Contents
Beijing | Introduction
Beijing, the capital of China, is not only the political and cultural center of the country but also a witness to thousands of years of history. It is a city where time seems to condense. The streets of Beijing seem to flow quietly through the long river of history, blending the grandeur of ancient imperial power with the rhythm of modern China's prosperity. Tiananmen Square, vast and expansive, is a symbol of China's political power, having witnessed many significant historical moments. Meanwhile, the Forbidden City stands as a palace frozen in time, where every beam and glazed tile whispers the glory of past dynasties. If you turn into Shichahai or Nanluoguxiang, the alleys of old Beijing, you'll step back into a lively yet peaceful world, experiencing the authentic local life as if time has stood still. The climate in Beijing during spring and autumn is pleasant, with sunlight highlighting the details of ancient architecture, making it the perfect time to explore the city.
Beijing | Day Trip Itinerary
The day starts at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. Upon entering, you'll immediately feel a solemn atmosphere where history and the present intertwine. Standing here, you’ll face the Monument to the People's Heroes, while Tiananmen Gate Tower rises majestically at the northern end, symbolizing China's long history and political power. If time allows, visit the Great Hall of the People, a massive building that serves as the political center of China. Its grand scale and solemnity are awe-inspiring, offering both architectural beauty and a deep sense of history.
From Tiananmen, you can walk to the Forbidden City, a 600-year-old palace that is not only a marvel of architecture but also a repository of imperial memory. As you stroll between the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Palace of Heavenly Purity, you can imagine how the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties wielded their power in this enormous and magnificent palace. The details are everywhere—every door and wall tells the story of ancient Chinese civilization. To fully appreciate the grandeur of the Forbidden City, set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to savor the intricate carvings and architectural designs at a leisurely pace.
In the afternoon, head to Shichahai and Nanluoguxiang. Nanluoguxiang's alleys are full of historical charm yet also infused with modern artistic and commercial vibes. The small shops along the street sell traditional Beijing snacks like candied hawthorn and mung bean milk, evoking a sense of nostalgia while also reflecting Beijing’s contemporary youthful energy. Shichahai is a place where the waterscape meets history. The three lakes lie quietly in the center of the city, surrounded by old Beijing’s hutongs and siheyuan (courtyard homes). This is where the hustle and bustle meet tranquility. Stroll by the lake and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of old Beijing, or rent a small boat to gently glide over the sparkling water, as if time is flowing backward.
Beijing | Transportation
Beijing's transportation system is well-developed, particularly its subway network. Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City are easily accessible. In the morning, you can take Subway Line 1 to Tiananmen East Station, which is just a few steps away from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. After visiting the Forbidden City, it is recommended to take a taxi to Shichahai, as the distance is short but walking might be inconvenient. After strolling around Shichahai in the afternoon, you can either take Subway Line 6 to Nanluoguxiang or ride a shared bike. Cycling allows you to freely explore Beijing's hutongs, letting you enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Beijing | Accommodation
If you plan to stay overnight in Beijing, Wangfujing is an ideal choice for accommodation. It is close to both Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with convenient options for shopping and dining. For those who prefer a more atmospheric stay, boutique hotels and courtyard B&Bs around Shichahai offer a completely different experience, allowing you to feel the authentic texture of life in old Beijing.
Looking for a stay in Beijing?
Since we visited Beijing for work, we chose to stay at the Crowne Plaza Beijing Zhongguancun. As a business hotel, it is fully equipped and offers great comfort, making it an excellent choice for travelers who need to balance work and leisure.
Beijing | Attractions
The Great Hall of the People
Located on the west side of Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of the People is not only the venue for China's National People's Congress but also a site for major national events. To draw a comparison, it holds a similar position in China as the Congress building. Built in 1959, this massive structure spans 170,000 square meters and contains nearly 100 halls, the most famous of which is the auditorium that can accommodate 10,000 people. Its grandeur is awe-inspiring. Visitors can explore specific areas during certain times. Each hall is full of symbolism: the panda decorations in the Sichuan Hall bring a smile, and the large round table in the Guangdong Hall seems to humorously nod to the region’s culinary traditions. In addition to the meeting rooms, the Great Hall of the People also has banquet and reception halls, playing a key role in state events.
