Overview

Beijing is most well known for its role in China’s imperialism, so, when most people imagine a trip to Beijing, they picture a city full of temples and palaces fit for emperors. And, while these ancient buildings still stand, they are now situated among the skyscrapers and freeways that make Beijing one of China’s most modern cities. Northern Beijing is the home of the Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, the most visited and scenic section of the old barrier between dynasties. Mid-Beijing is home to the Forbidden City -- the Chinese imperial palace during the mid-Ming and the Qing Dynasties -- now a World Heritage site. North of the Forbidden City lies Tiananmen Square, home of the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. In western Beijing lies the Summer Palace, another World Heritage site, and one of the top destinations in China known for its combination of breathtaking natural and manmade scenery.

Historical and Architectural Attractions

A trip to Beijing would be incomplete without taking the time to revel in the sheer beauty and immensity of the city’s historical landmarks. Beijing is home to many World Heritage sites, including the Summer Palace, the Great Wall of China, the Ming Dynasty Tombs, the Peking Man Site at Zhoukoudian, and the Temple of Heaven. It’s the enrapturing combination of brilliant architecture combined with striking landscape that makes these destinations an absolute must-see (and photograph) for tourists.

Nightlife

If you can’t leave Beijing without a souvenir, you’ll want to experience Wangfujing Street. The road is closed to automobile traffic because of the high-congestion of shoppers, and, instead, shoppers travel on foot from one amazing shop to another. Wangfujing is home to around 280 brands of Beijing, such as Shengxifu hat store, Tongshenghe shoe shop, Wuyutai tea house. Most of Beijing’s nightclubs and bars are located in Sanlitun, Houhai, and Yuandadu. In these places, bars generally stay open until 4am. For those looking for the hottest dance club in Beijing, check out NASA nightclub, a disco that is packed to the max every night of the week.

Special Events

In 2008, Beijing will host the Summer Olympics. Travelers interested in the Olympic Games may choose to visit Beijing during this time; however, travelers looking to visit when the city will be less congested (keep in mind that it’s already the 2nd most populated city in China) may not want to consider planning a trip to the city during the months prior to and just after those summer months.

Jessica Elliott
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