Beijing

China

Explore Beijing, China

Home > Destinations > China > Places > Beijing, China

Why Beijing?

China's illustrious capital is a must-see destination

Located in northern China, Beijing, formerly known as Peking, is the country's capital and the world's third most populated city. As the nation’s political and cultural centre, it is home to the headquarters of most of China's big state-owned companies and houses the largest number of Fortune Global 500 companies in the world, as well as the world's four biggest financial institutions. Combining both modern and traditional architecture, Beijing is one of the oldest cities in the world, with a rich history dating back three millennia. With mountains surrounding the inland city on three sides, in addition to the old inner and outer city walls, Beijing was strategically poised and developed to be the residence of the emperor and was the perfect location for the imperial capital. The city is renowned for its opulent palaces, temples, parks, gardens, tombs, walls and gates. It has seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Zhoukoudian, and parts of the Great Wall and the Grand Canal, which are all popular locations for tourism. Siheyuans, the city's traditional housing style, and hutongs, the narrow alleys between siheyuans, are major tourist attractions and are common in urban areas. Beijing is an ancient city with a modern face, you can enjoy everything fine dining in Michelin star restaurants, to delicious street food costing next to nothing.

Tiananmen beijing Panorama china
Olympic Park Beijing China
Peking duck Beijing China

Beijing Highlights

Here we have selected a few of the sights and experiences that you really should see on a visit to Beijing.

Beijing, China

The Great Wall

A must-see sight for anyone visiting China, The Great Wall is a series of fortifications made of stone, brick, tamped earth, wood, and other materials, running in an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China to protect the Chinese states and empires against the raids and invasions of the nomadic groups of the Eurasian Steppe. The first sections were built as early as the 7th century BC, which were joined together and made bigger and stronger to form The Great Wall, as we know it today. The best-preserved and most imposing section of the Great Wall is at Badaling, to the north-west of Beijing. During a typical Links Travel tour you will visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is not as crowded as the Badaling section. You can take a ski lift up onto the Wall and an enthralling toboggan ride back down, if you wish.

Beijing, China

The Forbidden City

This palace complex in central Beijing, was the former Chinese imperial palace from the Ming dynasty, right through to the end of the Qing dynasty. It now houses the Palace Museum, and is near the top of the list for all visitors to Beijing. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, its palatial architectural style has been an influence on many imperial buildings throughout Asia. The galleries display an extensive collection of art and artefacts from the Ming and Qing dynasty.

Beijing, China

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is within the top ten largest city squares in the world, is able to hold one million people, and is a place of great cultural significance within China. Named after the Tiananmen ("Gate of Heavenly Peace") located to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City, the square contains the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. The daily flag-raising and lowering ceremonies held at dawn and dusk performed by guards to the national anthem are well worth seeing.

Beijing, China

The Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese gardens, architecture and palaces . The grounds cover a large area centred around the majestic Longevity Hill, set in the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, it is popular with both tourists and locals.

Beijing, China

Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven was originally built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, underwent numerous reconstructions during the Qing Dynasty. set in 267 hectares of parkland and surrounded by a wall with a gate at each compass point, the temple was used by Ming & Qing emperors as a sacrificial site during the Winter Solstice. In 1998 the Temple of Heaven was added to UNESCO’S World Cultural Heritage list.

Beijing, China

Hutongs

The Hutong Tour is a unique cultural experience offering you a glimpse of traditional local life. The famous Hutongs, or alleyways, are unique housing structures that have been home to Beijing’s families for centuries. A “Hutong” is an ancient, narrow city alley or lane formed by “Si He Yuan” – a four sided courtyard.

Beijing, China

Olympic Stadium

This magnificent piece of modern architecture was the focal point for the spectacular 2008 Summer Olympic Games track and field events, as well as the opening and closing ceremony’s, is also known as the “Birds Nest”. Since the Olympics, visitors may enter to see the stadium from the inside.

Beijing, China

The Water Cube

This iconic building was built for use in the 2008 Beijing Olympics and is now known as the Beijing National Aquatics Centre.

Beijing, China

Beihai Park

One of China’s oldest, largest and best preserved ancient imperial gardens, this is the place local Beijingers of all ages come to relax, walk, jog, practice tai-chi etc. The centre of the park comprises a magnificent lake upon which the imposing White Dagoba stands, as the parks main landmark. The mixture of ancient monuments and modern exhibitions make this the ideal place to explore Beijing’s history, culture and natural beauty

Beijing, China

Lama Temple

The Lama Temple is the largest and best maintained example of a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. It was built in 1694 as a residential palace for Prince Yin Zheng, then when he became emperor and moved to the Forbidden City, the building was converted to a temple. In 1744 it became a lamasery housing Buddhist monks from Tibet and Inner Mongolia. Today it is an active Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

Beijing, China

Wangfujing Night Market

Try a taste of traditional Chinese street food in this bustling night market, exotic delicacies that you certainly won’t find at home, are in abundant here. The central location makes it easy to reach from most parts of town. With most of the street pedestrianised, it’s great to explore by foot.

A selection of our tours to Beijing

  • China Essential single supp flash other
    China Group Tour Culture

    China Essential

    A 10 day small group tour of China's three main cities - Beijing, Xian and Shanghai

    View this package
  • China Group Tour Culture

    China Dreams

    Visit the the must-see cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, and cruise along the Li River

    View this package
  • Great Wall china
    China Group Tour Cruise

    China Highlights

    China Highlights includes two of China’s most scenic rivers - the Yangtze River, and the beautiful Li River.

    View this package
{{title}}

{{excerpt}}

Read more

We’re here to listen to your needs so if you need to chat, then why not email us or pick up the phone, we will be happy to help.

EMAIL US
info@linkstravelandtours.co.uk
PHONE
020 8543 8133
Make an enquiry