Reasons to visit Beijing

Zaha Hadid, Dasin is an architectural achievement. The whole airport looks like a six-legged, low-lying alien when viewed from above. It looks amazing and smooth inside and out. The construction cost of the world's largest airport is 80 billion yuan (US $ 11 billion), it stretches over 47 square kilometres (18 square miles) and boasts a 700,000 - square-meter (7.5 million-square-foot) terminal-the largest in the world to date. To keep efficiency at the forefront of its operations, the farthest gate to the central security control area is just an eight-minute walk, or 600 meters (1,970 feet) away. The airport will host more than 70 different restaurants, tea and coffee shops, and 36 international brands to host their stores. Built to ease traffic from Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), which is notorious for its delays and overcrowding, Daxing will begin serving 45 million passengers a year. That number will rise to 72 million by 2025 and 100 million by 2040. Daxing's location south of Beijing initially drew criticism for being too far from the city centre. However, 46 km (28.5 miles) of the trips will not be as heavy and long as the travellers expected. The airport Express, which departs every six and a half minutes from Beijing Caoqiao Station. The airport can be reached in just 19 minutes. Upon arrival at the airport, 400 self-check-in kiosks (more than 80% of all check-ins will be self-service) will make this process even faster. Besides, since Daxin is located south of the capital of China, 10-15 minutes will be shortened from flights heading south. According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the new airport will create more than 600,000 jobs. At the end of each of the halls there are five traditional Chinese gardens. In accordance with traditional Chinese architectural principles, the smaller structures are arranged around a large central courtyard. The spacious interiors will allow millions of travelers to feel comfortable. Outside, the halls have bright and smooth curves, with four different levels to facilitate the flow of arriving and departing passengers. Are you impressed with the airport? Now it's time to go out into the city!

Beijing attractions

Beijing, only eclipsed by Shanghai in size, is not only China's political center - a position it has held for more than 800 years - it also plays an important role in the country's cultural, economic, scientific, and academic life. Located in the northwest of the North China Plain, close to the western slopes of the Yanshan Mountains, Beijing - still sometimes referred to as Beijing - is a great place to explore this dynamic country thanks to its dense network of road, rail and air links to other major cities. There is no shortage of unique attractions and activities in Beijing itself. It is home to some of the country's most famous Beijing tourist attractions, including a section of the famous Great Wall of China at Badaling Pass. Among the city's many historical and cultural attractions are the Imperial Palace, Beihai Park, Coal Hill Park, and Heavenly Temple, most of which are located in the well-preserved historical center of the city. Other attractions include a tour of Tiananmen Square, numerous important temples, new construction caused by the city's growing prosperity, and major events such as the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as many great shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities in the city. Plan your trip with our list of top Beijing tourist attractions.

The Imperial Palace and the Forbidden City

The Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City, is China's most significant landmark and can trace its origins back to the 13th-century Yuan Dynasty. Its enormous size is the result of expansions made during the Ming Dynasty between 1406 and 1420 after the capital was moved here from Nanqing. In total, 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties lived in this beautiful palace, earning themselves the nickname Forbidden City due to the fact that ordinary citizens were not allowed here. The complex covers 720,000 square meters, all surrounded by a 10-meter wall with towers at the four corners and a 50-meter moat, and is divided into areas used for ceremonial and administrative purposes, as well as private quarters used by the Emperor and his concubines. Among the main Beijing tourist attractions are: The Meridian Gate, built in 1420; the Golden River Bridges, a network of five ornate white marble bridges; the Hall of Preservation of Harmony, which functioned as the Imperial Banquet Hall; the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the largest hall in the Courtyard; and the Hall of Military Courage, the permanent residence and private audience hall for the emperors. Also of interest are the nearby Imperial School, founded in 1287 by Kublai Khan and closed only in 1900, and the impressive 35-meter Hall of Supreme Harmony, notable as the country's largest surviving wooden building and the magnificently decorated gilded imperial throne.

