The Forbidden City, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, is the most well-preserved and largest ancient wooden architectural complex in China and the world. It is acclaimed as the 'First of the Five Great Palaces in the World.' The Forbidden City houses a vast collection of precious cultural relics, with statistics showing over a million items, accounting for one-sixth of the total number of cultural relics in the country. The Clock and Watch Gallery has demonstrations at 11:00 and 14:00 daily, which should not be missed.
Temple of Heaven Park is very large, not only of great historical significance but also with excellent greenery. Highly recommended and worth a visit. If you take the subway to Temple of Heaven Park, get off at Tiantan East Gate Station, exit from A2, and turn right to find the ticket office at the East Gate. You must buy a combo ticket; otherwise, you will only be able to stroll around the large park and won't be able to see the most core parts like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Echo Wall. Enter through the East Gate and walk west to reach the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. After visiting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, continue south to visit the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall. Then, head back northwest to visit the Divine Music Administration and the Palace of Abstinence.
The Summer Palace is located in the western suburbs of Beijing and is the foremost classical garden in China. Covering a total area of about 290 hectares, it consists of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. The entire garden is divided into three areas: the political activity area centered around the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity; the imperial living area centered around the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity; and the scenic tourist area composed of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. The garden is set against the backdrop of the Western Hills, with the architectural complex blending seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating ever-changing scenery. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List on December 2, 1998.
He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man! The Badaling Great Wall is an important part of the Great Wall of China, an ancient and magnificent defensive project. It is a key pass of the Ming Great Wall. Badaling served as an important outpost for Juyong Pass, historically known as 'The danger of Juyong lies not in the pass but in Badaling.'
Tiananmen
On the south side of Chang'an Street, along the traditional central axis of Beijing, lies the world's largest square—Tiananmen Square. At the center of the square stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. Continuing south through the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, you will reach Zhengyangmen, commonly known as Qianmen. On the west side of the square is the Great Hall of the People, and on the east side is the National Museum of China.
Shichahai
The Shichahai scenic area is not only free but also has a rich cultural atmosphere. Yinding Bridge, Yandai Xiejie, Nanluoguxiang, Lotus Market, Huguo Temple Snacks, and Bar Street are all in this area. Those who miss old Beijing love this place. It has the most authentic Beijing flavor. In the past, high-ranking officials and nobles lived here, so the courtyards and hutongs are well-preserved. The Lotus Market leads north to Bar Street, reaching Yinding Bridge. Crossing Yinding Bridge to the north is Yandai Xiejie. Shichahai extends east to the Drum Tower, and further east is Nanluoguxiang. You can spend half a day here. In the summer evenings, you can enjoy the coolness of Bar Street, and in winter, Shichahai offers real ice skating activities. The Shichahai area can be explored for half a day to a full day. It is suitable for the petty bourgeoisie, food lovers who love old Beijing culture, and other groups!
Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, you can come here to experience an artistic vibe. Art lovers should definitely visit to feel the artistic atmosphere. This is a repurposed old factory where you can experience various art forms and cutting-edge art from around the world. You can find fine arts, creativity, fashion, photography, clay sculpture, coffee, bars, various graffiti, small shops, performance art, and much more. There are also occasional events and exhibitions, and what you can see depends on your luck. It's perfect for artistic photography, a bourgeois sentiment, and young literary types!
Panjiayuan Antique Market
If you like various old items and antiques, you can visit here. The weekends are the big market days, featuring various cultural relics, calligraphy and paintings, the Four Treasures of the Study, pearls and agates, shadow puppets, foot bath clothing, porcelain and wooden items, furniture crafts, collectibles, etc. However, the market is filled with various counterfeit and substandard goods, so please be vigilant and discerning. The prices depend entirely on your preferences!
