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Ancient Observatory
This is a world-renowned astronomical building established 700 years ago. Constructed from gray stones, the building is sometimes mistaken as a section of the Great Wall in the urban center of Beijing. Several large, ancient, bronze astronomical devices on display were designed by early Jesuit astrologers and are well-worth looking at. They reflect a high level of complexity in terms of their construction, and they are also extraordinarily accurate for practical observation.
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Bai Cao Pan Park
Bai Cao Pan Park at Si Ma Tai Village in the Fang Shan District is elevated 2,161 meters above sea level. Bai Cao Pan is the highest peak in the southwest suburbs of Beijing. The trip to the top of the mountain follows a winding road with red azaleas, pine woodlands and unusual rock formations along the way. Three quarters of the area is covered by forest. There is also a large area of alpine grasslands where you can hunt rabbits, squirrels and turtle doves. Mountain villas offer barbecues parties and facilities for table tennis, basketball and swimming.
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Ban Bi Dian Forest Park
With 200 hectares of manmade forested landscape, Ban Di Dian Forest Park is the largest such area in Beijing. Formerly a piece of desert, it has been seeded with more than 200,000 poplars, willows, cedars, Japanese Pagoda trees and apple trees since its inception in 1985. There is also a 53-hectare orchard of apples, pears, haws, peaches and grapes. During harvest season you can pay for a bag and pick away to your heart's content. The most beautiful time to visit is between April and October.
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Bei Hai Park
Originally built in the days of Kublai Khan, this park was used for recreation by the emperors of post-Kublai Khan dynasties. The famous White Dagoba standing above the Jade Islet sets an exotic scene. It is a memorial to a visit by the Dalai Lama in 1651. Other famous features include the Nine-Dragon Screen, built to ward off evil spirits, and the Five-Dragon Pavilion. The park is enjoyable in every season, especially in summer when graceful lotus blooms cover the surface of the lake.
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Beijing Amusement Park
Constructed in 1984, this was the first large modern amusement park in Beijing. Surrounded by a scenic lake, this park is fun for the whole family. Adults and children alike can indulge themselves by rolling on the 'Super Train' ride or by taking a ride in the 'Water Car'. Sometimes circuses and stuntmen give fantastic shows in the park. Beijing's equivalent to Disneyland.
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Beijing Aquarium
This world-class aquarium of oceanic proportions features dolphin shows, a man-made rainforest, touch pools and junior-sized sharks. Fish tanks - lots of them - are everywhere. The aquarium used to have a bad reputation for not supervising children, who would bang on the glass and scare the fish, literally, to death. However, it is now a very well organized and enjoyable facility to visit. It is particularly convenient for visitors staying in western Beijing, especially those around the university area.
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Beijing Art Museum
Located in the beautiful Wan Shou Temple, the Beijing Art Museum displays 50,000 pieces of Chinese paintings, seal cuttings, jade carvings, porcelain and pottery wares, handicrafts, furniture and ancient coins. The temple itself is rarely visited and acts as a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of Beijing. Built by Empress Dowager Li in 1578, it once acted as a resting place for royalty making their way from the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace. The buildings and gardens that make up the complex are worth a visit in their own right.
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Beijing Bai Wang Shan Forest Park
Situated three kilometers north of the Summer Palace in Hai Dian District, Bai Wang Shan Forest Park is the nearest forest parkland to Beijing. Covering an area of 167 hectares, the park is covered by arbors and shrubs, and has clean fresh air. There are a variety of trees in the park with autumn offering a brilliant display of colored leaves. For those fond of calligraphy and stone carvings, the stone carving area is worth a visit at the forest of steles.
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Beijing Big Bell Museum
This museum is found in a Buddhist temple which was built in 1733 and was named for its giant bell inside. First opened in October 1985, it is the world's largest museum that focuses specifically on ancient bells. It boasts more than 600 antique and non-antique bells. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it was said that emperors used to conduct elaborate ceremonies with bells to pray for rain in a year of drought.
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Beijing Botanical Garden (Cherry Valley)
For those seeking a breath of fresh air and a break from the urban hustle and bustle of big city life, the botanical garden makes an excellent day outing. The flowers and plants are in bloom from early spring to late fall every year. Visitors also have a chance to visit the Wufuo Temple here.
