The capital city of China, Beijing has a glorious history that spans nearly 3,000 years. The city has remained the capital city of China for nearly 850 years and is considered as one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China. Dotted with beautiful landmarks, architectures and historic places to visit, Beijing is a tourist’s paradise. If you want a taste of history while touring China, Beijing should be one of your stops.
The restaurants and cafes offer a range of cuisines that will make your mouth water even if you are just passing by them. If you are a foodie then the Wangfujing Snack Street that sells should be on top of your list. One of the most popular things to do in Beijing is to visit the Temple of Heaven built in the Ming dynasty for a surreal experience of medieval life; that shows how intact the location is!
The Temple of Heaven is a perfect example of the Imperial China that continued to this day. The palace is designed to cater to the needs of the emperors of that time and was used by rulers in the Qing and Ming dynasty. The Temple is a complex structure which is used to pray for good harvest. The temple is for Taoist but people flock to the temple to enjoy the architecture and culture of the Taoist places of worship.
The Forbidden City was forbidden for the locals since it was the Imperial palace in China from the Ming dynasty up to the Qing Dynasty. Because it was the imperial palace it is located at the center of the Beijing city and is now known as the Palace Museum. The building was first constructed back in 1420 and it is such an important tourist attraction that it is visited by 14.6 million visitors each year. The most visited museum in the world takes tourist through history stretching all the way back to the 14th century and beyond.
Not many parks are able to offer a 360 degree view. The Jingshan Park is one such park that offers all this and more. The views in the city are great, it offers a high end view of the city of Beijing in all its glory. In the midst of the hustling and bustling of Beijing, this is a calm and peaceful place. The waterways and the green parks are worthwhile to enjoy and one can conjure up some of the best of nature in the park.
The Houhai lakes in Beijing are some of the finest scenic places to visit in the area. Also known as the Back lakes, these lakes are filled with lots and lots of people throughout the day. In the day it is a stunning sight and in the night it becomes a happening spot for tourists. It has live performers, cafes and light shows that make it an enjoyable experience for people to visit. In terms of the spots on offer, the lake has rooftop bars and lounges which can be used as dining out places.
The authentic city of Beijing unveiled through the bike tour in Hutongs. It’s a perfect attraction which will take you back in time with a 4-hour biking ride to explore exciting landmarks like the Memorial Hall of Mr. Lao She, National Art Museum, market of Longfu Temple, and Wangfujing Street while riding through the narrowest hutong – Daowan hutong! Be prepared to be left mesmerized by old Beijing and meet local residents, eat homemade food, and learn the art of paper cutting, shuttlecock and Yoyo.
The Mutiyanu is one of the best preserved parts of the Great Wall of China. This area is located either side of lush green grass. The wall was supposed to act as the first line of defense to protect the capital and the tombs of the rulers safe. The Wall area was built back in the mid 6th Century and is older than other parts of the Great Wall. It has multiple watch towers which can be visited by tourists while they enjoy the history that the section is able to create.
A city square in China which is perhaps one of the famous in the world, the Tiananmen Square is one of the most iconic place. The word Tiananmen translates to Gate of Heavenly Palace separates the city of Beijing from the Forbidden City. The square is famous for its surroundings which include the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, etc. The square is flocked by tourists because it was the place where Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The Lama Temple or the Yonghe Temple is a one of the oldest and most famous schools of Gelug School. The Tibetan Buddhism temple is located on the Dongcheng District in the city of Beijing. The building is a marvel of an architectural combination of Tibetan and Han Chinese styles. The construction of the temple was made in the 17th century. The temple was typically used as the official residence for the eunuchs that served in the courts. The building is laden with different architectural works and has multiple different avenues to explore.
The Summer Palace is one of the largest palaces in the city of Beijing. The palace was created as an abode for the emperors to enjoy the warmer days of the summer season. The Palace is not just a building; it is actually a vast ensemble which has a wide variety of lakes, palaces and gardens to complement the architectural brilliance. The summer palace is one of the more famous tourist destinations where people can enjoy a wide variety of activities.
The Ming Tombs is one of the most famous landmarks created by the Ming Dynasty in China. The tombs were created as the resting place for the rulers in the line of the Ming Dynasty. 13 Ming Dynasty rulers have been buried in the tomb. The tomb of the first Ming Dynasty ruler is close by. The Tomb was partially destroyed but to this day, its lush green grass and sculptures make it a welcome and serene place to take a walk through Chinese history.
Beijing, China has a lot to offer tourists, from landmarks, temples, parks, to palaces. With so many things to do in Beijing, you will leave the city with fond memories and a wish to return once again. Some of the highly-recommended things to do in Beijing include traveling to the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, National Stadium, and Temple of Heaven. Every day, you will come across new things to do in Beijing. Travel there today!
