Rain in Beijing doesn’t have to ruin your plans. In fact, 2025 has already been one of the city’s rainiest years in recent memory, making a Beijing rainy day guide more useful than ever. A rainy day reveals a side of the city that most visitors never see — from steaming street snacks to cozy hutong cafés and hidden cultural spaces. If you’re wondering about the best things to do in Beijing on a rainy day, this guide mixes practical survival tips with insider picks. Curated by Our Beijing, it’s your go-to list of unique rainy day experiences in Beijing.
Heavy summer rains can flood some parts of the city.
💡 Insider Tip: Always carry a foldable umbrella. Locals swear by it, and you’ll thank yourself when you’re caught between subway exits.
Nothing beats hot, hearty food when the skies are grey.
💡 Rainy Day Philosophy: In Beijing, rain is full of contrasts — white-collar workers rushing with umbrellas in Guomao while hutong grandpas sit calmly on stools, watching raindrops fall. As Lao She once wrote: “Rain in Beiping carries human warmth.”
Rain is the perfect excuse to dive into Beijing’s creative scene.
💡 Our Beijing Tip: Pair an art stop with our Foodie Tour or Custom Itinerary. We’ll map out a rain-proof cultural route just for you.
Instead of rushing through the rain, slow down in one of Beijing’s indie cafés or bookstores. Places like Dian Jiang Chun Café, It Postpost, or One Way Street Bookstore are perfect rainy day hideouts. We’ve written more about them in our previous bookstore & café guide — check it out for deeper recommendations
Rain doesn’t stop Beijing’s daily rhythm.
💡 Our Beijing Tip: Bring cash and curiosity. Locals love to chat with foreigners, especially if you try bargaining.
Not into puddles? Stay dry with us.
💡 Our Beijing Tip: Rain or shine, we adapt. Join one of our experiences, and you’ll see how locals enjoy the city whatever the weather.
Q: Is it safe to explore hutongs in the rain?
Yes. Just bring an umbrella and good shoes. The alleys are even more atmospheric when wet.
Q: Do these places have English?
Bookstores and cafés usually do. For art spaces or theatres, some shows have English surtitles. If you join Our Beijing, we’ll handle translation.
Q: Can I still join a bike tour in the rain?
We recommend switching to indoor activities. But our Hutong Bike Experience can be adapted — sometimes a light drizzle makes the hutongs feel extra magical.
Rain changes Beijing’s rhythm — from puddles under flyovers to hot bowls of noodles in hidden kitchens. With the right mindset, a grey day becomes a window into the city’s heart.
👉 Looking for the best Beijing rainy day activities? Join Our Beijing — we’ll design a day that keeps you dry, full, and inspired.