Beijing: The Capital and Cultural Centre of China
Beijing (Běi: jīng:)
Beijing, the capital of China, is the country's second-largest city, following Shanghai. It boasts eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experiences a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate. The city has a rich and diverse religious heritage, encompassing Chinese folk religion, Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, and Christianity.
How to get there?
- Via Plane
Beijing is served by two international airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Both airports offer domestic flights, providing a faster and more efficient travel option compared to other modes of transportation.
- Via Subway
The subway is the most convenient way to get around Beijing, with 23 lines connecting various parts of the city. It features English signs and announcements, making it highly accessible for tourists.
- Via Bus
Beijing has an extensive bus network, making it a great option for exploring less-traveled areas. Using a Chinese map app with bus overlays is the most efficient way to navigate the bus system.
- Via Taxi
For traveling by taxi in Beijing, it is recommended to download the Cab Expresso app. Be sure to negotiate the fare as much as possible!
When to visit?
The ideal time to visit Beijing is in September for the Mid-Autumn Festival or between March and April to experience the Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival.
Visa Conditions
Travelers must ensure their passport remains valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay and complete an online visa application. Additional documents, such as an invitation letter or proof of financial stability, may be required depending on the visa type. Upon arrival in China, visitors are required to register their stay within 24 hours.
The cost of a tourist visa varies based on nationality and the number of entries requested. Generally, fees range from approximately $30 for a single-entry visa to over $100 for a multiple-entry visa.
Places to visit
- Palaces
The Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is recognized as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design." Located in Beijing, it is an expansive complex featuring lakes, gardens, and palaces, inspired by the traditional gardens of South China. The site boasts over 3,000 ancient Chinese buildings, housing a collection of more than 40,000 historical relics from various dynasties. Its natural scenery, consisting of hills and open water, is seamlessly integrated with man-made structures such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges, creating a visually stunning and harmonious setting.
Located at the heart of Beijing’s Imperial City, this imperial palace complex served as the residence for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it holds immense cultural and historical significance for the Chinese people, who regard it as a sacred connection to their ancestors. The Forbidden City features meticulously designed gardens and numerous structures, standing as a priceless testament to Chinese civilization during the Ming and Qing eras.
c. Beijing Central Axis
The Central Axis of Beijing, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic roadway lined with former imperial palaces, gardens, sacrificial sites, and ceremonial and public buildings.
- Museums
Beijing has 218 museums in total out of which these five museums are must- see attractions.
a. Zhoukoudian Peking Man Site
This UNESCO World Heritage Site preserves significant evidence of human evolution, safeguarding and transmitting its authentic historical information while supporting research on early human origins. The fossil sites and surrounding environment are well-protected, making it a must-visit attraction in Beijing.
Situated on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing, this museum of art and history houses a vast collection of over 1.4 million artifacts across 48 exhibition halls. It holds the distinction of having the largest single-building museum space in the world and boasts the most extensive collection of Chinese cultural relics.
This art museum in Beijing features an extensive collection of ancient porcelain, bronze, calligraphy, paintings, jade, sculptures, and Buddhist statues from Imperial China, along with artifacts from other Asian countries.
The Palace Museum, a vast national museum complex within the Forbidden City, preserves the imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Consisting of 980 buildings, it houses over 1.8 million artworks, primarily from the imperial collections of these dynasties.
Prince Gong Mansion, also called Gong Wang Fu in Chinese, is a museum and popular tourist attraction, recognized as Beijing’s largest and best-preserved princely residence from the Qing Dynasty. It features expansive siheyuan-style mansions and beautifully designed gardens.
- Parks
a. Beihai Park
Beihai Park is a public park and one of the largest remaining classical Chinese gardens, featuring many historically significant structures, palaces, and temples. The park's lake, which occupies more than half of its area, is home to Jade Flower Island at its center.
Located north of the Forbidden City, this imperial park features Jingshan, an artificial hill that serves as its centerpiece. Jingshan Park is a stunning royal landscape garden, offering visitors a panoramic and unobstructed view of the Forbidden City from its peak.
Yuanmingyuan Park, also known as the Old Summer Palace, was once the most magnificent royal garden, often referred to as the "Garden of Gardens." It was celebrated as the pinnacle of Chinese imperial garden and palace design, renowned for its vast gardens, architectural structures, and rich collection of art and historical treasures. However, a fire destroyed this grand garden, leaving only its ruins and history behind. Today, it is open to the public as a heritage park.
- Temples
The Temple of Heaven is a collection of imperial religious buildings set within gardens and encircled by historic pine forests. It was once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is regarded as a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design, symbolizing a cosmogony that holds significant importance in the development of one of the world’s great civilizations.
The Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Lamasery, is the largest Buddhist temple in Beijing and one of the most important Buddhist centers outside Tibet. Visiting the temple feels like stepping into paradise, with its numerous Buddha statues and the fragrant aroma of incense filling the air. Visitors can observe the Lamas in their daily routines and witness their worship practices.
