Beijing is city with rich cultural and historical significance, and when you’re there you will always find it difficult to choose where to go. So whether your Beijing trip is one you’ve been planning for months or if you’re there for a layover and you have time for a quick roundabout, here’s a list of the top ten things that you must see and do in the city, to help you choose:
1. Forbidden City: Any trip to Beijing has to start here for this palace is synonymous with Beijing, having been a symbol of the city for more than 500 years. But this palace complex is huge (9000 rooms) so be sure to wear your walking shoes.
2. Temple to Heaven: The Temple to Heaven is another must see. Located in the southern of the city, this 5 century old temple is where sacrificial rituals have been conducted for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is definitely more of a morning place, and you can go there to find a bit of quiet amid the ancient trees that surround the temple.
3. The Great Wall: Even if you are in the city for a couple of days, you must visit the Great Wall simply because you can’t visit Beijing and not do that. The wall is towards the north of Beijing and this section is well preserved. So if you are well equipped, you should do the hike for a breathtaking (literally) experience like no other.
4. Tiananmen Square: For a glimpse of Beijing’s political history, visit Tiananmen Square, also in the heart of the city, where Chaiman Mao Zedong announced the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies at sunrise and sundown, accompanied by parading troops are what you should visit the square for today.
5. Hutong: Hutongs are tiny alleys and streets that Beijing is filled with and we really recommend you visit them for a true local experience of the city. The ones in Shichahai are some of the oldest and here you will get to experience rides on old transport means like pedicabs and trishaws, which are reserved for tourists. Also you will find a lot of restaurants and cafes for local eating experiences.
6. Panjiayuan Flea Market: If shopping is what you want to do, then you must visit the Panjiayuan Flea Market which is a giant flea market where you will find all the keepsakes you need for your friends and family back home. This market is known for old arts and crafts and antiques, but a word of caution, keep an eye out for fakes.
7. Peking duck: Again, you can’t go to Beijing and not eat this roast duck dish, which is known worldwide for its complex recipe as well as excellent taste. Pop to the Da Dong Roast Duck restaurant for some of the best roast duck (and more delicious dishes) in the city.
8. Beijing Opera: A must see for a taste of Chinese Culture is the very renowned Beijing Opera, known for their use of acrobatic fighting. The highly stylised opera also features singing, dancing and dialogue to tell dramatized stories Try visiting the Huguang Huiguan Ancient Opera Building in the Xuanwu District of Beijing for a show.
9. The Summer Palace: The Summer Palace used to be a retreat for the emperors and today it still serves as one for the thousands of tourists that visit it. It is one of the largest imperial gardens in the world and the best preserved in China. Take a walk along its well kept paths for a taste of the Chinese royal experience.
10. Ming Tombs: If you’re up for some Chinese History, visit the Ming Tombs, which are slightly outside the city. The burial site of 13 out of the 17 Ming rulers, these tombs are really old and are excavation sites, most of which is underground, so be prepared for a little bit of dust along the way.
The easiest way to travel in Beijing is by hiring a cab, as there is a major language barrier, you need to make sure you have a translator installed in your phone. You need to show the name of the place in the translator to the driver and then you can be carefree. The second option is to travel by metro, it’s easy and convenient.