Beijing
Tian'anmen Square
One of the biggest of its kind in the world, the square sits in the center of the capital city and is considered a symbol of grandeur. One can get an overview of many classic sites in the square that covers an area of 440,000 square meters. Travelers can visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong in the center of the square, the Great Hall of the People to the west, and the National Museum of China to the east. The 14th century Zhengyang Gate and Qianmen watchtower in the south are also worth visiting. For early birds, the flag-raising ceremony is something one shouldn't miss.
Palace Museum
The museum, which was known as the Forbidden City, offers a glimpse into royal life. Beijing was home to 24 emperors during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Visitors can enjoy the museum's grand layout, imposing ancient palaces and halls, such as the Palace of Longevity and Health, where Emperor Qianlong's mother lived. Moreover, the antique paintings, calligraphy and ceramics inside all promise to leave a deep impression on visitors.
Beijing Wtown
One can kill two birds with one stone at the scenic spots. So, you can enjoy a water town scene and a perilous section of the Great Wall together. Stone-paved old streets on the riverside, gray and yellow bricked houses and unique folk customs all make the water town in Beijing's northeastern suburb Miyun county an ideal getaway. It sits at the foot of the Simatai Great Wall and offers a stunning night view. One can also experience traditional art, such as tie-dyeing and kite-making and enjoy distinctive local snacks. After touring the town, one can kick off a daredevil journey to the Simatai Great Wall, which runs 5.4 kilometers from east to west and features various types of construction styles. The eastern part of the wall was built along steep mountain ridges, and the elevation goes abruptly up, making for a breathtaking scene. Some segments along the gentle slopes are wide, while other narrow parts allow only one person to pass at a time. A cable car is also available for those who don't want to get all sweaty on the ascent.
Badaling Great Wall
The wall has parts that were built and reinforced during the Ming Dynasty to defend Beijing against the Mongolians. The northern part of Badaling is steeper and offers better sights. One can get more information about the Great Wall by visiting the Great Wall Museum and Great Wall National Theater in the neighborhood.
