More about Beijing

About Beijing

China is one of the most popular countries in Asia and even around the world. The country nicknamed the land of the Bamboo Curtain has the largest population in the world. One of the famous destinations is the city of Beijing, the capital city of China. This city has many stories and offers interesting experiences that you can feel. So many foreigners want to visit this place for various purposes, including to visit tourist destinations. There are many walls and temples in Beijing that are favourite tourist attractions. In addition, many foreign travellers don't want to miss out on Peking duck, which is a legendary Chinese dish. 

Top 15 Things to Do in Beijing

Despite being a modern and technologically advanced city, Beijing has not forgotten its customs and culture. A blend of modernisation and tradition still co-exist. Let's take a look at some of the favourite tourist attractions you can visit!

1. Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China has been a favourite tourist destination for locals and foreigners since the past until now. The wall that stands firmly elongated stretches for approximately 21,000 km. The giant wall that stretches across the plateau is the result of the persistence of the entire Chinese population at that time. Everyone was involved in building this historic high wall.

2. Summer Palace

If you want to unwind in a more beautiful and natural setting, you can visit the Summer Palace. Here, you can enjoy beautiful views of tree-lined streets and a pretty lake. This park is located in a palace complex that was built during the Qing Dynasty.

3. Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is a famous neighbourhood in Beijing and one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. In the past, the Forbidden City served as the residence of the Emperor and his family for generations. Its construction began during the Ming Dynasty. The structure of this ancient palace is about 600 years old and still stands strong.

4. Beihai Park

This park in Beijing is located not far from the famous Forbidden City. Uniquely, Beihai Park dates back 10 centuries but is still well maintained and managed. There, there are protected Buddhist temples, as well as a super large lake that calms the view. There is also The Jingxin Room, a garden within a garden that looks like a fairytale world.

5. Tiananmen Square

In Tiananmen Square, many great historical events and celebrations are held. You can spend a whole day there. You can take photos and enjoy the unrivalled beauty of the architecture. You could say Tiananmen Square is one of the tourist icons in China. As it is a historical place, you will have to go through a security check before entering, so make sure you bring your passport!

6. Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven has another name, Tiantan Park. This temple-type building is a place of worship for Konghuchu and Taoists in Beijing. The design of the building is very unique and interesting. The architecture symbolises the relationship between the earth and the sky.

7. Jingshan Park

Jingshan Park covers 23 hectares and faces the northern gate of the Forbidden City. The name Jingshan means ‘Hill of Scenery’ which refers to the artificial hill here. If you go to the top, you will be treated to a full and clear view of the Forbidden City. Jingshan Park used to be an imperial garden, but since 1928 it has been open to the public.

8. 798 Art Zone

There are at least hundreds of interesting things that you can find here, mainly the wall paintings that adorn almost the entire 798 Art Zone journey. There are also approximately 400 cultural organisations. For those of you who like to shop, there are also various knick-knack shops, several places to eat and also a photo gallery. It is located in the centre of Beijing, so you can visit by car or just take a stroll here.

9. Juyong Pass

One of the places to enjoy the view of the Great Wall of China. A good and unbeatable view can be found in Juyong Pass. You need to prepare enough stamina to climb to the top because the stairs are quite high and steep. In addition, it is recommended to wear shoes with thick soles, as the rocks on the stairs are quite sharp.

10. Lama Temple

Here, you can find the unique and little-known ginko tree. Enter the temple and you will be treated to a view of the ancient buildings that are still fine. Before you know it, you'll be walking around Lama Temple until the last building. Many people pray here and there is a fairly tall and large Buddha statue in one of the buildings.

11. Huanghuacheng Great Wall

The Huanghuacheng Lakefront Great Wall, about 80 km from Beijing city centre, is the only section of the Great Wall in Beijing connected to the lake. It is a famous tourist resort where one can enjoy the scenery of the northern border and the gentle scenery of Jiangnan at the same time. The wall is surrounded by mountains and dense forests, forming a beautiful natural landscape throughout the year. A blend of natural beauty and man-made wonders.

12. Beijing Olympic Park

For travellers in China, a visit to the Olympic Park stadium with its signature ‘Birds Nest’ building is certainly an unmissable tourist destination. The Olympic Park complex was the pride of the Chinese people when it was used as the venue for the 29th Olympic Games in 2008. In this complex, it turns out that there are natural tourist sites that you can visit for free, one of which is the Olympic Forest Park, which is an integral part of the Beijing Olympic Park. 

13. Capital Museum

This modern-style museum has been established since 2006. It contains historical sites about Beijing civilisation from the Stone Age to later civilisations. The building has two blocks, the west and east sides. There, you can see relics of Beijing's civilisation in the Stone Age.

14. Beijing Temple of Confucius

A temple with a building design like a Chinese royal palace. Located close to Lama Temple, you can visit the Temple of Confucius with just a few minutes' walk. There is a place filled with shady trees, which used to be a campus for students who wanted to study Confucius. You can choose the ticket, to enter the temple only or to enter the campus as well. 

15. Yuanmingyuan Park

When viewed from the gate of Yuanmingyuan, it may seem ordinary. There is no sign of a vast garden filled with ruined buildings full of history until finally entering the super spacious garden. If you don't want to be tired of walking, you can take the car provided to go around Yuanmingyuan Park. When walking around the park, you will be greeted by a flower bed and a beautiful Chinese bridge.

Best Restaurants in Beijing

Beijing's food scene is constantly evolving and not just in terms of its menu options. With so much competition in Beijing's food scene, these restaurants strive to engage all five senses and compete to give you a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some recommended restaurants to check out!

