Top 5 Sights and Activities in Beijing, China
Beijing is a captivating city full of culture, history, and adventure. It is the political, economic and cultural capital of China, and is home to some of the country’s most iconic sites and attractions. From the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace, there’s an abundance of sights to explore. There’s also plenty of activities to enjoy, such as cycling around the city, exploring the hutong alleyways, and taking a cruise down the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. Here are the top 5 sights and activities to see and do in Beijing.
1. Explore the Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, it was once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now one of China’s most visited attractions. The Forbidden City covers an area of 72 hectares and is surrounded by a 10-meter-high wall with a total of 9,999 rooms. The complex is divided into two sections: the Outer Court, which was used for ceremonial purposes, and the Inner Court, where the emperor conducted his day-to-day business. The Forbidden City is a must-see for anyone visiting Beijing, as it offers a unique insight into China’s imperial past.
Book a Forbidden City tour here.
2. Climb the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, stretching over 6,400 kilometers from east to west across northern China. It was built to protect the country from invasions by foreign armies, but today it stands as a symbol of Chinese civilization. Visitors can climb to the top of the wall to enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. The most popular section of the wall to visit is Badaling, which is just an hour north of Beijing city center. It’s also possible to hike along remote sections of the wall for a more unique experience.
3. Cruise down the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal
The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal is one of China’s most famous waterways, stretching 1,800 kilometers from Beijing to Hangzhou in eastern China. It was originally built as a way to transport goods between the two cities and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can take a cruise down the canal to see traditional water towns, ancient bridges, and lush countryside. The canal also passes through some of China’s most famous cities, such as Suzhou and Wuxi, giving passengers the opportunity to explore these cities at their own pace.
4. Cycle around Beijing
Beijing is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in China, with hundreds of dedicated cycle lanes crisscrossing the city center. Cycling is a great way to explore Beijing’s historical sights and modern neighborhoods at your own pace. Popular routes include cycling around Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, or exploring the hutong alleyways of the old city. There are also several bike rental shops around Beijing where you can hire bicycles for a day or longer.
5. Visit Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is one of Beijing’s most famous landmarks and a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Located in the heart of Beijing, it’s home to some of China’s most iconic monuments such as Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum and Monument to the People’s Heroes. The square has also been the backdrop for some of China’s most significant events in history, such as the 1989 student protests and its aftermath. Visitors can explore the square on foot or take a guided tour to learn more about its turbulent past.
Book a Tiananmen Square tour here.
Conclusion
Beijing is a captivating city full of history and culture that will leave you with lifelong memories. From the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square and cycling around its vibrant neighborhoods, there are plenty of sights and activities to explore in this bustling metropolis. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or just want to soak up some culture and history, Beijing has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Make sure you check out these top 5 sights and activities during your visit.
Insider’s Guide to Beijing: Unveiling the Hidden Gems
Beijing is a magnificent city of many intricate beauties and cultural treasures, and as a local, I feel thrilled to share some of the lesser-known but absolutely stunning attractions that you won’t find in the tourist guides.
Local Attractions: Delving into Beijing’s Hidden Gems
Most visitors to Beijing go to see the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or the Great Wall, but how about a visit to the intriguing Hutongs? They are ancient lanes where generations of Beijing’s residents have lived. You can enjoy the charming architecture, local snacks and explore the unique culture of the Hutong people. The 798 Art Zone is another must-visit of Beijing’s lesser-known attractions. It’s an artsy district with architectural designs influenced by Germany’s Bauhaus movement. It’s an excellent place to see the modern side of Beijing.
Dining Spots: Exploring Beijing Through Food
Beijing’s cuisine is world-renowned. The city is famous for its Peking Duck, as well as a myriad of other culinary delights. For a true culinary experience, try Zhajiangmian – a classic Beijing-style fried noodle dish with soysauce, pork, and vegetables. If you are adventurous, sample stinky tofu, a famous Beijing street food made from fermented bean curd. Beijing roast duck is a must-try, and a visit to Da Dong, a famous roast duck restaurant chain in Beijing, is a great way to enjoy this delicious dish.
Cultural experiences: Revealing Beijing’s Traditions and Customs
Beijing is famous for its beautiful and varied traditional Chinese opera. I highly recommend attending a show at the Beijing Opera. The acrobats in Chaoyang Theater put together a fantastic acrobatic performance that leaves you in awe. You’ll also want to experience Beijing’s traditions and customs by visiting the Lama Temple, a famous temple and monastery in the heart of the city.
Local History: Fascinating Stories from Beijing’s Past
One of the seldom-told stories about Beijing is the Love Story of Emperor Jiajing and Consort Wan. The tale is about the love of Jiajing, the Ming Dynasty’s longest-reigned emperor, for one of his consorts. The story is not only romantic but also tells of the betrayal and cruelty in the imperial court’s history. The Yonghe Lamasery, also known as the Lama Temple, has a vast history and it is a great way to learn about the rich culture of ancient Beijing.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Beijing Experiences
Visit the Temple of Heaven Park early in the morning to witness locals practicing traditional martial arts, dancing, singing, and playing various instruments. Going to Panjiayuan Market is an adventure in itself as it’s a famous antique market where one can find ancient Chinese artifacts such as coins, artwork, and more. On a sunny afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, which is an imperial garden recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a fantastic spot to spend time walking around the serene lake and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
There you have it, our insider’s guide to Beijing. With this guide, you will indeed have an unforgettable experience in our beautiful city.
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