Things To Do In Beijing – Discover the best things to do in Beijing
Last Update: 17th November 2019
What Are The 10 Best Things To Do In Beijing?
Beijing is the capital and one of the most international cities in China. It has been the political, economic and cultural center for hundreds of years. It offers numerous different places of interest to explore and modern landscape to appreciate.
Interested in the Best Things to do in Beijing during a Beijing Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours in Beijing, among other cities and areas. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.
1. Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Originally built in 1406, the Forbidden City is the royal palace in the Ming (1366 – 1644) and Qing (1644 – 1912) Dynasties. It was completed in 1420, offering an area of 720,000 square meters. With a shape of rectangle, it is 961 meters from south to north and 753 meters from east to west. It offers more than 9,000 rooms.
Next to the Forbidden City is the famous landmark of Tiananmen Square, which is the largest square of its kind in the world. Featuring the Gate Tower, Great Hall of the People, the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the National Museum of China. Tiananmen Square is the highlight of many visitors trips to Beijing.
2. Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is China’s most famous, historical landmark and is UNESCO heritage listed. Compared to the Great Wall of China, Badaling Section, the Mutianyu Section is much less crowded with Chinese domestic visitors.
Situated around 73 kilometers from the city of Beijing, the Great Wall of China, Mutianyu Section is 5.4 kilometers long. Along this section of the Great Wall of China, the Mutianyu section offers some 20 watchtowers and two old batteries.
3. Summer Palace
Located around 15 kilometers from the city of Beijing, the Summer Palace was the royal garden in the Qing Dynasty. It is the best-preserved royal palace for short stays and a highlight of many Beijing tours.
The West Lake in Hangzhou is the blueprint of the Summer Palace. It presents some styles of gardens in the regions south of the Yangtze River in the ancient times.
Originally built in 1709, the Old Summer Palace was destroyed by fire in 1860. Originally, it was composed of Old Summer Palace Garden, Changchun Garden, Yichun Garden and many other small gardens.
Many sections of the marble pillars lying on the ground or standing there show the exquisite skills in the Qing Dynasty. The rebuilt Yinghui Hall lets us get a little acquainted with the style of buildings in the palace during the period of time.
5. Temple of Heaven
Originally built in 1420, Temple of Heaven was the venue to sacrifice to the heaven and pray for good harvest for the emperors in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The main buildings there include Qinian Hall, Huangqian Hall, Circular Mound Altar, Office of Divine Music, and Imperial Vault of Heaven.
6. Lama Temple
Originally built in 1694, the Lama Temple was originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng (1678 – 1735). Zhaotai Gate, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Yonghe Gate, Yonghe Palace, Hall of Preaching, and Hall of Tantric Practices present the standard layout of the “Qitang Jialan” in Chinese Buddhist temples.
7. Hutongs
If you are interested to experience the old Beijing life style, Hutongs are great choices. Hutongs are lined with old courtyards. Hutongs in Beijing were formed in the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368). They were developed in the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
8. Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park was the old royal garden in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The mountain there offers a great choice to enjoy the panoramic views of the Forbidden City. The park features old buildings in the Ming and Qing styles. The peony garden has a variety of peonies to admire.
9. Olympic Park
With an area of 11.59 square kilometers, Olympic Park gathers the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium), Water Cube, Yingdong Natatorium, Archery Range and much more. It is free to enter the park. If you want to visit Water Cube, you have to pay for an additional fee.
10. 798 Art Zone
If you are interested in art, 798 Art Zone offers a good chance to you. It is transformed from old factory complex. It is a combination of galleries, art centers, art workshops, design companies, restaurants, bars and more.
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Interested in the Best Things to do in Beijing on a Tour?
Wendy Wei Tours offers a variety of different packaged tours as well as custom tours in Beijing, among other cities and areas. To find out more, please visit our Tours page or Contact Us directly to find out more.