1. TRB Hutong

• Location: No. 23, Shatanbeijie, Dongcheng District, Beijing.
• Price: Starts from CNY 700 for each person.

TRB Hutong occupies a centuries-old former temple building with a contemporary sculpture in the central courtyard. This restaurant in Beijing, China serves European dishes, but still uses local ingredients. Just not with their wine. Aside from the unique design of the building, which is a huge stone temple, the food here is delicious. The menu served is a set menu with 5 dishes in it.

2. Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant

• Location: Bldg 6, Taipingzhuang Nanli, Chunxiu Lu (north of Xingfucun Zhonglu), Chaoyang District.
• Price: Starts from CNY 137 for each person.

This restaurant provides a fine dining experience that is no less interesting. They will serve you duck cooked right in front of you. Many other menus are available, which are certainly tasty and delicious. You won't hesitate to eat at this restaurant again because the price is valuable and the quality of the food is unforgettable.

3. Najia Garden Restaurant

• Location: 3 Jinyu Hu Tong, Dongcheng, Beijing, China, 100006.
• Price: Starts from CNY 40 for each person.

There is a photo for each dish on the menu, which makes it easier for you to choose. Here, you can try the peking duck with its special marinade. Other than that, they have a dumpling menu, either with meat or a special menu for vegetarians. Other menu items such as sautéed broccoli, fried prawns, and teak china tea are also available.

4. Little Yunnan

• Location: 8 Yongkang Hutong, Dongzhimen Beixiaojie, Dongcheng District.
• Price: Starts from CNY 36 for each person.

A hidden gem in a Hutong known for its speciality food. At Little Yunnan, you can experience everything their menu represents. One of the specialities is silkworms. If you're brave enough, you can try this unique menu. Because of its delicious dishes and good quality ingredients, this restaurant is always packed with both locals and tourists.

5. Pangmei Noodle Restaurant

• Location: Xiang'er Hutong, 69 Dongsi North Street, Dongcheng, Beijing, China Mainland.
• Price: Starts from CNY 233 for each person.

The first outlet to popularise Chongqing-style snacks and noodles. The most popular menu is the beef noodle soup, with two sizes and four levels available. This is a must-visit if you're a noodle and spicy lover! Take the heat off with the iced drinks with jelly filling provided at this restaurant.

Best Hotel Recommendations in Beijing

Visiting Beijing for a holiday for a few days, of course you need a place to stay. You can choose from the following top rated hotels in Beijing! 

1. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing Beijing

• Location: No. 269 Wangfujing Street, Beijing, China, 100006.
• Price: Starts from CNY 5909 each night/room.

It is one of children-friendly hotels perfect for your family vacation. Known for its helpful staff. They can help you book tickets to the tourist destinations you want to visit. You can even request for a shuttle as it is provided by the hotel. The hotel facilities and rooms are top-notch, and the food at the restaurant is cooked by professional chefs. 

2. Four Points by Sheraton Langfang, Guan

• Location: No.6 Dongfang Street, North District, Gu'an Industrial Park, Guan County, Langfang, 13, China, 065506.
• Price: Starts from CNY 523 each night/room.

The hotel is located quite far from Beijing city and tourist attractions. There is a mall next to the hotel that you can easily visit. There is an indoor swimming pool that is open until 10pm. The hotel rooms are large and clean. The hotel serves a buffet breakfast with a wide variety of choices.

3. Hilton Hotels & Resorts

• Location: Building 18, Gaomidian, Nanli, Beijing, China.
• Price: Starts from CNY 933 each night/room.

Hilton is in the centre of Beijing, 2 km from the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Incorporating traditional Chinese hospitality, the hotel provides modern rooms and suites, versatile meeting rooms that can be used for various events. A variety of facilities are available for guests to enjoy, including a restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool and a fitness centre.

4. Jinjiang Inn Beijing Daxing Development Zone

• Location: Sattelite Town, Daxing, China, Beijing, China, 102600.
• Price: Starts from CNY 321 each night/room.

At an affordable price, this hotel offers very clean rooms and facilities. You can use the hot water that is available at any time of the day. The location is very convenient, not too far from restaurants and the subway. It's a good cheap place to stay. 

5. Crowne Plaza Huailai

• Location: Conj. of Grape Avenue and Changjiang Ave, Zhangjiakou, Hebei, China, 075400.
• Price: Starts from CNY 853 each night/room.

Located in Beijing's business district, Huailai. This hotel is perfect for those who like to walk around, as there are many shops and it is directly connected to Beijing city centre. The design of this hotel combines modern and classic styles. The hotel rooms are spacious, well-equipped and the restaurant serves Chinese specialities.

Tips When Visiting Beijing

There are some tips for you who want to visit Beijing, whether you are a first-timer or not. First is to choose the best time going to Beijing, which is spring and autumn season. Spring in China begin from April to May, while autumn starts from September to October. These season are perfect as it won’t be too hot yet too cold, a nice weather to enjoy while on vacation. Another tips is to choose your preferred destination in relation to how long your stay is. As there are so much tourist destination in Beijing, it would be great if you make an efficient and effective itinerary plan to avoid sudden extension of your stay. It is related to your choice of hotel location too, choose the most suitable and the easiest for you to go anywhere. 

Those are some things you need to know before visiting Beijing. Going on a vacation without any information will less likely make you confuse, but now you already find out some of the best hotels and restaurants in Beijing. There are many tourist attractions located in Beijing for you to choose. Already got a plan in mind to schedule your trip to Beijing? Go book your ticket now only on Traveloka!