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Beijing International Art Palace Gallery
The Beijing International Art Palace Gallery specializes in modern Chinese paintings and photography. The exhibitions vary from month to month so telephone ahead to find out what is on at present. A permanent variety of traditional Chinese paintings and caligraphy is also exhibited and most pieces can be purchased. For more information, ask at the gallery's front desk located near the entrance.
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Beijing Jin Xiu Da Di Agricultural Garden
Located at Si Ji Qing Village in Hai Dian District, Beijing Jin Xiu Da Di (glorious land) Agricultural Tour Garden is a good place for sightseeing. The garden functions as a base for science education, farming experiments and tourism. There is a fantastic variety of vegetables grown here, and according to the gardeners, no fertilizer or pesticides are used on the produce. You can buy freshly picked produce from the show room. Other facilities include indoor golf, bowling, water-skiing and archery.
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Beijing Museum of Ancient Architecture
Located within a partially restored Ming Dynasty hall, this museum displays various components of Chinese building methods and architecture. Altars, eves, walls, painted curtains, walkways and a small selection of furniture can be found within the halls of this interesting Ming Dynasty complex. In fact, the complex itself, with its pleasant garden and collection of steles, is of more interest to tourists than its contents. The museum is often closed during official opening hours so call ahead to make sure that it is open.
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Beijing Museum of Natural History
The fairly large Beijing Museum of Natural History includes an aquarium, an evolution hall and an animal kingdom exhibit. The museum is famous for its weird and creepy halls of evolution and the animal kingdom. Here, you'll find robotic dinosaurs, stuffed animals, fossils, skeletal remains, and pickled human torsos and Siamese twins. If the torsos are too much, then stick to the smaller jars containing various body parts. Many exhibits have English captions.
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Beijing Planetarium
For serious stargazing in Beijing, head to the Beijing Planetarium. Shows vary monthly and English is seldom used. If your Chinese is up to scratch, then you may learn a thing or two from your visit. If you are still at a beginner's level, sit back and enjoy one of the few clear night skies you are likely to see in smoggy Beijing during your visit.
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Beijing Underground City
A 32-kilometer city lies beneath Beijing. Built between 1969-1979, during a period of Sino-Soviet tension, it was intended to house the area's population in case of enemy air raids. The complex even included daily necessities such as hairdressers and grocery stores. Visits are guided, but could be improved if the operators made re-creations of what underground life might have been like. What you do see is blocked-off tunnels and signs giving directions to Tiananmen Square, The Summer Palace and other locations. It is worth a visit as long as you use your imagination.
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Beijing Wax Museum
A fairly recent addition to Beijing's museums, the Wax Museum offers a chance to see all of your favorite Chinese historical, political and cultural figures carefully prepared from large slabs of wax. While it is not London's Madam Tussaud's, it is interesting enough for a visit and maybe a slight giggle. If you don't find the museum to your liking, you can always take a walk through popular Di Tan Park and take part in the lifestyles of "real" Chinese.
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Beijing Zoo
This is the biggest zoo in China, with more than 3,500 species from almost every corner of the world. Besides featuring China's famous 'mascot', the adorable panda, the zoo has an assortment of elephants, monkeys, tigers, bears, zebras, and many exotic birds. This fantastic collection attracts hundreds of thousands of kids and adults every year. Visitors can also pick up some zoological knowledge by visiting the various theme areas, such as those housing pandas and amphibians.
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Black Dragon Pool
Imagine a cool valley with a cluster of blue pools strung together like a necklace of diamonds. At the end of the valley, a spring behind the highest pool bubbles continuously to create a resonance that is refreshing and relaxing. This peaceful oasis is Black Dragon Pool. There are paths visitors can hike along, some parts of which can be rather steep. On some of the pools, visitors can also row rubber boats while breathing in the scents of wild grass and flowers.
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Blue Zoo
The Blue Zoo specializes in marine life. It features a 120-meter tunnel that offers an underwater experience. The zoo is also raising baby sharks to add to their collection and stimulate the marine imagination. Unfortunately, there are no mammals--no Flipper diving through hoops. But they do offer mini-courses in underwater life. For a special treat, big kids can enjoy a romantic under-the-sea dinner in the tunnel on weekends.
