China is not entitled “the cradle of civilization” for nothing: even thousands of years ago, its cultural progress was the driving force behind the human development. Along with our peers from cheapfirstclass.com where you can find best business class deals to Beijing, we are about to guide you through the top 10 attractions to see in the heart of this outstanding country.
1. Forbidden City
Built in the 15th century, this grand complex includes over 800 buildings comprising more than 9,000 chambers. Once you get enough of Chinese sophistication, go north to discover the Jingshan Park situated on the hilltop, from where you will enjoy the panorama of the Forbidden City.
2. Great Wall
Hiking the Qin Shi Huang`s heritage is certainly a must-do thing! Choose any of eight sections stretching across Beijing in nearly 600 km of total length and enjoy the spectacular view. We personally suggest you visit the Jiankou, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling sections.
3. Temple of Heaven
This is actually the complex of stunning halls and altars, where the Ming dynasty emperors used to worship their ancestors and plead for a good harvest, encircled by a beautiful park. The design is full of symbolism, as it depicts the Chinese cosmogonic myths.
4. Beijing Opera
The history of the Chinese art reckons more than 5000 years. Visiting the national opera is the solid way to immerse yourself in Asian peculiarity. The top three venues to do this in Beijing are The National Grand Theatre, the Red Theatre, and the Poly Theatre.
5. Lama Temple
Also known as Yonghegong, this Tibetan Buddhist holy place was once the residence of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing dynasty. The main attraction here is the statue of Buddha, which is considered to be the world`s biggest Buddha idol (26 meters in height), made of a single sandalwood piece.
6. Summer Palace
Located in the suburbs of the city, the Summer Palace holds two titles at once: the world`s best-preserved and the Chinese largest imperial garden. Its territory extends up to 70 thousand m² and incorporates more than 3000 splendidly decorated buildings; many of those are open to the public.
7. Beihai Park
The history of the park dates back to the 11th century when Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin dynasty founded his winter residence north from the Forbidden City. Nowadays, this area combines the number of architecture and gardening masterpieces like the Taihu Lake, the Jade Flower Island, the Five-Dragon Pavilions, the Round City, and others.
8. Hutongs
If you dream about a trip to the past, this option is right for you. In Chinese, hutong simply means an alley. Wandering about these old twisted lanes representing the traditional Beijing culture may take you the whole day unless you order a pedicab tour.
9. Tiananmen Square
This is the major Beijing gathering place, which covers 440 thousand m² and holds some essential national landmarks (like the Monument of the National Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, and the National Museum of China).
10. Ming Tombs
This Ming Dynasty burial complex situated nearby the Great Wall is typically a part of combined tours. It includes mausoleums of 13 emperors. Yet the main interest here is drawn not to tombs, but to The Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-length path decorated with weird stone animal figures.