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A trip to China is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions of the East and see exotic architectural monuments. Beijing has many unique places, ancient temples, luxurious palaces, museums with rare exhibits and relics. The sights of Beijing most fully reveal Asian culture in all its diversity. If you come here and do not know what to see in Beijing, then we have prepared this review of interesting places in the Chinese capital especially for you.
What to see in Beijing in the first place
In this city of contrasts, you can see how ancient temples stand next to modern office centers, and Chinese people in traditional attire still walk the streets. Excursions in Beijing are different: for the whole day or for a couple of hours, sightseeing and thematic, etc. – just choose the option that suits you.
1. Forbidden City
Forbidden City in Beijing
A beautiful legend tells about the construction of the Forbidden City, according to which the world's largest palace complex has 9999 and a half rooms (in reality 8707). The Forbidden City crowns the sights of Beijing, as it is a religious building. Popular places of the palace complex:
- Garden of Kindness and Tranquility, Imperial Garden. Five beautiful gates and several Halls of Harmony. Along the perimeter of the complex are watchtowers. Palaces of Kunninggong, Jiataidian, Qianqinggong, Ningshougun. Yangxindian Pavilion – Heart Education Hall.
Currently, the Gugun Museum has been created on the territory of the Forbidden City, which, according to the first inventory, contained more than a million pieces of unique exhibits. It is impossible to see all the sights of Beijing in the Forbidden City in one visit. The complex has many interesting places and museum expositions that reveal the cultural traditions and history of the Chinese people.
Official website: http://en.dpm.org.cn/
2. The Great Wall of China
Great Wall of China
Badaling, the most visited section of the Great Wall of China, is located 80 km northwest of Beijing. It was erected during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, and under the rulers of the Qing Dynasty served as a gateway to the capital of China. Even closer to Beijing (50 km) is another section of the Chinese wall – Juyongguan. Tourists can expect the natural attractions of Beijing:
- Yuntai Cloud Platform made of white marble. Two-story signal towers – guards. Breathtaking views of the mountains and the wall. Opportunity to ride the funicular. Unique sections of Gubeikou and Simatai.
The Great Wall of China, whose total length exceeds 8,000 km, consists of separate sections that were completed during different reigns. Each section is unique in its own way, there are steep ascents and unexpected descents, so the view that opens up to the eye is constantly changing. When seeing the best sights in China, you can't miss this place!
3. Beihai Park
Beihai Park in Beijing
Before the Forbidden City, the rulers of the Liao Dynasty built a chic palace near Lake Tai Hu. Later, the emperors of the Qing and Yuan dynasties also contributed to architecture. They erected a bulk artificial island, palaces and pavilions. What to see in Beijing North Sea Park:
- Gardens with artificial hills. Jade Flower Island on the lake. Round City with the Hall of Light Found. Buddha statue made of white jade. A whole bowl with dragons, weighing 3.5 tons. Ancient tree (800 years) – Marquis of Shadow.
Be sure to visit the White Dagoba, located on the Jade Flower Island. The pagoda is different from traditional buildings, it is a masterpiece of Buddhist art. Beihai Park has the Hall of the Pearl of Wisdom, the Classical Reading Tower, the Long Corridor, the Haopujiang Garden Garden, the Heart World Garden, the Setan of the Nine Dragons. The sights of Beijing are diverse and unique, and there are many of them in Beihai Park.
4. Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square in Beijing
400 thousand square meters is the largest area in the world, located in Beijing – Tiananmen. Solemn national parades are held here, because the square can simultaneously accommodate up to a million people. The Gates of Heavenly Peace hold many interesting things. In the early morning, the national flag is raised here, and in the evening it is lowered.
On the western side is the House of the People's Assembly, where the Chinese parliament sits. On the east side of Tiananmen is the National Museum of China.
Landmarks in Beijing include the People's Heroes Monument (38 m high). Tourists must visit the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which occupies 20,000 sq.m. The Tiananmen territory includes the Main Sun Gate, built in the 15th century. The unique Tower of the Archers is also located here. The grandiose square is the object of attention of tourists and travelers.