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Caribbean Lagoon
Located near beautiful Yan Qi Lake, this state-of-the-art waterpark is one of the largest in China, and certainly one of the most popular. At over 100,000 square feet, the tropically-themed Caribbean Lagoon has something for anyone who loves the water. Besides wave pools, the park has water rides, inner-tube rentals, picnic facilities, restaurants, and a juice bar.
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Chao Yang Park
This recently developed activity park has been touted as the 'Summer Palace of Western Beijing', and while it offers little comparable in the way of history or culture, it is nonetheless a fun place to spend a summer's day. Activities for kids (large and small) include bumper cars, fairground rides and two large outdoor swimming pools. A 75 meter bungee tower over the lake caters to thrill seekers, while more sedate visitors can relax in a hired boat with an ice-cream or soft drink from one of the many vendors.
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Chao Yang Theater
By all accounts the Chao Yang Theater is the best place in Beijing to see the extraordinary feats of Chinese acrobats. The highly skilled and highly trained acrobats here will astound you as they leap through hoops, twirl through the air suspended on ribbons of silk, spin plates and cups on rods suspended from their foreheads, and perform other amazing tests of physical skill. In addition to straight acrobatics, the theater also showcases dramatic action scenes from Chinese operas and impressive magic shows.
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China Art Archives and Warehouse
Experimental Chinese art has a home to call its own in this large warehouse-style gallery on the northeast edge of town. Run by artistic directors Ai Wei Wei and Hans Dijk, the focus is on these cutting-edge domestic products, though modern art from around the world is also exhibited. The gallery recently moved here from its former location on the South Third Ring Road. It is recommended you call in advance to find details of present exhibitions.
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China Art Gallery
Built during the early 1950s, this main hall of the National Museum of Fine Arts was a Communist monolith, displaying Red Guard-influenced pieces. Now, it holds temporary and permanent exhibitions of modern Chinese painting, calligraphy, prints and sculpture. Recently, foreign artists have been invited to hold exhibitions of their work. A well-stocked print and art supplies shop is located within the gallery. Call for information on what is currently being shown.
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China Aviation Museum
Located on the outskirts of Beijing, this museum offers a chance to view, crawl over and get inside approximately 200 different flying machines. The majority of the aircraft here were used during World War II and the Korean War, with many still bearing history's battle scars. A wide selection of related exhibits are also on display, including a detailed explanation of China's race into space and rocket technology. Go when the weather is warm as many of the exhibits are located outdoors, and take a picnic. A fun day out for all the family.
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China Millennium Monument
The China Century Altar is located in the Fu Xing Lu, Hai Dian District, just west of the Chinese People's Military Museum. The altar, with a combination of both oriental and contemporary architectural features, aims to promote a nationalistic spirit with an original style representing hope for the future. The altar is a grand structure that combines the spirit of traditional Chinese culture with modern architectural standards. The altar also integrates the architectural design with landscaping, sculpture, mural painting and various other art forms.
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China Puppet Theater
This theater puts on rotating sets of puppet skit productions that appeal to kids. Common topics include friendly, talkative groups of tomatoes or small boys who turn into flies (not as scary as it sounds!). All of the performances are in Mandarin Chinese, but what better place for your children to learn the language and make friends with local youngsters? The majority of shows are on weekend mornings and afternoons.
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China Sports Museum
This six-hall museum traces the history of sports in China over the past 5,000 years with a collection of cultural relics, photos, paintings, trophies and medals. On display in the Ancient Sports Hall are exhibits portraying sporting activities in imperial China, while the Contemporary Hall traces sporting development from 1840-1949. The three modern sports halls, which constitute the main body of the museum, outline achievements since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The spiraling structure of the museum also shows off the unique variety of the sports of the country's 56 ethnic groups, including Mongolian wrestling and Korean seesawing and swinging.
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China World Trade Center
The huge modern exhibition center (the second largest in the world), located within the China World Trade Center, regularly exhibits various professional Chinese and foreign works. Shows include not only traditional works of art, but also books, coins, stamps, fashion, and toys. Contact the Center for a listing of the monthly schedule. English is spoken. Admission prices vary with each exhibit.
