Beijing Destination Guide
Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. Known as Peking once upon a time, Beijing has always held a very crucial position in the history and civilisation of China as one of the four Great Ancient Capitals. Today, it is the nerve centre of China in politics, culture, education, international trade and communications. Beijing offers you the unique opportunity to enjoy a slice of history and at the same time revel in its contemporary progress.
Beijing is a living wonder, a blend of the majestic old and the vibrant new! Come to Beijing, see what China's Capital city has to offer!
This Beijing destination guide together with our tour suggestions will tell you all you need to know about the best places to visit in Beijing. Also take a look at our China travel information before you head off on your China holiday, and the local attractions of Shanghai, Guizhou and Xian.
Things to See & Do in Beijing
With the 2008 Olympics round the corner, the whole of China, especially Beijing, is getting geared up. The city is getting a major face lift for welcoming international guests. Currently renovation is in progress in the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. For tourists visiting Beijing now there is good news – the ticket prices are reduced for sights that are under renovation.
Beijing offers a panorama of tourist experiences that balance a glorious past and a vibrant present. From the Hutongs to the tea houses of yore, from the temple fairs and the Peking opera to the all night bars and concerts, there is a lot to do in Beijing.
- The Forbidden City
- Tiananmen Square
- Temple of Heaven
- Summer Palace
- Beijing Zoo and Aquarium
- Beihai Park
- Yonghegong (also known as Lama Temple or Palace of Peace)
- Prince Gong's Mansion
- Legation Quarter
- Fragrant Hills
- Beijing Botanical Gardens
- Hutongs
- Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
- China Aviation Museum
The Forbidden City
The might and grandeur of the Imperial era in China is something textbooks dole out in plenty. But if you want to experience a piece of it, then visit the Forbidden City. For a peaceful and relaxed viewing of the Ming and Qing dynasty splendour, get there when the gates open around 8.30 am. In all probability you will take the whole day to walk around the vast and impressive courtyards.
The Chinese hold the sanctity of this place close to their heart. There was a big objection when a Starbucks coffee shop opened in the Forbidden City. In true communist style, the opening was interpreted as the return to the days of colonial domination. After much debate, Starbucks decided to close the shop in July 2007.
Commercial outlets inside the city walls are restricted to a handful of cafes and gift shops so that the city’s authenticity is maintained. Just two out of the five areas of the palace are open to the public; the rest will be thrown open after restoration.
Charges
The current entry fee is ¥45. The cost of renting an audio guide that explains certain temples and their uses is ¥40. The deposit for rental of an audio guide is ¥100.
The Chinese hold the sanctity of this place close to their heart. There was a big objection when a Starbucks coffee shop opened in the Forbidden City. In true communist style, the opening was interpreted as the return to the days of colonial domination. After much debate, Starbucks decided to close the shop in July 2007.
Commercial outlets inside the city walls are restricted to a handful of cafes and gift shops so that the city’s authenticity is maintained. Just two out of the five areas of the palace are open to the public; the rest will be thrown open after restoration.
Charges
The current entry fee is ¥45. The cost of renting an audio guide that explains certain temples and their uses is ¥40. The deposit for rental of an audio guide is ¥100.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is Mao’s retort to the Forbidden City. It is the largest square in the world surrounded by Soviet-style monuments and government buildings. At the exact opposite entrance to the Forbidden City is Mao's mausoleum – a fitting tribute indeed!
For visitors it remains an amazing place to linger, especially for the flag-raising and lowering ceremony at dawn and dusk.
There are four marble lions guarding the Tiananmen gate. The historic Tianamen Square massacre in 1989 has left its mark in the form of a bullet hole in the stomach of the marble lion on the northwest gate. The lions are enclosed in fences and trying to take a close look at the lions is next to impossible.
For visitors it remains an amazing place to linger, especially for the flag-raising and lowering ceremony at dawn and dusk.
There are four marble lions guarding the Tiananmen gate. The historic Tianamen Square massacre in 1989 has left its mark in the form of a bullet hole in the stomach of the marble lion on the northwest gate. The lions are enclosed in fences and trying to take a close look at the lions is next to impossible.
Temple of Heaven
Aptly called the temple of heaven this large patch is the greenest place in Beijing. Located to the south east of Qianmen and the Tiananmen Square, the vast area surrounding it doubles as a public park. Locals practice tai chi, dancing, and other martial arts in the mornings and on weekends.
A short walk from the historic sights towards the west gate will take you into a different world of solitude and calm. The temple amidst the peaceful woods is where the emperor prayed every year for good harvests and favourable weather.
Charges
It costs ¥35 to visit the park and historical sights like the temple and ¥15 to visit just the park.
A short walk from the historic sights towards the west gate will take you into a different world of solitude and calm. The temple amidst the peaceful woods is where the emperor prayed every year for good harvests and favourable weather.
Charges
It costs ¥35 to visit the park and historical sights like the temple and ¥15 to visit just the park.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace or Yiheyuan is 15 kilometres from central Beijing. It was a luxurious royal garden that provided royal families rest and entertainment. But the Anglo-French allied forces destroyed it in a fire. The ruins are still seen around the palace, especially in the rear hill area.
Most visitors just walk around the extensive gardens in the front hill area. However, it is a good idea to explore the quiet west bank and the back hill area.
Most visitors just walk around the extensive gardens in the front hill area. However, it is a good idea to explore the quiet west bank and the back hill area.
Beijing Zoo and Aquarium
The Beijing aquarium is one of the biggest in the world. The aquarium features thousands of aquatic species. The animal shows performed by dolphins, sea lions and whales are particularly entertaining.
The Zoo is built on the sites of some ancient gardens and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, pavilions and old buildings. It is home to around 900 different species of animals, including some rare ones found in China, like the panda, golden monkey, milu deer and northeast tiger.