Visitors can visit some of the areas that are partially open at certain times. Each hall is filled with symbolic meaning: the Sichuan Hall is decorated with pandas that make you laugh, while the Cantonese Hall's large round tables seem to be a humorous tribute to the region's food culture. China also has a Taiwan Hall, which is not open to the public, but which also evokes symbolic meaning. In addition to the Council Chamber, there are also the Banquet Hall and the Welcome Hall, which play an important role in national events. The Welcome Hall is often used as a venue for state leaders to receive foreign guests, making it a popular scene for visitors to imitate and take photos of.
On the day we visited, we happened to see a rehearsal on stage, seemingly for a revolution-themed play, adding a dynamic tension to this otherwise solemn building.
Must-see | Tiananmen Square
After exiting the Great Hall of the People, it’s just a short walk across the street to the east side of Tiananmen Square. Since its completion in 1949, the square has become one of the largest city squares in the world, symbolizing China’s political power and witnessing the country’s modern history. Covering an area of 440,000 square meters, it can accommodate hundreds of thousands of people and is surrounded by significant buildings such as the Tiananmen Gate Tower, the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and of course, the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao.
Tiananmen Square carries a weighty significance. For many, it is inevitably associated with the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, becoming an iconic scene in modern Chinese history. If you are interested in Chinese political history, this is an ideal place to reflect and understand. A Beijing friend who accompanied us shared stories passed down from older generations about the protests—a movement full of contradictions and tension.
Tiananmen Gate itself is the main entrance to the Forbidden City. Standing prominently, it now bears a giant portrait of Chairman Mao, with the inscription "Long Live the People's Republic of China" on either side. This building, originally called Cheng Tian Men when it was first built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty, has witnessed centuries of history. It was renamed Tiananmen in 1645. Visitors can climb the gate's walls to overlook the square or explore the displays inside. However, since it was a weekend during our visit and crowded with people, we decided to forgo climbing the wall.
Two iconic features of Tiananmen are its marble columns (Huabiao) and stone lions. The pair of 9.57-meter-tall marble Huabiao columns were built in 1417 during the Ming dynasty and serve as important decorative elements in front of the gate. The male lion, playing with a ball, and the female lion, caring for her cub, symbolize the protection of the royal family.
Must-see | The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)
Passing through Tiananmen, you enter the inner city of the Forbidden City, the palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, and now home to the Palace Museum. Built in 1407 during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming dynasty, the Forbidden City covers an area of 780,000 square meters, making it one of the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complexes in China. Standing here, you can't help but be awestruck by the sheer grandeur of this magnificent structure, as if time itself has come to a standstill within these palace walls.
The Forbidden City served as the palace for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient architectural complexes in China. The palace is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court was where the emperor conducted state affairs, with the three great halls—Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian), Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian), and Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian)—as its core. These halls were used for grand ceremonies and symbolize the emperor’s supreme authority.
The Inner Court, on the other hand, was the emperor’s living quarters, centered around the Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong), Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian), and Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong). The Eastern and Western Six Palaces served as residential and daily administrative areas. In addition, the eastern part housed the palace for the retired emperor, while the southern part accommodated the imperial princes. The western area included the palaces for the empress dowager. Over the centuries, 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties lived in the Forbidden City, with the imperial court's history coming to an end after the Xinhai Revolution in 1911. The last emperor, Puyi, and the royal family continued living in the Inner Court until they were finally expelled from the palace in 1924.
Today, the Palace Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Meridian Gate (Wu Men)
When visiting the Forbidden City, you can enter through the Meridian Gate (Wu Men) and follow the central axis to explore the main palaces, experiencing the grandeur and intricacy of this ancient imperial palace. It is recommended to set aside at least 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate the magnificent history of the palace complex.
Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian)
Passing through the Gate of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Men), you arrive at the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian). Commonly known as the "Golden Throne Hall," it was the venue for major ceremonial events, and it was built during the 18th year of Emperor Yongle's reign (1420) in the Ming dynasty.
The hall was used for the most important imperial ceremonies, including New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, the emperor's birthday, and other significant events. It also hosted grand occasions such as the emperor's coronation, royal weddings, the appointment of the empress, the announcement of the results of the imperial examinations, and the dispatching of generals to war. The Taihe Dian served as the grand stage for these momentous events, underscoring the supreme authority and power of the emperor.
This magnificent structure is set atop a three-tiered marble platform, overlooking the entire Forbidden City. Both in terms of its architectural status and symbolic power, the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian) represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture. The floor of the hall is paved with special tiles known as "golden bricks." Although not made of gold, these square bricks were crafted in Suzhou and specifically made for use in the imperial capital, earning the name "Jing Zhuan" (capital bricks). Over time, these bricks came to be referred to as "golden bricks" due to their exquisite craftsmanship and rich, smooth texture, evoking a sense of luxury and exclusivity.
Taihe Dian stands as the highest-ranking ancient building in China, representing the ultimate expression of imperial authority. It has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times, with the current structure dating back to the 34th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1695) during the Qing dynasty. The hall’s grand and imposing design, along with its rich historical significance, makes it one of the most revered structures in Chinese architectural history.
As you approach the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian), you’ll notice a plaque hanging inside, inscribed with the words "Jian Ji Sui You" (建極綏猷), written by Emperor Qianlong. This phrase means "establishing the utmost virtue and promoting harmony," reflecting the emperor's ideals of governance.
At the center of the ceiling, directly above the throne, you can see a coiled dragon holding a pearl in its mouth, known as the Xuanyuan Mirror. This dragon, symbolizing imperial authority and protection, was believed to have the power to prevent treachery and ward off evil. The presence of this intricate dragon carving and the Qianlong emperor’s plaque adds to the majestic and solemn atmosphere within the hall, reinforcing the emperor's supreme status and the significance of the space as a symbol of imperial power.
Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian)
Behind the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian) lies the **Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian)**, a structure that employs the "reduced pillar" architectural technique, which eliminates six interior columns to create a more open and spacious interior. Inside the hall, a plaque written by Emperor Qianlong hangs with the inscription **"Huang Jian You Ji"** (皇建有極), meaning "The Emperor establishes the highest standards for the realm." This phrase signifies the emperor's role in setting the ultimate moral and political benchmarks for the empire.
During the Ming dynasty, the emperor would often use the Hall of Preserving Harmony to change into ceremonial robes before major state events. On significant occasions such as New Year's Eve and the 15th day of the first lunar month, the emperor would host banquets here for his nobles and ministers. Additionally, during the early Qing dynasty, both Emperor Shunzhi and Emperor Kangxi briefly resided in this hall.
In the 54th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign (1789), the Hall of Preserving Harmony was designated as the site for the **palace examinations** (殿试), the final and most prestigious stage of the imperial civil service exam system. This exam determined the highest-ranking scholars in the empire, and those who excelled were appointed to important government positions.
Cining Palace (Cining Gong)
Cining Palace was first built in the 15th year of Emperor Jiajing's reign during the Ming dynasty. During the Ming period, it was the residence of the imperial concubines from previous reigns. In the 10th year of Emperor Shunzhi's reign during the Qing dynasty, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang moved into Cining Palace, marking its transformation into the residence of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager. Imperial consorts, such as dowager concubines and imperial consorts, would also live there alongside the empress dowager.
