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Top 8 Tourist Attractions in Beijing 2023

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Beijing, the capital of China, is a city rich in history and culture. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the historic Forbidden City, there are countless tourist attractions to see and experience in this ancient city. In this post, we’ll be highlighting the top 8 tourist attractions in Beijing that you won’t want to miss on your next trip.

  • The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Beijing. It’s a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the various nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe.

There are many sections of the Great Wall to visit, but some of the most popular and well-preserved sections include Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling. When visiting the Great Wall, it’s best to go in the early morning to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as the hike can be quite strenuous.

  • The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is a palace complex in central Beijing. It was the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty to the end of the Qing dynasty—the years 1420 to 1912. It now houses the Palace Museum. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

The Forbidden City is a sprawling complex of buildings and courtyards, and it can take several hours to explore fully. Some of the highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the Palace of Tranquil Longevity. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit on a weekday and in the morning.

  • Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is a city square in the centre of Beijing, China, named after the Tiananmen (“Gate of Heavenly Peace”) located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It is the third largest city square in the world (440,500 m² – 880×500 m or 109 acres – 960×550 yd) after Plaza de la Revolución in Havana, Cuba and Maidan in Kolkata, India.

Tiananmen Square is a significant historical site, as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history, including the May Fourth Movement, the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, and the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The square is also home to several important monuments, including the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall.

  • Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings in Beijing. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. It has been regarded as a Daoist temple.

The Temple of Heaven is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and it’s a great spot for a picnic or a stroll. Some of the highlights of the complex include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Echo Wall. The park around the temple complex is also a popular spot for locals to gather and socialize.

  • Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens and palaces in Beijing, China. It serves as a popular tourist destination and recreational park. Mainly dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, it was an imperial garden in the Qing Dynasty.

The Summer Palace is a beautiful and serene place to visit, with a mix of traditional Chinese architecture and landscaped gardens. Some of the highlights of the palace include the Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, and the Tower of Buddhist Incense. The palace is also a great spot for a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake.

  • Beihai Park

Beihai Park is a public park and former imperial garden located in the northwest of the Imperial City, Beijing. First built in the 11th century, it is among the oldest and most authentic imperial gardens in China.

Beihai Park is a picturesque and tranquil spot to visit, with a large lake at its center and several temples and pavilions dotting its shores. Some of the highlights of the park include the White Dagoba, the Nine Dragon Screen, and the Jade Flower Island. The park is also a great spot for a relaxing stroll or a picnic.

  • National Museum of China

The National Museum of China is the largest museum in China and one of the largest in the world. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone interested in Chinese art, history, and culture.

The museum has a vast collection of artifacts and artwork, including ancient Chinese pottery, bronze, and jade, as well as imperial treasures, calligraphy, and paintings. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Hall of the Yellow Emperor, the Hall of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the Hall of the Revolution.

  • Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street is a popular shopping and dining destination in Beijing. It’s a bustling street lined with shops, restaurants, and street food vendors. It’s a great place to find souvenirs, traditional Chinese snacks, and local specialties.

Some of the highlights of Wangfujing Street include the Wangfujing Snack Street, where you can find a wide variety of street food and snacks, and the Wangfujing Department Store, where you can find a mix of high-end and local brands. The street is also home to several historical and cultural sites, including the Church of Our Lady of the Red Lanterns and the Dazhalan Pedestrian Street.

Conclusion

Beijing is a city with a rich history and culture, and there are countless tourist attractions to see and experience here. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the historic Forbidden City, these top 8 tourist attractions are a great starting point for planning your trip to Beijing. It’s always best to check the current situation, opening hours and restrictions before visiting any place. And don’t forget to try the local food, it’s delicious!

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