Top 10 Beijing Attractions

Beijing has plenty to offer travelers, from historic relics and monuments, to extraordinary markets, green spaces, and modern wonders. No matter what your interests or tastes are, you are bound to find something breathtaking in this magnificent city. While there are many things to see and do, some attractions stand above the rest. Here are the top 10 Beijing attractions to see during your stay.

Great Wall

You can't go to Beijing without climbing the Great Wall. There are eight sections of the Wall in the city, and they were very well preserved, making them a top 10 Beijing attraction. For a great souvenir, you can get a plaque to commemorate your climb at one of the Great Wall's gift shops.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square has played a significant role in China's history, and its open space has hosted many parades, processions, and gatherings. It lies in the heart of Beijing, and it is the largest city square in the world. Come for the raising and lowering of the Chinese flag at sunrise and sunset, and see why this is a top 10 Beijing attraction.

Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is one of the best places to begin your exploration of the history of Beijing. This enormous palace was built approximately six centuries ago, and its 9,000 rooms are a testament to the grandeur of Chinese ruling dynasties. Book a group tour on your exploration, or go solo and rent a guided tour on tape.

Temple of Heaven

As one of China's most holy sites, the Temple of Heaven resides amongst the top 10 Beijing attractions. It was used as a sacrificial religious location, and its altars to the Earth, Moon, Sun, and Heaven have seen many offerings in the five centuries that the Temple has been in existence. Today, visitors will be as interested in the sobering history of the Temple of Heaven as they will the many people who arrive in the morning to practice kung fu and other martial arts. Make sure to snap a few pictures of the cypress trees, some of which are even older than the Temple.

The Bird's Nest

The Bird's Nest is one of the newest top 10 Beijing attractions; it was built as the new national stadium for the 2008 Summer Olympics. It holds 80,000 spectators, and its breath-taking architecture make it a must-see – when you first lay your eyes upon it, you'll quickly understand why the name 'Bird's Nest' is so fitting.

Beijing Zoo

Two words: panda bears. The Beijing Zoo is a popular destination, especially amongst families, for its cuddly, black and white pandas. The zoo has more than 600 other species as well, including many that are rare or unique to China.

National Aquatics Center

Like the Bird's Nest, the National Aquatics Center was built as a state of the art venue for the Beijing Olympics. It housed the Games' swimming and diving events, and it remains a top 10 Beijing attraction for its remarkable design. It was designed to resemble a water molecule, and its membranous exterior is a sight to behold.

Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are actually located about 30 miles outside of the city, but they remain a top 10 Beijing attraction for their ease of access and importance to Chinese history. They house the remains of 13 of the 17 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, and two of the tombs have been excavated and opened to the public. Head to the Ming Tombs to explore this interesting aspect of the country's history.

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is one of the best examples of China's artistic expression through gardens, and it is a must-see attraction. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is has been excellently preserved for visitors to come and relax amidst its pavilions, greenery, and large lake.

Beijing Capital Museum

Beijing has many museums, and its best it the Beijing Capital Museum. It has 13 exhibitions at any given time, each one focusing on very different aspects of life and culture. You'll find exhibits dedicated to Chinese culture, art from around the world, and history. Admission is also very affordable.

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