“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.”
– Lao Tzu
The Great Wall of China is one of the world’s top tourist attractions. For more than 800 years, Beijing was home to 33 emperors of four great Dynasties. Prior to 1949, Beijing was known as Peking by the Western world. Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. The city hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics (officially the XXIV Olympic Winter Games). It was also host to the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is the country’s top tourist attraction, visited by millions of people from around the planet. At more than 2,000 years old, the Great Wall of China is one of the greatest man-made wonders of the ancient world. It stretches more than 6,000 miles and is visible from space. Truly a sight to behold at any vantage point.
The Great Wall at Badaling
The most popular sections of The Great Wall are near Beijing – at Mutianyu, Badaling, Simatai and Juyongguan. All four sections are 300-500 years old, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Badaling, the best preserved section of the Wall, was restored in the 1950s. It’s the most popular with tourists. And the most crowded. If you don’t feel like hiking to the top, you can take a scenic gondola-car ride to reach either the Mutianyu or Badaling sections of The Great Wall. The views on the way up – and down – are breathtaking.
Great Wall at Badaling Full-Day Tours
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Peking Duck and Incredible Dim Sum
No trip to Beijing would be complete without a meal of delicious Peking Duck. Tender and roasted to perfection, Beijing’s duck is the best we’ve ever tasted. Their Chinese Dumplings (Dim Sum) and fresh seafood is also incredible.
Fun Beijing Attractions
Did you know that Beijing has more attractions than in any other city in China? In addition to the Great Wall of China, here are some of Beijing’s most popular attractions:
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Beihai Gardens
The gardens are the oldest and one of the largest parks in Beijing. It was once the royal garden of the Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing Emperors. It features classical Chinese gardens, temples, pavilions and a huge picturesque lake.
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Beijing Opera
Beijing Opera started around the beginning of the 19th century. It is very distinctive, combining songs, dialogue, mime, dance and acrobatics with colorful costumes and elaborate make-up.
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Beijing Zoo and Giant Panda Garden
Beijing Zoo is famous for its frolicking Giant Pandas, a living Chinese treasure. People flock here from around the world to see these magnificent animals. There’s also a huge variety of wild and rare animals, including Tibetan Yaks, Manchurian Tigers, Golden Monkeys, White-Lipped Deer, Giant Sea Turtles, Polar Bears, Kangaroos, and African Zebras.
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Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum
Located at the south end of Tiananmen Square, Chairman Mao Memorial Hall is where the body of Chairman Mao Tse Tung lies in state. -
Chinese Acrobatic Show
If you have an opportunity to see a Chinese Acrobatic Show, you won’t be disappointed. Performances include acrobatic prowess, combining flexibility, strength and balance like you wouldn’t believe! Shows feature a mixture of acrobatics, gymnastics, magic acts, juggling and clowns.
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Donghuamen Food Night Market
At night, this famous market is bustling with tourists. The street is lined with dozens of food stalls, offering a variety of unusual grilled meats and seafood, noodles, dumplings and animal organs. Be adventurous and sample one of their exotic snacks – “fried bugs” on skewers-to–go. -
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, is one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s the world’s largest imperial palace – once home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Avoid long lines and get “Skip-the-Line” Tickets to this amazing attraction. -
Shopping at The Silk Market
If you really want to get a feel of “bargain shopping” with the masses, plan a half-day trip to the infamous Silk Market, located in the heart of Beijing. This is a fun place to shop for silk clothing, t-shirts, cashmere sweaters and shawls, leather goods, shoes, hats, handbags, pens, watches, jewelry – and exclusive designer knock-offs at very low prices. -
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace is one of Beijing’s favorite tourist destinations. It is also one of the best parks in the city. And it’s the largest Imperial Garden in China. -
The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of 15th century architecture. Each year, Ming and Qing emperors came here to worship, make annual sacrifices to Heaven, and to pray for good harvests. -
Tiananmen Square
Covering 98 acres, Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world – big enough to hold up to one million people. Needless to say, it’s a great place for people-watching! This was the site of the infamous 1989 protests, dubbed the “June Fourth Massacre.”
Book Beijing Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Beat the crowds and get a “Skip-the-Line” Ticket to the Forbidden City. Explore the Great Wall of China on a fun Day Tour. Experience a Chinese Cooking Class and visit a local food market. Enjoy a Private Tour of Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.
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The Best Time To Visit Beijing
The best time to visit Beijing is in the Spring and late Autumn when there is little rainfall – April, May, September, October and early to mid-November. June-August is hot and humid. Mid-November-March is very cold. We visited Beijing in October and the weather was perfect. 🙂
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