Beijing, China’s resplendent capital has more than its share of historical and cultural highlights. There are many places of interest that every visitor to the city should include in their itinerary as they are unique sites of great cultural merit.
The Great Wall has always been synonymous with China and visitors to Beijing can actually climb sections of this ancient fortification. This huge structure winds its way across grasslands, mountains and deserts like a gargantuan dragon and is undoubtedly one of China’s historical treasures.
The magnificent Forbidden City ranks as one of the most expansive and most comprehensively preserved royal palace compounds on the globe. Encircled by a ten-metre tall wall and six-metre deep moat this amazing site was once the administrative nucleus of Imperial China.
Not to be missed is the vast Tiananmen Square which with its enormous open spaces is a proud symbol of the entire nation of China. Grand and solemn, Tiananmen Square has the distinction of being the biggest centrally positioned city square on the globe. Many sites of interest are found in proximity to this vast square, such as Tiananmen Tower, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, Great Hall of the People, National Museum and Monument to the People’s Heroes.
Another highlight of the city is the splendid Imperial mausoleums and gardens. These fascinating sites include the lovely Beihai Park, the beautiful Summer Palace and the remains of the Old Summer Palace. On the other hand the Ming Tombs featuring the remains of 13 emperors is a fascinating necropolis to tour.
The grand temples of Beijing are other essential sightseeing locations as religious devotion was always a feature of Imperial China. Of these pride of place goes to the Temple of Heaven which is the most expansive compound in the nation dedicated to rites and rituals in the past. The Great Bell Temple and Altar of Earth are two more significant temples.
For those with more contemporary inclinations there are also modern attractions in the city, such as modern monuments, stadiums and leisure centres. Beijing also has numerous parks and gardens ideal for a respite after a busy day of sightseeing.
The discerning visitor seeking hotel rooms in Beijing will be pleased by Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport. This fine Beijing Airport hotel offers excellent accommodations and hospitality.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+
