{"id":26003,"date":"2018-12-14T19:33:32","date_gmt":"2018-12-14T19:33:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=26003"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:14:00","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:14:00","slug":"9-things-you-cant-miss-while-in-beijing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/9-things-you-cant-miss-while-in-beijing\/","title":{"rendered":"9 things you can’t miss while in Beijing"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you\u2019d expect from the capital of one of the world\u2019s greatest nations, China,\u00a0Beijing<\/a> has it all. From opulent, centuries-old palaces and temples, to buzzing restaurants serving cuisine from all corners of the country, here are just some of the things to do in Beijing<\/a> when you\u2019re here.<\/p>\n

Beijing Cuisine<\/h2>\n

One of the best things about Beijing is the food scene, and the way you can take a tour of all of China\u2019s culinary traditions in one city<\/a>. If dumplings are your addiction, prepare to chow down on plump, delicious examples, steamed and fried. Then, of course, there\u2019s glistening, golden Peking Duck, a must-eat when in town. A hearty hotpot brimming with meat and vegetables will also rejuvenate after a day\u2019s sightseeing. Food tours are a great way<\/a> to sample the sights, smells and tastes of Beijing.<\/p>\n

\"beijing
A sampling of Beijing’s famed cuisine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Forbidden City<\/a><\/h2>\n

With its dreamy, romantic name and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Forbidden City comes right at the top of most visitors\u2019 \u201cwhat to see in Beijing\u201d lists. Dating right back to the 15th<\/sup> century, and home to generations of imperial rulers, this sprawling palace complex is home to the Palace Museum and is the largest collection of preserved wooden structures on Earth. Just brace yourself for the inevitable crowds\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Forbidden
Forbidden City, Beijing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ming Tombs<\/a><\/h2>\n

How about a UNESCO World Heritage Site that isn\u2019t quite as crowded as the Forbidden City? Try the Ming Tombs, the majestic mausoleums of 13 emperors of the legendary Ming Dynasty. Three of these tombs are open to the public, but there\u2019s a lot more to see around these parts too. Wander along the Sacred Way, admiring ornate statues and enjoying the wide green spaces. It\u2019s all a far cry from the bustle of Beijing.<\/p>\n

Summer Palace<\/a><\/h2>\n

Escape to nature with a visit to the Summer Palace. Once the playground of Qing Dynasty rulers, it now enchants mere mortals with its landscaped gardens, colorful palace structures, and sun-dappled waters. Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake are just a few of the eye-catching wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, while snapshots of the ornate Marble Boat will soon have pride of place on your social media feeds.<\/p>\n

\"The
Summer Palace, Beijing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

798 Art Zone<\/a><\/h2>\n

When it comes to choosing what to do in Beijing, the contemporary attractions are as alluring as the historical lairs. Check out 798 Art Zone, for example. Set within a complex of old factory buildings, it showcases bold creative works in a cool, industrial setting. Local accommodations will allow you to wander from art gallery to art gallery<\/a>, browse boutiques, and relax in restaurants. Just prepare for the kinds of prices you might expect from any gentrified neighborhood.<\/p>\n

\"798
798 Art Zone<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

National Museum of China<\/a><\/h2>\n

The largest museum in China, this cultural treasure trove is set on the famous Tiananmen Square. One of the most-visited museums in the world, it boasts ancient relics as well as key items from the modern history of China. One minute you might be admiring centuries-old jewels and ceramics, the next you\u2019ll see the flag Chairman Mao held when founding the People\u2019s Republic of China.<\/p>\n

\"National
National Museum of China, Beijing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tanzhe Temple<\/a><\/h2>\n

One of Beijing\u2019s oldest and most renowned Buddhist temples, Tanzhe has stood for over 1,700 years, and dates back to the Jin Dynasty. That said, there are resplendent pagodas here from a whole variety of epochs, so it feels like you\u2019re taking a tour through time. You\u2019ll wander amid architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and gaze at marble-clad pavilions, all encircled by the idyllic Western Hills.<\/p>\n

Hutong<\/h2>\n

If you want to get a feel for the real thing when traveling to Beijing, away from the big tourist hotspots and its many hotels<\/a>, go wander the city\u2019s atmospheric hutongs. These are the old narrow alleys and streets that embody traditional Chinese architecture. Within the labyrinth of hutongs, you\u2019ll mingle with Beijing locals and discover shops selling art and showcasing Chinese calligraphy, quaint tea houses, and stalls serving up steaming street food. There are even tours available that specialize in the unique culture of these ancient streets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Temple of Heaven<\/a><\/h2>\n

More proof that Beijing has to be one of the grandest cities on the planet, the Temple of Heaven is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will have anyone reaching for their camera. Its most eye-catching structure is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, whose circular, triple-gabled design has made it a Beijing icon. Even bigger than the Forbidden City, the area\u2019s colorful buildings and rich greenery draw in millions of visitors every year.<\/p>\n

\"temple
Temple of Heaven, Beijing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Book your Big Beijing Vacation<\/h2>\n

Whether you want to visit the Forbidden City or explore the buzzing warren of historic hutongs, there\u2019s so to see and to do in Beijing. Book your Beijing trip<\/a> to experience it all for yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This Beijing need-to-do list is filled with epic historical sites and modern must-sees, ensuring an awesome trip to China’s capital<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":26010,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2107,1809,1782,1778,1780,1788,1793],"tags":[],"authors":[2264],"class_list":["post-26003","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beijing","category-culture","category-destinations","category-features","category-inspiration","category-interests","category-things-to-do","authors-expedia","entry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n9 things you can't miss while in Beijing | Expedia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This need to do in Beijing list is filled with epic historical sites and modern must-sees, ensuring an awesome trip to China's capital\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, 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