The 13 essential things to do in Beijing

Are you going to visit Beijing? Here are the 13 essential things to do and see in the capital of the People's Republic of China!

Visiting Beijing is discovering a gargantuesque metropolis where you mix, at every corner of the street, modernism and tradition. With its twenty-one million inhabitants, Beijing, whose Chinese name Beijing means city of the north, is the second most populous city in China after Shanghai, its great economic rival.

Located in the extreme northeast of China, Beijing has been the centre of political and cultural power for more than eight hundred years. It was in 1421 that the city became the great capital of the Empire, while the Ming, the most famous dynasty of Chinese history, decided to transfer their administration there.

Since then, Beijing has been growing rapidly and has become a global political, cultural and academic centre. The world is now at the pace of the capital of the People’s Republic.

Are you wondering what to do in Beijing? Here are the thirteen essential things to discover in one of the most intriguing cities of the planet.

1. The Great Wall of China

No way to visit Beijing without looking at one of the Seven wonders of the world , ranked in 1987 by Unesco to the world heritage of humanity. This gigantic military fortification of more than eight thousand eight hundred and fifty kilometers is visible from the Moon. It was built and rebuilt repeatedly between the III and the 17th century to protect the northern border of China.

The most visited sections of Badaling and Mutianyu offer breathtaking views. More difficult to access, the Jinshanling section allows a more confidential ride and is truly worth a visit.

2. The Forbidden City

It would be a shame to visit Beijing without going to the old residence of the emperors, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. China Political Centre, China Prohibition was built in the 15th century by an emperor of the Ming Dynasty, on the model of the traditional Chinese houses, the Siheyuan. This exceptional building, symbol of Chinese architectural know-how, is one of the most imposing palaces in the world, extending over no less than seventy-two hectares and composed of fifty-two gardens. Until 1924, the Forbidden City was exclusively reserved for the Emperor, his family and their servants. The population was not even allowed to look at it!

3. Tian’anmen Square

What to do in Beijing? Without hesitation, go to the place Tian’anmen one of the largest public places in the world with its four hundred and forty square miles. Every year, on 1 October, it hosts the military parade of the national holiday.

Just a few steps from the Forbidden City, you can admire the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the father of the People's Republic. If you are early, go to the dawn on the square to attend the flag lift.

4. Summer Palace

Want to find a little calm and serenity? See you at Summer Palace and its vast park of two hundred and eighty hectares, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape art. You can admire the exquisite refinement of the middle Empire, stroll along the lake or, why not, opt for a boat ride, a friendly activity to do in Beijing with family.

5. The Temple of Heaven

If you only have one temple to visit in Beijing, opt for it Temple of Heaven , located southeast of Tian’anmen Square. Built in 1420 by the Emperor Yongle according to the principles of Chinese cosmology, this temple was considered the place of passage to the heavenly world. The emperors there celebrated all kinds of rituals and sacrifices to implore the sky to give them good crops.

After admiring the majesty of the traditional Chinese architecture, take the time to walk in the splendid park that encircles the temple.

6. The temple of Lamas

If Buddhist culture interests you, the temple of Lamas is a visit not to be missed. Built in 1694 as an imperial home of Prince Tongzhen, the dazzling Lamas temple was transformed into a residence for Tibetan monks in 1744. During the cultural revolution launched by Mao, he was threatened with destruction and was justly saved. Today it is one of the most famous Buddhist temples outside Tibet. You can discover exceptional treasures of Buddhist art or observe the monks vacant to their occupations.

7. The National Museum of China

What to do in Beijing on a rainy day? Turn around National Museum of China , located east of Tian’anmen Square, to learn more about the culture and history of this gigantic country.

8. Ming tombs

Meeting 50 kilometers from Beijing to observe them tombs of the greatest emperor dynasty that China knew. To access the mausoleums classified as Unesco’s world heritage, you will have to borrow the sacred Way that crosses the valley for seven kilometers. Thirteen emperors and twenty-three imperatives rest here, but only three tombs are accessible to the public.

9. The Hutongs

Want to stroll through the streets of Beijing? Sprinkle bikes and take the direction of Hutongs . These small streets, eight hundred years old, are composed of small traditional houses, the Siheyuan, including an inner square courtyard, all connected to each other by galleries. It emerges from these alleys an authentic atmosphere, opposite the frenzy reigning in the recent quarters of the city.

10. Olympic Park

Sports lovers, during your visit to Beijing, do not hesitate to visit Olympic Park , symbol of the economic power of contemporary China. You can admire the National Stadium, also known as the bird's nest because of its original form. This is the largest stainless steel structure ever built, resistant to any earthquake. Inaugurated at the 2008 Olympic Games, it can accommodate up to eighty-one thousand spectators.

11. Beijing Aquarium

L’ Beijing Aquarium Will delight the big ones and the little ones. The largest aquarium in China, you can see dolphins, belugas, sharks and many varieties of fish. And if you still have a little time, go to the zoo to observe giant pandas, considered in China as a national treasure.

12. The duck lacquered

No way to visit Beijing without tasting the famous lacquered duck! Many restaurants offer this traditional Peruvian recipe. Developed under the Ming dynasty, it becomes a traditional dish under the last imperial Qing dynasty and still remains one of China’s emblematic dishes.

13. Wangfujing Street

Are you looking for a souvenir to bring back in your luggage? street Wangfujing is the largest pedestrian street in China, addict shopping paradise offering traditional boutiques, international brands and luxury shops. Shopping hours in perspective! Wait until the sun goes down and walks through the Wangfujing Snack Street to taste the traditional fried scorpion pins or Doufunao, a melting and tasty tofu jelly.

How to go to Beijing?

Several companies offer direct flights from Paris. Count ten hours and about seven hundred euros for a ticket on a regular company. In order not to be taken by visa deadlines and in order to benefit from the best rates, we advise you to book your flights in advance by comparing the Compare of flights Ulysses .

Beijing-Capital International Airport is only twenty-seven kilometres from the city centre. Once on site, several options are available to you to reach the centre:

• The fastest way to get to Beijing from the airport is to borrow theAirport Expressconnected to several metro lines.
• ♪ taxi, you will have to count a little over forty minutes and the invoice can quickly rise due to frequent traffic jams.
• For those with a tighter budget, many buses serve the city centre regularly for only two euros.

Where to stay in Beijing?

If you go to Beijing, you will only have the embarrassment of choosing between the different types of accommodation. Take a look at this Compare hotels and make your choice according to your wishes and budget.

Beijing is a gigantic city. In order not to waste too much time in transport, we advise you to stay close to the tourist attractions of the city. The Shichahai district is a good choice if you like authenticity. Opt for a stay in the Hutongs and discover the Beijing daily. You like trendy neighborhoods, choose accommodation in Dongcheng. You can easily enjoy all the must-sees of the city. To learn more, read our article on the best areas to stay in Beijing .

Do you know Beijing? Share your musts in comment!