Attractions
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world and was closed off to the public for 500 years. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and their families, servants and court members lived luxuriously behind these walls in the centre of Beijing. Now open to the public, the Forbidden City and its central palace represent the largest and best preserved ancient Chinese buildings. A permanent restoration squad works year-round to maintain the 800 buildings, first constructed in 1407.
Website:www.dpm.org.cn
Hours of Operation: Daily, 8:30am – 4:30pm from 11 November to 31 March; 8:30pm – 5pm from 1 April to 31 October. Last tickets sold one hour before closing.
Admission: ¥60 (April to October); ¥40 (November to March)
Tiananmen Square
Arguably the most iconic spot in all of Beijing, Tiananmen Square annually attracts thousands of tourists eager to see the historical landmark. The largest urban square in the world, it was conceived and constructed as a gathering place for residents of the capital city, including government officials. Visitors today remember it primarily as the site of the 1989 massacre, where hundreds of pro-democracy demonstrators rallied. Stroll the massive public space and admire nearby monuments – like Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the Chinese National museum – before visiting the Forbidden City, located directly across the street.
Transport: Qianmen, Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West subway stations.
Summer Palace
A wonderful relief from the bustle of Beijing’s city center, the Summer Palace is situated 10 km northwest of the city. Take a bus to the masterfully designed landscape, once a summer getaway for Chinese emperors. Built in 1750, the 290-acre park welcomes tourists year round to admire ancient temples, bridges and pavilions nestled beside a serene lake. Have your camera handy – an afternoon is easily devoured simply by wandering in and out of picturesque tea houses, shops and ruins in this breathtaking walled-off palace.
Transport: Buses 907, 375, 801, 808, 732, 394 or 718
Opening time: Daily 7am to 5pm (November to March), 6:30am to 6pm (April to October)
Admission: ¥20 (November to March), ¥30 (April to October) – Prices do not include admission to attractions within the Palace.
Website: www.summerpalace-china.com