Cining Palace became a significant venue for hosting grand ceremonies related to the empress dowagers. Important occasions, such as the Empress Dowager's birthday (Shengshou Festival) and the marriage of imperial princesses, were celebrated here. The palace was not only a place of residence but also a center for important royal rituals and celebrations, reflecting the prominent status of the empress dowagers in the imperial court.
The Cining Palace complex includes the Cining Gate, the Cining Palace itself, and the Cining Palace Garden located outside the gate. Currently, the interior of Cining Palace serves as a sculpture museum. While we wandered through the exhibit, we didn’t come across any particularly stunning displays, which left us wondering if perhaps the most important artifacts had been relocated to the **National Palace Museum in Taipei**. This relocation of many significant cultural relics from the Forbidden City to Taipei occurred during the Chinese Civil War and is likely why some of the more valuable or iconic items are no longer in the Beijing Palace Museum. Despite this, the architectural beauty and historical significance of the Cining Palace remain worth exploring.
Junji Chu (Grand Council)
If it weren’t located within the imperial city, this building might seem like an ordinary structure with a decorative roof. However, this humble-looking building was one of the most important government offices during the Qing dynasty—the Grand Council (Junji Chu). In the 7th year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, as military campaigns were underway in the northwest, the Junji Office was initially established to handle urgent military matters. By the 3rd year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, it was formalized into the Grand Council (Junji Chu).
Qianqing Palace (The Palace of Heavenly Purity)
The Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宮) was built in the 18th year of the Yongle reign and served as the emperor's residence and place for handling state affairs up until the Kangxi period. During the reign of Emperor Yongzheng, the emperor's living quarters were moved to the rear hall of the Hall of Mental Cultivation, and state affairs were also handled there. However, during the Qianlong period, state affairs were once again managed at the Palace of Heavenly Purity. After an emperor's death, their body would be placed here to symbolize that they had passed away peacefully in their residence.
Inside the Palace of Heavenly Purity (乾清宮), there is a famous plaque with the inscription "Justice and Honor" (正大光明). Those familiar with Chinese history have likely heard of it. During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the issue of succession led to fierce conflicts between his brothers. To avoid such disputes, Emperor Yongzheng deliberately created the secret system for designating an heir. The designated heir’s name was stored in a box placed behind this "Justice and Honor" plaque. Upon the emperor's death, the box would be retrieved and the name verified, allowing the chosen prince to ascend the throne.
The Hall of Union
The Hall of Union (交泰殿) served as the palace for the empress. Since the empress was not supposed to have a political role, the hall's primary function was for the empress to receive formal greetings during three major occasions: her birthday, New Year's Day, and the Winter Solstice. In the center of the Hall of Union is a throne, and above it hangs a plaque with the inscription "Wuwei" (無為), written by Emperor Qianlong based on Emperor Kangxi's original calligraphy. The term "Wuwei" holds significant meaning, implying that the empress should remain uninvolved in political affairs.
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility
The Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤寧宮) was the sleeping quarters for the empress during the Ming dynasty. Its interior still contains furnishings from the Ming period.
The Imperial Garden
The Imperial Garden (御花園) is located behind the Palace of Earthly Tranquility (坤寧宮). As it is currently summer, the entire garden is filled with lush greenery as far as the eye can see.
Must-Visit | Shichahai (什剎海)
In the afternoon, we headed to Shichahai—a lake area with 700 years of history. Once the residential area for royal aristocrats during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it has now become a popular scenic spot for both locals and tourists. The three lakes—Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai—lie quietly in the heart of old Beijing, surrounded by ancient courtyards (siheyuan) and hutongs, exuding a rich sense of history.
The area around Shichahai is often referred to as "Old Beijing." One of the most popular activities here is taking a rickshaw ride through the hutongs. The rickshaw can take us to explore Nanluoguxiang, one of the best-preserved ancient hutongs in Beijing, stretching about 800 meters. This hutong was built during the Yuan dynasty and has a rich historical and cultural background. Today, it has become a tourist attraction that blends tradition with modernity. The small shops are unique, offering both traditional snacks like candied hawthorns and douzhi (fermented mung bean drink), alongside modern handicrafts, allowing visitors to experience a seamless blend of history and contemporary life.
