Discover the vibrant capital city of China, where ancient history meets modernity. Beijing, with its rich heritage, iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and bustling streets, promises an unforgettable journey.
About Beijing
Beijing, also known as Peking, is the political, cultural, and educational center of China. As one of the world's oldest continuous civilizations, Beijing has been the heart of Chinese history for centuries.
Key features of Beijing include its historic hutongs (narrow alleys), ancient palaces, and temples alongside modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. The city is renowned for its role in Chinese history, serving as the capital of several dynasties.
Top Attractions
Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Explore the largest imperial palace complex in the world, with over 9,000 rooms filled with treasures and historical artifacts.
Great Wall of China: Visit iconic sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, or Jinshanling for stunning views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Tiananmen Square: Discover the heart of Beijing and witness the monumental Tiananmen Gate, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, and the National Museum of China.
Temple of Heaven: Experience the spiritual ambiance of this ancient temple complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Summer Palace: Wander through lush gardens, pavilions, and Kunming Lake at this UNESCO-listed royal retreat.
Hutong Tour: Take a rickshaw ride through traditional hutongs to see local life and visit courtyard homes.
798 Art District: Explore Beijing's contemporary art scene in a former factory complex filled with galleries, studios, and cafes.
Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple): Admire the impressive Tibetan-style architecture and giant Buddha statue at this active Buddhist temple.
National Museum of China: Learn about Chinese history, art, and culture through extensive exhibitions.
Culture and History
Beijing is steeped in cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into China's ancient traditions and customs.
Peking Opera: Attend a live performance of this traditional art form known for its colorful costumes, music, and storytelling.
Chinese Tea Culture: Visit tea houses to sample different teas and participate in tea ceremonies.
Imperial Architecture: Marvel at the architectural marvels of the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Temple of Heaven.
Traditional Festivals: Experience festive celebrations during Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.
Beijing Cuisine: Indulge in local specialties such as Peking duck, hotpot, dumplings, and street food delicacies.
Dining in Beijing
Beijing offers a diverse culinary landscape, from gourmet dining to street-side snacks.
Peking Duck: Savor the crispy-skinned duck at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong.
Street Food: Explore Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of local snacks, skewers, and sweets.
Hutong Restaurants: Dine in historic courtyard homes serving homestyle Beijing cuisine.
Hotpot: Enjoy interactive dining with a bubbling pot of broth and fresh ingredients.
Dumplings and Noodles: Try handmade jiaozi (dumplings) and la mian (hand-pulled noodles) in bustling noodle shops.
Teahouses: Relax in traditional teahouses and sample regional teas paired with snacks.
Shopping in Beijing
Discover unique souvenirs, antiques, and modern goods in Beijing's vibrant shopping districts.
Silk Market: Bargain for silk products, clothing, and accessories at this bustling market.
Wangfujing Street: Shop for international brands, local goods, and Beijing-style snacks.
Panjiayuan Antique Market: Browse through a vast array of antiques, ceramics, and curios.
Hongqiao Pearl Market: Find pearls, jewelry, and electronics at competitive prices.
Dashilar Street: Explore historic Dashilar alley for traditional handicrafts and nostalgic items.
Practical Tips for Visitors
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases; use translation apps for communication.
Currency: Use Chinese Yuan (CNY); major credit cards accepted in tourist areas.
Transportation: Navigate the city with the extensive subway system, buses, taxis, and ridesharing apps.
Accommodation: Choose from luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly hostels.
Etiquette: Respect local customs, such as using both hands to receive items and addressing people with courtesy.
Safety: Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas; keep valuables secure.
Internet Access: Purchase a local SIM card for mobile data; free Wi-Fi available in many public places.
Health and Hygiene: Carry bottled water and practice good hygiene; be aware of air quality during winter.
Enjoy Your Journey in Beijing!
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, rich history, and captivating experiences that Beijing has to offer. Whether you're exploring ancient landmarks or indulging in local cuisine, Beijing promises an unforgettable journey that will leave lasting memories.
Tianjin 天津 (Tiānjīn): Explore this coastal city known for its European-style architecture, the Tianjin Eye Ferris wheel, and the Ancient Culture Street. Take a leisurely stroll along the Haihe River, visit the Porcelain House, and sample local delicacies such as Goubuli Baozi (steamed stuffed buns) and mahua (fried dough twists).
