China - Beijing
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city steeped in imperial history, political significance, and magnificent architecture. While Shanghai focuses on modern finance and colonial history, Beijing is all about dynasties, emperors, and ancient power.
Must-Do Activities in Beijing
I. Imperial and Historical Icons
| Activity | Description | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Visit the Forbidden City (Gugong 故宫) | Explore the massive imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. It is the best-preserved imperial complex in the world. | Book tickets online well in advance (often days or weeks ahead) using your passport, as tickets sell out quickly. You must enter from the South Gate (Meridian Gate). |
| Walk the Great Wall (Mutianyu or Badaling) | A non-negotiable Beijing experience. Mutianyu is generally recommended as it is less crowded and has beautifully restored sections and a fun toboggan slide down. | Hire a private driver or join a reputable small-group tour. Badaling is closer but heavily commercialized and crowded. |
| See Tian'anmen Square (天安门广场) | The largest city square in the world, bordered by the Forbidden City, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum. | Arrive before dawn to witness the flag-raising ceremony (timing changes daily) for a truly memorable, solemn experience. |
| Explore the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan 天坛) | A sprawling complex where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for a good harvest. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is iconic. | Go in the morning to see local Beijingers using the park for morning exercises, Tai Chi, and dancing. |
| Wander the Summer Palace (颐和园) | The vast, beautiful imperial garden, famous for its Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and the elaborate Long Corridor. | Set aside half a day. Take a dragon boat across the lake in the warmer months for the best views. |
II. Culture and Local Life
| Activity | Description | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Explore the Hutongs (胡同) | Walk or bike through the narrow, traditional alleyways that form the ancient heart of Beijing, observing the courtyard homes (siheyuan) and local life. | Visit the areas around Nanluoguxiang (南锣鼓巷) or, for a quieter experience, the lanes near Shichahai (什刹海). |
| Visit the National Museum of China | Located on Tian'anmen Square, this museum houses an enormous collection of artifacts that trace the entire history of Chinese civilization. | Entry is free, but you must reserve tickets online ahead of time and present your passport for entry. |
| Lama Temple (Yonghegong 雍和宫) | An active Tibetan Buddhist monastery. It is one of the most beautiful and well-maintained temples in the city, known for its colossal 18-meter-tall Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood. | It is easily accessible by subway and is a great place to burn incense and observe religious practice. |
III. Food and Dining
| Activity | Description | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Eat Peking Roast Duck (北京烤鸭) | The quintessential Beijing culinary experience. The duck is roasted until the skin is crispy and is served with thin pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce. | Famous restaurants include Quanjude (全聚德) and Bianyifang (便宜坊), or try the popular Da Dong (大董) for a modern take. Book in advance! |
| Try Local Snacks | Sample local street food like Zhajiangmian (炸酱面) (noodles with savory soybean paste) and Lǘdagun (驴打滚) (a sweet, glutinous rice roll). | Look for smaller, older restaurants in the Hutongs for the most authentic flavor. |
| Hot Pot Experience | Enjoy Beijing's famous copper pot hot pot (铜锅涮肉), which uses a traditional charcoal pot and focuses on thin slices of lamb. | Dong Lai Shun (东来顺) is a well-known, historic chain for this type of hot pot. |
IV. Entertainment and Modern Beijing
| Activity | Description | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 798 Art District | A vast, sprawling area of converted factory buildings (formerly a military electronics plant) that now houses contemporary art galleries, installations, and funky cafes. | Allow at least three hours to wander the complex and visit a few major galleries. |
| Olympic Park (Olympic Green) | Visit the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, featuring the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and the Water Cube aquatics center. | You can walk the exterior for free and pay a small fee to enter the stadium/pool complex. |
| Sanlitun (三里屯) | The vibrant, modern, international hub for shopping, dining, and nightlife, especially popular with expats and young locals. | Visit Taigu Li (太古里) for high-end shopping and the surrounding streets for bars and restaurants. |