Beijing, which has been the state capital of China for over 8 centuries, is where past histories and present life coexist in a captivating manner. Astonishing views from the imperial palaces and sacred temples to quiet alleyways and modern art spaces.
Here are some places or activities you can engage in whenever you find yourself in the state capital of China, Beijing.
Things to Do in Beijing
1. Visit the Forbidden City
2. Explore the Great Wall of China
3. Get amazing views from the Hutong and experience rural life
4. Visit the spiritual and cultural depth located at the Temple of Heaven and Fayuan Temple
5. Discover modern Beijing through the art district and local cuisine
5 Things to Do in Beijing: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
1. Visit the Forbidden City
Your visit to China for holidays or relaxation won’t be complete or fulfilling if you miss exploring the Forbidden City, which is the largest and best-preserved imperial palace in the world. The Forbidden City houses up to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties; the architectural plan occupies almost a thousand buildings and more than 8,000 rooms. As you stroll or walk through the grand halls and courtyard, you notice an unbalanced glimpse into China’s history, which includes the traditional Confucian norms, ceremonial rituals, and beautiful craftsmanship.
The Palace Museum, which is located in the Forbidden City, can house major collections of paintings, ceramics, jade, and calligraphy. Each room speaks of its story of power, hierarchy, and what they represent, from one of the rooms, which is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, which speaks of where major state ceremonies were held, to the more intimate living quarters of the royal families.
The north of the Forbidden City possesses a calm and rewarding experience, especially Jingshan Park, a hidden gem at the Forbidden City that has been overlooked by tourists. Climbing to the top of the hill (Jingshan hill) provides tourists with the best panoramic view of Beijing. The neighborhood close to the forbidden city often visited by people early in the morning or in the evening to practice tai chi or stroll.
2. Explore the Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China, which is close to Beijing, is one of the most valued places by the Chinese in the country. It serves as a symbol of power l, culture, and engineering and holds a series of ancient fortifications built across northern China over centuries as a form of defense from invaders, especially the nomadic invaders.
The size of the wall stretches over 20 thousand kilometers and was built during the Ming Dynasty era.
As an adventurous person, this should be one of your top places to be on your bucket list to visit whenever you’re in China, although tourists who seek to experience authentic and less crowded places should visit lesser sections. Examples of the lesser sections in the Great Wall of China are Mutianyu, Jinshanling, or Simatai. These sections give you beautiful views, you tend to see fewer tourists, and feel every bit of the place.
One of the famous sections in the Great Wall is the Jinshanling, which is known for its partially restored walls; you tend to see where crumbled stones match with rugged mountain landscapes.
3. Get amazing views from the Hutong and experience rural life
Apart from the landmarks you get in Beijing, you tend to get a network of narrow alleyways known as the Hutong, which provides a window to the city’s local way of life. These stories from the past neighborhood from the Yuan dynasty were made up of courtyard homes where generations of families resided side by side. One of the Hutong that is popular Hutongs is Nanluoguxiang. For Nanluoguxiang, this is where things are active and filled with shops, cafes, and street food shops. While hidden gems reside in a quiet Hutong like Baitasi, Shijia, or Yangmeizhuxie.
Some of the Hutongs make you, as a tourist, experience some of their culture, such as the calligraphy workspace, paper cutting demonstrations, or local music performances.
4. Visit the spiritual and cultural depth located at the Temple of Heaven and Fayuan Temple
One of the top places for cultural landmarks and a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture is the Temple of Heaven. The past emperors were present at the Temple of Heaven to pray for a good harvest, and hoping that heaven and earth may remain in Harmony, the signature for the hall of prayer for God’s harvest is with the blue top ceiling and round design, which represents the connection between immortals and mortals.
More than the architectural views you get, the environment is a vibrant social space for the neighborhood. Tourists tend to see the locals practicing tai chi, dancing, singing local opera, and playing musical instruments early in the morning. The harmony between the sacred stories and daily life makes the Temple of Heaven a deeply enriching experience.
5. Discover modern Beijing through the art district and local cuisine
As a tourist, Beijing is a modern city with astonishing and creative views, the 798 Art district, which is located in an abandoned industrial complex, and it now represents the contemporary cultural identity of Beijing. Abandoned factories have been turned around and now used as art galleries, studios, cafes, and stores. Tourists can gaze through the avant-garde exhibitions, art, and also reflect on the growth of China’s society.
Your adventure won’t be complete without eating one of their local cuisines. They really rate the Peking duck high in the city, and you can also try visiting the local market to get delicious food and enjoy every bit of scenes.
If you’re a type of tourist who seeks few tourists and quiet places, Caochangdi Art Village is the place to visit. It possesses a village setting and emphasis on independent artists and cultural engagement projects, and this makes the place a hidden gem for those who are interested in contemporary Chinese culture.
CONCLUSION
Beijing is not only the capital of China but also a place where tourists experience a living, explore new culture, cuisines, traditions, and creativity.
The experience you get in all of the places you visit makes you know and love the heart of Beijing, and this creates a feeling of not wanting to leave the city.
From the imperial view of the Forbidden City and the mouth opening of the Great Wall of China, Hutongs, hidden temples, and where tourists seek to get beyond its popular landmark, can only be found in Beijing, which is the city of distinction.
Anytime you find yourself in Beijing, one of the things you must find important in your bucket list is that, as a tourist, you should try to eat their cuisine.
About the Author
