The top 10 unmissable attractions to explore history and culture in the Chinese Capital
Beijing, the capital of China, is a city that perfectly embodies the fusion of ancient allure and sparkling modernity. With its historic monuments, imperial palaces, and ultra-modern districts, Beijing offers a variety of tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over the world. The city is not only the political and cultural heart of China but also a vivid example of how the country has embraced modernity while preserving its deep historical roots.
Forbidden City in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Every visit to Beijing offers a taste of its glorious history and its exciting present, making every exploration a continual discovery. The must-see attractions offer a vivid cross-section of life in Beijing, blending history, culture, art, and daily life into an indelible mix that makes the city unique in its kind. It is not just a journey through places, but also a deep dive into the traditions and history of one of the world's largest cities.
Tiananmen in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / DepositphotosThe ten unmissable attractions of Beijing, which recount the millennia-old history of the city and showcase its dynamic development, are:
1. The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
This vast complex, built in 1406, was the center of imperial power for over 500 years, hosting twenty-four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Its majestic architecture with portals, walls, towers, and intricate artistic details make it a supreme example of the refinement of art and Chinese culture and one of the world cultural heritage sites. With its surviving buildings and 9,999 rooms of extraordinary beauty, the Forbidden City today houses the Palace Museum, the city's most famous museum, which displays a collection of artworks, historical artifacts, imperial treasures, and important Chinese cultural relics.
2. The Great Wall
The Great Wall in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Built and rebuilt between the 5th century BC and the 16th century to protect the borders of the Chinese Empire from the raids of nomads, the Great Wall stretches for more than 20,000 kilometers. Its most famous sections near Beijing, such as Badaling and Mutianyu, offer a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and have been restored to facilitate visitor access. The Great Wall is located about an hour away from Beijing, and the most popular stretch is in Yanqing County at Badaling, which is also one of the best-preserved sections.
3. Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Besides being one of the largest squares in the world, Tiananmen Square has great historical and cultural importance. It has been the scene of many significant historical events, including Mao Zedong's proclamation of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and the protests of 1989. The square is dominated by the Monument to the People's Heroes and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum and is surrounded by imposing buildings such as the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People.
4. The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven is a masterpiece of architecture and landscaping, symbolizing the universe and Taoist religiosity. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would visit it to pray for a good harvest. The complex is famous for its acoustics and geometric design, including the echo that perfectly propagates in the Echo Wall surrounding the Imperial Vault of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven was included in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage list in 1998.
5. The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Palace Located about 20 kilometers from the center of Beijing, the Summer Palace is China's best-preserved garden and was formerly a place of rest and entertainment for the emperor and his court. The park is dominated by the Long Corridor, decorated with more than 14,000 paintings depicting scenes from Chinese history and mythology, and Kunming Lake, an artificial lake ideal for boat rides
6. Hutong
Hutong in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The hutongs are narrow alleys of the ancient city with traditional houses called siheyuan and offer a unique glimpse into Beijing's past. These historic neighborhoods are now protected to preserve the city's cultural heritage, although many have been modernized and transformed into boutiques, cafes, and art centers. The oldest hutong is Sanmiaojie, located near the Guohua Shopping Center in Changchunjie, while the most winding hutong is Jiudaowan, near Beixinqiao. More than 4,000 hutongs are found in the Shichahai Lake area where you can take a rickshaw tour.
7. 798 Art Zone
798 Art Zone in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Originally an industrial complex built in the 1950s with the help of the former Soviet Union, the 798 Art Zone has become a center for contemporary art, with exhibition spaces hosting works by Chinese and international artists. The area is also a vibrant cultural center with events, trendy cafes, and unique shops where you can stop for shopping.
8. Lama Temple
Lama Temple in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Lama Temple, or Yonghe Gong, is one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist temples in the world. The temple features access arches, the Zhaotai portal, five halls, and also houses an 18-meter tall statue of Buddha Tathagate, carved from a single piece of white sandalwood. The Lama Temple was built in 1694 and is located along Yonghegong Dajie in the Dongcheng district.
9. Beihai Park
Beihai Park in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
One of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens, Beihai Park offers a mix of history, culture, and tranquility. The park contains numerous historical buildings, sculptures or pagodas, and its central lake is popular for ice skating in winter. Its most famous point is the White Pagoda (white stone stupa), which majestically rises on the island in Beihai Lake, offering a picturesque backdrop for visitors and photography enthusiasts.