The afternoons at Shichahai are especially enchanting. You can rent a small boat and gently glide across the lake, taking in the tranquility and leisurely pace of the city. The lakeside is lined with quaint shops and restaurants that offer plenty of spots to relax. As night falls, the nearby bar street transforms the area, infusing it with a completely different kind of energy and liveliness.
Beijing | Food Review
When traveling in Beijing, besides the magnificent historical sites and deep cultural heritage, there is one thing you absolutely must not miss—the city's culinary culture. Beijing cuisine is a reflection of both the down-to-earth flavors found in the alleys of the imperial city and the everyday memories of countless families. From street snacks to classic dishes, every bite reveals the lifeblood of this vibrant city.
Old Beijing Snacks
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$
We visited a restaurant called "Old Beijing Snacks" (老北京小吃), which was highly recommended by a friend. Not only does this place offer authentic Beijing cuisine, but the menu itself feels like a mini-history of Beijing’s food culture. We decided to begin our experience by sampling a few of their classic dishes.
First on the table was a dish showcasing remarkable knife skills: Sieve-Cut Cucumbers (蓑衣黃瓜). This dish seems simple at first glance, but the cucumber is cut in such a way that it resembles a thin, woven sieve, all while keeping the cucumber intact. The technique alone makes you pause and admire it. Next came Pork Skin Jelly (肉皮凍), which has a deeper historical background. This dish is said to have been invented by the Manchus. Its gelatinous texture, cool and springy, offers a refreshing bite that reflects the unique approach to ingredients seen in the Manchu-Han Imperial Feast.
We then moved on to three iconic Beijing snacks: Guanchang (灌腸), Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodles (老北京炸醬麵), and Exploded Tripe (爆肚). Guanchang originated in ancient times, when pig intestines were traditionally stuffed with starch, sliced, and fried before being served with garlic sauce. Originally, it was a cheap substitute to satisfy the desire for meat among the common folk. Nowadays, the intestines themselves are no longer used, but the fried aroma still tempts you into taking bite after bite.
Next came the famous Old Beijing Zhajiang Noodles. Eating this dish has its own kind of ritual—you mix shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, and other toppings into the noodles, then blend in the rich zhajiang sauce. For locals, nothing beats homemade zhajiang, but the version served at this restaurant was quite flavorful. Though similar to Taiwan’s zhajiangmian, the plating here was more refined and artistic, offering a visual feast as well.
Finally, we tried Exploded Tripe (爆肚), a popular street food that gained particular fame in Beijing. We sampled the classic water-boiled version, where fresh tripe is sliced into strips, blanched, and immediately served. Paired with rich sesame paste, the tripe was crisp and savory—a mouthful that gives you a deep appreciation for the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
Quanjude
- Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Price: $$$
A visit to Beijing wouldn’t be complete without dining at Quanjude (全聚德). With over 150 years of history, this roast duck restaurant has become an essential part of Beijing’s culinary culture. The moment you step into Quanjude, you’re enveloped in a sense of history and tradition. The main event here is, of course, the presentation of the roast duck. A server brings the duck to your table and expertly carves it, showcasing impressive knife skills. Each slice of duck is golden and crispy on the outside, while tender and juicy on the inside. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a performance filled with artistry.
Each slice of duck can be enjoyed with thin pancakes, julienned scallions, and sweet bean sauce. The combination of the crispy duck skin with the soft pancake, the freshness of the scallions, and the rich flavor of the sauce creates a multi-layered experience in every bite. Quanjude’s roast duck is more than just a dish—it embodies a way of life and a deep reverence for culinary craftsmanship. The dining environment is elegant, and the service is impeccable, ensuring that you not only taste something delicious but also experience the tradition and care that goes into making Beijing’s signature dish.
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