Chengde 承德 (Chéngdé): Visit the UNESCO-listed Mountain Resort and its outlying temples, including the Puning Temple and the Eight Outer Temples. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the Mountain Resort, explore the intricately designed temples, and marvel at the towering statue of Guanyin at the Puning Temple.
Longqing Gorge 龙庆峡 (Lóngqìng Xiá): Experience the stunning natural beauty of Longqing Gorge, with its emerald green waters, towering cliffs, and scenic boat rides. Take a cruise along the gorge, ride the cable car for panoramic views, and enjoy outdoor activities such as rock climbing and bungee jumping.
Simatai Great Wall 司马台长城 (Sīmǎtái Chángchéng): Explore the Simatai section of the Great Wall, known for its steep terrain, rugged beauty, and well-preserved watchtowers. Hike along the ancient wall, admire the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and experience the thrill of walking on one of China's most iconic landmarks.
Qinhuangdao 秦皇岛 (Qínhuángdǎo): Relax on the beaches of Beidaihe or explore the Shanhaiguan Pass, where the Great Wall meets the sea. Spend a day soaking up the sun on the sandy shores, indulge in fresh seafood at beachside restaurants, and visit historical landmarks such as the First Pass Under Heaven.
Chengde 承德 (Chéngdé): Visit the Chengde Mountain Resort, also known as the "Little Potala Palace," and the nearby Puning Temple with its giant statue of Guanyin. Explore the vast complex of palaces, temples, and gardens at the Mountain Resort, and marvel at the intricate architecture and religious artifacts at the Puning Temple.
Qinghuang Island 秦皇岛 (Qínhuángdǎo): Take a boat trip to Qinghuang Island to visit the Old Dragon's Head, where the Great Wall meets the Bohai Sea. Explore the ancient watchtowers and fortifications, stroll along the beach, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding coastline.
Shanxi Pingyao 山西平遥 (Shānxī Píngyáo): Explore the ancient city of Pingyao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, visit historic buildings such as the City Wall and Rishengchang Draft Bank, and learn about the city's rich history and cultural heritage.
Chengde 承德 (Chéngdé): Discover the temples of Chengde, including the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, modeled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and the Temple of Universal Peace. Marvel at the grandeur of the imperial temples, explore the intricately carved halls and pavilions, and learn about the religious practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
Langfang 廊坊 (Lángfáng): Visit the Nanhu Peach Blossom Village in Langfang during the spring to enjoy the beautiful peach blossoms in bloom. Take a leisurely stroll through the orchards, admire the colorful blooms, and participate in traditional activities such as peach blossom viewing and folk performances.
Shijiazhuang 石家庄 (Shíjiāzhuāng): Explore the Cangyan Mountain Scenic Area and its ancient Buddhist grottoes, temples, and scenic landscapes. Hike along the mountain trails, visit the renowned Cangyan Mountain Grottoes, and admire the natural beauty of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls.
Tianjin 天津 (Tiānjīn): Take a stroll along the Haihe River and explore the Italian Style Town, a neighborhood with European-style architecture and cobblestone streets. Visit historical landmarks such as the Tianjin Railway Station and the Former Residence of Liang Qichao, and sample Italian cuisine at local restaurants and cafes.
Qinhuangdao 秦皇岛 (Qínhuángdǎo): Relax on the beaches of Nandaihe and enjoy seafood delicacies at local restaurants overlooking the sea. Swim in the clear waters, sunbathe on the sandy shores, and savor fresh seafood dishes such as steamed crabs, grilled fish, and fried squid.
Chengde 承德 (Chéngdé): Visit the Qingchui Mountain, known for its stunning autumn foliage and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Take a scenic drive through the mountains, hike along the forest trails, and enjoy panoramic views of the colorful autumn leaves and distant peaks.
Tangshan 唐山 (Tángshān): Explore the Tangshan Earthquake Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the devastating earthquake that struck the city in 1976. Visit the memorial hall, view exhibits on earthquake science and disaster prevention, and pay tribute to the victims of the earthquake at the memorial square.
Jietai Temple 戒台寺 (Jiètái Sì): Discover the ancient Jietai Temple, known for its beautiful Buddhist architecture and serene surroundings. Explore the temple complex, admire the intricate carvings and statues, and participate in Buddhist rituals such as meditation and prayer.