The Great Wall of China

Beijing is just an hour's drive from what is undoubtedly one of the country's most famous historical structures: the Great Wall of China. Here, at the Badaling Pass, the first part of the wall that was opened to tourists in the 1950s, you can enjoy a walk along the impressive section of the Great Wall of China, dating back to the XVI century and up to eight meters high. Along the way, you can enjoy the numerous towers and parapets that offer magnificent views of the surrounding dramatic scenery. During a walk through the hilly area, you can enjoy a funicular ride to the wall.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square (Heavenly Peace Square) is the world's largest inner-city square, designed for one million people and built to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Republic of China in 1958. The symbolic significance of the square, considered the center of Communist China, dates back to May 4, 1919, when students demonstrated against the Chinese provisions of the Treaty of Versailles. Attractions include the National Heroes Monument (Renmn Yingxiing Jinianbei), a 38-meter-high obelisk consisting of 17,000 pieces of granite and marble, and the magnificent Tiananmen Gate, the Gate of the Heavenly World, which was completed in 1417 and was once the main entrance to the Imperial City. Address: Dongcheng, Beijing

Beihai Park

Not far from the Imperial Palace is Beihai Park, one of the oldest preserved imperial gardens in Beijing. Launched in the early 10th century, this beautiful outdoor park takes its name from the nearby Beihai Lake (North Lake) and offers many good reasons to visit Beijing. Among the most important structures are a circular fort dating from the Yuan period of 1271-1368; the impressive Hall of Enlightenment, built-in 1690 and home to a one-and-a-half-meter-high Buddha carved from a single block of white jade; and a large black jade vase from the early 12th century. Other notable features are the sumptuous Song Qingling residence, where the widow of the republic's founder Sun Yat - sen lived for 18 years until her death (now a museum); the residential quarters of Mei Langfang (Mei Langfang Guju), a famous male star of the Beijing Opera who specialized in playing the female role; the Guo Moruo residence, where the famous writer and historian lived from 1963 until his death in 1978, built in traditional Chinese style; and the beautiful White Pagoda of the 17th century on the island of Exquisite Jade. Address: 1 Wenjin Street, Xicheng, Beijing.

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven (Tiantang) dates from 1420 and includes a group of some of Beijing's most sacred buildings. Surrounded by lush vegetation, these beautiful ancient temples and shrines are divided into two parts - one rectangular, the other semicircular - which together symbolize heaven and earth. It was here on the winter solstice that the emperor ascended the Heavenly Altar in a solemn ceremony to pray for a good harvest and offer sacrifices in the brightly decorated Hall of Prayer for a Good Harvest (Qinyan Dian). Built in 1420, in the traditional Chinese style of wood and completely without nails, the hall sits on a three-tiered marble terrace with balustrades and a roof covered with 50,000 blue glazed tiles (a marble tablet on the floor depicts a dragon and a phoenix stone, symbols of the emperor). Another attraction is the Hall of the Firmament (Huangqiong Yu), built in 1530 and has a conical roof with blue tiles (it stored the ceremonial plaques of the Sky and officials). Be sure to also visit the temple's Echo Wall, which echoes even the quietest voices - an effect exaggerated by three unusual echo stones. Address: Dongcheng, Beijing

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace (Ylhe Yuan), located 30 minutes by car, bus or taxi from the center of Beijing, is a must-visit destination. Built in the 12th century and covering more than 700 acres, this palace is ideal for a royal residence and boasts a large 700-year-old artificial lake and beautiful gardens. Often during organized excursions, you can visit the Western-style Marble Ship (Shifan); the Hall of Prosperity and Longevity (Renshou Dian) with its exquisite throne; the beautiful courtyard adjacent to the Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Leshou Tang Hall); and the impressive Grand Theater of the XIX century, where you can see performances of traditional Chinese plays and music. One of the most popular Beijing activities, if time permits, is a walk on board a small pleasure boat (children love dragon-themed ships) that ferries tourists to one of the palace temples, as well as a walk past the traditional seaside shops on Suzhou Market Street.

