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Beijing
China
Visit Beijing
Beijing, the sprawling capital of China, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and modern development, offering an unparalleled cultural experience for travelers. As one of the world's great ancient capitals, it is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past. A visit to Beijing is incomplete without exploring the Forbidden City, a massive palace complex that was the administrative center of Chinese dynasties for over 500 years. This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its opulent palaces and vast courtyards, is a testament to the architectural and cultural achievements of Imperial China. Just outside the city lies the Great Wall of China, another iconic symbol of the country's historical and architectural prowess. This ancient fortification stretches over thousands of kilometers and offers breathtaking views and a tangible link to China's storied past. Beijing is also a city that showcases China's rapid modernization with its skyline punctuated by skyscrapers and bustling with activity. The city's modern architecture, as seen in the CCTV Tower and the Bird's Nest Stadium, is bold and innovative, reflecting China's new role on the global stage. Amidst this modernity, the city's vibrant hutongs (narrow lanes) offer a glimpse into the everyday life of ordinary Beijingers, with their traditional courtyard homes, teahouses, and bustling markets. These neighborhoods are a hive of activity and an essential part of any visit to Beijing, providing insight into the blend of tradition and modernity that defines contemporary China. Beyond architecture and history, Beijing is a haven for food lovers. The city's culinary scene is robust, ranging from high-end restaurants serving imperial cuisine to street stalls that offer a taste of Beijing's famous Peking duck, jianbing (a kind of Chinese crepe), and other local delicacies. The city also serves as a cultural hub, with numerous museums and galleries, such as the National Museum of China and the 798 Art Zone, offering insights into the rich tapestry of Chinese history and contemporary art. Whether you're wandering through the vast collections of ancient artifacts, enjoying a traditional Peking Opera, or relaxing in one of the city's many serene parks, Beijing offers an engaging and enriching experience for all visitors.
Beijing Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
17°F
36°F
2
February
24°F
42°F
2
March
34°F
53°F
3
April
50°F
68°F
5
May
57°F
79°F
8
June
64°F
86°F
7
July
73°F
88°F
8
August
73°F
86°F
8
September
57°F
77°F
5
October
50°F
66°F
6
November
35°F
52°F
5
December
30°F
39°F
2
Need to Know Before You Go To Beijing
Nickname:
The Forbidden City
Primary Language:
Mandarin
Time Zone:
Asia/Shanghai
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type I
Annual Visitors:
32.6 million
Primary Export:
Electronics
Busiest Travel Months:
October, May, April
Quietest Travel Months:
February, January, December
Find your Next Adventure in Beijing
Explore Beijing
Iconic Landmarks
The Great Wall of China
While not located directly in Beijing, several sections of the Great Wall, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, are easily accessible from the city. This ancient wall represents a monumental achievement in Chinese engineering and defense.
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
Situated at the heart of Beijing, the Forbidden City was the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of the most important cultural heritage sites in China and showcases traditional Chinese palatial architecture.
Tiananmen Square
One of the largest public squares in the world, Tiananmen Square is surrounded by significant buildings including the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the National Museum of China, and the Great Hall of the People. It is also famously known for the Tiananmen Gate where Mao declared the founding of the People's Republic of China in 194
9.
Temple of Heaven
This complex of religious buildings was used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvests. The architecture and park are a popular attraction, noted for their beautiful design and symbolic representation of heaven and earth.
Summer Palace
An extensive ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces, the Summer Palace was an imperial garden in Qing Dynasty. It is renowned for its beautiful landscapes and magnificent architecture, and is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
This temple is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. The architecture and the artworks of Lama Temple are splendid, and it continues to be an active place of worship.
