China's political and cultural heart, Beijing pairs monumental imperial architecture with a fast, modern metropolis. A few days here cover dynasties, revolution and 21st-century China all at once.
History & culture
Capital under the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, Beijing was laid out as a cosmic diagram centred on the Forbidden City. The surrounding hutong alleys, Ming-era city plan and nearby Great Wall sections trace over 700 years as the seat of empire.
What to see & do
- ◆The Forbidden City (Palace Museum)
- ◆Great Wall at Mutianyu (less crowded than Badaling)
- ◆Temple of Heaven at dawn, full of locals exercising
- ◆Hutong neighbourhoods around Houhai and Nanluoguxiang
- ◆Summer Palace lake and gardens
What to eat
- ●Peking duck (try a long-established roast house)
- ●Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste)
- ●Jianbing breakfast crepes from a street stall
Getting there
Two international airports (Capital PEK and Daxing PKX) plus high-speed rail to most major cities. The subway is cheap, signed in English and the easiest way around.
Avoid the pitfalls
- Book Forbidden City tickets online in advance with your passport — walk-ups are not sold.
- Avoid 'tea ceremony' invitations from friendly strangers near Wangfujing; it's a classic overcharging scam.
- Air quality varies — check an app and keep a mask handy in winter.
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