Lama Temple (Yonghe)

Beijing attractions, which are innumerable also houses the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, is one of the most attractive and best-preserved temples in Beijing. Completed in 1745, the building served a political purpose by providing Lamaism, the religion of then newly annexed Tibet, with an official residence in the capital of China. It was built in generous proportions and is equipped with many valuable works of art, and its most important feature is the Hall of the Heavenly Kings (Tian Wang Dian) with a statue of Buddha, surrounded by four kings, who are provided with symbolic objects (a toad, a sword, a snake and a shield). Also noteworthy is the statue of Vaituo, the defender of Buddhism, holding an iron staff. Other important buildings include the Four - Language Stele Pavilion (Yubi Ting), which contains a 1792 stele containing the history of the Lama's religion written in Chinese, Manchu, Tibetan, and Mongolian; the Buddhist Wheel Hall (Falun Dian), the monastery's teaching and assembly hall, whose interior is dominated by a six-meter statue, two thrones, and numerous sacred manuscripts; and the largest building in the Lama Temple, the Four Thousand Fortunes Pavilion (Wangfu Ge), with its huge 18-meter a sandalwood statue. Address: 12 Yonghegong Street, Dongcheng, Beijing. Where to stay in Beijing? What to see in Beijing and then where to stay for sightseeing, "Heads and Tails" Beijing.

Luxury hotels in Beijing

For those who don't care about the price, there is nothing better than booking a room at the luxury Four Seasons Hotel Beijing. This elegant five-star luxury hotel offers a variety of well-appointed rooms and suites with stylish decor, as well as amenities including numerous restaurants and a luxury spa. Another recognized luxury option is the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Beijing, popular for its central location, large bedrooms and even large suites, and amenities including a fitness center, hot tub, and indoor swimming pool. Also noteworthy is the five-star The Peninsula Beijing Hotel, which boasts spacious rooms with separate living and sleeping areas, all of which are decorated in a delightful Chinese theme.

Middle-class hotels in Beijing

A fan of "Heads and Tails" Beijing, but you did not get a gold card? The Renaissance Beijing Capital Hotel is a popular mid-range high-rise hotel with a pleasant modern design, rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, and numerous restaurants, an indoor pool and a sauna. Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel is another great option in this price range. The hotel has pleasant public spaces, decorated in a Chinese theme; rooms of various sizes, from cozy single rooms to spacious family suites; as well as plenty of amenities, including a cafe and concierge service (and yes, free shadow puppet shows). If you are looking for a great place to stay near the historic Huguosi Hutong district, the Sofu Hotel is a great choice and offers modern, comfortable rooms and living rooms located just a short walk from great shops and restaurants.

Low budget hotels in Beijing

The wonderfully named Double Happiness Beijing Courtyard is a pleasant three-star hotel that boasts outstanding staff and authentic Chinese furnishings, as well as traditional-style furniture in its rooms, some of which overlook the leafy courtyard. Also popular in the budget hotel category, Nostalgia Hotel Beijing Xidan is a short walk from the city's metro and, as its name suggests, offers fun nostalgia and vintage decor. A great option for young couples and friends traveling together is Beijing Downtown Backpackers Accommodation, which offers clean, comfortable accommodations as well as a variety of sightseeing opportunities, all just a few steps from the Imperial City.

Beijing weather

Beijing has a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and dry, cold winters. The best time to visit Beijing is probably in the fall. Summer is the peak season. At this time, hotels tend to increase the cost of their services, and the Great Wall of China almost collapses under the onslaught of tourists. In the period from September to November, the Beijing weather is most favorable, and the number of tourists is much less. In the spring, there are also a few people, but this time is less favorable in terms of weather conditions.

Great Day at the Great Wall of China

If you're in Beijing long enough to explore the city's many tourist attractions at a more leisurely pace, be sure to make time for a trip to the Great Wall of China in Badaling and to the Ming Tombs. A full day with a guide will allow you to make the most of your time spent climbing the most visited section of the Wall at the beautiful Badaling Pass, while at the same time getting to know much of its history along the way. The amazing Ming tombs are also included in the tour price, the most dramatic of which is the beautiful Chan-Ling Tomb. Other features of this one-day adventure include traditional Chinese lunch, transportation, and pick-up and drop-off from the hotel. If you only have time for the Great Wall portion of your trip, you may want to consider the Mutianyu Tour. The oldest part of the Great Wall, this section dates back to the 6th century and is home to some of the most dramatic scenery. In addition to the services of an English-speaking guide, you can enjoy authentic dining, transportation, and pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.