Cultural Experiences
Explore the Hutongs To get a feel for the traditional life of Beijing, take a tour of the city's hutongs. These narrow lanes or alleyways, formed by lines of siheyuan (a compound with buildings around a courtyard), offer a glimpse into the city's traditional urban lifestyle. Consider a guided tour on foot or by rickshaw to learn more about the history and culture of these neighborhoods. Each of these experiences provides a unique perspective on Beijing's rich cultural heritage and offers visitors a deeper understanding of the city's historical and contemporary significance.
Outdoor Adventures
Wildlife Watching at Beijing Wildlife Park For a family-friendly adventure, visit the Beijing Wildlife Park where you can drive through large enclosures and observe animals roaming freely. The park also offers opportunities for visitors to interact with some of the animals under supervision. These activities not only provide a thrilling experience but also offer a deeper insight into Beijing's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you're hiking the ancient walls, cycling through historic neighborhoods, or enjoying the natural landscapes, Beijing has plenty to offer the outdoor enthusiast.
Off the Beaten Path
Cuandixia Village
This ancient village is located about 90 kilometers west of Beijing and is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and beautiful rural scenery. It's a great spot for photography and offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese village life.
798 Art Zone
Originally a complex of military factories, the 798 Art Zone has been transformed into a thriving arts area, with a host of galleries, art studios, and boutiques. This area provides a contemporary contrast to Beijing's ancient sites and is a hub for modern art and culture.
Heizhima Hutong
Explore the lesser-known hutongs (narrow lanes) of Beijing to see the city's traditional residential neighborhoods. Heizhima Hutong, in particular, is less commercialized than others and offers a more authentic glimpse into local life.
Lingshui Village
Situated in the Mentougou District, this village is not frequently visited by tourists and retains a charming, rustic feel. It's surrounded by mountains and is an excellent spot for hiking and enjoying the natural landscape.
Songzhuang Artist Village
Located in the eastern suburbs of Beijing, Songzhuang is a vibrant community where many contemporary Chinese artists live and work. Visitors can explore art studios, attend exhibitions, and interact with local artists.
Fahai Temple
This temple is renowned for its exquisite Ming dynasty frescoes, which are considered some of the best preserved in China. It's located on the outskirts of Beijing and sees fewer tourists, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning artwork.
Beijing Fun Facts
Beijing, the capital city of China, is rich in history and culture, offering a blend of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Beijing:
- Ancient Capital
Beijing has served as the capital of China for over 800 years, across several dynasties, including the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties.
- Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, a massive palace complex in Beijing, was home to Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. It consists of 980 buildings and covers 180 acres, making it the world's largest palatial complex.
- Peking Duck
Beijing is famous for Peking Duck, a delicious dish made from specially bred and prepared ducks. This dish is known for its crispy skin and tender meat, often served with pancakes and sweet bean sauce.
- Hutongs
The narrow alleys and traditional courtyard homes known as hutongs are a distinctive feature of Beijing's residential landscape, offering a glimpse into the city's old way of life.
- Olympics Host
Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and is the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics, with the latter held in 2022.
- Giant Pandas
Beijing Zoo is one of the best places to see China's iconic giant pandas. The zoo focuses on the preservation and study of these rare animals.
- World's Largest Public Square
Tiananmen Square in the center of Beijing is the largest public square in the world, covering 440,000 square meters. It is a site of great historical significance for China.
- Great Wall of China
While not located directly in Beijing, the Great Wall stretches across the northern part of the city and is easily accessible for visitors. The wall was originally built to protect Chinese states from invasions.
- Cultural Heritage Sites
Beijing has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Ming Tombs, the Zhoukoudian site, and parts of the Grand Canal.
- Silk Market
The famous Silk Market in Beijing is a bustling multistory shopping complex known for its wide range of goods, from traditional Chinese crafts to luxury international brands, often frequented by both locals and tourists for bargains.
Featured Picture Gallery
The Ming Dynasty's Temple of Heaven
Temple Yinghuadianchina Overlooking it's Moat
Explore the Forbidden City of Beijing
Immerse in the Culture of Beijing
Beijing Cityscape During the Afternoon
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