Beijing - What to do
Beijing, China is an amazingly diverse and captivating city that offers visitors a wide range of exciting travel opportunities. The city is home to world-renowned landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
These iconic destinations attract visitors from all over the world who are eager to experience the rich cultural history of this region.
Additionally, it has a vibrant and exciting modern side with trendy shops, delicious cuisine, bustling markets, and a thriving nightlife scene. The city’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation make it an excellent destination for travelers of all ages and interests.
Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, a trip to China is sure to be an unforgettable experience that will leave you with cherished memories for years to come.
Visiting around town
I traveled with my family to China, and the excursion was unforgettable – nothing short of spectacular. The city is mesmerizing, steeped in rich history and culture.
From the moment we set foot on Beijing’s soil, we knew that we were in for an amazing adventure. The local attractions, including the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, were truly breathtaking and a testament to the resilience and brilliance of the Chinese people.
The food was fantastic – savory and spicy. The locals were warm and welcoming. I couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling trip, and I know that I will carry the memories and experiences of my visit to Beijing with me for a lifetime. We went back a few more times to visit the Wall of China over the years, and each time, we entered through different entrances with unique views.
What To Visit!!
I have visited Beijing three times already and every time, I discover something new to see.
**There are different modes of transportation available such as walking, taking a tour bus or riding a Tuk Tuk.
**One of the most beautiful places to visit is the Zoo where you can see all the panda bears. The zoo is home to around 450 different species and has over 5,000 animals.
Wild rare animals of China such as giant pandas, golden monkeys, milu deer, and northeast tigers are some of the popular attractions among visitors. However, the collection is not limited to those species found only in China, as the polar bears, American bison, zebras, kangaroos, giraffes, and elephants draw large crowds.
**If you want to see beautiful and high-quality silk, I suggest visiting a silk factory. The best ones show you the process from the cocoon to the finishing process. You can even see a demonstration of how silk is turned into clothes, duvets, and other items.
**Another great experience is learning how to make tea the right way. You can also visit and shop around for souvenirs and other items.
**I always buy a book to learn more about the history of the place.
Tiananmen Square
During our stay, we took a pleasant stroll to Tiananmen Square and came across numerous shops and delightful tea houses. Being a tea enthusiast, I had the opportunity to taste different blends and learn proper tea serving techniques.
Upon our early arrival at the Square, we saw a long line of people waiting to enter the museum. We also witnessed the remarkable sight of the army cleaning the monument with toothbrushes and captured a rare photo.
To enter the Forbidden City, we took the underground stairway on the opposite side. The Forbidden City, which was once off-limits to ordinary people, is a sacred place, hence its name. The Square, which is the largest public space in the world, used to be the “front door” of the Forbidden City.
The Forbidden City is primarily decorated in yellow and red, with most walls, pillars, doors, and windows painted in red, which represents good fortune and happiness in Chinese culture.
Exploring the City takes a full day, but it is well worth it to learn about China’s rich history. The City has over 900 rooms, many of which are visible through glass windows. Behind the Wu Gate, there is an enormous courtyard with the Golden River flowing in a bow-shaped arc. The river is crossed by five parallel white marble bridges that lead to the Gate of Supreme Harmony.
The tale behind this site is truly captivating.
The Wall Of China
The Great Wall of China is a man-made architectural marvel that stretches across the northern part of China, covering an estimated 13,000 miles. The Wall is a series of walls and fortifications built over many centuries, with some sections dating back more than 2,000 years.
It was constructed to protect the Chinese from invasions from neighboring tribes and to regulate trade and immigration. The Great Wall is a testament to the perseverance and ingenuity of the Chinese people who built it over many generations. It is a significant cultural symbol for the Chinese people and is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Today, the Great Wall attracts millions of visitors from around the world who flock to admire its impressive size, history, and breathtaking views.
The Great Wall of China is a series of fortifications that were built across the historical northern borders of ancient Chinese states and Imperial China as protection against various nomadic groups from the Eurasian Steppe.
We visit the wall a few times over the years using a different entrance each time. The view is wow.
Sad that lots of people died building this amazing wall.
How long is the Great Wall of China?
Since it is the longest man made defensive system in the world, the globally recognized must see site of China, many people have been very curious about the exact length of this megastructure.
However, this is a question difficult to answer even for Chinese, because there were about 20 dynasties participating in the construction of the Great Wall over the centuries.
The Great wall has extended to remote deserts, mountains and grassland and many of them have constantly emerged and unearthed every now and then in recent years.
