10 Places to see When in Beijing China


My first thoughts when I arrived in Beijing were that there were so many trees, more than I was expecting after reading about pollution issues in China! Also, the sky was clear and blue when I came during the transition of summer to autumn. In fact, China during the fall and spring months are the best periods of the year to enjoy Beijing. However, I want to leave it up to you to decide yourself what you think about China!

To start, some of the places I enjoyed while exploring Beijing are:

THE FORBIDDEN CITY/JINGSHAN PARK
If you are a student and have your identification card, you can enter at a discount. It was cool to see the palace and where they lived back then. My favorite part though was the garden at the end.


BEIHAI PARK
This park reminds me of a stereotypical garden that you would see in the movies! It is so pretty and a temple at the top to enjoy the views of Beijing. It is a bit of walking distance from the Forbidden City and my favorite suggestion would be to take one of their boats and enjoy a picnic on the water or near the weeping willows which make it romantic and special!



THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
Well, you have to go here if you are going to go to China!!!! It is just mind-blowing when you go to think, how did they build this wall on top of mountains stretching miles long?? I went to Mutianyu which was less touristy but have lift options to take you up the mountain if you do not want to walk. I chose to walk it because it is a part of the experience!!! Other recommendations are to do some of the hiking groups that they offer because you get to go to some of the more untouched parts of the wall and shoot some amazing shots with your camera.






THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
I remember someone telling that there is a gate you need to enter and exit through. There are times of the year, which is mainly the winter months, when it is discounted to enter. But it is a huge property so be sure to wear some walking shoes. In some of the shops, you can take pictures dressed as a Chinese emperor or empress!

TIANNAMEN SQUARE
It can be crowded most of the time but I luckily made it without any crowds a few days after the grand opening of the autumn festival to see the giant flowers. And, I got to see them on a beautiful sunny day! (Sunny, non-hazy days are rare in Beijing so take advantage!) Plus, you can see the former chairman Mao at the entrance of the Forbidden City.

If you do decide to see Tiannamen when it is more exciting during festival times, the best day to go to see the fireworks and parades is the first day of the opening celebrations. Just be prepared that it will be packed like sardines on the subways and in other public places the first 2-3 days of festival time...
WUANGFUJING FLEA MARKET
Okay, so there are shopping malls all around (like XXI, Gucci, etc) but there is a secret back alley way that sells cheap Chinese memorabilia and here, you will find the ROACHES, GRASSHOPPERS, & SCORPIONS on a stick! (I dare you to try one...lol) 

Also, you can catch elderly people on the weekends doing their organized group dances with their fans and dressed in costumes performing in the streets. If you walk down to the church, they have fun line dancing to Chinese traditional rhythms. Go ahead and jump in! Its good exercise.


 MING TOMBS
It was away from Beijing near the outskirts where you can enjoy more of natural China. The tombs were interesting and were a part of my trip to the Mutianyu tour of the Great Wall since they are in the same direction.

THE SUMMER PALACE
With beautiful gardens and lakes surrounding the palace, this is another site to enjoy if you want to explore Beijing.

 LLAMA TEMPLE/HUTONGS
A huge golden Buddha and near the Hutongs to see two tourist spots in one. While it was cool to see, if you are pressed for time in Beijing, I would say you are not missing much.


BADACHU PARK
It is some ways from Beijing because it is on the outskirts of the city. When walking through the park and seeing the temple, it reminded me a bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender! Plus, they had parts where you could meditate, light incense, and observe the beautiful area that had the yoga "Om.." in the background. It was a very peaceful place and had bonsai trees growing from the side of the cliffs.

Did I miss any suggestions that we need to know? Please share to help others out on their next trip to China! Also, I have other posts about traveling to China or connect with me on Instagram.


Location: Beijing, China

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