More Ideas to Help You Customize Your Beijing Tour
Beautiful Beihai Park
Beijing is a dynamic city, growing and changing daily, yet rooted in history. We have listed only a sampling of the possibilities that Beijing has to offer. If you have read about other places that you would like to see, let us know and we will arrange for you to go there.
Confucius Temple: Located on a very quiet street, in the oldest part of the city; the Confucius Temple is full of history. It has been home to scholars since the Yuan Dynasty, and there is much to see here. However, this quiet retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of the new Beijing, is a perfect place to just sit. Find yourself a bench in the peaceful courtyard, under the ancient cypress trees, and just enjoy the quiet. Afterwards, take a stroll through the hutong surrounding the temple.
Lama Temple: Definitely a lively and fully functioning Buddhist temple, the Lama Temple is Beijing's most visited religious site. It was built in 169 as the residence of a prince in the early Qing Dynasty. Later on this prince ascended to the throne and became Emperor Yongzheng. the third emperor of the Qing Dynasty. As was the custom at the time, no one could live in the former emperor's residence. Following tradition, in 1744 it was converted into a lamasery, a monastery for Tibetan and Mongolian Buddhist monks. The spectacular Lama Temple complex is still very active, and many local people still come to pray here. Consider combining a visit to the Lama Temple with a visit to the Confucius Temple, only a five minute walk away.
Jingshan Park: Extremely close to the Forbidden City, this park is the perfect place to go right after a visit there. The highlight of any visit to Jingshan Park is the birds-eye view of the Forbidden City from the central hill. This hill was built using earth leftover from the digging of the imperial moat, and was the highest point in the city during the Ming Dynasty. It was designed to enhance the fengshui of the Forbidden City, by blocking the harsh northern wind. A tree on the east side of the hill marks the spot where the last Ming Emperor, Chongzhen, hung himself, just before the Manchu and rebel armies overran the Forbidden City.
Beihai Park: An Imperial playground dating back to the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), this is Beijing's largest park. Take a boat ride on the man-made lake, grab a snack, check-out the historical sites, or stroll the classical gardens; here you have an opportunity to relax right in the heart of Beijing. Consider visiting Beihai Park in the early evening when tourists have generally left; and the local Beijingers can be found playing Chinese chess, singing Beijing opera, playing the erhu, and ballroom dancing. If you exit by the north gate, you will find yourself in the hutong area, the oldest part of the city.
Great Wall at Simatai: If you are looking for adventure,Simatai remains on of the best options for those who wish more a challenge from the Great Wall. Largely unrestored, a climb to the top will give you quite a workout. If you intend to hike any distance after reaching the top, come prepared. The Great Wall is quite rugged here, and sections are very narrow and steep. However, a cable car goes close to the top for those who don’t want to make the entire climb, but still want to experience the view. Views of the surrounding countryside are outstanding, and well-worth the climb. More people visit Simatai on weekends, if you would like to visit when you will see few other travelers, consider visiting in the middle of the week.
Dashanzi 798 Art District: Home to the largest concentration of contemporary art galleries and studios in China: here has been created a thriving artist community, full of cutting-edge material. This is a great place to spend the day, wandering in and out of galleries on Dashanzi's tree-lined streets. Started in an old industrial complex in 2001, 798 Art District has grown into a sprawling neighborhood of art galleries, boutiques, bookstores, coffee shops and restaurants; and has also become an increasingly interesting place for those interested in Beijing's night life.
Beijing Zoo: Home to over 5000 animals, the Beijing Zoo is chiefly known for its giant pandas and the modern
Beijing Aquarium. The aquarium, which is found on the zoo grounds, is quite impressive. Its tanks are filled with exotic fish, and the shark tank is awesome. Consider seeing the dolphin show. Across the road from the zoo is the Beijing Planetarium, said to be the best equipped in China. It has a solar observatory, digital universe theater, and hundreds of ancient and modern astronomical exhibits.
Capital Museum: The focus of this stunningly designed museum is traditional Chinese art, both past and present; as well as exhibits that tell the 850-year history of Beijing. The permanent exhibits display ancient bronzes, Buddhist statues, jade, sculpture, paintings, and ceramics. The fifth floor has interesting exhibits of Beijing folk customs, as well as a live performance of Beijing Opera on Saturday mornings. All exhibits have English translations. The Capital Museum is child-friendly.
Zhongshan Park: After a busy day visiting museums, galleries, and historical sites, the quiet of Zhongshan Park is a wonderful escape into a more natural environment. Located directly west of the Forbidden City, it was once an imperial garden; and also the site of the Altar of Land and Harvest, where emperors came to pray. Its location would make you think that tourists would visit here in large numbers, but it is frequented almost entirely by local Beijingers.
