Beijing Travel Guide - Discover the Ancient Capital

About Beijing

The Ancient Capital

Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, is a city where ancient traditions meet modern innovations. With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Beijing has served as the political, cultural, and educational center of China for centuries.

Formerly known as Peking, the city is home to some of China's most iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. These historical sites, along with numerous museums, parks, and cultural institutions, make Beijing a fascinating destination for visitors from around the world.

Today, Beijing is a vibrant metropolis with a population of over 21 million people. It boasts a thriving economy, world-class infrastructure, and a diverse culinary scene that ranges from traditional Beijing cuisine to international fare.

Established 1045 BC

Historical Sites

Home to 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Culinary Delights

Famous for Peking Duck and traditional snacks

Local Culture

Experience authentic Beijing Opera and folk arts

Modern City

Skyscrapers, shopping malls, and vibrant nightlife

Top Attractions

Forbidden City

The imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring 980 buildings and 9,999 rooms. It served as the home of emperors for nearly 500 years.

Open: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Great Wall of China

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall stretches over 13,000 miles. The Badaling section near Beijing is the most popular for visitors.

Open: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Temple of Heaven

A complex of religious buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed for good harvests. Notable for its magnificent architecture and perfect acoustics.

Open: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Summer Palace

A vast royal garden featuring lakes, pavilions, and temples. The Long Corridor, with its 14,000 painted scenes, is a highlight of this UNESCO site.

Open: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Shichahai

A historic area with three connected lakes, traditional courtyard houses, and ancient temples. It's also known for its lively hutongs and nightlife.

Open: All day

Qianmen Street

A traditional commercial street dating back 580 years. It features historical architecture,老字号 shops, and a wide variety of Beijing snacks and souvenirs.

Open: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

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Beijing Cuisine

A Gastronomic Journey

Beijing cuisine, also known as Jing cuisine, is one of the most influential culinary traditions in China. It combines flavors from northern China with imperial cuisine developed over centuries in the royal kitchens.

The cuisine is characterized by its emphasis on color, aroma, and taste, with dishes often featuring rich sauces and careful presentation. Beijing's culinary scene offers everything from luxurious imperial banquets to humble street food.

No visit to Beijing is complete without trying the iconic Peking Duck, but the city has much more to offer, including zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), lamb hotpot, and a variety of traditional snacks.

Famous Dishes

Peking Duck

Crispy skin, tender meat, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.

Zhajiangmian

Hand-pulled noodles with soybean paste sauce, ground pork, and fresh vegetables.

Beijing Hotpot

Lamb hotpot with a rich broth, served with various meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces.

Beijing Snacks

A variety of traditional snacks including jiaoquan, douzhi, and lvdagunr.

Food Streets

Wangfujing Snack Street

Located in the heart of Beijing, this street offers a wide variety of Chinese snacks from all over the country.

Wangfujing Street, Dongcheng District

Nanluoguxiang

A historic hutong street with traditional architecture, boutique shops, and numerous restaurants and cafes.

Nanluoguxiang, Dongcheng District

Guijie Street

Known as "Ghost Street," it's famous for its late-night dining scene and spicy Sichuan cuisine.

Guijie Street, Dongcheng District

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