China Beijing
Beijing
Updated on July 12, 2022
Welcome to Beijing
The splendid Great Wall, the marvelous Forbidden City, the Beijinger's real life reflection, the Hutongs, and the must-see, Tian'anmen Square, plus the Beijing signature dish, Peking Roast Duck, all these are showing the historical and cultural Beijing.
Have you eaten? It is the authentic way to say good morning in Beijing.
What is Beijing like?
Large and crowded. Beijing is the second largest city of China with a population of 21.9 million.
The showpiece of China history. Served as the capital of China in six dynasties (Yan, Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasty), till the new China since 1949.
The hub of Chinese culture. Integrating Peking Opera, Architecture, Gardens, Dialects, and Food.
Tourism distribution center. With the world's biggest airport, receiving about 32 million foreign visitors in 2019.
Highlights in Beijing
1
The Great Wall
Built across mountain ranges, stretching to thousands of kilometers, it is one of the most greatest constructions in the history. Spending 2 hours and walking on the stone walls, or hiking and camping on wild and less-visited sections (Simatai to Jinshanling) is the ultimate bucket-list adventure.
Good for: Hiking, Photography
2
The Forbidden City
Was the most glorious royal palace of ancient China, covers an area of about 720,000 square meters, more than 70 palaces with 9,000 houses. As a royal palace that has existed for nearly 600 years, the Forbidden City has too many stories in it.
Opening time: Tuesday to Sunday (08:30-17:00); close on every Monday.
3
Hutong Alleys
One of the most relaxing ways to experience the Hutong life and culture is taking a rickshaw, the rickshaw wagoner may introduce some interesting things happened here. You can also take a walk in these narrow alleys, see the the authentic Beijinger's life through the opening door of courtyard homes.
Best travel: Taking a rickshaw ride
4
The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven Park was a place where emperors worshipped and prayed for abundance of grains in Ming and Qing dynasties. It integrates the achievements of ancient Chinese architecture, acoustics, history, astronomy, music, and dance, and it is precisely this that attracts leaders from all over the world. It is a great place for architecture photography.
Good for: Architecture photography
5
The Summer Palace
It was a summer resort for emperors and their family. It is a large-scale landscape garden built on the basis of Hangzhou West Lake and absorbing the design techniques of southern Chinese gardens. It is also the most well-preserved imperial palace and known as the "Royal Garden Museum." Taking a big boat trip is the fastest way to visit the park.
Photography: Landscapes, Countryside Scenery
6
Tian'anmen Square
Tiananmen Square records the indomitable revolutionary spirit and fearless heroism of the Chinese people. It is a historical testimony of China’s decline to rise. Covering an area of 440,000 square meters, it can accommodate 1 million people to hold grand gatherings. Along the central axis of Beijing, the flag pole, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Zhengyangmen Gate Tower stand in sequence from north to south in the square.
7
Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is across the street from the Shenwumen Gate of the Forbidden City. It is the imperial garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Jingshan Mountain in the center of the park was made of soil and was once the commanding height of the city. It has gathered 569 peony varieties, with a total of more than 20,000 trees, covering nine major color systems and ten major flower types.
8
Eating Peking Duck
Eating the Peking Roast Duck is a must for those who first time to visit Beijing. The most famous Peking Duck resraurant is Quanjude, which is a traditional time-honored brand wins with craftsmanship. Due to lacking of innovation and high prices, other restaurants like Bianyifang and Dadong are taking place.
Restaurants recommended: Bianyifang, Dadong, Li Qun, Quanjude
Practical Beijing Travel Tips
Drone Flying Is Strictly Prohibited
Drone photography is strictly not allowed in whole Beijing, wherever in downtown or scenic areas including the Great Wall, unless you can get an official permission, if you are invited by a local gorvernment department. Do not travel with your drones in Beijing, even though you don't plan to fly.
Beijing's Air Quality Problem
Beijing's air quality is improving year on year, a lot of movements have been done or working on, restrictions on the use of vehicles, upgrade or relocation of factories, plant more greenery around. Accumulated good days 145 days in 2020, an increase of 20 days compared to the previous year.
Although you may see some people wearing masks on streets, it is safe to go for sure.
Photography in Beijing
Beijing is the historical and cultural hub of China, countless world known architectures and constructions, making Beijing is a great photography for architecture lovers.
Here are some photography spots:
- The Forbidden City
You can spend one day inside, you will find so many photography opportunities and compositions in a such complex buildings group. - The Temple of Heaven
Shoot the Temple of Heaven through the huge and red gate is many photographers' thoughts. The timelapse of moving clouds over the top of the main building in a sunny day is another fun. - Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is possible the only place can shoot the overview of the Forbidden City. - Summar Palace
Photograph kinds of royal palaces, ancient gardens, and the lake scenery. - The Great Wall
Besides the most popular section of Mutianyu, the wild section of Simatai to Jinshanling is also the good photography locations.
