Explore the Charm of Beijing

Beijing, China's capital for over 800 years, stands as a magnificent testament to Chinese civilization. This sprawling metropolis harmoniously combines ancient imperial architecture with cutting-edge modernity. From the majestic Forbidden City to the contemporary Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing showcases China's journey through time. The city serves as the political, cultural, and educational heart of the nation, offering visitors an unparalleled glimpse into China's rich history while embracing global innovation.

Our Beijing Travel Guides

Beijing's Natural Harmony A 4-Day Journey Through Imperial Gardens and Ecological Parks

Duration of 4 Days

Includes 12 Attractions

FREE

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Things to Do

Explore the Forbidden City and learn about imperial China
Walk along the Great Wall at Mutianyu or Badaling
Visit the Temple of Heaven and witness morning exercises
Wander through the historic hutongs and courtyard homes
Experience traditional tea ceremonies in ancient teahouses
Enjoy Peking duck at renowned local restaurants
Discover contemporary art at the 798 Art District
Watch a Peking Opera performance
Shop at Wangfujing and Qianmen shopping streets
Visit the Summer Palace and enjoy Kunming Lake

Popular Attractions

Beihai Park

Beihai Park is one of the oldest and most authentically preserved imperial gardens in China with a history spanning more than 1000 years. Located in the heart of Beijing northwest of the Forbidden City this 69 hectare park combines natural landscapes with exquisite architectural masterpieces. The park centers around Beihai Lake with the stunning White Dagoba standing majestically on Qionghua Island. Originally built during the Liao Dynasty in the 10th century it served as an imperial retreat for successive dynasties including the Jin Yuan Ming and Qing. The park showcases perfect harmony between manmade structures and natural elements featuring classical Chinese garden design principles with pavilions temples corridors and bridges seamlessly integrated with the lake hills and ancient trees. The White Dagoba built in 1651 during the Qing Dynasty stands 35.9 meters tall and serves as a prominent landmark visible from throughout the park. Other notable structures include the Round City with its 800 year old Jade Buddha the Nine Dragon Screen one of only three remaining in China and the Five Dragon Pavilions extending over the water. Beihai Park represents the pinnacle of Chinese garden art and offers visitors a peaceful oasis in the bustling capital city where they can experience the elegance and sophistication of traditional Chinese imperial culture.

Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park is a beautiful imperial garden located directly north of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Originally an imperial garden during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the park is famous for its artificial hill called Jingshan, which means Prospect Hill. The hill was created from the soil excavated when building the moats of the Forbidden City and the surrounding canals. Standing at the summit of Jingshan Hill, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City's golden rooftops and the entire Beijing cityscape. The park features five pavilions on the hill, each offering different perspectives of the ancient capital. Jingshan Park is not only a scenic spot but also holds historical significance as the site where the last Ming emperor Chongzhen committed suicide in 1644.

Houhai Lake

Houhai Lake is one of the three famous lakes in Beijing's Shichahai area, located in the heart of the city. This picturesque lake district dates back to the Yuan Dynasty and has been a center of Beijing's social and cultural life for centuries. Surrounded by traditional hutongs, ancient temples, and historic mansions, Houhai offers a perfect blend of natural scenery and cultural heritage. The lake area comes alive in the evening with vibrant nightlife, traditional teahouses, and waterside restaurants serving authentic Beijing cuisine. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the lake, stroll along the willow-lined banks, or explore the surrounding historic neighborhoods that preserve the authentic atmosphere of old Beijing.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace in Beijing is a stunning imperial garden that represents the pinnacle of Chinese landscape architecture. Originally built in 1750 during the Qing Dynasty, it served as a luxurious retreat for emperors to escape the summer heat of the Forbidden City. The palace complex covers 2.9 square kilometers and features Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and numerous pavilions, temples, and bridges. The design harmoniously integrates natural hills and open water with man-made structures, creating a perfect balance between human creativity and nature's beauty. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998 for its exceptional preservation of Chinese garden design principles.

Kunming Lake

Kunming Lake is the magnificent centerpiece of the Summer Palace in Beijing covering approximately 220 hectares. This artificial lake created during the Qing Dynasty represents the perfect harmony between human creativity and natural beauty in traditional Chinese garden design. The lake takes its name from Kunming Lake in Yunnan Province and was designed to resemble the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. Surrounded by lush hills and elegant pavilions Kunming Lake features the iconic Marble Boat the magnificent Seventeen Arch Bridge and the picturesque Longevity Hill as its backdrop. The lake serves as both a scenic masterpiece and a functional reservoir that has supplied water to Beijing for centuries. Visitors can enjoy boat rides admire the reflections of classical architecture in the water and experience the same breathtaking views that once delighted Chinese emperors and their courts.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District about 70 kilometers northeast of Beijing. Built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi Dynasty and later rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, this section stretches for 2.25 kilometers with 23 watchtowers. What makes Mutianyu special is its unique construction featuring battlements on both sides of the wall, allowing defenders to shoot arrows in all directions. The wall winds through lush forests and offers breathtaking views of rolling mountains. Visitors can choose to hike up or take a cable car or chairlift, and for a thrilling descent, there's a toboggan ride down the mountain. The restoration work here has been carefully done to maintain historical authenticity while ensuring visitor safety.

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