Top 10 things to do in Beijing

It is a modern metropolis on the surface, but inside there is indelible quaint and nostalgic. Beijing welcomes you to explore.

1. Three symbolic architectures of Beijing

As a historic ancient capital, Beijing exudes a strong cultural heritage. For things to do in Beijing, the first one should be visit the three symbolic architectures of Beijing - Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, and Forbidden City. If starts with the Temple of Heaven, where once served as the place where emperors of the Ming and the Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the God of Earth, you will visit several famous ancient architectures and experience traditional beliefs and concepts in ancient China -"the heaven is round and the earth square". Next, after a walking through the Tian'anmen Square - the largest public square in the world, Forbidden City, the former Imperial Palace of Qing Dynasty will stunning present in front of you.

2. Aerial view of the Forbidden City in Jingshan

The best view of Beijing is from the Pavilion of Everlasting Spring (Wanchun-tang) perched on top of the middle peak, which used to be the highest point in Beijing city. Northwards, one can see the Drum and Bell Towers, a traditional feature of old Chinese cities. To the northwest, the two slabs of water of the Shichahai and Beihai Lake are intersected by Tiananmen Dajie. To the south, the golden roofs of the Imperial Palace can be seen stretching into the distance. In the nightfall of sunny day, standing in Jingshan, you can enjoy more mysterious fascinating Forbidden City in the sunset.

3. Climbing the Great Wall

There is a Chinese old saying goes that he who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man. So, when you tour Beijing, there is an essential thing to do - climbing the Great Wall. There are many sections of Great Wall around Beijing city. Of which Badaling Great Wall is most visit because it is close to Beijing city and connected with urban area by expressway. But another section, Mutinayu Great Wall is a bit more rugged and slightly less crowded than the more famous Badaling. Visitors can choose one of the sections according to their personal preference.

4. The Ming Tombs

The Ming tombs are a collection of imperial mausoleums built by the Chinese Ming dynasty emperors. The major attractions of the Ming Tombs are the Sacred Way and the ground and underground architecture of the tombs. Of the thirteen tombs, three are currently open to the public, namely, Changling Tomb, Dingling Tomb and Zhaoling Tomb. The tombs exhibit an elegant yet dignified architectural style. No other imperial mausoleums in the world are so well preserved and have entombed so many imperial bodies as the Ming Tombs.

5. Cloisonné

Chinese cloisonné is a stunning form of Beijing traditional art. The patterns on the cloisonné are made of copper wire, which must be meticulously arranged. What are the origins of the nickname for this artwork, "Jingtai Lan"? What's the difference between Chinese jingtai lan and Western jingtai lan? And what relationship does it all have to China's imperial families? A trip to Chinese cloisonné in Beijing will let you watch the process of making cloisonné and answer your questions.

6. Hutong Tour

Hutong, the unique street design to Beijing, some crisscrossing old narrow paths with courtyard houses built on each side which was created to reflect the imperial ruling of the emperors from within the Forbidden City. Taking a 3-wheel rickshaw to Hutong and have a visit to the local family is a funny trip which will open a window into Beijing folk life.

7. Summer Palace

Situated in western outskirts of Beijing, the Summer Palace is China's leading classical garden which enjoys a worldwide reputation. The two main elements of the garden are Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. If you come to the summer Palace, don’t miss bating on the lake.

8. The Quintessence of Peking Opera

With its fascinating and artistic accompanying music, singing and costumes, the Peking Opera is China's national opera. Full of Chinese cultural facts, the opera presents the audience with an encyclopedia of Chinese culture, as well as unfolding stories, beautiful paintings, exquisite costumes, graceful gestures and martial arts.

9. Beijing Duck

Climbing the Great Wall, enjoying Beijing Opera and savoring Beijing Duck are the three "musts" for those visiting Beijing for the first time, which you cannot miss. Beijing duck is the local flavor of Beijing. The traditional method of preparing Beijing Duck has a history of over a hundred years and boasts a great reputation to this day. There are Quanjude, Bianyifang, Chang'an No. One and so on famous Beijing duck houses (restaurants).If you ask which one is the best Beijing duck house (restaurant) in Beijing, different people will offer you different answers. Actually it is quite a personal taste of which one is the best.

10. Walking along the “Lake With No Name”

Weiming Lake (Lake With No Name or Unnamed Lake) has special significance for Peking University，almost as much as the Han and Tang Dynasties have for China. Apart from its beauty, it’s an iconic symbol of the culture of the university. Weiming Lake is the spirit of Peking University, and characterizes the university in many people’s minds. Walking along the “Lake With No Name”, reliving the green years of the campus.

Something more to say - Bars and Clubs

Beijing's main expat-friendly boozing district, Sanlitun is famed for its "Bar Street", more properly known as Sanlitun Bei Lu, a north-south strip of drinking establishments a long block east of the Workers' Stadium that at one time contained practically all of the city's bars.