Beijing, the capital of China, If you are looking for things to visit in Beijing, it is a city that holds a place in millions of hearts. Whether you want to see ancient history, admire imperial architecture, and experience vibrant local culture, or indulge in iconic sites like the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace, my recent trip gave me the opportunity to experience these iconic sites and delve deeper into China’s rich cultural heritage.
My visit provided me with the time to explore these symbolic places and enjoy the culture and colorful life of Beijing. The spectacular scenery of Longyu Mountain and the splendor of the great halls of the Forbidden City made every moment a time travel.
Another glimpse into local life was the busy Qianmen Street and its traditional shops and part of the street food. This was not another visit to Beijing, but an experience of being absorbed in the colors, history, and life of Beijing.
Discover more in our guide on the Ultimate China Travel Guide—Unique Facts, Rich Culture & Must-Visit Destinations. For authentic insights into the iconic Forbidden City, explore its UNESCO World Heritage listing
Best Restaurants Near the Forbidden City: Enjoy Delicious Meals at Local Restaurants
Today I booked a trip to the Forbidden City, and I wanted to have a good breakfast before that—and I had to travel 12.2 kilometers to get to the breakfast place—I took a taxi with Amap, also known as AutoNavi, for which I paid 47 yuan. That’s about 6.5 USD. Which is a reasonable rate. All the taxis I’ve used so far are electric. Wangfujing Street is my destination. I arrived here at 9 am to have a Chinese breakfast like jiaozi. This place is close to the Forbidden City. You can choose your favorite
Summer Palace Beijing Tickets: A Guide to Exploring the Royal
I am now in the Summer Palace. It is an imperial garden. It is the favorite vacation spot of the Chinese imperial family. The ticket counter is decorated with red globes. I also got a ticket. Here are
different ticket prices for different sections. I bought a 30 yuan ticket; it is very crowded. Locals say that it is more crowded from June to August. I am here in November.
Kunming Lake, Longyu Shan, and the Poetry of Chinese Colors
There are many gardens here. Lake “Kunming” and an artificial mountain, “Longyu Shan,” were built for the beauty of the scenery. First, there is a small bridge in front of me. There is a canal below, as well as a walking street and small shops. These are also excellent examples of Chinese history and art.
In China, red is considered to represent happiness.
White is sometimes used to represent sadness. Yellow represents royal power and a wealthy life. Blue represents peace and spirituality. Green symbolizes nature. And black is considered a powerful and serious color in China. So these examples of Chinese art in this palace are not just superficial colors but also flowers of the soul.
View from Longyu Shan:
What can I say about its beauty that changes from moment to moment? From the top of the mountain, boats in the middle of the lake, buildings and trails on the banks, and beautiful imperial gardens where the place is adorned with lush shades of trees and colorful flowers. The pavilions and ancient Chinese buildings look even more charming from the height of the mountain. From here, you can also see the skyline of Beijing, which is about 5 to 7 kilometers away
1800 Buddha Pavilion
The Buddha Hall and the statues built here are magnificent examples of Chinese architecture. There are more than 1800 Buddha statues, whose designs are extremely beautiful and unique. While the material volume and artwork are different from each other, if you are healthy, you must go here. Seeing the entire palace is not a day’s work.
A Complete Guide to Touring the Forbidden City in Beijing
Book at least 5 days in advance to visit. The Forbidden City, where I am standing today, was previously closed to the general public. The city was started in 1406 and completed in 1420. The labor of more than 1 million people, including laborers, architects, craftsmen, and engineers, built this masterpiece of magnificent decoration, art, and decoration.
For 500 years, the city was ruled by Chinese emperors, a total of 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It was opened to the public in 1912, and today tourists from all over the world come to study Chinese imperial history and culture.
In front of me, some girls dressed in colorful Chinese costumes are seen dancing in the traditional style, holding Xia fans in their hands. Which makes my trip even more enjoyable. Their musical and dancing skills are worth watching.
As soon as I entered the Gate of Heavenly Peace, a magnificent scene greeted me. This historical magic is an example of wonder and amazement. It gives a sense of the colors of Chinese culture and the ancient way of life. China has not only thought about peace, tranquility, and royal life, but also practiced it.
Hall of Supreme Harmony
This pattern of various pillars and wood, worked in many colors, inside which the entrance is closed, the royal court where the emperor used to make official decisions, has its own unique place in the scene.
Hall of Preserving Harmony
This religious and royal council used to be attended by the high officials and scholars.
This hall, decorated with wood and gold, and the White Marble Pool built alongside it, cannot be seen as a substitute for representing aspects of a unique culture and art.
Hall of Heavenly Purity
The personal residence of the Chinese emperor. This was his own room and his own business and special government business. The religious duties of spirituality and natural beauty and the expression of power and strength are also seen here.
Hall of Transcendent Joy
This palace, where the wives of Chinese emperors, princesses of the imperial family, and the emperor’s queen lived, reflects the royal life and the emperors’ family traditions. The architecture and art reflect a comfortable life.
People are making live TikToks everywhere in China, which creates a sense of interest in travel. The video-sharing app Douyin, owned by ByteDance, is very popular here. People here make videos using music, dance, challenges, and local trends.
A Night Stroll Through Qianmen Street’s Magical Lights
This street between the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square is a priceless jewel of China’s imperial history. This house of traditional Chinese shops offers a rich experience of handicrafts, traditional clothing, Chinese tea, pottery, dumplings, sweets, and street food.
Nightlife at Qianmen Street:
The view here is like day. I saw a woman operating a grinder inside a sweet shop here, which surprised me. And it turned out to be a robot dressed in blue clothes, which I mistook for a woman. China has come a long way in technology today.
This market, decorated with beautiful lights on the trees and a model of extreme cleanliness, is a magical masterpiece to see. There is a complete ice cream market here where every kind of flavor is trying to prolong your enjoyment.
Final Thoughts:
My trip to Beijing has been an experience that I will never forget, as I could not only experience the great history and culture of China but also the whole palette of its tones.
Visiting places like the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace provides insight into the art and architecture that surrounds them.
This visit not only provided me with an insight into the royal life of China, but it also demonstrated the rich heritage of the country. Each place was unique, and I will never forget it. The bright colors of Beijing, its events, and the mirror image of its culture were living at every moment. These are the places you should visit in case you are willing to go back in time and see some history and art.
When is the Summer Palace open?
Summer Palace is busiest during June-August; hence, going during November, as I did, is an excellent choice to capture the beauty of the place without going during the high tourist season.
How much time shall I have at the Forbidden City?
The Forbidden City is huge and occupied by history. To enjoy its art and meaning to their fullest extent, you want to allow yourself at least a day of exploring. You can book tickets ahead of time if you can, since it can be very busy.
How will the local markets around Qianmen Street perform?
Qianmen Street is a gold mine of Chinese culture, where you can find handicrafts and clothes, local snacks, and street food. It is a busy place around the clock and a place that anyone would visit to get the feel of the old Beijing.