Beijing
Beijing, known as the “Imperial Capital”, is a culturally ancient city with over 3,000 years of history and serves as the political and cultural center of China. With its unique blend of historic charm and modern urban energy, Beijing captivates visitors from around the world, presenting a vibrant tapestry that transcends time.
From the grandeur of the Great Wall and the splendor of the Forbidden City to the solemn majesty of the Temple of Heaven and the picturesque beauty of the Summer Palace, Beijing offers endless wonders. Walking on the Great Wall reveals the weight of millennia, the Forbidden City transports you to the royal life of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Temple of Heaven reflects ancient reverence for the heavens. Walking through Beijing’s hutongs will immerse you in the echoes of history and create an unforgettable experience.
Beijing’s charm goes beyond its landmarks! Its traditional snacks are a must. The unique douzhi (fermented mung bean drink) may have a “distinctive” taste to some, but its classic flavor is beloved by locals. Savory zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) is simple yet deeply satisfying, while the world-famous Peking duck, with its crispy skin and tender meat paired with sweet bean sauce, scallions and thin pancakes, offers an irresistible taste sensation.
Beijing, a city that bridges the ancient and modern worlds, has countless treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, a food lover or an adventurous traveler, this city promises a unique and enriching experience.
A Thousand Years of China in Beijing
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square was first built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and is one of the world’s largest squares, covering an area of 440,000 square meters. It is also one of the most important political, cultural, and historical symbols of China. Originally, it was the imperial city square in front of the Forbidden City. A portrait of Mao Zedong hangs on the Tiananmen Gate Tower, representing one of China’s greatest leaders.
Important monuments and buildings on the square include the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. A solemn flag-raising ceremony is held every morning and evening, coinciding with sunrise and sunset.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is one of the largest ancient palace architectural complexes in the world. This was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. The Forbidden City is a treasure of ancient Chinese imperial court culture, and walking through its grounds, you will feel the nobility and solemnity of the royal heritage. The palace houses over 1.8 million precious cultural artifacts, allowing visitors to appreciate an incredible array of artistic works ranging from paintings and calligraphy to ceramics and bronze artifacts.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven was a sacred site for emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests. Its north is circular and south is square, symbolizing “round heaven and square earth”. With a unique architectural style like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests’ exquisite structure and magnificent decoration, it shows ancient China’s outstanding architectural skills and profound cultural connotations. It’s both a historical relic and an important window to experience the ancient royal sacrificial culture and traditional philosophy.
Badaling Great Wall
The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is situated in the western suburbs of Beijing. It is a magnificent royal garden of the Qing Dynasty and also the largest existing classical royal garden in China. It was first constructed in 1750 and reconstructed in 1888. The garden is divided into the court area, the front mountain area, and the back mountain and back lake area. The main attractions include the imposing Tower of Buddhist Incense, the 728-meter-long Long Corridor with a great number of exquisite paintings, the unique Marble Boat, and the charming Suzhou Street. It is an outstanding combination of architectural art and garden culture and houses a large quantity of precious cultural relics.
Echoes of Beijing
Peking Opera
Peking Opera is a national intangible cultural heritage and a classic cultural art form full of charm.
Beijing Hutongs
Hutongs in Beijing are narrow, ancient alleys that wind through the city
Peking Opera is a treasure of traditional Chinese theater, more than just a performance art – it’s a cultural symbol. The flowing sleeves on stage, the rhythmic beats of gongs and drums, every glance and movement packed with artistic depth. Gorgeous costumes, exaggerated makeup, and elegant singing narrate thousands of years of artistic tradition.
Beijing’s hutongs are the warmest memories of this city. Here, you can feel the passion, inclusiveness, and poetry of Beijing life. Narrow streets, ancient buildings, and time-worn walls compose the most authentic urban landscape of Beijing.
Creative Beijing
The 798 Art District used to be an industrial area, and the Bauhaus-style factory buildings witnessed the past of the industrial era. Nowadays, it is full of artistic treasures. The street graffiti is colorful, and galleries and art studios house a wide variety of works, including oil paintings, sculptures and so on. There are continuous creative activities, where you can communicate and interact with artists. Besides, there are also specialty stores, cafes and restaurants. Art and life blend here, and there are surprises in every corner.
Beijing Food
Exploring Beijing’s cuisine is like embarking on a thrilling taste adventure! Picture this: crispy golden Peking duck, wrapped in thin pancakes and dipped in sweet sauce – this isn’t just dinner, it’s a cultural experience. Craving something exciting? Try zhajiang noodles, where the rich sauce will make your taste buds dance. Fancy a warming hot pot in winter? It’s the perfect soul-comforting meal.
Every dish tells a story of Beijing: from royal banquet tables to bustling street stalls, the food here is diverse and rich, guaranteed to satisfy any culinary explorer’s appetite! Ready to taste your way through the city? Let’s eat!
Beijing After Dark
Sanlitun Village
Hou Hai
Beijing nightlife in “Beijing After Dark” will make you feel the city’s pulse! When talking about nights, two places are absolute must-visits: Houhai and Sanlitun.
Sanlitun is a microcosm of modern urban nightlife. With its international bars, trendy restaurants, and fashion boutiques, you can find any style of night entertainment here. From street performers to high-end bars, and from local signature cocktails to international mixes, Sanlitun embodies the diverse charm of Beijing’s nightlife.
Houhai, a legendary nightlife landmark of old Beijing, is a bar district filled with vintage charm. Imagine sitting by an ancient hutong, sipping a cocktail, listening to melodious live music, and feeling the stories whispered by century-old buildings. These bars are more than just drinking spots; they are perfect venues to experience Beijing’s laid-back lifestyle.