Beijing is a capital city with a rich history, having witnessed great empires and ancient civilizations dating back to distant times. Beyond its historical significance, Beijing tourist places that go beyond what can be covered in a single article.
The city’s geographical location and biodiversity are cited as reasons for it being considered one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Perhaps the most famous tourist site in Beijing is the Great Wall of China, which we all know and have felt its grandeur at least through various films. However, the story doesn’t end there, as royal palaces from different dynasties alongside museums dating back thousands of years captivate history enthusiasts.
Beijing tourist places not only revolve around historical sites, but due to China‘s remarkable progress, there are numerous awe-inspiring places, including natural landscapes with pristine views that make this city a complete tourist destination for travelers from around the world.
1. The Great Wall of China: The Most amazing one Among Beijing Tourist Places
The Great Wall of China, considered one of the remarkable wonders, took several centuries to build, and it is definitely a must-see when visiting Beijing. The purpose of this wall was to protect the country of China from the invasion of forces from other countries. It was decided to build towers in the heart of mountains and forests so that the army could easily defend the country and transport heavy equipment to the top of the towers or walls. Eventually, the decision was made to construct this great wall.
The Great Wall of China is considered one of the Seven Wonders, initiated by Qin Shi Huang, and other empires continued this grand project. Today, it is regarded as one of the most astonishing Beijing tourist places.
2.The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, or the Imperial Palace, is one of the most important Beijing tourist places, with a history dating back to the 13th century when it hosted twenty-four emperors and ordinary citizens were not allowed entry, earning it the name “Forbidden City.”
This magnificent palace covers seventy hectares and houses the Royal School, the residences of princes, the military council, the emperor’s resting place, and the Harmony Hall. Today, tourists enjoy seeing the architecture and interior views of this palace, gaining insight into ancient Chinese history.
3.Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square, the largest square designed for gathering purposes, was built by the People’s Republic of China to commemorate its tenth anniversary victory, with a capacity to hold one million people.
Another feature of this tourist attraction in Beijing is its proximity to other tourist sites, such as the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the revolutionary leader, and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, located nearby. When visiting this place, you can also see these attractions.
4.National Museum of China: History of China
In the previous headline, we also mentioned the proximity of the National Museum of China to Tiananmen Square. Continuing your visit to Beijing tourist places, make sure to visit the National Museum of China, the second most visited museum in the world, which opened in 2003.
The overall space of this museum reflects the rich and ancient history of China, with artistic pieces depicting the culture and lifestyle of the Chinese people displayed on the walls and easily visible.
The National Museum of China has around fifty separate galleries and halls, each showcasing its own unique artifacts such as bronze sculptures, gold jewelry, Buddha statues, Chinese ceramics, and various other objects that have been exhibited in this museum from the founding of the country to the Communist revolution in China to the present day.
5.Beijing Zoo: Fresh animals ready to host
In addition to its historical tourist attractions, Beijing also boasts a vast and lush wildlife park located in the northwest of the city, covering an area of two hundred hectares where over a thousand species of animals live.
The most famous animals, such as pandas, Chinese tigers, and golden monkeys, which are relatively rare, can be observed in this wildlife park. However, a noteworthy and pleasant aspect is the simulation of natural habitats for these animals so that they do not suffer greatly in captivity.
Beijing Wildlife Park features simulations of rivers, waterfalls, trees, and even polar landscapes for the polar bears, enhancing the enjoyment of visiting this wildlife park twofold.
6.Beijing National Stadium: Heaven for football lovers
Beijing tourist places are not limited to historical and natural sites. In the not-so-distant years when China was chosen to host the Olympics in 2008, the construction of one of the most beautiful stadiums in China began.
The Bird’s Nest Stadium, inspired by ancient Chinese architecture, is incredibly beautiful and indescribable. The opening ceremony of this stadium featured opera and concerts, making it a must-visit for football enthusiasts.
Visiting hours for the stadium are from 9 am to 9:30 pm, and watching football matches in this stadium can add its own special charm to your trip.
7.The Temple of Heaven: The Holiest tourist spot in Beijing
The Temple of Heaven was built in the year 1420 AD and is considered one of the most sacred buildings in Beijing and even China, where Chinese emperors would visit and seek peace and blessings from their gods.
The architecture of this temple, with its circular and outer and inner cube shape, somewhat reflects the connection between heaven and earth. The ceiling of the temple is adorned with thousands of blue tiles, and the wooden facades are a prominent feature in Chinese architecture.
Visiting the most sacred tourist attraction in Beijing can be a special and energizing experience for you to learn more about the religion and rituals of the Chinese people. If your religion aligns with that of the Chinese people, you can engage in prayer and worship at this revered site.
8.Beihai Park
Next to the Forbidden City, there is also Beihai Park, which, like the Forbidden City, is one of the oldest parks in China, dating back to the 10th century.
Adjacent to Beihai Park is a river called Beihai, and alongside the natural beauty of this area, the Royal Beihai Park features various structures and buildings dating from the 12th to the 17th century.
Within Beihai Park, you can find the Hall of Enlightenment and a one-and-a-half-meter Buddha statue next to stone walls, among other Beijing tourist places, offering you the utmost enjoyment of your trip to Beijing.
9.The Old Summer Palace
The magnificent ancient Chinese palace, known as the Old Summer Palace, now lies in ruins, as it was burnt down by British and French forces during the Second Opium War in 1860. Constructed by Chinese architects in the year 1700, the remaining facades of the ancient palace still showcase the finesse and artistry of the Chinese during that era.
Historical records indicate that after the defeat of the Chinese Empire by the British and French during the Second Opium War, a decision was made to destroy this ancient palace, resulting in it being set ablaze.
Efforts have been made to restore the Old Summer Palace to the best of its ability, and the nearby Kuichum Museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore and appreciate this historical site.
10.The Beijing Temple of Confucius
Confucius is a famous Chinese philosopher who is highly esteemed in China, and his name and legacy are revered throughout the country.
As a tribute to this statesman and philosopher, the Confucius Temple in Beijing was built. Constructed in the year 1302 AD, this structure continues to host ceremonial rituals with the presence of visitors, showcasing ancient Chinese architecture. In addition to the mentioned features, artifacts related to Confucius can also be observed in this temple.
Furthermore, a 700-year-old wooden tree within the temple premises can be another reason to visit this tourist attraction in Beijing and enjoy the ancient and historical views.
Conclusion
Beijing, the ancient capital of China, boasts a long history, leading to its abundance of tourist attractions. Besides historical landmarks, Beijing also offers other beautiful natural sites that you can explore during your trip.
Places like Beihai Park, located near the Forbidden City, can be one of your first destinations, as you can hit two birds with one stone. It’s advisable to prioritize Beijing tourist places based on your interests, with the Great Wall of China being one of the most famous among them, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
In your opinion, is the magnificent Great Wall of China more impressive than other tourist attractions in Beijing?
