Been to Beijing a few years back and it is one of the city in China which I have a deep impression with as it is one of the city in China that is rich in history. Despite feeling uneasy at time due to the culture difference, I would say that China is a place definitely worth visiting as it has many breath-taking scenic.
Refer to the article on what are the Things to Take Note Before Visiting to China
1. Forbidden City (故宫)
2. Tiananmen Square (天安门)
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Refer to the article on what are the Things to Take Note Before Visiting to China
1. Forbidden City (故宫)
You may have heard of the Forbidden City in a lot of Hong Kong or Chinese drama and Forbidden City is definitely a must visit place in Beijing. The palace is huge. You can visit the Forbidden City independently and take your time fathoming the map of the City or see the Forbidden City on an organized tour.
The museum carries out a south-to-north unidirectional itinerary. Visitors can only enter through the Meridian Gate (Wumen) and leave from the Gate of Divine Prowess (Shenwumen) or East Prosperity Gate (Donghuamen).
Note: You need your passport to buy your ticket and there are a limited number of visitors admitted each day so if traveling in peak season come early.
How to get there:
Entry is allowed only through the Meridian Gate, the south gate of the museum.
Subway:
- Take subway line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), find the Tiananmen Tower, and then walk north to the Meridian Gate;
- Take subway line 2, get off at Qianmen Station (Exit A), walk north through the Tiananmen Square, pass the Tiananmen Tower, and then find the Meridian Gate further north.
2. Tiananmen Square (天安门)
Tiananmen Square is the front door of the Forbidden City thus, you are likely to see this attraction on your way to the Forbidden City. Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace) constructed in 1415 which once marked the entrance to the Imperial City and stands on the northern edge of the square.
How to get there:
Subway:
- Take subway line 1, get off at Tiananmen East Station (Exit A) or Tiananmen West Station (Exit B), find the Tiananmen Tower, and then walk north to the Meridian Gate;
- Take subway line 2, get off at Qianmen Station (Exit A), walk north through the Tiananmen Square, pass the Tiananmen Tower, and then find the Meridian Gate further north.
Not to be confused with the Old Summer Palace this site is dominated by Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. This huge site is divided into 6 scenic areas on the front hill, back hill and lake area where there are three islands. Highlights of the Summer Palace include the Stone Bridge
The construction started in 1750 as a luxurious royal garden for royal families to rest and entertain. It later became the main residence of royal members in the end of the Qing Dynasty.
How to get there:
By Subway:
Subway Line 4: get off at Beigongmen Station (Beigongmen means the North Palace Gate); or get off at Xiyuan Station, get out of the station from Exit C2 (southwest exit) and walk west to the East Palace Gate.
4. Great Wall (長城)
The Great Wall of China is a must visit attraction in Beijing. The Great Wall can be visited at several access points along the length of the Wall. The mostly recommended one would be Badaling as it is the best-preserved, and famous for its deep-rooted culture, magnificent sights and complete military facilities.
The Great Wall is by far the most important and recognizable landmark of the country. The fortified wall was constructed over the course of 7th century BC with most of the Wall built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Wall measures approximately 21,196km if you count all the branches.
How to get there?
Suggest to arrange a land tour.
5. Hutong (胡同)
Hutong is culture in China. In Beijing, even though it has modernized, you are still able to see a lot of Hutong around the city.
10 Recommended Hutong:
- South Gong and Drum Lane (Nanluogu Xiang)
- Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street (Yandai Xiejie)
- Mao'er Hutong
- Guozijian Street
- Colored Glazed Factory Street (Liulichang Culture Street)
- Jinyu Hutong
- Dongjiaomin Lane (Dongjiaomin Xiang)
- Xijiaomin Lane (Xijiaomin Xiang)
- Ju'er Hutong
- Bada Hutong
6. Temple of Heaven (天坛)
Temple Heaven is the most popular imperial temple. It was used by the Emperors to worship during the Winter Solstice when they would come here to pray for a successful harvest.
The Temple is divided by two encircling walls into an inner part and outer part. The main buildings lie at the south and north ends of the middle axis of the inner part. The most magnificent buildings are the Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiutan), the Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qiniandian) from south to north.
How to get there:
By Subway:
Subway Line 5: get off at Tiantan Dongmen Station, Leave from Exit A and you'll find the East Gate of the Park.
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