Beijing is a three-dimensional history book of millennia-old dynasties: with the Forbidden City as its core and the Great Wall as its spine, it blends imperial grandeur with the everyday life of the hutongs, containing the profound heritage of a six-dynasty ancient capital while also radiating the vibrant vitality of a modern metropolis.
Go to Tiananmen Square in the early morning to watch the flag-raising ceremony, then visit the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), and Jingshan Park. Climb to Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the city’s Central Axis. In the evening, head to Yangmeizhu Xiejie to experience the artistic atmosphere of old Beijing hutongs.
Go early to Mutianyu (Great Wall); you may take the cable car to experience the “speed and passion on the Great Wall.” Then go to Shichahai to try ice activities in winter; in summer, take a boat around the Lotus Market. In the evening, stroll Nanluoguxiang, walking the hutong alleys; the hutongs are even more charming under night lights.
Enter from the Xinjian Palace Gate, stroll along the West Dike, and appreciate the garden art of borrowing scenery from West Lake. Visit the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art and M WOODS Museum to feel the collision of industrial style and contemporary art. In the evening, go shopping at Taikoo Li, or attend a jazz performance
In the morning, enter Temple of Heaven Park from the South Gate to see the distinctive Heavenly Center Stone at the Circular Mound Altar and the gilded roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Then visit the National Museum of China, focusing on the “Ancient China” galleries, where the evolution of Chinese civilization is clearly presented from Yangshao painted pottery to Ming–Qing porcelain—do not miss the museum treasure “Four-Goat Square Zun.” After lunch, go to Universal Beijing Resort to experience Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers: Battle for the AllSpark, and Jurassic World Adventure.
In the morning, visit the Prince Kung’s Mansion Museum, the largest Qing-dynasty princely residence. The “Fu” character stele, the Grand Theater, and the Western-Style Gate are known as the “Three Marvels.” In the garden, the “Moon-Inviting Terrace” offers a panoramic view of Shichahai. In the afternoon, go to Fragrant Hills Park to admire the red leaves from the Yuhua Xiu viewing platform. After a short rest, head to Biyun Temple and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.
