When it comes to amazing destinations for travel, it’s hard to beat Beijing. The capital of China is a city of ancient history and modern marvels, with plenty of cultural and natural attractions to keep visitors busy. Here are five things you can’t miss on your trip to Beijing:
- The Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing is complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. This ancient wonder stretches for over 4,000 miles across northern China, and the section near Beijing is one of the most popular for tourists. You can take a guided tour to the Great Wall, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the wall on your own. Either way, the views from the top are breathtaking, and the wall itself is an awe-inspiring feat of human engineering.
- The Forbidden City
Located in the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is massive, with over 9,000 rooms and dozens of courtyards and gardens, and it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese history. You can take a guided tour of the Forbidden City, or you can explore it on your own and marvel at the intricate architecture and ornate decorations.
- The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a beautiful and peaceful park located in the southeast of Beijing. The temple complex is home to several iconic buildings, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, which is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese architecture. The park is a popular spot for locals to go for a walk or do some tai chi, and it’s a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city.
- The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is a beautiful and serene retreat located in the northwest of Beijing. It was once a summer retreat for the Qing dynasty emperors and is now a popular tourist attraction. The palace complex is home to several beautiful gardens, including the Kunming Lake, which is a great spot for a leisurely boat ride. The Summer Palace is also home to the Long Corridor, a covered walkway with over 7,000 painted scenes from Chinese literature and history.
- The historic Hutongs
In addition to these top attractions, Beijing also has plenty of other things to see and do. You can visit the historic Hutongs (narrow streets lined with traditional courtyard houses), explore the many markets and shopping districts, or visit one of the city’s many museums and galleries. No matter what you’re interested in, Beijing has something for everyone.
So if you’re planning a trip to China, make sure to put Beijing at the top of your list. You’ll be glad you did!