5. Beijing Zoo
Beijing Zoo
To the west of Beijing's second ring road is China's largest zoo. It is home to exotic animals. Ponds, streams, flowers, green lawns and lush vegetation create favorable conditions for the inhabitants of a huge zoo to live here. What is worth seeing in Beijing on the territory of the natural garden is the Giant Panda Hall, Beijing Ocean Hall, Water Bird Lake, Monkey Hill and Giraffe Enclosure, Bear Mountain and the African Zone, as well as the Oceanarium with formidable sharks.
The Beijing Zoo is home to lions, tigers, rhinos, snakes, elephants, crocodiles and pythons. The total number is about 7000 individuals. It is noteworthy that the Beijing Zoo is the only natural habitat for giant pandas.
Check out the beautiful places in Beijing in this wonderful video!
6. Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven in Beijing
The grandiose religious building of China is the Temple of Heaven. What to visit in Beijing, if not this amazing attraction? The shrine has existed for over five hundred years. The beautiful color of the roof of the temple building, made of glazed tiles, attracts the attention of visitors. The territory of the Temple of Heaven is surrounded by walls in the form of a circle and a square. The altar in the form of a three-stage terrace is finished with white marble slabs.
The central slab of the Temple of Heaven amplifies the sound when pronouncing a prayer. The building is complemented by the Tower, the Council of Music, the Kitchen for the Celestials. In the Temple of Heaven, the number of finishing slabs is a multiple of nine, and this figure is symbolic for the Chinese people.
The cult building reflects the skill and extraordinary talent of Chinese architects who realized unique geometric ornaments. The structure has been used for prayers and sacrifices for centuries.
7. Beijing National Stadium “Bird's Nest”
Beijing National Stadium “Bird's Nest” davidgordillo
The modern sights of Beijing are no less unique than the ancient monuments of architecture. These include the Bird's Nest National Stadium. The grand building in the Olympic village is an unusual structure made of intertwined metal rods.
The completion of the Naochao Stadium was timed to coincide with the 2008 Summer Olympics. The majestic building “retinue” of iron and concrete. When the lights are lit inside, the stadium appears in all its beauty. “Bird's Nest” can accommodate more than 90 thousand spectators. Famous Swiss architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron took part in the design of the object. It is noteworthy that in whatever row the viewer sits, he gets a complete overview of the events taking place on the field. The monumental building is located next to a huge swimming pool, and the stadium itself is used as the largest ski resort in Beijing.
Official website: http://www.ns.cn/enindex. aspx
8. Old Beijing Observatory
Old observatory in Beijing
What to visit in Beijing unusual? The Astronomical Observatory, which was founded at a time when telescopic instruments and equipment were not available. In the middle of the 15th century, during the reign of the Ming Dynasty, the first instruments for the observatory were created. The area of the complex is 10 thousand square meters. From the site you can see ancient instruments – the Celestial Globe, Altazimuth, Theodolite, Armilla.
Visitors to the observatory can see the exhibits of the exhibition halls, among which are unique maps of the starry sky, ancient Chinese calendars, astronomical instruments.
Official website: http://eng.bjp.org.cn/
9. National Museum of China
National Museum of China in Beijing
According to the number of tourists who annually visit the National Museum of China, this attraction is considered one of the most popular. Numerous exhibits tell the story of the Chinese people, their traditions and customs. What to see in Beijing at the National Museum? Of considerable interest to travelers and researchers is the exhibit Jade Prince. The burial was found in Hebei province in the 20th century. During archaeological excavations, the graves of Prince Zhongshan and his wife Dou Wan were discovered. It is noteworthy that they were wearing clothes woven from the smallest pieces of jade fabric connected by a golden thread.
Another popular exhibit of the National Museum is the Ding ritual tripod, made of bronze. Its weight is 800 kg, and its age is about 3000 years. There is a square wine vessel in the bronze collection. The highlight of the museum is Chinese porcelain dishes. The exhibits belong to the national heritage of the country.
Official website: http://en.chnmuseum.cn
10. Confucius Temple in Beijing
Confucius Temple in Beijing
At the beginning of the 14th century, the Temple of Confucius was built in Beijing. After numerous restorations and improvements, many elements of the ancient building remained intact. The Temple of Confucius is included in the sights of Beijing as the second largest temple building in China. Unique elements of the complex:
- The Pavilion of Learning surrounded by cypresses. State Academy – Academy of the Wise. Large patio of the complex. Stone tablets with the names of students of the Academy. Painted pavilions, drums, bells.
