Thunderstorms are forecasted for this weekend and much of the upcoming week, which can complicate planning when you’re uncertain whether a torrential downpour is imminent. However, there's no need to fret! A rainy day in Beijing doesn't imply simply staying indoors and scrolling through your phone all day; there are many indoor activities that can keep you entertained when those summer storms arrive. We've compiled a few of our top suggestions.
1. Rediscover Your Inner Child With Indoor Activities
Indoor fun isn't exclusively for children! Beijing offers a diverse array of indoor entertainment alternatives. Why not check out a bowling alley, climbing center, escape room, arcade, or trampoline park and try something new? There are also numerous malls and indoor amusement centers, such as VS Sports Park, which feature all of these activities in one location. Search for “运动玩” yùndòng wán (sports play) on Dianping, and you should find a variety of choices.
2. Immerse Yourself in Culture at a Museum
Seek refuge in one of Beijing's captivating museums. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, royal artifacts, the history of the hutongs, or even watermelons (more on that later), there are remarkable collections to explore. You could visit some of the larger, more well-known museums like the Capital Museum (首都博物馆) or the National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆), or perhaps some smaller venues like the Dongsi Hutong Museum (东四胡同博物馆). If you’re after something unique, consider checking out a niche option like the China Watermelon Museum (中国西瓜博物馆) (yes, it really exists) or the Maotai Museum (茅台博物馆).
3. Relax at a Reading Café
There's nothing more comforting than enjoying a drink, gentle lighting, and the sound of raindrops against the window. You’ll find tranquil cafes across Beijing that are perfect for reading, journaling, or simply observing the rain outside. Look for places with soft lighting, cozy window seats, and inviting nooks to settle into. Any of Page One's multiple locations will provide the right ambiance, or you might try hutong cafes like Zarah.
4. Visit Galleries at 798 Art District or Caochangdi
Both 798 and its quieter counterpart Caochangdi (草场地) boast numerous art galleries that are wonderful to explore on a rainy day. Additionally, the light rain only enhances 798’s industrial-chic atmosphere. You could easily spend hours moving between thought-provoking exhibitions, browsing unique designer goods, and stopping for coffee in artistic cafés. In 798, Yanran Chen's inaugural solo exhibition, “Neon Dreamland,” currently showcased in ART FOCUS, is still on display, and for information about other exhibitions concluding soon, refer to this post.
5. Relax at a Bar Featuring Games and a Lively Atmosphere
If you're in the mood for drinks but also want some entertainment, consider visiting one of Beijing's many bars that offer a pool table, darts, or foosball for some friendly rivalry. Venues such as Spuds, Eudora Station, Pool Bar, and The Corner Bistro feature a combination of these activities, allowing you to switch between different games.
6. Enjoy a Movie at the Cinema
Rainy days are perfect for movie marathons – and Beijing has plenty of options. Check out the latest local or Hollywood hits at cinemas like Megabox or UME, where you can expect comfortable seating, snacks, and typically bilingual subtitles. For a more unique experience, visit Cinker Pictures in Raffles Mall. This boutique cinema features VIP recliners, lush leather seats with footrests, as well as cocktails and other beverages alongside snacks. They even offer special hot pot screening rooms for a truly distinctive movie experience!
7. Shop Until You Drop at Indoor Markets and Malls
Beijing’s indoor markets are ideal for some retail therapy on rainy days. If you're in the mood for bargaining and want to pick up some souvenirs or discounted fashion items, you can't go wrong with the Pearl Market (红桥市场) or Silk Street (秀水街). For those seeking a traditional shopping experience, check out one of Beijing's numerous malls. Large ones like Chaoyang Joy City also include an arcade, cinema, and plenty of restaurants, providing ample entertainment for hours while you take shelter from the rain!
With thunderstorms in the forecast, here are some indoor activities to keep you entertained at home!
