Exploring Beijing: 10 Top Sights and Activities for a Memorable Trip
Beijing has been a center of power and culture for centuries, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore its history and culture. With more than 21 million inhabitants and a bustling cityscape, Beijing has become a vibrant city, full of energy and life. From ancient palaces, to modern skyscrapers, to bustling markets, Beijing is a city of contrasts and surprises. Here are 10 of the top sights and activities to experience when in Beijing.
1. Visit the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is the world’s largest palace complex, and is Beijing’s most famous attraction. Built in the early 15th century and located at the very heart of the city, it was the home of the Chinese emperors and their households for over 500 years. The massive complex covers an area of over 72 hectares and features over 800 buildings spread over 9,999 rooms. Visitors can marvel at the imposing walls and gates, explore the courtyards and pavilions, and learn about the history of the imperial court.
Book your Forbidden City tour here.
2. Walk Along the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s oldest man-made structures and it’s no wonder why it has become one of Beijing’s most popular attractions. Stretching over 6,000 kilometers and over 2,500 years old, the Great Wall is an incredible feat of engineering that has become a symbol of China’s prowess. Visitors can explore sections of the wall near Beijing, where there are a number of well-preserved sections of the wall to explore. The most popular section is Badaling, which is closest to Beijing and has been renovated to make it easier for visitors to walk along it.
Book your Great Wall tour here.
3. Explore Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is another popular attraction in Beijing that many visitors flock to see. Located at the heart of the city, Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world, with an area of 440,000 square meters. It is also home to some of China’s most important buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, National Museum of China, Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Visitors can explore the square, watch flag-raising ceremonies or take part in cultural activities like calligraphy lessons.
Book your Tiananmen Square tour here.
4. Visit the Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a sprawling palace complex located on the northwest outskirts of Beijing. It was built as an imperial palace for the royal court during hot summer months and has been painstakingly restored over the years. Visitors can explore the many palaces and gardens, including Kunming Lake, Long Corridor and Longevity Hill. The Summer Palace also offers stunning views over Beijing and is a great place to visit for those seeking some respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Book your Summer Palace tour here.
5. Shop at Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing Street is one of Beijing’s premier shopping districts and offers an array of stores selling everything from designer clothing to electronics. Visitors can browse through the myriad stores, haggle with street vendors or try some local delicacies such as fried scorpion or starfish on a stick! Wangfujing Street is also home to some of Beijing’s finest restaurants and cafes, so visitors can also enjoy some fine dining here.
Book your Wangfujing Street tour here.
6. Visit Temple Of Heaven Park
The Temple Of Heaven Park is one of Beijing’s most iconic parks and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Located in the southeastern part of Beijing, visitors can explore its many temples, pavilions and gardens as well as enjoy activities like kite flying or tai chi classes. The park also hosts cultural events like traditional music performances or temple fairs and provides stunning views over Beijing’s skyline.
Book your Temple Of Heaven Park tour here.
7. Take a Trip to the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are located in Changping District, northwest of Beijing and are the resting place for 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors from 1368 to 1644. The tombs are surrounded by lush green hillsides and feature many impressive structures such as ancestral temples, pavilions and stele pavilions as well as an underground palace known as Ding Ling which visitors can explore for an extra fee.
Book your Ming Tombs tour here.
8. Enjoy a Hutong Tour
Hutong is a centuries-old form of urban planning found in cities across China which consists of narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses or siheyuans. Taking a Hutong tour is a great way to explore old Beijing and get a glimpse into what life was like in this ancient city. Visitors can explore the alleyways on foot or by taking a rickshaw tour and can also visit local markets or learn about traditional Chinese medicine from local healers.
9. See Beijing Zoo
Located in Xicheng District in Beijing’s western suburbs, Beijing Zoo is one of the largest zoos in China and home to over 500 species of animals from around the world including giant pandas, red pandas, snow leopards and Asian elephants. Visitors can explore different areas such as Safari World where they can view animals in their natural habitats or take part in educational activities such as animal shows or educational classes on conservation efforts at the zoo.
Book your Beijing Zoo Tour here.
10. Visit Beihai Park
Beihai Park is located at the western end of Jingshan Hill in central Beijing and is one of China’s oldest imperial gardens with a history dating back over 1,000 years. It features a lake, pavilions, pagodas, temples and numerous gardens as well as a Buddhist temple known as White Dagoba which is one of Beijing’s most iconic buildings. Visitors can explore its many different areas or take part in traditional Chinese activities such as dragon boat racing or calligraphy lessons by local masters.
Book your Beihai Park Tour here.
Conclusion
Beijing is an exciting city with plenty to see and do, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience its vibrant culture and rich history. From ancient palaces to modern skyscrapers, there’s something for everyone in Beijing! Whether you’re looking for cultural experiences or outdoor adventures, Beijing has something for everyone! With its ancient monuments, bustling markets and vibrant nightlife, Beijing is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Table of Contents