In ancient times, it was considered prestigious in China to get an education at the Imperial Academy. Exams from her students were taken by the emperor himself once every three years. Now in the Pavilion of Scholarship there is an exposition of artifacts and sculptures.
Official website: http://www.kmgzj.com/en
Beijing attractions: what else visit while in Beijing
It is impossible to see even a third of all the tourist sites of the Chinese capital in one visit, but if you want to make your visit as informative as possible, guides in Beijing are at your service. By hiring a guide, save your time and nerves, and you can choose the route at your own discretion, choosing from the proposed memos the most interesting for you.
11. National Center for Performing Arts – “Egg”
National Center for the Performing Arts – “Egg” in Beijing
An amazing building located near Tiananmen Square is the National Center for the Performing Arts. It is included in the sights of Beijing and has an unusual shape of a giant egg. The structure is completely made of glass and titanium and is located in an artificial lake. The center contrasts sharply with the ancient architectural monuments and effectively stands out against the general background. The structure with a dome of 212 meters contains an opera, theater and concert halls, air corridors, a gallery, conference rooms, underwater and underground corridors, a library, a cafe, an exhibition hall and an underground parking lot. Around the building there is an artificial lake and green spaces.
The overall fantastic impression is enhanced by transparent glass plates on the surface of the Egg. The halls host performances, opera premieres, concerts, dance shows and ballet performances.
Official website: http://en.chncpa.org/
12. Beijing National Swimming Complex – “Water Cube”
National Swimming Complex – “Water Cube” in Beijing
Fans of explosive emotions who are looking for what to visit in Beijing can come to the swimming complex. The structure is made in the form of a parallelepiped. The construction was timed to coincide with the Olympic Games, and now the Water Cube is used as a modern water park. Cube Features:
- Walls in the form of transparent water bubbles. Slides-attractions with grandiose descents. A river flowing around a water cube. Spas, cafes and restaurants on the territory of the cube.
The shape, lighting and execution of the swimming complex create a unique picture, especially in the evening. This amazing building is included in the sights of Beijing.
Official website: http://www.water-cube.com/en/
13. Gongwangfu, Palace of Prince Gong
Prince Gong's Mansion in Beijing
Not far from Qianhai Lake is a beautiful palace – the residence of Prince Gong. The complex is divided into two parts – luxurious residential buildings and a huge flowering garden. In scale, the Gong Palace is second only to the Imperial Palace. The park and palace ensemble includes a museum and a theater.
There are few original things, relics and ancient exhibits in Gongwangfu. To open the museum, antiques and objects were delivered to the Palace. Gongwangfu is now one of the landmarks of Beijing due to its impressive size and unique architecture.
Official website: http://www.pgm.org.
14. Xiangshan or Fragrant Hills Park
The Park of Fragrant Hills in Beijing
The ancient Xiangshan Park was founded at the end of the 12th century and is located 10 km from the capital of China. If you look at it early in the morning, the park seems to be enveloped in a foggy haze. Exotic vegetation fills the entire territory of the park, and with the change of seasons it is filled with bright colors – crimson, yellow, red leaves of numerous trees. The highest point of Xiangshan is Incense Peak, which offers a picturesque view of the surroundings.
More than 280 thousand trees grow in the park area. Among them there are ancient plants whose age exceeds the age mark. There are many Buddhist temples in Xiangshan Park. The largest number of visitors come to the park in autumn during the festival of red leaves falling from thousands of skumpias. You can pick up a unique souvenir – laminated red leaves. They are kept in memory of visiting Xiangshan Park.
15. Capital Museum
Beijing Capital Museum Mark Lyon
In 1981, the Capital Museum of China was officially opened. The structure includes five upper tiers and one underground floor. The museum displays rare and valuable relics. What to see in Beijing at the Capital Museum:
- Collections of ceramics and porcelain. Lots of Buddha statues. Elements of applied art. Vintage accessories for writing. Jade and bamboo collections. Products made of stone, wood and bronze.
The exhibits presented in the Capital Museum are valuable historical and cultural artifacts that have been preserved since ancient times. They tell the history of China, show the construction of Beijing, its development during the reign of imperial dynasties.
