For travelers who are setting foot on Chinese soil for the first time, Beijing is undoubtedly the top choice to kick – start a wonderful journey. This capital city, rich in historical heritage, seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, exuding a unique charm. As one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant cities, Beijing offers a diverse cultural experience for global tourists. Whether you are fascinated by the depth of history, attracted by the allure of cuisine, or captivated by the wonders of architecture, Beijing can precisely meet your expectations.
Historical Marvels
The Forbidden City
Beijing has a long – standing history, and its cultural heritage can be traced back thousands of years. The Forbidden City, one of the most famous landmarks in Beijing, is a vast imperial palace complex. It served as the residence of emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties and was the power center of the Chinese feudal dynasty for hundreds of years. The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a classic masterpiece of Chinese architecture. Here, there are grand and magnificent palaces with exquisite carvings and decorations, demonstrating the remarkable craftsmanship of ancient artisans. The exquisitely – laid – out gardens feature different scenery in each season, offering a step – by – step view of beautiful sceneries, exuding the elegance of a royal garden. In addition, the tall and long red walls not only protect the Forbidden City but also serve as witnesses to history, as if quietly telling the stories of the past.
The Great Wall
Another must – visit historical site in Beijing is the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall is a series of defensive fortifications built along the northern border of China to protect the country from invaders. There are several sections of the Great Wall near Beijing, including Badaling, Mutianyu, and Simatai. Each section offers a unique experience, allowing you to enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Nanluoguxiang
Nanluoguxiang, one of the most representative hutong blocks in Beijing, is full of the rich charm of old Beijing. It starts from Gulou Dongdajie in the north and ends at Ping’an Dajie in the south, with a width of 8 meters and a total length of 787 meters. It was built in the same period as the Yuan Dadu. It is one of the oldest blocks in Beijing and also a traditional residential area in Beijing. There are 8 hutongs on each side. There are also several tourist attractions such as former residences and princely mansions on both sides. Now Nanluoguxiang is a commercial street, selling various snacks and handicrafts, among which the old – Beijing – style handmade bracelets and a wide variety of other items are dazzling. It is a great place for tourists who like eating, drinking, and shopping to experience the charm of old Beijing.
Beihai Park
Located to the northwest of the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, together with Zhonghai and Nanhai, is collectively called the Three Seas and belongs to the ancient Chinese royal gardens. The whole park centers around Beihai Lake, with a water surface area of 583 mu (about 388,667 square meters) and a total area of about 71 hectares, and the land area is 480 mu (about 320,000 square meters). It was originally a detached palace built during the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties and was turned into an imperial garden during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is one of the most complete, ancient, comprehensive, and representative royal gardens in China. The lake in the park is rippling with blue waves, and the White Pagoda on Qionghua Island stands tall and erect, becoming a unique symbol of the Beijing skyline. Strolling in the park, you can enjoy the antique pavilions, terraces, and towers, such as Yong’an Temple and Wulong Pavilion. These buildings are elegant in style and complement the surrounding lakes and mountains. Here, tourists can not only feel the delicate layout of the ancient royal garden but also row a boat to enjoy the scenery in their spare time, immersing themselves in the tranquility and comfort. It is an excellent place not to be missed for exploring the ancient charm of Beijing.
Foods
Beijing is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes. One of the city’s most famous dishes is Peking duck, a crispy – skinned roasted duck usually served with thin pancakes, scallions, and a special sauce. Peking duck is a must – try delicacy for any tourist visiting Beijing, and there are many restaurants throughout the city that serve this delicious dish.
Zhajiangmian is one of the characteristic foods of old Beijing. It is made by mixing noodles with chopped vegetables and fried sauce. The “fried sauce” is made by stir – frying diced meat, scallions, and ginger in oil, and then adding yellow sauce or sweet bean sauce for further stir – frying. The “chopped vegetables” usually include cucumber, Chinese toon, bean sprouts, green beans, and soybeans. Cooked noodles are topped with fried sauce and mixed with chopped vegetables to make Zhajiangmian. The essence of authentic old – Beijing Zhajiangmian lies in the fried sauce. First, the yellow sauce selected must be of high quality, the heat must be evenly controlled, and the proportion of the fried sauce must be appropriate. The diced meat should have both fat and lean parts, and the amount of yellow sauce should not be too much, so that the fried sauce can be fragrant.
Douzhir is a unique folk snack in Beijing that has been passed down for thousands of years. It is made from mung beans, with a dull color and a sweet – and – sour taste. Most people may find it hard to swallow when they taste it for the first time. When drinking Douzhir, it is a classic old – Beijing combination to have a set of Jiaquan. Jiaquan is a flavor snack mainly made of flour and deep – fried. It was originally a royal food in the Qing Dynasty. It is bracelet – shaped, exquisitely carved, dark yellow in color, crispy and fragrant, and will break when it lands on the ground.
Conclusion
Beijing is a city that can meet the needs of everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, cuisine, or modern architecture, Beijing is a must – visit destination for travelers from all over the world. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Beijing today and discover the charm of this amazing city for yourself!