10. Silk Market Xiushui
Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
The Silk Market is a must-visit destination for those seeking authentic shopping experiences in Beijing. The market offers many products for sale and also a wide range of local handicrafts, ideal for a travel souvenir. It is an excellent place to experience the art of bargaining, a common practice in Chinese markets. The Silk Market Xiushui is accessible by subway line 1, Yong’anhi station.
Text by Alisè Vitri
Avion Tourism Magazine
Photos and visuals for editorial use only: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
All rights reserved. Reproduction prohibited. Copyright © Sisterscom.com
Advertising
 |
Discover Beijing from Milan Bergamo
From Milan Bergamo Airport, you can reach the capital of China with a comfortable onward flight and a short stopover in Dubai.
| AIRLINE | LAYOVER | OUTBOUND FLIGHT | RETURN FLIGHT |
|---|---|---|---|
| flydubai | DUBAI | Transito in aeroporto di 2h e 20min | 2-hour and 20-minute airport layover |
Check the flight schedule to Dubai on the airport's website and treat yourself to a journey that blends millennia of history with vibrant modernity. Strolling through the majestic palaces of the Forbidden City, admiring the Great Wall as it meanders through the mountains, and getting lost in the alleys of ancient hutongs provide a unique overview of Chinese culture and traditions. Every corner of Beijing tells a story, from the imposing Tiananmen Square to the peaceful gardens of the Temple of Heaven, making every moment of your trip unforgettable.
Partnership with Booking.com
Where to sleep in Beijing
Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Beijing is a welcoming city and offers different possibilities for accommodation.
To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.
STARS
Hotel for stars, differentiated by type of services:
DISTRICTS
Hotels in the districts
LANDMARKS
Hotels in tourist areas
LANDMARKS
Hotels in tourist areas
AIRPORT
Hotels near the airport
Advertising
Rent a car
TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN BEIJING
Exploring Beijing through themed excursions offers a rich and varied experience, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the city's historical and contemporary culture. A visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City allows one to appreciate the architectural wonders and echoes of China's imperial past.
Tours of the hutongs reveal traditional daily life in Beijing. The hutongs are also the ideal place to experience culinary delights and taste local dishes that carry on ancient culinary traditions. Each itinerary allows you to discover a different aspect of Beijing, making every visit a unique and unforgettable experience.
Additionally, a tour of the Great Wall of Beijing offers a unique opportunity to walk on one of the world's greatest historical and architectural symbols. This experience allows you to admire breathtaking landscapes and delve into China's millennia-old history, making it ideal for enthusiasts of culture, history, and nature.
Partnership with GetYourGuide
Forbidden City of Beijing and Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City in Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Guided walking tours in Beijing can be either group or private, each with specific meeting points and start times. During the tour, you will visit Tiananmen Square and the surrounding buildings, including the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum. The tour continues into the Forbidden City through the Tiananmen Gate and the Meridian Gate. The tour concludes in the Imperial Garden. There is also an option to add an authentic Chinese lunch in the Hutongs after the visit to the Forbidden City. With the six-hour private tour, there is also the option to visit two museums within the Forbidden City - the Treasury Hall and the Hall of Clocks - or to go up to Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City. Duration: 4 - 6 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Beijing Culinary Tour
Preparation of typical dishes in Beijing. Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Experience a culinary tour in Beijing on foot with a guide. This 2 km walk through historic alleys includes stops to savor local cuisine. Begin with a visit to a noodle shop in the hutongs to try authentic Beijing noodles. Continue through a hutong alley to an ancient restaurant that serves the best stir-fried dishes in Beijing. Next, enjoy a Mongolian barbecue experience with grilled meats and vegetables. Sample a dish favored by Empress Cixi at one of Beijing's Muslim restaurants. Conclude the tour at a Beijing craft brewery to taste artisanal beer. Duration: 3.5 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Info and booking of the tour.
Great Wall of Badaling
Great Wall of Badaling , Beijing Photo: Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos
Tickets for daytime entry to the Great Wall of Badaling are available from 06:30 to 16:30. Constructed during the Ming Dynasty in 1505, the Badaling section of the Great Wall is well-preserved, featuring guard towers, battlements, steep inclines, and panoramic mountain views. At Badaling, visitor centers, museums, and exhibitions provide deeper insights into the wall's history. Cable cars and shuttle services are available. Duration: 4 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Information and booking for tickets. For those wishing to visit the Great Wall privately, round-trip private transfers to the Great Wall of China are also an option.
Discover all the tours and excursions
You might be interested in
Destinations found in the vicinity
Other destinations
AVION TOURISM MAGAZINE
in digital version
On this issue: The World Heritage Sites of Basilicata and Puglia.
