Amanda PhillipsThe turn of Chinese New Year has turned the world’s collective eyes towards this iconic Asian country. If the UK celebrations have piqued your interest in travelling to China at some point, we’d recommend Beijing. The capital city has an impressive historical influence on the rest of the country and is fuelled by its distinctive culture. While travelling through this large urban sprawl, we suggest making a pit stop at these 10 must-sees.
1. Forbidden City
This is likely already on your list, but if it’s not we strongly recommend it. It is located in the centre of Beijing, and has been the political centre of China for over 500 years. The complex consists of 980 buildings include the Palace Museum, which is the most visited art museum in the world.
2. Workers Culture Palace
Before you arrive in Forbidden City, you’ll pass what is considered to be this hidden gem of an attraction. Once upon a time this was the emperor’s premier place of worship and is home to the Sacrificial Hall – a temple as grand as any other in Beijing but without dense tourist crowds.
3. Temple of Heaven
This Taoist temple is an intricate complex of religious buildings found in the Chongwen District of Central Beijing. It was constructed between 1406 and 1420 and remains one of China’s largest existing ancient sacrificial buildings – and is larger than Forbidden City.
4. Beihai Park
Recognised as the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China, you’ll find Beihai Park in the centre of Beijing. It clocks in at 175 acres – most of which is taken up by a gorgeous lake – and is home to four main scenic gardens: the Eastern Shore Area, the Northern Shore Area, the Botanical Garden and the Circular City.
5. Tiananmen Square
Located in the city centre, it would be difficult to not include Tiananmen Square in your daily itineraries. Clocking in as the largest city square in the world, it can hold 1 million people at once and its boundaries are lined with culturally important attractions.
6. Bell and Drum Tower
These two iconic towers are hard to miss as you wander through the city of Beijing. They’ve been a prominent part of the city structure since 1272 and made their mark in Chinese history for helping residents tell the time when there was no other means. Visitors can explore the inside of the building and examine the large drum and bell that baselined the atmosphere of the city for years.
7. National Museum of China
On the eastern edges of Tiananmen Square, lies the most inclusive collection of artefacts celebrating China’s history and culture. There’s a total of 48 exhibit halls with the two mains ones being dedicated to Ancient China and The Road to Rejuvenation.
8. Capital Museum
The Capital Museum is smaller than some of its Beijing counterparts, however it is still worth a visit in its own right. There are 5,622 pieces of cultural relics on exhibition, many of which were unearthed in Beijing itself in 1949.
9. Lama Temple
Considered the most renowned Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet, the Lama Temple is a beautiful example of extravagant Asian architecture. It was once the residence of Emperor Yong Zheng, and to this day remains an active place of worship.
10. Hòuhǎi Lakes
Sometimes referred to as Shíchàhǎi, this small collection of lakes is one of the city’s most popular outdoor spots. During the day visitors can fish, fly kites or fit in a daily workout with the exercise machines scattered along the banks. As night falls the various restaurants, bars and cafés spring into life with buzzing crowds and plenty of karaoke!