Beijing is the capital city of China. It was also formerly called Peking. This city has some of the most popular destinations for travelers. Not only does it have beautiful and historical sites, it is also rich in culture. To learn the top 5 best places to visit in Beijing, continue reading below.
1. The Great Wall of China
You can climb this wall at Badaling and Juyongguan. You can also do the same at Mutianyu Simatai, and even Jinshanling. There are other sections that you can go through. The Great Wall goes as far as the Ming Dynasty. It is listed under UNESCO as a site of heritage in 1987. Those who plan to go hiking should prepare good foot gear. At the same time, it is advisable to pack sun block or a heavy coat depending on the weather.
2. The Forbidden City
This city is also called the Imperial Palace Museum. It was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and is known for its building made out of wood. The construction is complex and it has been preserved well. It's also the biggest all over the world. It has rooms of more than 9,000 and was built on more than 250 acres. To learn stories about the palace, it is advisable to have a travel guide; if this is not possible, there are recorders that you can borrow. The structure of it reflects the Chinese touch in architecture when it comes to palaces.
3. Temple of Heaven
The emperors used this place to make their sacrifices. This was a place wherein emperors prayed to have a good harvest. It is the largest temple used for sacrificing in China. This temple's construction began in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty. There are many cypress trees still standing which are more than 600 years old. Although this is a sacred venue, many people come to this place to do some exercises like kung fu and even play cards or music.
4. Tiananmen Square
This is a site well known to hold many major events in history, especially protests. It is the biggest square all over the world by having more than 100 acres of land. Many parades also go through this area. This is an area where you can see the ceremony of the flag of China being raised and lowered.
5. Summer Palace
This was built in 1750 and is a preserved garden during the imperial times. It is made out of Wanshou Hill and Kunming Lake. One can see the creativity that the Chinese had in making gardens. It is also known for the relics collected in the area and is a World Heritage since 1998. This is the largest one in China and used by previous emperors as a resort. It is also called "Royal Garden Museum."
A traveler desiring to visit China for its scenic, historical, and cultural qualities should book a Beijing tour. There are many kinds of Beijing tours available. Simply visit this site for more information.
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