installations inspired by famous works such as Monet’s Impression, Sunrise and Water Lilies. You can also create personalized AI-powered souvenirs.
Other exhibitions taking place at the same venue include the 2026 International Biennale of Watercolor Art and Splendid China: 2026 Themed Exhibition on New Scenarios and New Spaces for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Opening hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11:00–18:00. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Because much of the experience is visual and interactive, this is one of the easier Shunyi attractions for international visitors who don’t speak Chinese.
Best for: Art lovers, families, photography, and travelers interested in technology and contemporary Chinese culture.
5. Spend a Relaxed Summer Day at Shunxin Langyuan Greens
When: July–August 2026
Where: Shunxin Langyuan Greens, Shunyi
If you don’t want your Shunyi trip to revolve around a scheduled event, Shunxin Langyuan Greens offers a more relaxed option. The summer program includes a pet-friendly swimming pool, outdoor Chinese-style drinks, black vinyl jazz parties, and curator-led creative programs. It’s less about ticking off a sightseeing attraction and more about spending a slow summer afternoon or evening in a leisure-oriented park.
Best for: Families, pet owners, jazz fans, and travelers looking for a slower pace.
Our Beijing offers locally guided experiences including Hutong Bike Experience, Street Food & Wine Tour, Wild Great Wall Hike, and other outdoor activities. These experiences are designed to help international visitors see a more everyday side of Beijing rather than simply checking attractions off a list.
If you’re staying in or near Shunyi, you can also combine a local experience with one of the summer events above to make a full day out of your visit.
FAQ
1️⃣ What are the best things to do in Shunyi, Beijing in summer?
Some of the best summer activities in Shunyi include the Yanjing Beer Festival, Qixi celebrations at Jianhe Park, traditional puppetry and shadow puppetry at Shunyi Grand Theater, and the Future Realm immersive AI art exhibition.
2️⃣ How do I get to Shunyi from central Beijing?
The easiest option depends on your destination. Subway Line 15 connects central Beijing with Shunyi, while Didi or taxis are useful for attractions farther from subway stations. Travel time varies considerably depending on your starting point and destination.
3️⃣ Is Shunyi worth visiting for foreign tourists?
Yes, especially if you’ve already seen Beijing’s major attractions and want to experience a less touristy side of the city. Shunyi is not the best place to base your first-ever Beijing sightseeing itinerary. If you only have one or two days in the city, you’ll probably want to prioritize central Beijing landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and hutongs. But if you have extra time, are staying near Beijing Capital International Airport, or want to explore beyond the usual tourist route, Shunyi can be a worthwhile addition. Its summer events are particularly appealing because they combine local festivals, traditional Chinese culture, contemporary art, food, music, and outdoor leisure.
4️⃣ Can I combine a Shunyi event with a local Beijing experience?
Yes. If you want to see more than the standard Beijing sightseeing route, you can combine a Shunyi event with a locally guided experience from Our Beijing, such as Hutong Bike Experience or Street Food & Wine Tour. This can be a good way to add a more personal and local side to your Beijing trip.
5️⃣ What are the best outdoor activities to do in Beijing in summer?
Our Beijing creates local experiences that combine outdoor adventure, culture, and authentic city exploration, helping international visitors experience a different side of Beijing.
Traditional Mahjong Lessons – learn one of China’s most famous games while experiencing a piece of local culture.
Hutong Bike Experience – cycle through Beijing’s historic alleyways, discover hidden streets, and see how local life continues in the city’s oldest neighbourhoods.
Wild Great Wall Hike – escape the crowds and explore less-touristy sections of the Great Wall with stunning mountain views.
Street Food & Wine Tour – discover local flavours, Chinese wines and learn about Beijing’s food culture.
✨You’re reading a blog from Our Beijing ✨ We design authentic adventures for travelers who want to dive deeper — cycling through hutongs, tasting Beijing’s favorite snacks, and hiking the wild, unrestored Great Wall.
