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      BEIJING, CHINA

POINTS OF INTEREST

The Great Wall

 

The Great Wall is by far one of the top attractions in all of China. The massive wall, stretching over 13, 000 miles, was originally built as a defensive system. Today many parts of the wall are in ruins, but many are also open for tourism. The wall is divided into sections, and can be toured at your own pace. Many, however, choose to hire tour guides which can be found online or in most hotels.

 

Word of caution: There are many Great Wall Tour scams in China, so research and beware before you buy tickets.

 

Note: Entrance fees may apply

 

Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org

Summer Palace

 

Summer Palace is the largest Royal Park in China. It is made up of a variety of lakes, gardens, and palaces. The Summer Palace consists of several different areas, some of which are included in the entrance fee and others which are not. 

 

Entrance fees may apply

 

 

Photo credit to: http://www.4gress.com/

Beijing's Holiest Temple

 

The Temple of Heaven is considered one of the Holiest temples in Beijing. The complex was a popular place of worship in the Ming and Qing dynasties and was often visited by the Emperor. You can visit the temple today for a small entrance fee.

 

Photo credit to: http://www.mapsofworld.com

 Forbidden City

 

The Forbidden City lies in the heart of Beijing and is considered to be the best preserved Imperial Palace in China. The Palace has been deemed as one of the most important Palaces in the World and has served as home to over 24 different Emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today it is home to the Palace Museum.

 

Entrance fees may apply

 

Photo credit to: https://hellobeijing.wordpress.com/

Visit a Temple

 

China is full of temples that are designed for worship. In Beijing, the Temple of Heaven is considered the holiest, and therefore is the most popular of all the temples. With that said, Beijing is full of additional temples worth checking out. Here are a few:

  • Lama Temple

  • Tanzhe Temple

  • White Cloud Taoist Temple

  • Temple of the Sun

 

Entrance fees may apply

 

Photo credit to: http://www.kinabaloo.com/

Tiananmen Square

 

Tiananmen Square can be found in the centre of Beijing and is one of the largest Squares in the World. Here you can find the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National museum of China, and much more. Most say that a visit to Beijing is not complete without stopping at the Square. 

 

Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org

 

Ming Tombs

 

The Ming Tombs are where the 13 Emperors of the Ming Dynasty were buried. There are 13 tombs in total, but only a few of them are currently accessible to the public. Tombs can only be entered via the "sacred way" which is a 7km walkway representing the "walk to Heaven". Each tomb charges a small admission fee.

 

Photo credit to: http://travelbrochures.org/

Longqing Gorge

 

The Longqing Gorge is a scenic spot where you can find mountains, hills, and white water. There is a small entry fee for entering the Gorge, and once inside you can opt to purchase additional tickets for exciting attractions like the Flower cave or a boat cruise. Both are highly recommended.

 

From Jan-Feb the Gorge is host of the Ice and Snow festival where you can marvel at the iced over waterfalls, or enjoy some of the many ice-made displays.

 

Photo credit to: http://www.discoverbeijingtours.com/

Ghost Street

 

Ghost Street is one of the most popular culinary streets in Beijing. The street has over 150 different stores lined up, the majority of which are restaurants and food venues.

 

And the name? In the Qing dynasty, most food trading was done at nighttime in dimly lit conditions - hence, "Ghost Street".

 

This street is a great place to go if you are looking to try some authentic Chinese cuisine. 

 

Photo credit to: http://www.trover.com/

Explore a Hutong

 

A Hutong, referring to a lane or alleyway, is a great way to explore the authentic side of Beijing. Hutongs take you away from the modernized aspect of Beijing and into the world of history. There are many different Hutongs throughout Beijing where native folk activities still take place. 

 

You can explore Hutongs on your own, but if you don't know your way around it is recommended to hire a tour guide for help. 

 

Photo credit to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hutong

 

Walk through a Park

 

Beijing is full of beautiful parks that cost little to enter. Here are a few recommendations:

  • Jingshan Park

  • Ditan Park

  • Beihai Park

  • Yuanmingyuan Park (on right)

  • Purple Bamboo Park

  • Fragrant hills Park

 

Photo credit to: http://www.timeoutbeijing.com

Old Summer Palace

 

Old Summer Palace, not to be confused with the "Summer Palace", is the Ruins of the Yuanmingyuan. The Garden was first built in 1709. Unfortunately much of the original garden is gone, but what remains is open for exploration.

 

Photo credit to: http://interlakechinatours

Abandoned Amusement Park

 

"Wonderland" can be found just outside Beijing and is now abandoned. The Park was designed to mimick Disneyland, but after a dispute over land prices it's construction was cancelled and the park was left as it was. 

 

While there may be hope for the park in the future, today it stands empty.

 

Photo credit to: http://www.businessinsider.com/

Try Ice Biking

 

Ice Skating is the way of the past! Now you can try Ice Biking at the Shichahai Ice Rink! Regular ice skates are also available for rental.

 

Once you are finished skating, take a walk to admire Lake Houhai.

 

Photo credit to: http://english.visitbeijing.com.

Visit a Bath House

 

Traditionally, bath houses were a popular place around Beijing. Unfortunately, most have them have been torn down. With that said, there is one still in existence (although at threat of being demolished) - the Shuang Xing Tang Bathhouse. It is considered one of the last public bathhouses in Beijing.

 

Photo credit to: http://www.gettyimages.ca/

Watermelon Museum

 

The Watermelon Museum is dedicated to everything (you guessed it) Watermelon! The museum encompasses over 4,000 square meters of exhibits that trace the history of the watermelon and put different types of watermelon on display.

 

Photo credit to: http://www.theworldofchinese.com/

Night Market

 

Night markets are a way of life in China. In Beijing, one of the most popular is the Donghuamen Night Market. Here you can browse for a souvenier, sample local flavors, or simply stroll and explore the local culture.

 

Photo credit to: https://www.insightguides.com/

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