Badachu 八大处 (Bādàchù): Explore the scenic area of Badachu, home to eight ancient Buddhist temples nestled in the hills of Western Beijing. Climb the stone steps to each temple, admire the ancient architecture and religious artifacts, and enjoy panoramic views of Beijing from the hilltops.
Xiangshan Park 香山公园 (Xiāngshān Gōngyuán): Enjoy hiking and panoramic views of Beijing from Xiangshan Park, also known as Fragrant Hills Park, especially beautiful during autumn. Take a leisurely stroll through the forested hills, climb to the mountain peak for panoramic views of the city, and admire the vibrant colors of the autumn foliage.
Shilinxia Glass Platform 石林峡玻璃栈道 (Shílíngxiá Bōlí Zhàndào): Experience the thrill of walking on the glass platform suspended over the Shilinxia scenic area, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Walk along the transparent walkway, peer over the edge to see the valley below, and take in the breathtaking scenery of the rugged cliffs and rock formations.
Wuling Mountain 武陵山 (Wǔlíng Shān): Escape to the tranquility of Wuling Mountain, known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. Explore the mountain paths, discover hidden waterfalls and streams, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching.
Grand View Garden (DaGuanYuan) is a large imperial style garden; a recreation of the famous garden described in the classic Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber" (also known as "A Dream of Red Mansions" or "The Story of the Stone"), written by Cao Xueqin during the Qing dynasty.
The construction of Grand View Garden began in 1984 and was completed in 1986. It covers an area of about 12 hectares (30 acres) and is designed to resemble the garden as described in the novel, with pavilions, corridors, artificial hills, ponds, and lush vegetation.
Visitors to Grand View Garden can explore various scenic spots and cultural attractions that are inspired by the characters and events from "Dream of the Red Chamber." Some of the highlights include:
Grand View Tower (Daguanyuanlou): This central pavilion serves as the main entrance to the garden and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and admire the scenery.
Baochai Hall (Baochaifang): Named after one of the principal characters in the novel, Baochai Hall is a traditional Chinese-style building where visitors can learn about the life and culture of the Qing dynasty elite.
Jia Baoyu's Room (Jiabaojuyuan): This recreation of the protagonist's living quarters gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the fictional Jia family. The room is furnished with antique furniture and decorations reminiscent of the Qing dynasty.
Peach Blossom Island (Taoyuandong): Inspired by the idyllic setting described in the novel, Peach Blossom Island features winding paths, lush vegetation, and a tranquil pond surrounded by peach trees. It is a peaceful retreat within the garden where visitors can relax and enjoy nature.
The Eighteen Scenes of the Grand View Garden: These scenic spots are based on the poetic descriptions found in "Dream of the Red Chamber" and include attractions such as the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, the Mountain of Toads, and the Three Wisdoms Hall.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Grand View Garden also hosts various cultural events, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year, including traditional Chinese opera performances, calligraphy demonstrations, and art exhibitions.
Overall, Grand View Garden offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of "Dream of the Red Chamber" and experience the beauty and elegance of traditional Chinese garden design. It is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city of Beijing.
At the foot of the awesome SiMaTai section of the Great Wall of China. A family trip in autumn.
With TimGloAdventures ...
Bonus films - JinShanLing Great Wall ...
The Forbidden City, JingShan Park and MuTianYu Great Wall ...
Keep warm; share the love; and see you in 2024 !
Featuring guests from Korea and the UK.
Traditional Chinese music flash mob; BeiJing - China together for the coming New Year - many favorite traditional songs, at the New World Trade Center Mall in Beijing ...
Bonus film - the XiaMen City Singers - Mr Q ...
Bonus film 2 - The Barberettes (from Korea; a la the Ronettes) - Be My Baby ...
Rock guitar goddess – YO YO (PinXi Liu) ...
JoySide with MiuMiu - DongDongDong / Can You Feel My Love ...
Angela Chang - A Diao 阿刁 ...
G.E.M. ...
DaiingTana and HAYA Band ...
A little but awesome busking from Taiwan island ...
'Big Fish' 大鱼, from the awesome film 'Big Fish and Begonia' ...
A great film of the Great Wall north of Beijing, including 'wild wall', accompanied by great music (踏古 (Ta Gu) by Lin Hai, 'Walking into Ancientry', with Chinese lute (pipa)).
We [mum, dad - videographer - and son and daughter, from Singapore] hiked 3 sections of the Great Wall in winter, without any guides after studying blogs and posts by fellow hikers.
