Beijing Top 10 Things to Do, Great Wall to Tiananmen

Apr 25, 2010
Solange Hando

Great Wall of China near Beijing - www.morguefile.com

Beijing has moved wholeheartedly into the 21st century but among top attractions are imperial palaces and temples and century old traditions.

With its flyovers, luxury hotels, Olympic Stadium and more, Beijing epitomises the new China, on a par with Shanghai, Guangzhou or Hong Kong, but most visitors are drawn by a colourful imperial past. From the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace or the Great Wall, tales of emperors or Mongol invaders rise to the surface and architectural wonders continue to amaze. The city walls have gone but ancient gates still rise on the edge of Tiananmen Square.

Top Things to Do, Explore Beijing Palaces and Temples

The Forbidden City is a must, a vast stunning complex, home to emperors for nearly 500 years. Stroll down the marble avenue carved with dragons, marvel at the bridges over Golden Water and allow plenty of time to wander through palaces and gardens.
Spend a relaxing afternoon in the grounds of the Summer Palace with its glistening lake, pavilions and temples. Look out for the Marble Boat, the Long Corridor, claiming over 14000 paintings, and the Tower of Fragrance on Longevity Hill.
Join the tai chi adepts by the Temple of Heaven in the early morning then explore this fabulous complex where Ming emperors prayed for good harvests. See the 28 decorated pillars and the circular caisson ceiling with phoenix and dragon.
Visit the Ming Tombs in Chang Ling, the resting place of 13 emperors. Main sights include the Spirit Way lined with statues, the Ding Ling treasures and the sacrificial Hall of Eminent Favour.

Discover the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen and Beijing Olympic Stadium

See the Great Wall of China in Badaling, a busy spot but easy to access from Beijing. Walk along the ramparts past watchtowers and beacons and enjoy superb views over the mountains. Sturdy footwear and water are essential for the steep climb.
Linger on Tiananmen Square where the 1989 uprising has left no visible scars. See the gate where Chairman Mao proclaimed the People’s Republic and the mausoleum where his embalmed remains are on view. Then take a breath of fresh air and watch the locals flying kites on the square.
Take a look at the National Stadium built for the 2008 Olympics. Known as the bird’s nest, Beijing's Olympic Stadium was inspired by a study of Chinese ceramics and is said to symbolise hope for the future. The National Aquatic Centre, or Water Cube, is also worth seeing.

Relax in Traditional Beijing, Enjoy Chinese Opera and Peking Duck

Grasp the once in a lifetime chance to see a real Chinese Opera. It’s striking, colourful and includes all sorts, acrobats, 'painted faces', comic characters. Themes relate to Chinese history and literature and there are traditional costumes and instruments.
Taste Peking duck, mouth watering slivers of meat, marinated and roasted, individually wrapped in a steamed pancake with scallions and cucumber. Guests prepare their own, testing their skills at handling chopsticks.
Shop for lacquerware, lidded cups, silk, calligraphy and Chinese paintings. There are gleaming malls such as the Oriental Plaza and bustling markets brimming with antiques, from screens and statues to carpets or furniture. Purchase with care.