The Forbidden City 

Beijing's fabulous Palace Museum is the largest palace complex in the world, comprising an inner and outer court, with approximately 8,700 rooms. Building started during the Ming Dynasty, the Imperial Palace is where twenty four Emperors took to the throne and reigned for nearly 500 years. Listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987, the galleries display an extensive collection or art and artefacts from the Ming and Qing dynasty.

 

 

The Great Wall 

The Great Wall is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. The best-preserved and most imposing section of the Great Wall is at Badaling, which is located 72 kilometres (45 miles) away at the northwest of Beijing. The wall has an average height of 7 metres (24 feet) and a width of 6 metres (19 feet) at the bottom, and 5 metres (16 feet) at the top.

 

 

The Summer Palace 

The Summer Palace is a masterpiece of Chinese gardens, architecture and palaces . Located 15km from Beijing, it covers an area of 2.9 square kilometres, the 60 metre high Longevity Hill dominates the scene set in the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998 it is popular with both tourists and locals.

 

The Temple of Heaven 

The Temple of Heaven was originally built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1911). As a place for the emperor to worship heaven, it underwent numerous reconstructions during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). In 1998 the Temple of Heaven was added to UNESCO'S World Cultural Heritage list.

 

 

The Ming Tombs 

The Ming Tombs cover an area of over 40Km in circumference and located 50km northwest of Beijing. 13 of the 16 emperors of the Ming were buried here. At the gate of the tomb area stands a marble archway which leads to the Sacred Way lined by 12 pairs of stone animals followed by 6 pairs of stone civil and military officials on both sides of the way.

 

 

 

Hutongs 

The Hutong Tour of Beijing is a unique cultural experience that allows you to take a glance on the traditional local life. Beijing's famous Hutongs or alleyways are unique housing structures that have been home to Beijing's families for centuries. A "Hutong" is an ancient, narrow city alley or lane formed by "Si He Yuan" - a four sided courtyard

 

 

Peking Duck 

The most famous dish in town, 40 day reared ducks are pumped with air underneath the skin for asthetic purposes and ease of cooking, boiling water is poured over them to tighten the skin and ensures a crisp golden glow while oven-cooked at 240 degree C. When done, they are meticulously sliced at the table in front of diners, traditionally served with pancakes, spring onion, cucumber, sweet plum sauce and eaten with your hands.

 

 

Olympic Stadium 

This magnificent piece of modern stadia architecture was the focal point for the spectacular 2008 Summer Olympic Games track and field events and opening and closing ceremony's, also known as the "Birds Nest". Since the Olympics, visitors can still enter and appreciate the interior view.

 

 

One of China's oldest, largest and best preserved ancient imperial gardens, this is the place local Beijingers of all ages come to relax, walk, jog,tai-chi etc. The centre of the park comprises a magnificent lake upon which the imposing White Dagoba stands as the parks main landmark. The mixture of ancient monuments and modern exhibitions make this the ideal place to explore Beijing's history, culture and natural beauty.

 

 

Yong He Gong (Lamma Temple) 

The largest and best maintained example of a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing. Built in 1694 as a residential palace for Prince Yin Zheng, when he became emperor and moved to the Forbidden City the building was converted to a temple. In 1744 it became a lamasery housing Buddhist monks from Tibet and Inner Mongolia - today it is an active Tibetan Buddhist Centre.

Wang Fu Jing (Night Market)                                                                                     

Try a taste of traditional chinese street food in this bustling night market, exotic delicacies that you certainly won't find at home are in abundant here. The central location makes it easy to reach from most parts of town. With most of the street off-limits to motorised traffic it's great to explore by foot.

San Li Tun (Bar Street)                                                                                          

For a spot of night life with trendy shops, entertainment and drinking opportunities you can head towards "Bar Street". Live music, DJ's, imported beers, bars, pubs can all be found here along with 70% of the cities bars.