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Chinese Ethnic Culture Park
The Chinese Ethnic Culture Park in downtown Beijing includes 55 village gardens characterized by the folk styles of 55 Chinese ethnic groups. A variety of performances, held nearly every day, take place in the gardens. A compelling summer event is the Dai people's Water-Splashing Festival. From July 1 to August 31, many Dai girls in traditional costumes perform dances and throw water at each other and at tourists, too!
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Chinese Military Museum
Ranking among the world's ten major military museums, the Museum of Revolutionary Military shows the 5,000-year history of the military in China. Exhibits are separated into five halls. The museum includes items from the Red Army's The Long March in the 1930s, as well as exhibits related to the war against Japan in the 1930s. The museum also houses a large collection of weapons dating from ancient China (such as stone axes and knives, and bronze swords) up through the modern era (guns, tanks, and bomber plans).
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Chinese Museum of Science and Technology
Altogether a fun and educational museum, the Science and Technology Museum of China has some great hands-on exhibits dealing with electricity, gravity and all your favorite science experiments. Within the large Historical Exhibits Hall you can learn about the lives of those scientists who have changed our lives, as well as seeing monthly exhibits, shows and displays. A giant circular screen shows films about evolution, modern science and space exploration. Call ahead for film topics and times as well as special events.
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Confucian Temple
Covering an area of more than 20,000 square meters, this is the country's second largest Confucian temple, smaller only than the one in Confucius' hometown of Qu Fu, Shan Dong Province. Built in 1306, it consists of four courtyards and houses 198 stone tablets that bear the names of more than 50,000 scholars who passed the imperial exams in the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. A ceremony in honor of Confucius, China's great sage and philosopher, is held on September 28 annually.
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CourtYard Gallery
The CourtYard Gallery draws on a talented pool of young, avant-garde Chinese artists and hosts among the most exciting exhibitions in the capital, including shows by some of the best-known names in the contemporary Beijing art scene. Housed in the basement of the renowned CourtYard Restaurant, works include oils, inks, engravings, lithography and sculpture. The gallery is not large, and provides an ideal distraction for diners upstairs or anyone passing by. Most works are for sale. Check the snazzy website for details of current exhibitions.
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CVIK Club Health Center
With four floors of recreational services the CVIK Club Health Center is one of the biggest in Beijing. The gym itself is equipped with a limited selection of weights and equipment, but other facilities include a 25-meter pool, sauna, bowling, and billiards. Bowling and billiards are open until 2am.
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Da Yang Shan Nature Reserve
Da Yang Shan Natural Reserve is situated 50 kilometers northeast of Beijing city center. At 861 meters above sea level, the reserve is a wild mountain flower haven in the spring and is pleasantly cool in the summer. Eight ancient Buddhist temples and more than 10 pagodas from the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) have recently been discovered here. Mountain climbing, fishing, and learning from the local villagers (fieldwork techniques and local cooking tips) are some of the attractions this natural reserve park offers. Local houses are available for overnight stays.
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Da Zha Lan Alley Shopping Area
Da Zha Lan is one of the few remnants of the city's original system of hutongs, narrow alleys and lanes of either residential or commercial purpose. This narrow Qing Dynasty(1644-1911) street, which resembles a Western city's China town, plays host to a clutch of Beijing's most famous shops and traditional industries: Design Museum
A new edition to Beijing's art scene, the Beijing Design Museum is located within the university district of Hai Dian, thus catering to the hip student crowd. In fact, it could be said that this is one of the 'hipper' spaces in town, exhibiting everything from twentieth century film posters to philosophically warped oils to interactive mixed media projects. Definitely worth a visit as there is always something interesting and perhaps a little bit strange going on. Call ahead for a detailed listing of exhibitions and performances.
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Di Tan Park
This park was once an altar for the emperors to pay sacrifice to the Earth God in ancient China. Built in 1530, the altar became a park after the founding of New China. Though the two-story worship terrace in the center has been kept intact, it has become a popular dance spot and practice center for tai ji quan. During the Spring Festival, a traditional temple fair is held here each year. Various kinds of snacks are served, arts and crafts sold, and various folk dances and songs performed. This is an excellent place to experience local customs.
