Beijing-北京

 

Beijing is the capital and also the political, religious, cultural and educational center of China. As a modern city with a long history, Beijing is an ideal city for people who want to know about the country's history, learn about traditional culture and discover the modern side of China.

The best time to travel to Beijing is between May and October as the weather is best.

In addition to the world-famous Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square, Beijing hosts many more scenic spots that are worth seeing during your visit. The Forbidden City, called the Palace Museum, is a must-see for any tourist and is one of the most comprehensive Chinese museums, offering a visual feast of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese art, specializing in Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Summer Palace provides a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures. Fragrant Hills Park comprises of a natural pine-cypress forest, hills with maple trees, smoke trees and persimmon trees, offering spectacular natural beauty.

For people who want to experience the rapid growth of modern China, Beijing's Central Business District (CBD), and Beijing's Financial Street will give you a full experience. The Beijing CBD has attracted 117 Fortune 500 businesses in the financial, media, information technology, consulting and service industries, which has become the landmark of Beijing's economic prowess.

If you want to experience the traditional culture of Beijing, it is suggested that you visit an old alley (Hutong) in downtown Beijing, which is one of the most distinctive features of Beijing.

Beijing is also world-famous for its food. The capital's cuisine plays host to a long list of local favorites including filled sausage, fried liver, mungbean milk, rolling donkey, pancake and quickly-boiled tripe. Of all the dishes found in Beijing, Peking roast duck is the most well-known. Now considered to be one of China's National Foods, Peking roast duck is prized for its eloquent taste and presentation. Renowned restaurants to taste Peking Roast duck are Quanjude, Bianyifang, Changan Yihao, Beijing Xiaowangfu and Dadong Tuanjiehu Kaoyadian.

Beijing's Sanlitun Bar Street is a great place to enjoy a dynamic nightlife in the city, which is an extremely popular hangout site for the city expatriates and white collars of all ages.