Beijing Like a Local

Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People’s Republic of China. It was also the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. As such it is rich in historical sites and important government institutions.

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008. Much of the city was in upheaval as infrastructure was being frenetically constructed and sights were being renovated for the Games. Post-Olympics visitors can look forward to some modern additions to the city’s attractions, including the “Water Cube” and the “Bird’s Nest.”

The Forbidden City is the spot to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite the transformation of the city around it, the Forbidden City remains mercifully relatively untouched.

Hutongs are Beijing’s ancient alleyways, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture. Rent a bicycle and traverse some of the remaining hutongs. Visit the Temple of Heaven early in the morning to see thousands of people starting the day with tai chi. Or see a Beijing opera at the Laoshe Tea House near Qianmen station. There are always short shows in the afternoon. Admission is free, but you should buy a cup of tea.

China's Great Wall stretches east-west for more than 5000 kilometers. Its origins can be traced to the 7th Century BCE, when independent kingdoms constructed separate walls to keep out marauding nomads. China's first emperor linked many of these during the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BCE). It was renovated several times in later centuries. Built along the rolling ridges of steep mountains, it offers spectacular, even awe-inspiring views, and is surely one of humankind's greatest architectural achievements. For specific details on the Great Wall refer to Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai and Huanghuacheng.

A very reputed restaurant, Do Dang Roast Duck Restaurant is very close to the embassy district of Beijing. It is one of the top five duck houses in Beijing and is also voted as 'Best Beijing Duck' in the 2007 Beijing Reader Restaurant Awards. If you're a duck meal virgin, the restaurant has a booklet on each table explaining the different ways to eat the duck. A variety of wines and beers are available to complement the meal as well.

This massive mausoleum and memorial hall was built right in the center of Tiananmen Square, the center of Beijing and metaphorically of the whole of China, shortly after Mao's death in 1976. For nearly 30 years Mao was the center of the Chinese universe, and despite how the future may judge him, he is certainly still revered today. The lines that file into the building and pass his glass sarcophagus are long but fast-moving, and visitors often get the feeling they are being whisked away before they can get a good look at the mummified corpse.

The Rear Lakes are three lakes: the Front Lake (Shicha), the Rear Lake (Houhai) and the Jishui Lake. The area around the Houhai lake is known for its nightlife and the alleyways hiding trendy restaurants, bars and stores. Make sure you take a boat ride during the summer.

Standing on the platform of the Gate of Heavenly Peace, visitors have a panoramic view over Tiananmen Square. Built in 1417, the 34-meter (110-foot) high gate consists of a terrace and a tower. The site was used for grand ceremonies in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has been renovated four times in the past 50 years and was opened to the public on July 1, 1988. Tiananmen, the front gate of the Forbidden City, is considered the center of Beijing.

Tiananmen Square is the largest public square in the world and is considered a symbol of the People's Republic of China. The square is surrounded by a cluster of massive buildings including Tiananmen Gate, The Forbidden City, the Great Hall of the People, The Monument of the People's Heroes and the Mao Ze Dong Mausoleum. Tiananmen attracts thousands of visitors every year from throughout China due to its political and historical significance. The square was recently renovated to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Chinese Opera includes more than 300 theatrical forms, among which Beijing Opera is usually regarded as the crème de la crème. In many ways it is similar to ancient Greek theater with its combination of singing, dialogue, acrobatics and pantomime. The actors wear masks, and the performances are accompanied by loud and monotonous rhythms produced by percussion instruments. Local professional Beijing Opera singers give a variety of performances with well-balanced casts and a large repertoire.

Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People’s Republic of China. It was also the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. As such it is rich in historical sites and important government institutions.

Beijing hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008. Much of the city was in upheaval as infrastructure was being frenetically constructed and sights were being renovated for the Games. Post-Olympics visitors can look forward to some modern additions to the city’s attractions, including the “Water Cube” and the “Bird’s Nest.”

The Forbidden City is the spot to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite the transformation of the city around it, the Forbidden City remains mercifully relatively untouched.

Hutongs are Beijing’s ancient alleyways, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture. Rent a bicycle and traverse some of the remaining hutongs. Visit the Temple of Heaven early in the morning to see thousands of people starting the day with tai chi. Or see a Beijing opera at the Laoshe Tea House near Qianmen station. There are always short shows in the afternoon. Admission is free, but you should buy a cup of tea.