Explore the Beauty of China’s Mountains, Rivers, and Culture
A series of carefully crafted guides that take you on a tour of Beijing, offering useful information about the city’s attractions.
Lama Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, with a long history. It was once the residence of Emperor Yongzheng. As one of the four major royal temples, Lama Temple is known for its strong spiritual presence, attracting many visitors who come to pray for blessings.
The hutongs of Beijing are a key part of the city’s culture, with many dating back hundreds of years and filled with rich stories and history. Well-known hutongs like Dongjiaomin Lane, Nanluoguxiang, and Shijia Hutong showcase ancient architecture while also embracing modern life. The traditional courtyard houses (siheyuan), historic landmarks, and local character of these hutongs offer visitors a unique way to experience the essence of old Beijing.
The Temple of Heaven Park, originally named Tiandi Tan (Altar of Heaven and Earth), is located in the center of Beijing. Construction began in the 18th year of the Yongle Emperor’s reign (1420), and it was renamed the “Temple of Heaven” in the 9th year of the Jiajing Emperor’s reign (1530). As an important site for the Ming and Qing emperors to hold rituals such as “Heaven Worship,” “Prayers for Good Harvests,” and “Prayers for Rain,” the Temple of Heaven covers an area of 273 hectares, making it the largest extant ancient sacrificial architectural complex in China.
The Summer Palace is located in the western suburbs of Beijing and was one of the most beloved imperial gardens of the Qing Dynasty emperors. It was once part of the “Three Hills and Five Gardens” in the western suburbs of Beijing during the Qing Dynasty. Today, the Summer Palace is primarily composed of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, with Kunming Lake covering approximately three-quarters of the entire area.
Beijing cuisine has a long history and unique flavors, blending the essence of both imperial court dishes and street snacks. Peking Duck is famous for its crispy skin and tender meat, while hot pot with lamb is a winter classic. Snacks such as Douzhi’er, Lü Dagun, and Lu Zhu Huoshao have distinct flavors, showcasing the traditional characteristics of old Beijing.
Tiananmen, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of China’s most symbolic structures. Built during the Ming Dynasty in the Yongle period, the Gate Tower is grand and majestic, with sweeping eaves and an imposing presence. In 1949, the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China took place here, making Tiananmen an important national historical landmark. Today, it remains a key site for patriotic education and draws visitors from around the world to experience China’s rich history and the changes over time.
This royal palace, with a history of six hundred years, is worth dedicating an entire day to, allowing you to experience the grandeur of its architecture and the depth of its historical and cultural heritage. Admire the autumn red walls and golden leaves, and the winter snow’s serene elegance.
The Badaling Great Wall is built along the mountains, winding and stretching, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, creating a grand and majestic sight. Over 500 heads of state from various countries have visited the Badaling Great Wall. There are various convenient transportation options available to travel from the city center to Badaling Great Wall.
The Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District, Beijing, approximately 70 kilometers from the city center. It is one of the best-preserved and longest sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, suitable for visits year-round, with rich vegetation and fresh air. Developed as a tourist area in 1983, its main attractions include ZhengguanTai and DajiaoLou. In 1987, the Great Wall was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.