For hundreds of years Beijing has been the cultural, political and economic center of China. This cosmopolitan city takes its visitors on a fast track tour through history with its well preserved temples, traditional narrow hatong neighborhoods and the astonishing Forbidden City. Then quickly it flies to the metropolis Beijing is today. Its futuristic facades and skyscrapers of concrete and glass contrast with the colorful wooden houses and create an atmosphere of everlasting mix between tradition and modernism where dining, shopping and entertainment options are endless.

The Forbidden City, this mysterious palace spreading over hundreds of thousands of acres and encompassing thousands of rooms, is the greatest and most admirable place in China. The incredible palace was built during the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century and wildly enlarged during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was always accessible only to royalty and forbidden for the ordinary people aka The Forbidden City. Now, it is the greatest museum of Beijing - The Palace Museum - allowing everyone a peak into the past. Feel the history come alive as you explore the maze of squares, halls, gates, pavilions, sleeping quarters, and temples behind the fortification walls.

Jingshan Park's very best feature is the panoramic view over the Forbidden City, encompassing all its glory and beauty. Located on one of the very few man-made hills in Beijing, the park offers the perfect vintage point to admire the ancient palace while enjoying the beautifully landscaped royal gardens. The park is also known as Coal Hill Park, a name given to it by the Westerners as it was made by the coal used for building the palace. An important historic point is the locust tree on the eastern side of Jingshan Park where it is said that the last Ming Emperor hung himself as the rebels advanced through the city walls. Jingshan Park is a stunning place to spend some relaxed time away from the hustle and bustle of Beijing and it is especially spectacular during April and May when the trees are in bloom.

The father of modern China, the hero and leader of millions of people lies here! Mao Zedong's embalmed body, half covered under the red communist flag under a glass cover is there for his people to pay their respects and see their beloved leader in person. The long lines go out and around the mausoleum, centrally located on Tiananmen Square.

Tiananmen Square, The Square of Heavenly Peace, is the largest public square in the world, able to hold a million people. It is the absolute cultural, political and tourism center of Beijing and China. The vast concrete area is so impressive by its sheer size and so symbolic of all the big events in China's history since the 1950s. Tiananmen Square is surrounded by symbolic structures as well - The Gate of Heavenly Peace leading to The Forbidden City, Mao's Mausoleum, The Museum of Chinese Revolution, The Great Hall of the People and, of course, the Monument to the People's Heores, a 38m high obelisk.

The Temple of Heaven is an entire complex, one of Beijing's most sacred areas, established in 1420. This green oasis offers an escape from the city noise and a gorgeous surrounding to indulge in spirituality. Definitely stop by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a temple built entirely of wood and without the use of any nails. Among the other highlight are the Hall of the Vault of Heaven, Zhaoheng Gate, the Animal Killing Pavilion and the Echo Wall.

The gorgeous royal retreat is only 15km from Beijing but feels like a different planet. The Summer Palace's peace and tranquility contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the capital city and provides an amazing escape into nature. It includes the largest and most complete Imperial Gardens in China where you can explore the stunning grounds of ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and the huge Kunming Lake. Admire the Seventeen-Arch Bridge stretching into the lake, the throne and audience chambers, the Longetivity Hill and so much more.

Known as one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China absolutely deserves its title! Dating back to the first emperors of China, centuries and centuries back, it was built to protect the country's borders from invasions. The Great Wall, with all of its branches, measures over 20,000km. The most famous part of it was built by the Ming Dynasty and measures to about 8,850km. Along the total length of the Great Wall around Beijing, there are eight major sections including Badaling, Juyongguan, Huanghuacheng, Jiankou, Mutianyu, Gubeikou, Jinshanling, and Simatai. Badaling is the most popular of all and only about 80km from the city while Mutianyu provides the most impressive vistas and is only about 70km from Beijing.

