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.
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.
Originating as a large street market, the Xiushui Silk Market is now transformed into a newly built mall with many floors and thousands of vendors, expanding its size to fit the growing demand. The market is one of the most popular shopping areas in the city where silk robes, tailor made clothes, carpets, toys, jewelry, as well as traditional Chinese crafts, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings lure the crowds.
Just off of Tiananmen Square is one of the country's best museums, The National Museum of China. This expansive venue features an incredible wealth of art and artifacts of porcelain, jade, bronze and more. All of those are so well preserved and date back to a variety of periods in history.
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 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.
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.
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.
Off the shore of Beijing's biggest and most beautiful public lake, is Beihai Park, the Royal Winter Palace. This stunning area features green landscapes, ancient artifacts and spiritual pagodas. Beihai Park is the oldest royal garden in China with exquisite highlights such as the White Pagoda, the Jade Flower Island, the Round Ford from the Yuan Dynasty, the Nine-Dragon Wall, Wanfo Lou Tower, Iron Screen and more.
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.
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 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.
Just about 4 hours drive from Beijing is Datong, a historic city, which used to be the capital for 3 Chinese dynasties. Even thou it is located in the "coal capital" of the country, Datong has valuable historic treasures to display for its visitors.
Just about 4 hours drive from Beijing is Datong, a historic city, which used to be the capital for 3 Chinese dynasties. Even thou it is located in the "coal capital" of the country, Datong has valuable historic treasures to display for its visitors.
Just about 3 hours drive from Beijing, is Chengde. Known as the summer escape for generations of Qing emperors. The mountain city has important cultural and historic significance. It has been the place of many diplomatic relations meetings and important events from the public life in China.
Just about 3 hours drive from Beijing, is Chengde. Known as the summer escape for generations of Qing emperors. The mountain city has important cultural and historic significance. It has been the place of many diplomatic relations meetings and important events from the public life in China.
The ancient capital city of China hides a wealth of spiritual places which to this day provide tranquility, guidance and a spiritual escape from the busy daily life. Here are the most sacred temples of Beijing where Chinese history, philosophy and wisdom can be tracked to the antiquity.
The ancient capital city of China hides a wealth of spiritual places which to this day provide tranquility, guidance and a spiritual escape from the busy daily life. Here are the most sacred temples of Beijing where Chinese history, philosophy and wisdom can be tracked to the antiquity.
Here is the best way to explore the greatest highlights of Beijing in just 24 hours layover itinerary. Follow the line up below to get the essence of China's capital in just one full day of exploration and fun...
Here is the best way to explore the greatest highlights of Beijing in just 24 hours layover itinerary. Follow the line up below to get the essence of China's capital in just one full day of exploration and fun...
Shopaholics, get ready! Shopping in Beijing is incredible - you can find anything and everything - from the most exquisite and expensive goods to cheap and cool souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle! Bargaining is the name of the game and Chinese are really, really good at it. It is an entire shopping ritual until you set the price... May the games begin! Happy shopping!
Shopaholics, get ready! Shopping in Beijing is incredible - you can find anything and everything - from the most exquisite and expensive goods to cheap and cool souvenirs. Be prepared to haggle! Bargaining is the name of the game and Chinese are really, really good at it. It is an entire shopping ritual until you set the price... May the games begin! Happy shopping!
Every first time visitor to China has to experience the most famous, most significant and most historic places along the Golden Triangle: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai. That is the cradle of ancient history, modern society and diverse scenery. Yes, we know it is a tough choice how to experience such a vast country in such a short time... That is why, we suggest to start from the classics - those that will astonish you and leave you wanting more!
The 10 days trip itinerary below is ordered according to location, proximity and convenience of exploration: Beijing (5 days); Xian (2 days); Shanghai (3 days)
Every first time visitor to China has to experience the most famous, most significant and most historic places along the Golden Triangle: Beijing - Xian - Shanghai. That is the cradle of ancient history, modern society and diverse scenery. Yes, we know it is a tough choice how to experience such a vast country in such a short time... That is why, we suggest to start from the classics - those that will astonish you and leave you wanting more!
The 10 days trip itinerary below is ordered according to location, proximity and convenience of exploration: Beijing (5 days); Xian (2 days); Shanghai (3 days)