On this private tour of Beijing, you’ll witness some of its iconic sites. From the Great Wall to the Forbidden City, these are sights you won’t want to miss!
The Great Wall of China is an ancient defensive system spanning over 3,000 miles through northern China. Hiking or taking a cable car for an aerial view are both great ways to discover this historic site.
The Great Wall
The Great Wall of China, stretching thousands of miles across Asia, is one of the world’s most striking monuments. Constructed to protect China from invaders, it also symbolizes national pride and unity within its people.
Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, constructed the Great Wall when China was divided into many distinct states. He united all these fortifications into one massive wall which was strengthened and extended by successive emperors.
Although the exact length of the Great Wall remains uncertain, experts estimate it to be over 50,000 kilometers (31,000 miles). Constructed out of various materials like rammed earth and wood as well as brick and stone, the wall stands tall above all else.
It is believed that a vast number of people contributed to its construction – peasants, slaves, criminals and others who weren’t treated well. Some scientists estimate up to 1 million died during its erection.
In the Ming Dynasty, the Great Wall was seen as a symbol of national pride. Not only was it built to defend China against invasions from northern tribes and foreigners, but it also shielded the Chinese Empire against disease, fires, and earthquakes.
Today, sections of the Great Wall can be found throughout China. Some are close to Beijing while others lie much further away.
Popular sections of the Great Wall include Badaling, Jiankou and Simatai – all within a few hours from Beijing and offering stunning views.
For a more authentic experience on the Wall, Gubeikou and Jinshanling are two sections located 130km (80 mi) northeast of Beijing that offer less crowding than other sections.
Consider taking a guided tour for added peace of mind. A knowledgeable guide can help you avoid tourist traps and navigate any unexpected road closures that may arise while hiking on the wall.
For the most picturesque views of the Great Wall, spring or autumn are ideal times to visit. However, be aware that some sections are closed to climbing during these months.
The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City, situated in the center of Beijing, has been China’s imperial palace for over five centuries. Home to 24 emperors from the Ming Dynasty through to the Qing Dynasty, it plays an essential role in Chinese culture and history.
Constructed during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City served as a focal point of political and economic power in ancient China. Its architecture was inspired by numerous cultural traditions.
The Forbidden City offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to explore, and its sheer size will leave you in awe. It serves as an excellent opportunity to learn about Chinese history and culture.
After entering the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you’ll find yourself in an expansive courtyard. Here, you can explore several star attractions like Hall of Martial Valour and Furniture Gallery; both buildings host exhibitions throughout the year and the furniture gallery boasts an impressive collection of antiques.
Beyond the gates lies an inner court composed of three palaces. These were Emperor Domingo’s living quarters and are organized in a series of symmetrical buildings along a central axis that runs throughout the entire complex.
Next, explore the Imperial Garden – a 3 acre (1.2 hectare) park designed entirely with organic elements. Its unique architecture sets it apart from other parts of Forbidden City and makes for a great spot to unwind and relax.
The Forbidden City boasts numerous art galleries, featuring paintings, porcelains, bronze vessels, handicrafts from the Ming and Qing dynasties, inscriptions, toys, the four treasures of the study and clocks – one of the world’s greatest collections of cultural relics.
Another must-see attraction is the Hall of Literary Brilliance. Here you can view the works of renowned writers and artists from this era as well as explore its small museum filled with books and other materials that demonstrate its splendour.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square, situated in the heart of Beijing, is one of the most iconic landmarks worldwide. For centuries it has been an integral part of Chinese history and culture, hosting many significant events.
In April 1989, students across China began gathering in the square to mourn the passing of liberal Communist Party leader Hu Yaobang and express their dissatisfaction with a lack of reform. Protests spread quickly throughout cities throughout China due to growing concerns about corruption and political/economic repression.
On 20 May, the government declared martial law to stop student protesters from entering the square. This led to a series of violent clashes between government troops and armed civilians. On June 3-4, tanks and heavily armed troops entered the square, crushing protesters with terrible human cost.
As the army moved in, it opened fire on unarmed citizens. Soldiers wield AK-47s loaded with battlefield ammunition, killing or maiming hundreds of people and injuring many more.
The Tiananmen massacre, widely regarded as a political disaster in China, ignited international outrage and resulted in both diplomatic and economic sanctions. It marked an abrupt change in China’s political trajectory.
Though China’s government has made significant efforts to promote democracy, the country still lags behind most Western nations in terms of democratic advancements. It is frequently accused of repression and violations of human rights – particularly against its own citizens.
Despite these obstacles, a few brave souls have persisted in fighting for their rights. These individuals are testaments to the Tiananmen Movement and provide us with hope for the future of this remarkable nation.
These activists, lawyers and journalists are not only true icons of the movement but they have a powerful message to share with the world today. They continue to fight for constitutional rights and are helping young Chinese break away from their political apathy.
In China, where the Communist Party remains in control of vast amounts of power, these activists offer us all hope. Their courage will hopefully pave the way towards a better China for decades to come.
The Summer Palace
The Summer Palace in Beijing, China is an expansive complex of lakes, gardens and palaces used as an imperial garden during the Qing dynasty. Covering an area of 2.9 square kilometres (1 sq mi), it includes Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake and Seventeen Hole Bridge.
Emperor Qianlong originally built this museum in 1750, but it was later rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi in 1903. Nowadays it serves as a national treasure with 107,000 visitors per day, contributing to our understanding of China’s many wonders.
The Summer Palace was composed of many distinct sections, each offering its own charm. Some were intended for living and relaxation while others served as offices or administrative hubs.
As you stroll around the garden, you’ll come across numerous pavilions and halls that are worth exploring. Additionally, there are bridges that cross over the lake for scenic views of both the garden and its surrounding landscape.
One of the most stunning and captivating parts of the Summer Palace is the Garden of Virtue and Harmony. This area consists of temples and pavilions inspired by Chinese mythology.
The main attraction of the garden is the Great Stage, where Peking Opera performances were held. It’s an expansive open area adorned with stunning statues.
Other highlights include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, an intricate and delicate structure considered a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. Situated centrally on ‘front hill’ area, it served as the site where Queen Mother welcomed guests and conducted grand ceremonies.
Another highlight is the Pavilion of Precious Clouds, situated west of the Tower of Buddhist Incense in the Summer Palace. This iconic structure was inspired by Suzhou’s bronze pavilions and features an unique architectural style.
Another popular attraction in the Summer Palace is the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, connecting Kunming Lake and Nanhu Island to the east. This bridge has been graced with thousands of lions carved onto its columns for a truly picturesque sight.