This impressive site is only 50km outside of Beijing and surrounded by gorgeous green hills. The Ming Tombs are the last resting place of 13 out of the 16 Ming Emperors. The site itself is impressive in size and features a lot of symbolic cultural elements related to the core Chinese beliefs. Walk the Avenue of Stone Statues, the Path of Souls and go through the Gate of Honor. Marvel at the grandness and powerful presence of the lost Ming Dynasty.

China outrun all Olympics Parks to date when the country built the Beijing one for the 2008 Olympic Games. The park features outstanding futuristic structures used for a variety of Olympic games, one more incredible than the other. Today, some of those buildings have been re-purposed but they are no less impressive. Go and enjoy the ambiance of Beijing's Olympic Park - feel the excitement of competition. 

The trendiest art district of Beijing is Dashanzi and to be more exact, the re-purposed electronics Factory 798 which has been turned into the epicenter of contemporary art and artistic life. This huge factory has been divided, rented out, refurbished into a huge arts complex with modern galleries, colorful artist studios, creative design companies, restaurants, bars and cafes.

The most important Tibetan temple outside of Tibet is the Lama Temple in Beijing. It is also one of the most beautiful and well-preserved temples in the city, a seat of the Lamaism religion of Tibetan Buddhism. The temple is indeed exquisite, featuring decadent artwork, outstanding architecture and numerous halls and pavilions showcasing symbolic relics and unique statues. A must see are the Hall of the Kings of Heaven and the impressive 18m high Buddha statue carved out of a single sandalwood piece.  

Built in 1302, the Confucius Temple in Beijing is the second largest one dedicated to the supreme teacher and philosopher whose doctrines lead public and private life in China for centuries. The temple is impressive with its architecture and stunning pictures of flying dragons, symbols of China's emperors. Pay attention to the 198 stone tablets in the front courtyard containing 51,624 names of advanced students (Jinshi) from the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties who were able to pass the highest educational exam. Then explore the 14 stone and steel pavilions with important historical information from the Ming and Qing dynasties. And finally, if you are not afraid, pass by the 700-year-old Chujian Bai (Touch Evil Cypress) which is believed to have the power to recognize good from bad people.

NanLuoGuXiang is the perfect blend between old and new! The less than a mile stretch showcases restored traditional houses now featuring charming boutique shops of arts and crafts, a huge variety of street food, nice small cafes and restaurants, along with an exciting bar scene. It is very crowded as it gained popularity among locals and tourists alike but nevertheless it is definitely worth a visit to experience the atmosphere. 

The Terracotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, is considered one of the most important and impressive archaeological finds of all times! Thousands of solder sculptures were unearthed in the Xian area, around the emperor's tomb and close to where his capital city was. Qin Shi Huangdi ordered to have his entire army made of clay and buried to accompany him in the afterlife. What is even more amazing is that each statue is life size and has its own distinctive facial features, expression, hair, clothes and carries a real weapon. This astonishing discovery depicts the reality of those glory days - the art of war and army formations, culture, clothes, and so much more. The entire site is now made into a museum, structures were erected around the Terracotta Warriors to shield them from the elements. Not all has been excavated and not all is on display but the most amazing site of a few thousand warriors in army line-up with their horses and weapons are open to see and admire.

The magnificent 7 story high Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a rare example of Tang Dynasty architecture and is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China. Originally built around 652 AD, the pagoda was used to store a wealth of Buddhist artifacts brought from India as well as an incredibly valuable Chinese translation of Buddhist writings. Each floor has a door opening in all four directions through which visitors can admire the incredible view of ancient Xian. The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is the centerpiece of the entire temple complex of Da Ci'En where the largest musical fountain in Asia was built as a jewel in its gardens.

A walk on the Xian City Wall is a walk through history. it is the oldest surviving, largest, most complete and best preserved city fortification in China. 

