Beijing Attractions

Ever wanted to see one of the most magnificent works of art in the world? The Great Wall of China is a work of art and is one that must be seen when you are in the vicinity of China. Stretching well over 3,948 miles in length it is one of the few man-made structures visible from space. The wall follows from east to west and its history goes back for over 2000 years. While much of the wall has come to ruin, it is one of the most historical pieces of architectural design in the whole world and is a must-see when visiting China.

Somewhere around the 7th century B.C, walls were built to help deter enemies coming from the north. When the Qin Dynasty came to be, the Wall expanded and continued even during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall of China was constructed over hills, mountains, and valleys and was built with protection in mind. With signal towers and moats, the Wall helped to keep the dynasties safe. Most of what is left of the Wall today was constructed during the Ming Dynasty and continues to stand the test of time...

Forbidden to outsiders no longer, enter the Forbidden City, the most famous attraction in the heart of Beijing, China, and see the former imperial palace, which now houses the Palace Museum. For almost five hundred years, from the mid-Ming Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty, the Forbidden City was the home of the Emperor and the Emperor's household and was the political and ceremonial center of the Chinese government. 

The Forbidden City of China took 15 years to build and was constructed between 1406 and 1420. Surviving within the ancient complex are 980 buildings and a grand total of 8,707 rooms. The entire complex covers 720,000 meters or 2,362,204.80 square feet of land. It was built in the traditional style, with the architecture reminiscent of other traditional palace architecture in China. 

These ancient wooden structures are incredibly well preserved and have led in part to the Forbidden City having been named a World Heritage Site in 1987...

The Temple of Heaven is considered to be one of the holiest sites in China, particularly for Taoists who believe in Heaven worship. The Temple of Heaven is located south of the Forbidden City and is the place of worship for the monarchs of China. The Chinese royalty (primarily of the Qing and Ming dynasties) go to the temple to pray for good harvest via elaborate ceremonies and sacrifices.

The temple is made up of a set of Taoist buildings standing on over 6,000 acres of land. This makes it three times as large as the Forbidden City. Construction of the complex began in 1406 and was completed on 1420. The temple was built just about the same time as the Forbidden City, during the Yongle Emperor's reign. Originally dubbed the Temple of Heaven and Earth, they changed the name to "Temple of Heaven" during Emperor Jiajing's reign (16th century).

The temple complex has three main structures – the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Earthly Mount...

Tiananmen Square is not just your ordinary park. It is replete with history, history that shook not only China but the whole world. Tiananmen Square (which literally means "Gate of Heavenly Peace") sits right at the heart of the city of Beijing and is an important tourist spot. Built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty, it was the site where ceremonies of state were celebrated. Here, emperors made their important pronouncements and edicts before the people of China.

The area was originally smaller, but it was enlarged to its current size in 1949. It now has an area of 440,000 square meters, which makes it the largest open air urban square in the world. The square is a relaxing place. Its flower-filled gardens and wide open spaces are ideal for flying kites, taking a walk or just relaxing with loved ones and friends...