Beijing北京

Overview

Beijing is the capital of China with over 3,000 years of history. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace are UNESCO World Heritage Sites showcasing China's glorious civilization. The Great Wall at Badaling is a must-visit. Hutongs and siheyuan courtyards reveal old Beijing's charm, while the Bird's Nest and Water Cube represent the city's modern vitality. Peking duck, zhajiangmian, and douzhi are culinary delights. As China's political, cultural, diplomatic and tech innovation center, Beijing perfectly blends classical and modern.

Key Facts

Top Attractions

Forbidden City (Palace Museum)

World's largest ancient palace complex, imperial palace of Ming and Qing dynasties. Reserve at least half a day to visit.

Badaling Great Wall

The most famous section of the Great Wall. 'He who has not been to the Great Wall is not a true man.' About 1.5h from downtown.

Temple of Heaven

Where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for Circular Mound, Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and Echo Wall.

Summer Palace

Qing royal garden built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, incorporating Jiangnan garden essence. Long Corridor, Seventeen-Arch Bridge are iconic.

Hutong Tour (Shichahai)

Ride a rickshaw through old Beijing hutongs, visit siheyuan courtyards. Shichahai area has the best-preserved hutongs.

Bird's Nest (National Stadium)

Main venue of 2008 Beijing Olympics, designed by Herzog & de Meuron. Unique architectural form, spectacular night lighting.

Food & Snacks

Peking Duck

Beijing's most famous dish. Crispy skin, tender meat, served with thin pancakes, sweet bean sauce and scallions. Quanjude and Da Dong are famous brands.

Zhajiangmian (Fried Sauce Noodles)

Traditional Beijing noodles with fried sauce (soybean paste fried with minced pork), topped with cucumber shreds and bean sprouts. Homestyle deliciousness.

Douzhi with Jiaojuan

Unique old Beijing breakfast. Douzhi is fermented mung bean drink with sour taste; jiaojuan is crispy fried bread ring. Favorite of authentic Beijing locals.

Mongolian Hotpot (Lamb)

Traditional Beijing hotpot with copper pot and clear broth for fresh sliced lamb, dipped in sesame sauce. Donglaishun is the century-old famous brand.

Festivals & Events

World & Intangible Heritage

• Forbidden City (1987) — Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. world's largest surviving wooden architectural complex.
• Temple of Heaven (1998) — Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Sacred site where emperors prayed for harvests, masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.
• Summer Palace (1998) — Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden.
• Great Wall (Beijing Section) (1987) — Listed as part of the 'Great Wall' UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Badaling and Mutianyu sections are most famous.
• Peking Opera (2010) — China's most influential opera style, integrating singing, recitation, acting and acrobatics. Unique face-painting art.
• Cloisonné Enamel Craft (2006) — Unique Beijing traditional craft, copper-body cloisonné enamel with dazzling colors and elegant luxury.
• Beijing Hutong Culture (2008) — Beijing hutongs are the city's historical veins, carrying centuries of memories and local life culture.

Practical Tips