We are often asked what other places to visit besides the Great Wall of China in Beijing. There are actually a lot of tourist sites that you can explore. Here are some suggestions:
The Great Wall of China (Changcheng)
It is one of the most representative symbols of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. With a history of more than 2,000 years, it was built to protect the northern border of the Chinese Empire from possible invasions.
The ten most popular sectors of the Great Wall of China.
-Badaling is one of the most popular sections of the wall, it has been restored to facilitate access for tourists of all ages. This section is known for its stunning landscape and monumental architecture, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views from its watchtowers. Badaling was the first section to open its doors to tourism in 1957. Additionally, in Badaling, visitors can also find the Great Wall Museum of China, which focuses on the construction of the Great Wall and the history of the dynasties.
-Mutianyu, this section is noted for its beautiful landscapes, with a lot of vegetation and beautiful cherry blossoms during spring. In addition, it has various facilities for visitors to enjoy, such as a cable car and an entertaining slide.
-Jiankou, the most risky and challenging section for adventure lovers.
-Simatai is a section of the Great Wall of China that offers a unique experience for those seeking a challenging hike and for those who wish to enjoy the natural beauty in peace and tranquility. Additionally, this section can also be visited at night, making it an even more exciting option.
-Jinshanling is a very popular section among hiking enthusiasts and hikers. This area is relatively wild, making it challenging for visitors, but also offering a pleasant hike.
-Shanhaiguan, this section is different from the other parts of the Great Wall. It is the place where the Great Wall meets the sea and represents the final part of the Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty. In the past, this section served as a border against the Manchus.
-Gubeikou, this section of the wall is full of history. This particular stretch has seen more than 130 battles with Mongol tribesmen.
-Huanghuacheng is known for its unique landscape, especially the surrounding lake. In addition, some parts of the wall are submerged in water. Many original sections and original watchtowers can be seen.
-Huangyaguan, the Great Wall Marathon is held annually in May. During the race, you can admire the battlements built by the Ming and Northern Qi dynasties.
-Juyongguan is the section closest to Beijing and is perfect for those who are not prepared to take a full day trip to the Great Wall. Additionally, it is quite accessible for wheelchair users, making it suitable for disabled travelers.
Tiananmen Square (Gate of Heavenly Peace Square/Tiananmen Guangchang)
It is the most important public square in China and the largest in the world, with an extension of 800 meters from north to south and 500 meters from east to west, and an area of 440,000 square meters, capable of housing up to 10 million people.
It is located next to the Forbidden City and in its center is the Mausoleum of Mao Tse-Tung (Mao Zedong).
It was built and designed as part of the urban plan of the capital of China after the creation of the People's Republic of China in 1949, becoming a symbol of the new China.
Address: East Changan Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
The Forbidden City (Palace Museum/Gugong)
This palace complex, built between 1406 and 1420, is the largest in the world and was the home of emperors and their families for 500 years. The Imperial Palace, where 24 emperors ruled, remained closed to the people for centuries, earning it the name of the Forbidden City. In 1925, it became a museum and since then it has been a tourist attraction that allows you to walk through its gardens, pavilions and a large number of corners full of stories.
Address: No. 4, Jingshan Qianjie Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
Temple of Heaven (Tiantan)
It is the largest temple in the city, built in the year 1420, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor. It was originally called the Temple of Heaven and Earth.
During the reign of Emperor Jiajing, the temple was expanded and renamed the Temple of Heaven. Both the Ming and Qing dynasties used it to worship the crops and thank heaven for the fruits obtained. This temple is actually a set of buildings: to the north is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, and to the south, the Circular Altar and the Imperial Vault of Heaven.
Address: No. 7, Tiantan Neidongli, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
It is considered the best-preserved imperial garden in ancient China. Originally called Qingyi Garden (Garden of Clear Waves), it was initially built in the year 1750. Unfortunately, during the Opium War in 1860, it was burned down by the Anglo-French allied forces. In 1888, it was rebuilt and given its current name.
Among the highlights of the Summer Palace are:
-The Great Corridor (Changlang) is considered the longest painted corridor in the world. It was originally built around 1750 by Emperor Qianlong, but was destroyed in 1860. It was later rebuilt by Empress Cixi. This place houses more than 14,000 exquisite paintings depicting landscapes, scenes from Chinese operas and various historical figures.
-The Hall of Benevolence and Longevity (Renshoudian) was used as a Throne Room by Emperor Guangxu and Empress Cixi during their stay at the Summer Palace. This room has a throne decorated with nine dragons and flanked by peacock feather fans.
-The Hall of Happiness and Longevity (Leshoutang), the private residence of Empress Cixi faces Kunming Lake. Inside, you can find a long table that Cixi used for meals, during which 128 different dishes were normally served. In addition, the chandeliers in the living room are notable for having been the first electric lights in China.
-The Garden of Virtue and Harmony (Deheyuan), whose most important building is the Grand Theater (Daxilou), located in the second courtyard and where the Peking Opera was performed.
-The Buddha Fragrance Tower (Foxiangge) is an impressive octagonal structure and represents the biggest tourist attraction of the Summer Palace.
-The Hill of Longevity (Wanshoushan) is a monumental complex that has two large bronze lions as entrance guardians and a viewing platform.
-Kunming Lake (Kunminghu) is an artificial lake located in the center of the garden. Boat rides on the lake offer wonderful views of the Hill of Longevity and the Buddha Fragrance Tower.
-The Seventeen Arch Bridge (Shiqikongqiao) is an impressive structure that connects the shore of Kunming Lake with Nanhu Island at the Summer Palace. Built in 1750, it is the largest bridge in the palace and features more than 500 decorative stone lions. 17 arcs were used so that, regardless of which side you start counting from, the ninth arc is always in the center. This was done because the Qing emperors considered the number nine to be powerful and auspicious.
-The Bronze Ox (Tongniu) was cast in 1755, which was placed next to Kunming Lake. This action follows a tradition that attributes to oxen the ability to control floods.
-The Marble Boat (Shifang), at the end of the long corridor and on the shore of Kunming Lake is the marble boat. This ship was originally built in 1755, with its upper decks made of wood painted to look like stone. However, this wooden part was destroyed in 1860. Empress Cixi ordered the reconstruction of the upper decks in European style and added two paddle wheels to the sides.
The construction of a stone boat was a declaration of faith in the eternal stability of the Qing dynasty's rule.
- Suzhou (Suzhoujie) was originally called Commercial Street. It was built during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, following the style of the water towns of southern China. This place allowed emperors and empresses to make purchases like anyone else. However, in 1860, it was burned down by the Anglo-French allied forces. Fortunately, in 1990, it was rebuilt with a length of more than 300 meters.
Address: No.19 Xinjian Gongmen Road, Haidian District, Beijing
Written by MING
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