Beijing Travel Guide
Beijing in a glimpse
Capital of China
Beijing, China’s massive capital,oozes history in every nook and corner of the city.Its ancient sites such as the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties are precious historical sites that add to the marvel of human civilization. Nearby, the massive Tiananmen Square pedestrian plaza is the site of Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the National Museum of China, displaying a vast collection of cultural relics.
Other major attractions include the Summer Palace, the retreat of emperors with pavilions and gardens along Kunming Lake. Temple of Heaven is a park that's home to the colorful, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Beijing Olympic Park, built for the 2008 games, with a long promenade and Beijing National Stadium, dubbed the “Bird’s Nest” for its interlocking steel grids, offers an amazing touring experience. The Back Lakes district is where narrow old streets (hutongs) lined meet boutiques and cafes. The 798 Art District showcases cutting-edge galleries. A popular side trip is an excursion to a nearby section of the Great Wall of China.
Major Tourist Attractions：
Great Wall in Beijing
Beijing is the best destination to admire the Great Wall of China. Most famous Great Wall sections are located in its suburban areas, including the well-preserved Badaling and Mutianyu, the renovated Juyonguan, Jinshanling and Simatai, and wild Jiankou and Gubeikou. They are all not far from downtown Beijing, 1-2 hours’ driving away.
In Chinese history, Beijing was not only one of the ancient capitals, but also one of the most strategic cities in the north. To defend their territory, many rulers have actively ordered to build Great Wall here.
The Great Wall in Beijing totals 573 kilometers (356 miles). Those from Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the last dynasty engaged in Great Wall construction, amount to 526 kilometers (327 miles). They are distributed in Pinggu, Miyun, Huairou, Yanqing, Changping, and Mentougou.
For more information on the Great Wall in Beijing, please refer to:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china_great_wall/scene/beijing/
Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, and Gu Gong in Chinese, lies at the city center of Beijing, and once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor. Hence its name 'The Purple Forbidden City', usually 'The Forbidden City'.
For more information:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing/forbidden.htm
Tiananmen Square
Located at the center of Beijing City and the midpoint of Chang'an Avenue is the remarkable Tiananmen Square, where you can visit the Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall and see the national flag raising ceremony. Thousands of people come to the Square every day. It is the must place to visit in Beijing City.
For more Information:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/tianan.htm
There are numerous places of interest and historical sites in Beijing that are worth visiting, for more information on sightseeing in Beijing, please visit:
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cityguides/beijing.htm
