Capital of China, Beijing has plenty to offer for travelers of all ages and interests. Here are the top six things to do and see for your Beijing tour. Get inspired by the ancient imperial palaces, the longest wall in the world, and cultural experiences unique in Beijing.
Unveil the Forbidden City
Built 600 years ago as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing emperors, the Forbidden City boasts over 980 palaces and 8,700 houses. It is the pinnacle of ancient Chinese palace and wooden architecture, and the top five ancient palaces in the world.
You can visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, the Palace of Qianqing and the Imperial Garden to explore the history of China and the lives of the emperors and concubines. Appreciate the precious collections of cultural relics, such as bronzes, porcelains, paintings and calligraphy.
Ascend the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with a length of more than 20,000 kilometers.For your Great Wall of China tour, the Mutianyu section is the best choice, with its well-preserved condition and convenient access to the cable car. And Jinshanling Great Wall is the most beautiful Great Wall for hiking and photography. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to get to the Great Wall from downtown Beijing.
Stroll through Summer Place
Want to visit a classic Chinese garden? The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China and one of the four great gardens of China. It is home to the world’s longest painted wooden corridor and a beautiful 17-hole bridge. The Kunming Lake in the garden can be skated on in winter when it freezes over, and in summer the lotus blossoms are in full bloom suitable for enjoying by boat.
Take a Rickshaw through Beijing Hutongs
Hutongs are the soul of old Beijing. On China tours to Beijing, take a ride on a rickshaw to experience the traditional lifestyle of Beijing. Visit Nanluoguxiang, Smokey Street, Shichahai, etc. and learn how to cut paper or make dumplings in a courtyard house.
There are also various local dishes and snacks to taste, such as Beijing Roast Duck, noodles with soybean paste, etc. Recommended restaurants for Peking Duck include: Quanjude, Da Dong, and Cheap Place.
Admire the Facade Beijing Olympic Park
In addition to ancient architecture, Beijing has many inspiring modern buildings. For example, the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center) in the Beijing Olympic Park were the landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Visit the Temple of Heaven to Experience the Heavenly Sacrifice
In ancient times, the Temple of Heaven was a holy place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties to hold sacrifices to the heavens and pray for a good year. It is the largest and most important ancient sacrificial complex in China. Enjoy a walking tour of the Hall of Prayer for the Year of the Dragon, the Huanqiu Altar and the Echo Wall.
Nowadays, the Temple of Heaven serves as a park for the people of Beijing, and many locals exercise in the morning, play Tai Chi, chess and dance here.
