Overview
Beijing, located in the northern part of the North China Plain and surrounded by the Yanshan and Taihang Mountains, is not only the capital but also a city where history and modernity, culture, and natural scenery blend perfectly.
As the capital, Beijing has always showcased its diversity to the world. Every brick and tile beneath the roots of the imperial city depicts the vicissitudes of history, while the laughter of people, both young and old, echoes through the depths of the hutongs, imbued with the essence of local culture. The majestic mountains offer a breathtaking view from atop, while the gently rippling Grand Canal traces the contours of the ancient capital. The modern and stylish Central Business District (CBD) stands just a stone’s throw away from the hutongs, creating a unique juxtaposition and diversity that is unparalleled.
Highlights
- The Forbidden City, Ming & Qing imperial palace, is a vast, well-preserved wooden architectural complex.
- Tiananmen Square is a huge city square, key for national celebrations and a tourist attraction.
- The Great Wall: A Chinese symbol and world wonder.
- Summer Palace: A preserved royal garden with scenic views and rich culture. Stroll corridors, boat on Kunming Lake.
Itinerary
Yonghegong Lama Temple was first built in the 33rd year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1694), originally as a royal temple and the former residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. It is now a renowned Buddhist temple and one of the four major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect (Yellow Hat sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing.Inside Yonghegong, there are numerous Buddhist statues and ritual instruments. The most famous is the seated statue of Maitreya Buddha in the Hall of Ten Thousand Blessings, which stands at 26 meters tall and is carved from a single sandalwood tree. It is the "crown jewel" of Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing.It is recommended to enter from the North Gate and visit the Great Buddha Hall, the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Sutra Hall, and other buildings in sequence, before exiting from the South Gate.During the visit, you can learn about Buddhist rituals and the use of ritual instruments and treasures, experiencing the unique cultural atmosphere.
Tiananmen Square is the central square of Beijing and one of China's national symbols. It is located on the traditional axial line of Beijing and was the main gate of the imperial city during the Ming and Qing dynasties.Tiananmen Square is the largest city center square in the world and the heart of Beijing. It often hosts various political, cultural events, and celebrations, making it a sacred place in the hearts of the Chinese people.It is recommended to enter the square from Tiananmen Gate and visit the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and other buildings in sequence.You can take photos to commemorate your visit and feel the vastness and solemnity of the square.
Prince Gong's Palace, located on the south bank of Houhai in Shichahai, Beijing, is one of the best-preserved royal palaces of the Qing Dynasty. Originally built as the private residence of He Shen, a favored minister during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, it later became the property of Prince Gong Yixin, hence its name. The palace is divided into two parts: the residence and the garden, covering an area of over 60,000 square meters, with luxurious design and rigorous layout. It boasts high architectural and artistic value.Currently, it is a Grade A national museum and an important venue for understanding ancient Chinese imperial court culture and history.
The Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, is located in the heart of Beijing. Its unique architectural style showcases the profound wisdom of Chinese culture. As one of the largest and best-preserved groups of wooden structures in the world, it is a vital site for visitors to understand ancient Chinese imperial court culture.
Located in the city center of Beijing, Jingshan Park served as the imperial garden for the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties and covers an area of 230,000 square meters. The park is renowned for its five pavilions aligned horizontally and towering ancient trees, with Wanchun Pavilion offering a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. It also houses historical sites such as the Shouhuang Temple and frequently hosts cultural events. With convenient transportation, Jingshan Park is an important place to understand Beijing's historical and cultural heritage.
Beihai Park is one of the earliest-built, best-preserved, and most culturally rich classical imperial gardens in China's history. The park boasts a diverse array of flora and fauna, including juniper, cypress, white bark pine, and endangered species such as the smew and the internationally endangered ferruginous duck. It mainly consists of the Qionghua Island, the east bank, the north bank, and the west bank scenic areas, with key attractions including Yong'an Bridge, Yong'an Temple, Xiaoxiantian, the Nine Dragon Wall, and Chengguang Hall.
The Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China, located adjacent to the Old Summer Palace. Built on the foundation of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it is a large natural landscape garden that incorporates design elements from Jiangnan (southern China) gardens. It is also the most intact royal palace and imperial garden, earning it the reputation of being the "Museum of Royal Gardens".
Nanluoguxiang, located in the eastern part of the central axis of Jiaodaokou area, Dongcheng District, Beijing, is a famous lane with profound historical and cultural heritage. It is also one of the oldest neighborhoods in Beijing. Preserving the unique texture of Hutong courtyards from the Yuan Dynasty, it is the largest and most prestigious traditional chessboard-style residential area in China, abundant in resources. Nanluoguxiang not only perfectly preserves numerous historic Hutongs and quadrangles with gray bricks and tiles but also accumulates deep cultural and historical connotations due to the presence of celebrity residences.
Beijing Drum Tower is an ancient building with profound historical and cultural heritage. It is not only an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese urban planning and architectural art but also an important historical witness to the development of Beijing. When visiting the Drum Tower, tourists can gain a deeper understanding of its historical evolution, architectural features, and cultural heritage value, thereby better appreciating the charm and value of this ancient building.
Yandai Diagonal Street, located within Shichahai in Xicheng District, Beijing, is a historic hutong with a long history. It was formed during the Yuan Dynasty and was initially named "Dayuhall Diagonal Street," later renamed "Drum Tower Diagonal Street." In the late Qing Dynasty, it was named after its resemblance to a tobacco pipe or the abundance of tobacco pipe shops. The street preserves Ming and Qing dynasty architectures and cultural relics protection units, such as Guangfu Temple. It is also famous for its tobacco pipes, smoking accessories, antiques, and calligraphy, earning it the nickname "Little Glass Factory." Visitors can experience Beijing's historical culture and taste local snacks here.
Badaling Great Wall, located in Yanqing District of Beijing, is an important part of the Ming Great Wall and one of the best-preserved sections. With a long history, it can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, and underwent large-scale repairs during the Ming Dynasty. The name Badaling originates from its strategic location with roads leading to all directions. Renowned for its magnificent scenery and profound historical and cultural connotations, Badaling Great Wall has become a world-famous tourist attraction.
Temple of Heaven Park, located in Dongcheng District of Beijing, was a place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to Heaven and prayed for good harvests. It is now a AAAAA-level scenic spot. The park consists of inner and outer altars, with the inner altar comprising the Prayer for Good Harvests Altar and the Circular Mound Altar, and the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. The outer altar is surrounded by ancient cypress trees, creating a serene environment. Major attractions include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, the Echo Wall, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Nine-Dragon Cypress. The park is open from 6:00 to 22:00 (hours may vary by season), and visitors can reach it by bus, subway, or car. While visiting, please follow the park's regulations. Temple of Heaven Park is an excellent place to learn about ancient Chinese sacrificial culture and architectural art.