Tips For Your First Time Visiting Beijing, China

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Beijing is one of the largest and most important cities of the world, but it’s no secret that China is not the easiest country to travel to for westerners.

With a total metropolitan population of 22 million, it is home to almost 10 million more people than the London metro area, and 3 million more people than New York City’s metropolitan area, and boy do you feel it.

But while Beijing may feel overwhelming for first time visitors, if you go in armed with the know-how and advice, and feel somewhat organized, you can be in for a really incredible experience.

Beijing is a melting pot of ancient cultures, architectural gems, and unique travel experiences.

To ensure you have the best trip possible, here are some of our top tips for your first time visiting Beijing.

Things To Know Before Visiting Beijing

From knowing where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what to see, these are the most important things you should know before you go to Beijing…

1. Don’t Miss The Important Beijing Landmarks

Just as London is critical to England’s history, Beijing is critical to the rich history of China.

For centuries, Beijing, formerly known as Peking, has served as the cultural and political hub of China.

The Beijing visitor will be delighted by a host of historical palaces, ancient temples, huge stone walls, and state-of-the-art new architecture.

Be sure not to miss these landmarks…

The Forbidden City

The Ming and Qing emperors of China built an impressive palace in the center of Beijing , starting in early the 15th century.

By the time it was completed in 1420, the palace included 980 buildings, 8,707 rooms, and covered a total of almost 8 million square feet.

In 1987, the Forbidden City was named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Open to tourists, the Forbidden City is a must-see for anyone with an interest in Chinese history or art.

Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world, also borders the Forbidden City.

Temple of Heaven

In the southeastern part of the city lies the Temple of Heaven, a Taoist complex.

Constructed at the same time as the Forbidden City, the temple is important both in terms of its religious significance in China and its historical significance.

In 1998, it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its amazing architecture and…