The Muslim Quarter in Xian is a reminder of the most flourishing times at the Silk Road when foreigners passed, traded, traveled and sometimes stayed in China. In Xian, to this day, the Muslim Quarter remains a vibrant community where beautiful mosques, ancient buildings, amazing food stalls and rich markets attract visitors every day.

China's greatest business and financial center, Shanghai, is also the country's symbol of modernity. The city's incredible skyline features state of the art skyscrapers, one taller and more amazing the other. Explore the big avenues and small streets, the lovely gardens and parks the lined up high-end fashion boutiques, world-class art galleries, antique stores and trendy restaurants. Famous as the birthplace of the Communist Party of China, Shanghai tells the story of how it came to be through evidence of history on each corner - visit the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, modern China's founding father, the French Concession or the traditional pagodas and preserved old towns.

The most stunning avenue of Shanghai is The Bund, the city's promenade, where each building along this one mile of architectural beauty is absolutely outstanding. The Bund originated as a British settlement where unique houses, banks and trading headquarters line the avenue, one more beautiful than the other in Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco and Neo-Classical styles. Walk along the riverside and marvel at this incredible beauty. Day or night, it is an outstanding sight!

Yu Garden of Shanghai is known as the Garden of Happiness, and it will definitely bring you happiness as you explore the gorgeous landscapes, traditional buildings and outstanding rock features. Over 400 years of history are concentrated in this heavenly green space, once the headquarters of the Company of the Little Swords, the leader of the uprising against foreign power. Admire the gorgeous Hall of Spring with its traditional ornate roof and beautiful details. Stop by the only surviving masterpiece of the garden master Zhang Nanyang and continue to explore the little pavilions, pagodas, bridges and delicate ponds.

One of the most important temples in Shanghai and China is the Jade Buddha Temple. It was named for the two Jade Buddha statues imported to the city and worshiped at this exquisite monastery. They, however, are not the only fascinating feature! Situated in the Grand Hall are the gold Buddha statues looking over from the high pedestal. Explore the halls and passages of the Jade Buddha Temple for more of its hidden treasures and feel free to converse and ask the monks and guides questions to better understand the religion and rituals of China.

The most recognizable landmark of Shanghai's skyline is the impressive 468-meters tall Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower. Not only that its design is outstanding and futuristic but it boasts some of the most stunning views of the city from the 15 observatory levels, spinning restaurant and 11 spheres along its body. Admire the incredible bird eye view of The Bunt and the busy Huangpu River then pump your adrenaline as you walk along the glass-floored, 350-meters high Space Module observation deck.

Huangpu River divides Shanghai into east and west bank, providing an incredible insight into the city's history and evolution throughout time. Board your vessel of choice and begin the voyage along the river. See the two majestic bridges - Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge - arching over the waters, admire the amazing skyline and architecture surrounding the banks and offering a sneak view into the old and the new. If you choose to cruise at night, you'll be a witness to the playful lights and bright displays, a sight to remember!

The shopping heaven of Shanghai is Nanjing Road! Busy stores, famous malls, street entertainment and restaurants line up the stretch between the People's Park to The Bund where you can find anything from high-end brands to street crafts and souvenirs. Crowds and crowds of people mingle among the craziness of this central shopping venue with its neon signs and street performers, make it even more interesting to experience.

One of the most charming Shanghai areas is the French Concession, with its beautiful old streets packed with small stores, cafes and restaurants. Established by the French colonists, the Tianzifang area as been transformed into the arts and crafts center of the city. Enjoy the low-key atmosphere as you explore the silk shops and oriental art galleries, then enjoy a traditional meal or a cup of coffee as you savor the surroundings.

The remarkable in size and architecture building which houses the Shanghai Museum is hard to miss. And it should not be missed! Not only that the shape itself incorporates Chinese traditions and believes, but the art inside is astonishing! Recognized and one of the very best art museums in the entire country, the Shanghai Museum features a rich collection of ancient and modern artifacts, ornate calligraphy and exquisite jade carvings, ink drawings and seals, bronzes and ceramics and so much more.