Official website: http://en.capitalmuseum.org.cn/
< h3> 16. Hongluo Temple
The Holy Land of Buddhism – Hongluo Temple in Beijing Richard Cove
Hongluo Temple was founded in 348, during the reign of the Jin Dynasty. The oldest building is famous not only for its age, but also for its magnificent landscapes. Near Honglo Temple is the Pearl Spring. From thousands of mollusk shells, the water in it turns red.
Previously, about three hundred monks lived on the territory of the Honglo Temple. Later, a pedagogical school was opened here. In 2017, the revered Spring Festival was brightly celebrated on the territory of the Temple.
17. Happy Valley Amusement Park
Happy Valley Amusement Park in Beijing
The sights of Beijing include not only religious and historical buildings. There is an amusement park in the capital – the Valley of Happiness. This is a kind of analogue of Disneyland, where you can get a lot of impressions. Visitors to the park can ride the carousels, visit the shopping mall, watch a movie in the cinema.
In the Valley of Happiness, tourists are waiting for the zone of Ancient Greece, the Land of Ants, the Lost Mayan Civilization, the zone of wild fjords. The park is designed in the best entertainment traditions. Here, breathtaking slides and carousels are organically combined with islands of wildlife.
Beijing is a grandiose metropolis with a distinctive culture and traditions, oriental values and an unusual history. China is a paradise for tourists, and the sights of Beijing amaze with their mystery and monumentality.
18. Tombs of the Ming Emperors
Square pavilion at the entrance to the complex of 13 mausoleums of the Ming emperors HALUK COMERTEL
If the sights of Shanghai reflect the bustling life of the modern metropolis, then Beijing has a somewhat different image – here the historical past is more revered. Ancient imperial palaces, ancient Buddhist temples and other centuries-old buildings, carefully preserving a piece of the past, are proof of this. One of the unique structures of China is a complex of tombs located near Beijing, at the very foot of the Tianshoushan Mountain. In the valley of the tombs on an area of 40 square meters. km housed 13 luxurious mausoleums, where the rulers of the Qing and Ming dynasties are buried. Of the existing tombs, only three were opened and examined by archaeologists, the rest were destined to remain unexplored – in 1989, lack of funding led to the cessation of research work. Today, the mausoleums of Emperors Zhaoling, Changling and Dingling are open to the public.
19. Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
The Imperial Summer Palace of the Qing Dynasty on the outskirts of Beijing
12 km northwest of Beijing is Yiheyuan, or the Garden of Serene Joy – this is the name of the sight of Beijing in Russian. This is the largest surviving imperial park in Beijing, which is located at the foot of the mountain, surrounded by lush greenery, next to a quiet, peaceful lake – such an atmosphere of the park very accurately reflects its name. Dozens of large and small structures immersed in vegetation, openwork bridges, neat pagodas and a peaceful lake surface create a wonderful sight, once created by Chinese craftsmen. And of course, the pearl of all this splendor is the summer palace, once intended for the relaxation of high-ranking persons of the Qing Dynasty. Throughout the decoration of the complex, the theme of immortality and longevity is used everywhere – it can be traced in symbols, ornaments and numerous decorative details.
Official website: http://www.summerpalac
20. Changlan Gallery
Sections of the Changlan wooden gallery depicting battle scenes and landscapes in the Kallgan Summer Palace
A stunningly beautiful place is the summer imperial palace, surrounded by a grandiose park, on the territory of which there are about 3 thousand different structures – China's world heritage sites. One of the most significant and large-scale structures is the Changlan Gallery of the mid-18th century – a covered passage 0.73 kilometers long, connecting the most important objects of the Summer Palace. The structure consists entirely of colored wood with carving elements and is divided into almost 300 sections by crossbars. The gallery connects many elements of the complex and in itself is an observation deck with an excellent view. Walking through the gallery, you can see several hundred of the most diverse images of cranes, which are a symbol of longevity in China, as well as picturesque painted plots of mythological and historical scenes – there are more than 14 thousand of them here!