The official length of all the sections of the Great Wall unearthed till (2012) in all dynasties is 21,196.18 km (13,170 mi)
Lama Temple
The Lama Temple is a highly significant place of worship for the Buddhist religion. Also known as the Yonghe Temple, it is located in the northeast region of Beijing in China.
Built in the 17th century as the residence for Emperor Yongzheng, it later became the largest and most influential Buddhist temple in the country.
The temple houses numerous artifacts, including many ancient and unique pieces of artwork, sculpture, and carvings from the Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan cultures.
The most impressive centerpieces of the temple are the giant statues of Maitreya, or the future Buddha, and the Guanyin Bodhisattva, the goddess of mercy.
Tourists and visitors can also witness and participate in many religious activities and ceremonies that take place in the temple, such as prayer, meditation, and chant sessions. The Lama Temple continues to be an important religious and cultural landmark in Beijing and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Buddhism or Chinese history and culture.
The Yonghe Temple is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The building and artwork of the temple is a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.
You will see many monks and worshippers burning incense to Buddha and get to walk in and through several buildings. You can see the old building to the new modern one. Culture shock.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent and awe-inspiring architectural marvel that stands as a testament to the creativity, skill, and ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineers and artisans.
This iconic structure, located in the southern part of Beijing, China, is a striking example of the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, spanning over centuries of dynasties, emperors, and religious beliefs.
The Temple of Heaven is a sprawling complex that consists of numerous halls, altars, gates, and gardens, each with its unique design, function, and symbolism. The most famous and recognizable feature of the temple is its magnificent circular altar, known as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where emperors would offer sacrifices and prayers for a bountiful and prosperous harvest season.
Other notable features include the Echo Wall, which can reflect even the smallest whispers, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven, where the sacred tablets of the gods were kept during important ceremonies.
With its stunning architecture, rich history, and cultural significance, the Temple of Heaven remains one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in China, attracting millions of local and international visitors every year.
Ming tombs
The Ming Tombs are an extraordinary historical site located in the northwestern suburbs of Beijing, China. These tombs were built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) for the burial of 13 emperors, their empresses, and other royal family members.
Each tomb is made up of its own individual complex of structures, including palaces, gates, and shrines, spread out over a large area.
The most impressive tomb in the site is the Changling Tomb, which is the largest and oldest of all the tombs. The Ming Tombs are considered to be one of China’s most remarkable architectural treasures, and visitors can gain insight into the impressive artistry and craftsmanship that went into their construction.
If you’re a history buff or just fascinated by ancient cultures, a visit to the Ming Tombs should definitely be at the top of your list of places to visit!
The Ming tombs are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty of China.
The first Ming emperor’s tomb is located near his capital Nanjing. However, the majority of the Ming tombs are located in a cluster near Beijing and collectively known as the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming dynasty.
The Ming Tombs were listed by UNESCO as World Cultural Heritage in 2003. The tombs’ location and structure are classic representations of Chinese Fengshui theory.
Summer Palace
We took another tour to visit The summer palace and garden. The day was very hazy and hot.
Kunming Lake is the central lake on the grounds of the Summer Palace in Beijing, China. Together with Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake forms the key landscape features of the Summer Palace Gardens.
The Summer Palace is said to be the best-preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in China. It is only a short drive of 15 km (10 miles) from central Beijing, but it seems like another world. There’s so much to see and enjoy.
The Summer Palace was used as a summer retreat by the Chinese royal family.
During the hot Beijing summers, the imperial family preferred the beautiful gardens and airy pavilions of the Summer Palace to the walled-in Forbidden City.
The long corridor is the path beside the lake that leads you under shady trees or along the roofed colonnade known as the Long Corridor, with its magnificently painted ceilings. Bridges, boats, willows, lotus flowers, and other attractive landscaping make this a pleasant place to soak up the atmosphere and lovely views.
Visiting Around Town
Beijing is a spectacular city that has plenty of beautiful tourist attractions that you just can’t miss. With its rich history, vibrant culture, impressive architecture, and stunning natural landscapes, there’s something to fascinate every traveler.
Whether you’re interested in ancient Chinese history, modern-day China, or both, Beijing is the perfect destination that will allow you to immerse yourself in the country’s fascinating culture.
Be sure to visit some of Beijing’s must-see attractions such as the world-famous Forbidden City, the iconic Great Wall of China, the majestic Summer Palace, and the buzzing Tiananmen Square.
You can also experience the local cuisine, take a stroll through a traditional marketplace, or attend one of the famous performances.
With so much to see and do, Beijing is a city that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind. So, be prepared to be amazed and plan your trip to this incredible city now!
