Beijing is China’s capital city and is also one of the world’s greatest historical and cultural centers. Anyone who visits Beijing can find a variety of attractions that help tell the story of this intriguing city. Beijing features a blend of modern and old-world influences that help give the city its distinctive character.
Arriving and Getting Around
Getting around Beijing is easy, thanks to the city’s different transportation options. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main destination for flights coming into Beijing. From the airport, visitors can reach the city by taxi or via the Airport Express train.
Beijing’s metro system consists of many subway lines that can take travelers to different parts of the city. Public bus service is also available. Visitors can additionally walk to many of the city’s most popular places, which are often grouped together in clusters.
Attractions
World-famous attractions can be found in different parts of the city, and many tourists flock to these sites to experience the best of what Beijing has to offer. Some of Beijing’s top-rated attractions include:
- Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City
- The Temple of Heaven
- Lama Temple
- Beijing Olympic Park
- The Great Wall of China (just north of Beijing)
Local Fare
Beijing features numerous restaurants and eateries that serve everything from authentic Chinese cuisine to foods that are found in many American-style fast-food restaurants. Anyone who wants to sample some of the best Chinese food in Beijing can try favorites like the:
- Peking duck
- Chive egg dumplings
- Pea flour cake
- Soybean paste noodles
- Moo shu pork
- Jing jiang rou si sauteed pork
Shopping
Travelers who want to shop can find plenty of great stores in Beijing that sell the latest fashions as well as souvenirs, foods, and other popular items. Xidan Commercial Street is where many of Beijing’s bigger brands and smaller boutiques are located, and this district is also a great place to go at night. Old shops and historical architecture can be found along Qianmen Street. Savvy shoppers often head to Silk Street for excellent bargains.
Anyone who comes to Beijing for a vacation or business trip can find plenty of great ways to spend their leisure time. Visitors can make the most of their time in Beijing if they know where all the best local places of interest are located.