Beijing, the capital of China and one of the most heavily visited cities in the world, has a culture and history that stretches back thousands of years. The city is filled with modern amenities and ancient sites, and there are plenty of ways to explore the city in a day or two. Here is a suggested Beijing travel itinerary for those looking to get the most out of their visit to this exciting and beautiful city.
The Great Wall of China
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to one of the most famous historical sites in the world, the Great Wall of China. Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches for 8,850 km and was designed to protect the Chinese Empire from invaders. The wall is situated 74 km from the city and is best viewed from Mutianyu, a well preserved section of the wall. It is possible to take a day trip to the wall, with most tours costing around 200 Yuan.
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is a huge palace complex located in the heart of Beijing, built in the early 15th century. It served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and is now one of the most popular attractions in the city. The complex is split into two sections, the Outer Court, which is accessible to the public, and the Inner Court, which is strictly off limits. Visitors can take an audio tour of the palace and explore its many halls and courtyards, its myriad stunning palaces and its sprawling gardens.
Beihai Park
Beihai Park is a large and beautiful lake-side park situated in the heart of Beijing. This park has been a fixture in the city for over 1,000 years, and is one of the oldest still existing gardens in China. Beihai Park is perfect for a leisurely afternoon stroll and packed to the brim with historical and cultural sites. One of the must-see attractions in the park is the White Dagoba, which is a 36.5-meter tall Buddhist pagoda.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is an elevated public plaza located in the centre of Beijing, with a total area of 10 hectares. It is known for being the site of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests which saw thousands of people come together in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Chinese government. Today, the square is used mainly for political gatherings, visits by foreign dignitaries and as a tourist attraction. Tiananmen Square is the largest city square in the world, and is also home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a 32-meter tall marble obelisk.
Rooftop Hot Pot
Hot Pot restaurants are a common sight in Beijing, and are a great way to sample local flavours. Try a rooftop restaurant for a truly unforgettable experience: sitting on a rooftop and enjoying the view of the city while devouring a delicious bowl of local delicacies. Opt for a spicy Sichuan hot pot, and kick it up a few notches by adding some chili oil and fiery Sichuan pepper. A typical hot pot meal will cost around 40 Yuan, so it is a great way to eat out without breaking the bank.
Nightlife in Houhai
Houhai is Beijing’s premier destination for nightlife, with bars, nightclubs, and karaoke lounges to keep visitors entertained until late into the night. There are several bars that overlook the water, which can make for a pleasant evening spent drinking and socializing with locals. The area is especially lively on weekends, and visitors should be sure to check out the weekly live music events. A good tip is to bring cash, as many bars do not accept cards.
Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is situated at the northern end of the Forbidden City, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is a pleasant spot for an afternoon stroll, with views of the Forbidden City and surrounding cityscape from its highest point. The area is most famous for its ancient Jingshan Bell Tower, which dates back to the Yuan dynasty and functions as a reminder of the city’s long history.
Local Shopping
Shopping in Beijing is a great way to experience the local culture and pick up some souvenirs. Wangfujing Shopping Street is the perfect place to start: it is a busy pedestrian street lined with shops selling anything from high-end designer goods to local street food. Another must-visit is the Panjiayuan flea market, where you can buy everything from antiques to arts and crafts at extremely low prices.
Beijing National Stadium
The Beijing National Stadium was built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, and is now one of the city’s most iconic sites. The stadium has a seating capacity of 80,000 and is currently used for a variety of sporting events, as well as concerts and special events. The main attraction here is the Bird’s Nest, the stunning steel lattice structure that is the stadium’s center piece. It is possible to take a tour of the stadium, as well as visit the adjoining Olympic Park.
Yonghe Temple
The Yonghe Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the Dongcheng district of Beijing. It is one of the largest and most impressive temples in the city, and is a must-see for anyone interested in Chinese Buddhism. The temple is home to several beautiful shrines, as well as several large statues of Buddha and other important figures. Visitors should be sure to take a tour of the temple before leaving, as it is a great way to learn more about the local culture and traditions.
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a must-visit for anyone looking for an awe-inspiring sight in Beijing. Built in the mid 15th century, the temple is an important spiritual site for Chinese people and is used for praying and making offerings to gods and ancestors. Visitors have an option of two tours, one which only visits the exterior of the temple and the other which takes visitors inside. The temple itself is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a wide array of historic monuments.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace has been the imperial family’s summer getaway for centuries, and is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Beijing. Situated next to Kunming Lake, the palace is packed full of important sites of historical and cultural significance. The palace grounds are filled with beautiful pagodas, pavilions and statues, and visitors can take a stroll through the tranquil grounds and admire the stunning lake view. The Palace is open from 7am to 5pm, and tickets start from 30 Yuan.
Hutongs
The Hutongs of Beijing are a network of narrow alleyways and traditional Chinese courtyard houses, and are a great way to experience an authentic side of the city. Numerous hutong tours are available, during which visitors can explore local life in the ancient alleyways, visit traditional shops, and taste some local snacks. A typical hutong tour will cost around 100 Yuan, and provide visitors with an insight into this unique aspect of Beijing culture.
Opera and Acrobatics Performances
Beijing is home to some of the world’s best acrobatics and opera performances, and attending one of these shows is a great way to spend an evening in the city. Visitors can find performances in several theatres throughout the city, with shows taking place at various times from early evening to late. For the best experience, try and attend one of the popular Peking opera performances, where you can witness the full pageantry of traditional Chinese culture.
Beijing Cuisine
Beijing is known for its vibrant cuisine, bringing together elements from other regions of China as well as a few of its own specialities. Many of the city’s dishes have a combination of sweet, sour, spicy and savory flavours, and are sure to tantalize the taste buds. Try some of the local favourites such as Peking duck, and don’t be afraid to sample some of the more exotic dishes such as dog meat and sea cucumber.
Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are the burial sites of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, and are a fascinating place to visit for anyone keen to learn more about Chinese emperors. Situated 50 km from Beijing is the Changling Tomb, the burial site of the second Ming emperor, Zhu Di. Visitors can explore the complex of chambers, pavilions and courtyards, as well as take part in performances and demonstrations of traditional Imperial rituals.