21. Gate of Heavenly Peace< /h3>
The Gate of Heavenly Peace is built along the north side of Tiananmen Square in Beijing 张瑜
Some interesting places in Beijing are so famous and large-scale that you won’t have to look for them for a long time – for example, in the very center of the city there is the largest square in the world that can accommodate up to a million people at the same time. This is Tiananmen, or the Gate of Heavenly Peace – such a romantic name was given to the square by the southern gate of the Imperial Palace. This is a true symbol of the Middle Kingdom, one of the most recognizable places, which is an ancient complex with 5 aisles, stands and a large portrait of Mao Zedong – it was he who proclaimed the creation of the People's Republic on this square in 1949. Near the Gate there are two figures of stone lions, as well as 5-century-old columns crowned with guards – mythical creatures at the top. The entire design and decoration of Tiananmen is completely permeated with philosophical and religious principles built around the concepts of wisdom and justice of the emperor.
22. Mao Zedong Mausoleum
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the central part of the square Tiananmen in Beijing Georgio
One of the key buildings of Tiananmen Square is the mausoleum of Mao Zedong, which became the final resting place of the creator of the modern Chinese state. Now the embalmed remains of the legendary political leader are kept in a crystal coffin, preserving the memory for future generations. It is worth noting that Mao Zedong himself bequeathed to cremate his body after death, but the party, not taking into account this wish, ordered the construction of the tomb, which was completed only a year after Mao's death. The only decoration of the complex is a red roof in the style of a Chinese pagoda, its main hall is the Memorial Hall, in the center of which stands a crystal coffin with a body covered with a large flag of the Communist Party of China. There is also a 3.5-meter marble sculpture depicting Mao Zedong. The second floor of the mausoleum is a memorial hall with marble statues of other prominent political figures of China.
23. Shishiku Cathedral
Red pavilions and stone lions at the entrance to Shishiku Cathedral in Beijing's Xicheng District
And where to go to see the important city shrines? One of the most interesting religious sites in Beijing is the Shishiku Cathedral, which looks completely uncharacteristic for the Japanese capital. Its Gothic architecture gives the impression that the building was brought here straight from medieval Europe. Previously, Christians were not particularly favored here – until the Jesuits managed to heal one of the emperors of the Qing dynasty from a serious illness. Having recovered, the ruler, as a token of gratitude, gave the Jesuits a plot of land, on which the cathedral was erected. The appearance of Shishiku is a unique mixture of European and Chinese architectural traditions, making this building one of the most unusual Catholic churches in the world. Divine services are held here in Chinese, and numerous Beijing Christians visit the temple every Sunday.
Official website: http://www.drben
24. Yonghegong Temple
Sculpture at Yonghegun Lama Temple in northeastern Beijing
Buildings of the “Palace of Peace and Harmony, Lama Temple” in Beijing
In the northern part of the so-called “Imperial City” is one of the largest monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing – Yonghegong Temple. Its history dates back to the late 17th century, when Emperor Yun-Qingwang ruled the country – his main motto was “harmony and justice”, which is why the palace acquired the name Yonghegun, which means “Palace of Harmony”. Being a court temple, Yonghegong has always had a special status, here every year the emperors themselves held ceremonies to commemorate the dead. From the temple to the north stretched a long gallery – the “imperial road” with sequentially located Zhaotaimen and Yonghemen gates, behind which the territory of the monastery itself begins with isolated sections and pavilions. The main attraction of the monastery complex is the large Wanfuge building, with an 18-meter statue of the Buddha of the future kept here.
25. Chaoyang Theater
Popular acrobatic show by Chaoyang Theater in Beijing
Chinese acrobatic art is famous all over the world – its original performances are sold out all over the world. In Beijing, this art form is presented at the Chaoyang Theatre, located near the Chinese Central Television Tower. It was founded in 1984, and thanks to its spectacular acrobatic shows, after a couple of years it became one of the main and most visited attractions in the capital. The level of training of theater artists is really virtuoso, and this is not difficult to explain, given that for about 2 millennia, acrobatics has been an important part of Chinese culture. It all started in the era of the Tang Dynasty, when acrobats gave performances right on the streets, using plates, cups, chairs, tables, rings as attributes – all this is used in acrobatic numbers today. Today, performances in Chaoyang are held twice a day in the evening.
