Travel Guide to Beijing, China

Beijing is the second largest city of China. But if Shanghai, taking the first place, is an economical and entertainment center of the country, Beijing is the cultural and political capital, which is growing and changing with a fantastic speed. Sometimes the whole areas change their look at once, and when Beijing got the status of the capital of Olympic Games, this process became even quicker. The combination of the dynamic development and a three-thousand history is the very thing that makes this city so attractive.

The Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China is one of the symbols of People's Republic of China and, of course, an impression of this country would be incomplete without having a look at this object. The closest section takes place at a 70-kilometer distance to the north from Beijing and is considered to be one of the most popular touristic places. It was totally restored and supplied with such facilities, as restaurants and hotels.

The Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the symbol of Beijing and the incarnation of the imperator's epoch. It was built during the rule of Min dynasty and during 500 years it served as the imperator's residence. Simple Chinese citizens were not allowed to get there. For two times the Forbidden City became the victim of marauding and damage: at first time during the attack of the Manchurians in 1664, the second attempt happened in 1949, when Kuomintang party took out the treasures of the Forbidden City to Taiwan.

It is supposed that in the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong the remains of Mao are kept. In some way they are the incarnation of the cult of Mao, which is still dominating in China. Nobody knows for sure, whether a wax figure or real relics of this great person are kept there. To get into the mausoleum, especially on holidays, one has to stand a long line.

The Tiananmen Square was created in 1652 and during the times of Mao it often served for various performances. But really famous in Europe this square became after the campus unrests of 1989, which were cruelly put down by the government. The Tiananmen Square is the center of Beijing. If to cross the street in the direction of the Forbidden City, you'll see the gates of the Tiananmen Square. Over them you'll find the marvelous image of Manchuria. The Old Summer Palace: unfortunately, just a little has left from this palace, that used to be one of the most fabulous and attractive buildings of China. It was almost completely ruined by French and British army during the Second Opium War of 1860. The palace was built in 12th century as an element of an enormous park territory to the north-west of Beijing.

The Summer Palace used to be the favorite place for thinking about the future of the country and simply having rest of Empress Ci Xi. It'll be a mistake to think that the beauty can be fully felt only in summer. In winter it still attracts many people with the harmony of the gardens, lake landscapes, hills and pavilions.

The park, which is 294 hectares large, is almost for three quarters covered with water. It's situated to the north-west of Beijing near the West Mountains at a 15-kilometer distance from the center. Since 1998 it was put in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Besides already named showplaces of Beijing, surely for many tourists of great interest are such sights, as the Beihai Park, the tombs of Thirteen, Marco Polo's Bridge and many other sightseeing attractions.

The best time visiting Beijing. Winter is the coldest time in Beijing, in summer it's quite hot and dry there, in spring you'll face with sandstorms, so the most suitable season for having a trip to Beijing is autumn.

Read more about Beijing:
Restaurants and cuisine in Beijing
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Beijing
Nightlife and attractions in Beijing
Preparing for Beijing: Advices
Beijing photogallery