This temple is the second-largest Confucian temple in China and served as a place of homage to Confucius during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The temple is made up of four courtyards, including the Xianshi Gate (Gate of the First Teacher), Dacheng Gate (Gate of Great Accomplishment), Dacheng Hall (Hall of Great Accomplishment), and Chongshengci (Worship Hall).
The Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a series of fortifications across China. It became the world’s largest military structure by merging sections of earlier fortifications to create a unified defense system.
Badaling is the most iconic and well-preserved section of the Great Wall of China, attracting the highest number of visitors. Unlike other sections, the stairs here are relatively gentle and feature handrails, making it easier to climb. Additionally, the area is equipped with cable cars and pulleys for convenience, and there are facilities designed to accommodate seniors and individuals with disabilities. Its proximity to downtown Beijing makes it easily accessible by public transportation.
Often referred to as the "Bird’s Nest," the stadium's unique design has significantly altered the city's skyline. Its structure, resembling a lattice of twigs, highlights China's appreciation for organic shapes. It stands as one of the top attractions in Beijing.
8. The contemporary 798 Art Zone
The 798 Art Zone is a collection of 50-year-old decommissioned military factory buildings featuring a distinctive architectural style and home to a vibrant artistic community. Beyond its art galleries, the area offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a lively cultural hub.
The Ming Dynasty Tombs are a group of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming Dynasty in China. They are adorned with intricate stone statues, carvings, and dragon-themed tiles, showcasing the evolution of funeral architecture during the Ming period.
Wangfujing Avenue in Beijing is the city's most famous and bustling shopping street, known for its modern and fashionable trends. As the busiest street and the first renowned commercial area in Beijing, it offers a wide range of shops and boutiques, including world-famous brands. In addition, the street is home to many long-established stores selling traditional goods that have been around for centuries.
11. Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo, the oldest zoological park in China, also serves as a hub for zoological research, focusing on the study and breeding of rare animals from around the world. It houses one of the largest animal collections in the country, with more than 450 species of land animals and over 500 species of marine animals. Among its rare and wild inhabitants are Giant Pandas, Golden Monkeys, Milu Deer, and Northeast Tigers.
12. Grand Canal
The Grand Canal, a significant UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the longest and oldest canal in the world, showcasing early advancements in hydraulic engineering. Spanning over 2,000 km of artificial waterways, it connects five of China’s major river basins. Throughout history, it has played a vital role in the country’s economic growth and stability and continues to serve as a key route for communication today.
Places to stay
For tourists, the simplest way to book a hotel in Beijing is through online platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, or Trip.com, which offer searches in English and allow reservations via credit card. Most hotels in China are now familiar with hosting international guests and accept global payment methods. It's a good idea to double-check on the booking site or contact the hotel directly to confirm if they accommodate foreigners.
https://english.beijing.gov.cn/travellinginbeijing/quickguideontravelservices/
Places to eat
Dining in Beijing can feel like an exciting journey, as the city offers a diverse and expansive culinary scene. Whether you're in the mood for street food, traditional Chinese dishes, Western cuisine, or vegetarian options, Beijing has something to satisfy every craving.
- Street Food: Ghost Street (Gui Jie) is a bustling street filled with stalls and small restaurants that serve delicious snacks late into the night. It’s an ideal place to enjoy a meal under the warm glow of red lanterns.
- Traditional Cuisine: Visit Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant, one of Beijing’s oldest Peking duck restaurants, situated in the Wangfujing area, to savor authentic traditional Chinese cuisine.
- Western Cuisine: The Opposite House in Sanlitun, a vibrant area popular among tourists, offers a modern atmosphere. It serves creative Western cuisine, making it a great spot for those looking to take a break from local flavors and enjoy a taste of home.
- Vegetarian: For a delightful vegetarian experience, visit King's Joy, a beautifully designed and tranquil restaurant near the Yonghegong Lama Temple, offering a diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Best Foods to try in Beijing
When traveling to China, be sure to indulge in local delicacies such as Peking Duck, Peking Shredded Pork, Zha Jiang Mian (Beijing Fried Sauce Noodles), Dumplings, Beijing-Style Hot Pot, Imperial Cuisine, Pancakes, Lamb Skewers, Donkey Roll, and Pea Cake. You can trust that these flavors will not disappoint!
Conclusion
Beijing is a captivating blend of history, culture, and modern innovation, offering travelers a truly immersive experience. From iconic landmarks like The Forbidden City to lively streets bustling with markets and authentic Chinese cuisine, the city has something for everyone. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an adventurer, a foodie, or a culture lover, Beijing promises endless discoveries. As you explore ancient temples, wander through hidden alleys, or witness its dynamic modernization, you'll find that Beijing beautifully balances its rich past with a forward-looking future, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.