Official website: https://www.chaoyangtheatre
26. Red Theater
Entrance to the Red Theater in Beijing Historic District Melinda van den Brink
Photos with monk actors – the heroes of the play at the Red Theater in Beijing Andy Miah
One of the spectacular evening performances in Beijing can be seen at the Red Theater, located in the historic Chongwen District. Everything here is surprising, from complex acrobatic numbers to the design of the building itself, which is decorated with a complex metal structure in the form of a red lattice. And, perhaps, the most surprising is the fact that not professional tricksters take part in the performances, but the real monks of the famous Shaolin Monastery! Along with the game itself, a number of acrobatic stunts and martial arts elements are used in the numbers. It is especially impressive that even the most difficult numbers are performed without any safety equipment. Performances are held in Chinese, but there is parallel accompaniment in English. Foreign guests can also purchase a program where the legend is translated into different world languages.
Official website: https://redtheatrekungfushow
27. Arts Zone 798 ( 798 Art Zone)
798 Art Zone on the territory of a semi-abandoned factory in Beijing Nikolaj Potanin
Old Maoist slogans on the walls of the 798 Art Zone in Beijing Leeluv
It is impossible, when describing the sights of China, not to mention the Chaoyang area, which is famous throughout the world as the center of the creative industry. All of its buildings represent the buildings of former factories, among which the exhibition complex under the mysterious name “798” stands out. This number was inherited from a factory that has operated within these walls since the 1950s. In the 1980s, changes in the structure of the Chinese economy led to the gradual desolation of industrial territories. Starting from the 2000s, the squares began to be developed by artists, and the empty premises gradually turned into workshops, galleries and art centers. Art Zone 798 covers an area of 1 sq. km, which can be bypassed in a matter of minutes, but even a day is not enough to study art objects. There are antique shops, designer boutiques, and shops with vintage jewelry and accessories on the territory.
28. Nanluogu hutong
An old shopping street in Beijing Anagoria
Chinese medieval buildings on the Nanluogu hutong in Beijing Fabio Achilli
In old China, groups of houses were built one opposite the other, forming a narrow alley. Streets of this type were called Hutongs, but only in Beijing. They were considered the smallest unit of the territorial division of the city. Since ancient times, the local population has lived in hutongs, and it is here, like nowhere else, that the spirit of old China has been preserved. One of the surviving quarters of this type is Nanluogu hutong, a shopping street that was formed here 8 centuries ago. Today it is filled to capacity with inexpensive eateries, souvenir shops and is teeming with tourists who study all this diversity with curiosity. But Nanluogu has not lost its atmosphere, and in addition to shop windows, here you can see a real picture of the life of local residents who have inhabited the hutong for many centuries in a row. Housing here is quite cramped, but economical, and according to an old tradition, residents spend most of their lives on the street.
29. Wangfujing Street
Wangfujing shopping street in Beijing East City Nggsc
There are places in Beijing that are best visited at certain times of the year. If you are looking for what to see in Beijing in winter, then be sure to check out Wangfujing, a famous and large shopping street, especially busy in winter on New Year's Eve, when it is luxuriously dressed up, and shop windows light up with magical winter lights, creating a festive mood. There is something to admire and something to buy here – with a relatively short length of 0.8 km, Wangfujing has more than two hundred shops where you can buy local food, books, cosmetics, souvenirs, jewelry, household appliances, fashionable clothes – which is not here. There is a mobile dispensary in the center of the street where you can check your health right inside a special bus. The highlight of the shopping district is the Donghuamen market, where you can buy the most exotic food.
30. Skyscrapers of Wangjing SOHO
Skyscrapers of Wangjing SOHO in Wangjing Bangabandhu
The modern sights of Beijing surprise and amaze with their scale, including the Wangjing SOHO skyscrapers erected in 2014. The state-of-the-art high-tech business center was designed to satisfy the need for office space that arose several years ago – it more than coped with this task, providing the business population with almost 400 thousand square meters of office space. Three skyscrapers have an unusual shape and resemble either huge boulders, or smooth rocks, or giant fish. Towers with a height of 118 to 200 meters have a characteristic curvilinear shape and facades of a layered structure, which provides them with excellent ventilation and protection from the sun. A single microclimate system smoothly changes the angle of the aluminum panels, acting on the readings of thousands of special sensors and creating the optimal level of air conditioning, heating, lighting, water supply.
