Beijing, which originated in the Yuan Dynasty, is a city with a profound cultural heritage that spans two dynasties and three reigns over 600 years, all connected by a central axis. This city is both the intersection of the splendid relics of ancient Chinese empires and the vigorous vitality of modern times, and a window to the past prosperity and contemporary features. Beijing boasts the Badaling Great Wall, the longest defensive wall in the world; the Forbidden City, the first among the world's five great palaces; the Temple of Heaven, the largest group of buildings for worshipping Heaven in the world; and the Ming Tombs, the largest number of imperial tombs in the world. Here, you will immerse yourself in the brilliant chapters of Chinese civilization and the deep experience of splendid culture, exploring the familiar places of interest and unlocking more dimensions of exploration: uncovering the mysterious veil of the hidden palaces in the Forbidden City, conquering the Great Wall winding through towering mountains, and feeling the frost and snow of thousands of years and the precipitation of history. Wander through the hutongs to experience the authentic flavor of old Beijing life, listen to the historical bells that have echoed for hundreds of years, reaching ten li (a traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately five kilometers) and guarding the earthly life of Beijing.
Peking Opera: Peking Opera is an authentic Chinese national treasure, integrating singing, dancing, martial arts, music, fine arts, and literature. Similar to Western opera, it is known as "peking opera" by Westerners. Besides Peking Opera, Beijing also boasts double act, cross talk, story-telling, and Beijing-style drum singing, all of which can be considered national treasures. Walking on the streets of Beijing, you can often hear the 抑扬顿挫 (melodic and rhythmic) lines of Peking Opera snippets. Visitors can watch Peking Opera performances at theaters like the Auspicious Theatre and Opera Paradise to appreciate its unique singing styles, movements, and costumes.
Recommendations for Peking Opera:
Hutong Tour: Beijing's historic districts and hutongs are an important part of Beijing's culture. Hutongs are the traditional residential form in Beijing, composed of narrow alleys and quadrangle courtyards. These hutongs carry rich historical memories and cultural customs, forming a unique urban landscape of Beijing. Many hutongs have preserved their ancient architectural styles and ways of life, becoming important places for people to experience traditional culture and savor the flavor of old Beijing. There are over 7,000 hutongs in Beijing, each with its own legend. The oldest hutong in Beijing is Sanmiaojie, with a history of over 900 years, while the longest hutong is Dongxi Jiaominxiang, stretching 6.5 li (a traditional Chinese unit of length, approximately 3.25 kilometers). Nowadays, Beijing's hutong tourism projects are diverse, allowing visitors to visit primary schools in the hutongs and visit the homes of hutong residents to "be a Beijinger for a day." The hutongs of Beijing hide many delicious snacks, such as Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), Douzhir (fermented soymilk), and Jiaquan (deep-fried dough sticks). Visitors can taste these authentic delicacies at small shops or stalls in the hutongs.
Recommended Hutong Routes:
CITY WALK: Caochangbei Alley (Bell Tower) - Zhonglouwan Hutong East Section (Drum Tower) - Zhongku Hutong - Lingdang Hutong - Hong'en Temple - Zhaofu Street
Rickshaw Hutong Tour: Shichahai Lake - Song Qingling's Former Residence - Gongwangfu - Ya'er Hutong - Fire God Temple - Jinling Bridge - Yinling Bridge
Visit Siheyuan (Quadrangle Courtyard): A siheyuan is a courtyard enclosed by buildings on the east, west, south, and north sides, with the outer walls of the courtyard forming the side walls of the hutong. The northern room in the courtyard is the main room, and the eastern and western rooms are side rooms. Apart from the main gate, there are no windows or passages connecting the courtyard to the hutong. The siheyuan is peaceful and enclosed, representing the traditional residence of old Beijing. Famous people's former residences and Wang Fu (royal residences) scattered around the city are generally authentic siheyuan, such as Gongwangfu on Qianhai West Street.
Recommended Activities at Siheyuan
Cloisonné Technique Experience: Beijing Cloisonné Factory is the only Chinese time-honored brand in the cloisonné industry in China. Visitors can experience the exquisite beauty of cloisonné techniques and participate in the processes of filigree inlaying and enamel filling.
Shadow Puppetry Watching and Making: China Jingxi Shadow Puppetry Intangible Cultural Heritage Park is a cultural park featuring shadow puppetry. Visitors can watch traditional shadow puppetry performances here and experience the production process of shadow puppet props, feeling the craftsmanship of shadow puppet artists.
Taste Beijing Roast Duck: Beijing Roast Duck is one of the most representative dishes in Beijing, known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and bright red color. Visitors can taste authentic Beijing Roast Duck at time-honored restaurants like Quanjude and Bianyifang.
Guijie Night Market Experience: Guijie is a famous night market in Beijing with numerous snack stalls and restaurants. At night, visitors can taste various delicious snacks and late-night snacks here.
Beijing Roast Duck is globally renowned for its ruddy color, crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor.
Old Beijing Zhajiangmian is a traditional Beijing noodle dish with chewy and smooth noodles, thick soybean paste, and an appetizing combination of rich vegetable ingredients.
Pork Shreds in Soy Sauce is a traditional Beijing specialty dish with tender pork shreds and a sweet and savory sauce.
Ludagunr is a traditional Beijing snack made mainly from glutinous rice, brown sugar, and soybean flour. It has a golden appearance, soft and sweet taste.
Pea Flour Pudding is a traditional Beijing dessert made mainly from peas. It has a delicate texture, sweet but not greasy taste, and a refreshing pea aroma.
Instant-Boiled Mutton Slices is a traditional Beijing hotpot dish. Select high-quality mutton, slice it thinly, and boil it in boiling water. The meat is tender and delicious, complemented by various dipping sauces. The unique boiling method represents one of Beijing's hotpots.
Railway Lines
Beijing is one of the centers of China's railway network. Domestic lines mainly include Beijing-Kowloon Railway, Beijing-Shanghai Railway, Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, Beijing-Harbin Railway, Beijing-Baotou Railway, Beijing-Yuanping Railway, Beijing-Tongliao Railway, Beijing-Chengde Railway, Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, Beijing-Harbin High-Speed Railway, and Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway.
In terms of international railway transportation, trains bound for various Russian cities via Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, via Erlianhot in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, and for Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, all depart from Beijing.
Aviation
There are two large airports in Beijing: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the largest airports in the world and the main operating hub of Air China
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