

There is no other city in the world like Beijing.įrom some of the most impressive structures ever built in the ancient world to the hutongs (胡同 narrow alleyways) that are the city’s heart and soul, this is a city of contradictions, chaos and a healthy dollop of China.īeijing is most famous for the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Hutongs. Best Luxury Accommodation In Beijing – The Orchid.Best Mid-range Accommodation In Beijing – The Emperor.Best Accommodation For Couples In Beijing – Ming Courtyard Hotel.Best Hostel In Beijing – Peking International Youth Hostel.24) Explore One of Beijing’s Many Hidden Temples.22) Get Stuck into Bargaining Around Xidan.

21) Take a Wander Down the Foreign Legation Quarter.19) Find All Manner of Awesome Stuff at the Panjiayuan Antiques Market.14) Take a Wander Through the City’s Hutongs.13) See Where Many Historians Say World War 2 Started.12) Be Amazed by the Stunning Frescos at Fahai Si.10) Wander Around the Ruins of the Old Summer Palace.7) Escape the Crowds at the Confucius Temple and Imperial College.5) Get Lost Wandering Around the National Museum of China.4) Take a Relaxing Wander Around Jingshan Park.1) See The Flag-Lowering Ceremony At Tiananmen Square.The Peoples Republic of China was formed and power was back in Beijing.Īs China continues it’s rapid ascension to the upper echelons of the geopolitical tower this only enhances the importance, power and prestige of Beijing. So it was fitting that in 1949 Chairman Mao’s People Liberation Army marched into Beijing and Mao himself stood atop the gate of heavenly peace saying the Chinese people had stood up. What followed was the Civil War, the Japanese invasion and more Civil War.īeijing was at the centre of this change and strife. Wars, unequal treaties and poor governance lead to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and Imperial China. READ MORE: Check out our comprehensive China travel guide if you’re planning a visit! Over the course of the 1800’s China and Beijing’s fortunes reversed. The city was a great power until the industrial revolution when the colonial powers came knocking on China’s door demanding it open for trade.Īt this point, Beijing was the seat of power, and the Forbidden City was the centre of the known universe and the heart of one of the largest empires on earth. Walls, palaces and temples have been knocked down and replaced as the city grew from a small settlement to one of the largest cities on earth.īeijing’s history is intertwined with the story of China. There are so many awesome things to do, that you will be spoilt for choice.īeijing is a city that has changed constantly throughout its history. It became my home in a way I never imagined and to this day it is still my favourite city in the world. I first visited Beijing back in 2008 just before the Beijing Olympics and I loved it so much that I returned in 2011 and lived there for over 7 years. Welcome to one of the most awe-inspiring, mind-blowing and just plain crazy cities on the face of the earth.īeijing has everything: history, culture, stunning scenery, food and a healthy dose of culture shock. From exploring the Forbidden City to walking along the famous Great Wall of China, here is our list of the absolute best things to do in Beijing.
