Host to the 2008 Summer Olympics, China’s capital is packed with fascinating history, has some of the world’s best known landmarks and thrives with activity all year round, making it an intriguing visitor destination.
History: with a history stretching back to the 1st millennia BC, Beijing has passed hands under the rule of
dozens of dynasties over the years, but it was only during the Ming-era that the city took its current shape. It was in this period that prominent landmarks such as the Forbidden City (1406-1420) and the Temple of Heaven (1420) were constructed. Beijing held capital status throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties, with Nanjing holding the title during the 1930s until Beijing was once again nominated as the capital of the People’s Republic of China.
Sightseeing: the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties, is one of the city’s main attractions. Here visitors can see parts of the palace as they were during these eras and tour the Palace Museum. Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, houses Mao Zedong’s
mausoleum while the beautiful Temple of Heaven to the southeast of the square is a must-see, as is the Summer Palace, constructed during the Qing period. Trips to see the Great Wall are also high on most visitors’ itineraries.
Shopping: the 798 Art District is teeming with interesting galleries, while upmarket shopping is available at the modern Oriental Plaza along Wu Fu Jing street, the city’s most famous shopping street. For a greater choice in products, head to the second largest shopping mall in Asia, Golden Resources. Tourist orientated shopping can be found at Silk Street where jewellery, luggage and clothing are sold at tourist prices. Wherever you choose to shop, be prepared to bargain for a discount from the asking price.
Eating and drinking: dining out is typically inexpensive in Beijing, making trying new dishes something
visitors can really indulge in. Street food can be found on almost every road, as can local restaurants serving roasted duck, a Beijing speciality. Lamb hotpot also deserves to be tried, with diners responsible for cooking the food themselves. International cuisine is also popular in Beijing, with most hotel restaurants serving international dishes.
Where to stay: the city has a great selection of high-end hotels as well as an increasing number of budget hotels and hostels. Popular areas to stay include the area east of Dongzhimen station, where mid-range hotels can be found, and the city centre, on the eastern 3rd Ring Road, where international chain hotels such as the Grand Hyatt are located.
Getting there: Beijing Capital International Airport receives flights from all over the World, making getting to Beijing easy. Situated 16 miles from the city centre, the airport is connected to downtown Beijing by taxi and airport shuttle. The city is also well-connected by bus and rail, with Beijing and Beijing West railway stations having the best links. Additionally, the city has good road links, and visitors are now able to rent and drive vehicles in the city.
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