If you are interested in pandas then your best bet is the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
The Zoo is built on the sites of some ancient gardens and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, pavilions and old buildings. It is home to around 900 different species of animals, including some rare ones found in China, like the panda, golden monkey, milu deer and northeast tiger.
If you are interested in pandas then your best bet is the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
Beihai Park
Beihai in Chinese means "Northern Sea". The park also has corresponding "Central" and "Southern Seas" or Zhongnanhai. The Beihai Park is a garden with an imperial touch. That is because the buildings around Zhongnanhai house China's principal leaders. The park has a big island and a white pagoda that dates back to the 17th century.
Yonghegong (also known as Lama Temple or Palace of Peace)
This temple is a fruition of deep fascination and respect the Chinese Emperors had for Tibetan (Tantric) version of Buddhism. Many Tibetan and Mongolian monks have lived here in the past preaching Buddhism. You can still find some of them still residing there.
The temple is renowned for the stunning statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is 18 m in length and is carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Visitors are prohibited from photographing the holy statue. This is true for all idols inside temples.
Charges: Entry costs 25 Chinese Yuan
Open: 9 am to 4pm.
The temple is renowned for the stunning statue of Maitreya Buddha. It is 18 m in length and is carved from a single piece of sandalwood. Visitors are prohibited from photographing the holy statue. This is true for all idols inside temples.
Charges: Entry costs 25 Chinese Yuan
Open: 9 am to 4pm.
Prince Gong's Mansion
It is located near the Shichahai Lake, northwest of the Forbidden City. It was the private residence of He Shen, a minister of the Qing Dynasty.
The garden is popular with Chinese tourists. Plans are underway to re-open the mansion as a museum in 2008, to present the life of the Qing dynasty princes.
The garden is popular with Chinese tourists. Plans are underway to re-open the mansion as a museum in 2008, to present the life of the Qing dynasty princes.
Legation Quarter
The Legation Quarter was famous in the Boxer Rebellion. Located to the east of Tiananmen Square, it is now home to government and army offices.
Must try
Check out the bakery "Sapporo" for its breads and cheesecakes.
Must try
Check out the bakery "Sapporo" for its breads and cheesecakes.
Fragrant Hills
Fragrant Hills is a good weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. It used to be a royal garden during the Qing dynasty. Today it is a popular trekking spot.
How to get there: Take buses 331 or 726 and alight at the last stop.
Entry fee: ¥10 for all and ¥ 5 for students.
How to get there: Take buses 331 or 726 and alight at the last stop.
Entry fee: ¥10 for all and ¥ 5 for students.
Beijing Botanical Gardens
A few yards away from Fragrant Hill is the Beijing Botanical Garden. It has acres of lush greenery that will soothe the tired body and soul. During the spring season, there is a special exhibition of tulips, peach and plum blossoms and peonies.
How to get there: Buses 331 or 726 will get you directly to the garden.
Entry fee: ¥10 for all and ¥5 for students.
How to get there: Buses 331 or 726 will get you directly to the garden.
Entry fee: ¥10 for all and ¥5 for students.
Hutongs
Hutongs are narrow streets or alleys that are commonly associated with Beijing. It is here that you find traditional Beijing architecture that dates back to when Beijing was the capital of the Yuan dynasty (1266-1368).
The buildings in hutongs are constructed in the traditional siheyuan or courtyard style. In earlier times only the aristocrats could afford these houses. After the communist takeover in 1949, these transitioned into homes for poor families.
Many hutongs are being demolished and replaced with new buildings and wider roads. The 2nd Ring Road is where you can find hutongs today. The hutongs near Qianmen and Houhai are still preserved and are a popular tourist spot.
The buildings in hutongs are constructed in the traditional siheyuan or courtyard style. In earlier times only the aristocrats could afford these houses. After the communist takeover in 1949, these transitioned into homes for poor families.
Many hutongs are being demolished and replaced with new buildings and wider roads. The 2nd Ring Road is where you can find hutongs today. The hutongs near Qianmen and Houhai are still preserved and are a popular tourist spot.
Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution
This is the authentic place to know the official Chinese version of their military history. On display are vehicles, airplanes, missiles, guns, rockets and boats, including the U.S. military hardware seized during the Korean War.
Pay an extra ¥5 to get a photograph of yourself in a 1980s era Chinese tank.
The entry fee is ¥20.
Pay an extra ¥5 to get a photograph of yourself in a 1980s era Chinese tank.
The entry fee is ¥20.
China Aviation Museum
If you are fascinated with airplanes and are a hard core aviation fan, then the Aviation Museum should not be missed. Located at 50 km outside Beijing in Changping District, it is better known by the name Datangshan. The museum has some rare exhibits of airplanes.
How to get there:
The ideal way is to arrange for a taxi from your hotel.
If you want to take a bus, Bus 912 starts at Andingmen bus station. Be cautious while taking the bus as 912 has multiple routes and not all go via the museum.
Admission fee to the Museum is ¥45
How to get there:
The ideal way is to arrange for a taxi from your hotel.
If you want to take a bus, Bus 912 starts at Andingmen bus station. Be cautious while taking the bus as 912 has multiple routes and not all go via the museum.
Admission fee to the Museum is ¥45
Meet Janet Tang, the General Manager and Amy Zhang your local connection in Beijing, the Sinohotel team is very responsive and attentive to its customers. We are very skilled in the hotel industry, with a real passion for service, we can assure your stay in Beijing is comfortable and enjoyable. We are strong supporters of sustainable tourism, and we promote care for the environment, local communities and the local culture. We try, at all times, to promote best practices within the Beijing hotels industry.