All these sections are different. From the unrestored GuBeiKou Great Wall where we were the only people around, to the wonderful JinShanLing, where the climb is steep and every direction gives you good photo opportunities, to the restored MuTianYu where we hiked in heavy snowfall.
We stayed at local farmhouses on both nights, dined with the locals and hitched rides to nearby bath-houses. Temperature ranged from -5 deg C (day) to -12 deg C (night). Winter daybreak is at 7am and the sky becomes dark by 5pm so one has only 10 hours of daylight, so plan your travelling and hiking schedules carefully.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was captured on video and we would like to share it with you. The feelings just can't be described - you need to experience it first hand.
Take only memories, leave only footprints and kindness ...
A wonderful animation combining traditional Chinese painting and dance - don't miss it !
踏古-林海
作曲:林海
视频作者:中国传媒大学动画学院
Awesome feel-good dance video ...
Locations: The Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the "Bird's Nest" Beijing National Stadium, QianHai - HouHai, the Temple of Heaven, ZhongShan Park and The Place mall.
Music:the fantastic Pink Martini - "Wo Yao Ni De Ai 我要你的爱" (I Want You, To Be My Baby)
http://swingbeijing.com/
Original posting - December 2014.
Starting with 'Now you're in Beijing (commie jungle mix)', music video.
Plus Beijing's popular attractions, a trip to the blue sky city, QianHai Lake (in central Beijing), the BeiJing to ShangHai sleeper train, and The Forbidden City (documentary; in English) bonus films ...
'Now you're in Beijing ...' - think about it - you're in Beijing, China - it might be different but that is here and not there; sure some things could be better - such as rights and protections for migrant workers, but Rome wasn't built in a day, as they say.
A few words on the Hu JinTao / Wen JiaBao era - definately one of China's most successful jumps forward; a major rise in prosperity for all, the growth of great infrastructure, such as the high-speed rail system, and much more, the Beijing Olympics, the Shanghai World Expo, space exploration, and the list goes on ... A happy retirement to two leaders who helped guide China back to greatness !
Mao ZeDong unified the country and helped defeat the Japanese invaders, and for that is a national hero. But things didn't go so well subsequently and on his death the 'Gang of Four' were arrested and China took a new path, though slowly at first following the courageous efforts of Deng XiaoPing. But it was not until circa 1990 that China really began to take off. So its rise to greatness, once more, is remarkable for having been achieved, from so little, in just 25 years. Obviously, they have done most things very right.
July lotuses and the boat to the Summer Palace ...
Boating the ancient canal route from downtown BeiJing to the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan) ...
The LiangMa River ...
BaDaLing railway station is the deepest High-speed railway station in the world, 102 meters below the ground.
With Walk For You ...
The Temple of Heaven, TianTan, in central BeiJing ...
High speed rail in China; now 38,000 kilometers ...
BeiHai Park, JingShan Park and YuanMingYuan (Old Summer Palace).
With Walk East ...
Bonus film - The Temple of Heaven / TianTan - with Walk For You ...
北京 | 前门 | 建外CBD
With Walk East ...
Bonus film - BeiJing's new maglev line ...
Bonus film 2 - A trip to the Summer Palace (YiHeYuan) in winter - with Walk For You ...
With Rafa Goes Around! ...
Self driving cars / taxis ...
Bonus film - after dark, party time in China ...
Bonus film 2 - BeiJing's new DaXing mega airport - with Walk East ...
ShenZhen, GuangDong province, plus ShangHai, including XinTianDi, and SuZhou, JiangSu province.
With Rafa Goes Around ...
BeiJing - Galaxy SoHo (Zaha Hadid, architect) - with For All Life's Adventures ...
BeiJing - Green Park View Mall, CBD area, near RiTan Park (Temple of the Sun) and 'The Place' mall ...
Bonus films ...
Supermarkets ...
BeiJing and the surrounding HeBei province (YanQing and ZhangJiaKou).
Begins Friday, 4 February, 2022, to 20th February.
"Together for a Shared Future 一起向未来".
With Rafa Goes Around! ...
Rough-cut version - a polished version will appear here some day ...
Bonus films - 'One day in BeiJing', 'a 17 hours cycle ride around DongCheng, central BeiJing' and BeiJing's unicycle acrobatic stars on French TV; wow - awesome ...
Love - is the only way ...