31. CCTV Headquarters
China Central Television headquarters building in Beijing Morio
The metropolitan metropolis has a myriad of skyscrapers, among which there are real masterpieces of architecture. But even against their background, the building of the CCTV headquarters, which houses the central Chinese television, is distinguished by its originality. The author of the project was the Dutch architect Koolhaas, who created a unique 234-meter structure of two inclined towers connected at the top and bottom by corner transitions. The giant structure, forming a kind of loop, seems to hang over the city. In addition to the creative form, the Headquarters building stands out with a bright futuristic facade made of glass, as if covered with a metal mesh. Overcoming a specially laid route, anyone can go through the entire television center and see with their own eyes how a whole cycle of creating television programs is carried out within these walls, from filming and editing to broadcasting.
32. Peace Park
World Attractions at Beijing Peace Park Techyan
Visiting the Peace Park in Beijing is like visiting different parts of the world with the most significant and famous sights, while spending no more than a couple of hours on such a “journey”. Here, on an area of 42 hectares, miniature copies of the world's masterpieces of architecture flaunt, most of which are made on a scale of 1:10. Each creation is worked out carefully, with amazing detail, so that the copy is almost indistinguishable from the original. There are reproductions of famous sculptures in the park, and natural attractions, and copies of world-famous attractions – for example, here you can even ride a reduced roller coaster. In addition to a fascinating walk, you can have fun and relax in the park – take a walk among the beautiful fountains and picturesque castles, ride a boat or a catamaran in the local pond.
33. Yuanmingyuan
Landscape of the Yuanmingyuan Garden and Palace Complex in Beijing 颐园新居
The ruins of the “European-style palace” 颐园新居
There is a separate category of interesting objects – the unknown sights of Beijing, which are not as popular in the tourism environment as the key monuments-symbols of the Middle Kingdom. Yuanmingyuan Park can be called one of the most beautiful places in Beijing, but the ruined state of the once luxurious buildings has led this place to partial oblivion. During the Qing Dynasty, Yuanmingyuan Old Summer Palace served as the home of the royal family, where the heirs to the throne spent their time. The Old Summer Palace was once a thriving architectural complex that could have become a national treasure, but as a result of an international conflict that led to an attack and subsequent arson, the complex was not preserved in its original integrity. Some of the buildings are destroyed, the paths are overgrown, the ponds have dried up, and at the moment the complex is being reconstructed, which has affected only a few parts of it so far.
Official website: http://www.yuanmingyuanpark
34. Beijing Botanical Garden
Beijing Botanical Garden on the northwestern outskirts of Beijing Daderot
Beijing Botanical Garden against the backdrop of the Xishan Mountains in Beijing
Summer in the Chinese capital is characterized by intense heat and humidity – this is not the best time to go to Beijing. What to see in the summer, so as not to get into the midst of the summer heat? Outside the city, the heat is much easier to tolerate – especially if there is a reservoir nearby. The Beijing Botanical Garden, which is located at the foot of the Xiangshan Mountains, amazes with plant abundance. A rapid river flows through the park, which gives life-giving coolness in summer. Its shores are laid with gray stone, cascades and rapids are laid out of it, from which water falls down with a splash and soothes with its murmur. Vegetation rages along the coast – hundreds of thousands of bushes, flowers and trees amaze with their diversity. From afar you can see the domes of the tropical greenhouse, inside which hundreds of species of orchids are carefully cultivated. A bonsai garden showing miniature bonsai trees deserves attention.
Official website: http://www.beijingbg.
35. Houhai Lake
View from the stone bridge to Houhai Lake in central Beijing
Northwest and west of the Imperial Palace are six artificial lakes, founded in the 13th-14th centuries during the Yuan Dynasty. They have a traditional structure and are divided into 3 Front and 2 Back lakes. And while the atmosphere of political correctness reigns in the Front, the people in the Back have fun, relaxing in the countless bars, eateries located there, riding boats and catamarans. One of the Back Lakes is Houhai Lake, which has become an adornment of the palace and the city as a whole. This is one of the attractive places where tourists flock to learn the history and culture of the development of the local population. The shores of the lake conquer with their charm and serenity, the labyrinths of Beijing streets – hutongs – allow you to feel the spirit of ancient times. In addition to walking and contemplation, here you can visit one of the restaurants, night bars, clubs or souvenir shops. Hainan Island is the southern island of China, which is definitely worth a visit. Read about the sights of Hainan and get inspired for your further journey through the Middle Kingdom.