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Ding Ling Underground Palace
The Dingling Underground Palace near the Ming Tombs Valley hardly resembles a burial ground. Emperor Wanli, one of China's longest reigning emperors, rests in this impressive display of wealth and royalty. Visit his marble tomb underneath the earth or marvel at his spectacular robes and jewels on display in the exhibition halls above.
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Dongsi Mosque
Located south of Dong Si intersection, in Dong Cheng District, the mosque was built in 1447 in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The structure combines Chinese and Arabic styles like the Niu Jie Mosque. The mosque's library houses valuable manuscripts of the Koran, the Hadith, Islamic law and other works of Islamic philosophy, history and literature published in Egypt, India, Turkey and Pakistan. Three services are held at dawn, 1pm and 4pm daily. The site is also the Headquarters of the Beijing branch of China Islamism Association.
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Eight Sites Park
The Western Hills landscape has served as both a religious place and a scenic spot for local people. Eight Sites Park is known for the eight temples and pagodas that mark an ascending path to the summit of a hill within the park. Several temples are worth visiting due to the impressive statues and wall paintings, regardless of their faint color. The park is also an ideal spot for watching the beautifully colored maple leaves fall from the trees in autumn. Those who enjoy horseback riding can follow a meandering trail to the nearby Fragrant Hills Park.
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Fa Hai Temple
This temple was constructed in 1443, funded by donations collected by Li Tong, a eunuch from the Ming Dynasty era. The temple has a distinguished international reputation because of the beautifully preserved Buddhist murals on display. They depict Buddhist ceremonies, the sacred land of Buddhism, flying Apsaras and the Goddess of Mercy. The figures on the murals in the main hall are particularly life-like.
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Factory 798
The 798 Art Zone was established in the remains of a decommissioned military factory. With walls splashed with Maoist propaganda, it still retains its distinctly utilitarian ambience. What has changed, though, is the contents - now the area is filled with some of the brightest stars of the Chinese art scene. The complex houses over 50 galleries, from the tiny to the immense, along with a bohemian mix of cafes, restaurants, and bookstores. The arches of the 798 Space, one of the largest and most significant of the galleries, are one of the most visited sites in China, after the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. Its future is precarious though, due to gentrification, and it's unclear what effect the Olympics will have on this important venue. Be sure to visit before it's gone.
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Five Pagoda Temple
Locals call this Five-Pagoda Temple because of the five pagodas erected here. Its real name is the True Awakening Temple. Built in 1473, it is a copy of the Gaya Temple in India. The temple was looted and burned to the ground twice. Today, the only extant relic is the monumental diamond throne with the small pagodas. The temple no longer has monks and now is used as a museum to house 1,200 stone carvings from ancient times.
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Forbidden City
Also known as the "Former Palace," this was the imperial residence of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. The complex has 70 structures and more than 9,000 rooms. It is surrounded by a high wall and encircled by a moat. Turned into a museum in the early 20th century, it houses a great collection of fine treasures. The Nationalist Party took a large number of these treasures to Taiwan in 1949, but 900,000 relics remain. Behind the palace is a delightful royal garden.
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Former Residence of Mao Dun
Mao Dun (1896-1981) was the pen name of Shen Yanbin, a revolutionary writer and public figure in China. His former residence, a traditional Si He Yuan (quadrangle home) with two courtyards was rebuilt into a museum and is open to the public. His first novel, Midnight, was a milestone in the development of revolutionary writing in China. The two exhibition rooms hold about 200 photos and over 400 manuscripts, papers and documents from his life. The rooms are kept as they appeared during his lifetime.
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Former Residence of Song Qing Ling
On the north bank of the beautiful Hou Hai area lies a prince's mansion circa the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). The former residence of Soong Ching Ling lies at the garden of this mansion. Madam Soong, wife of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China, was the late honorary chairperson of the new China. After she passed away on 1981, her residence was turned into a museum dedicated to the memory of her and her husband. The house is kept as it was when she was alive.
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Fragrant Hills Park
Built in the 12th Century during the Jing dynasty, this huge park in the western hills is a serene and beautiful retreat from Beijing's bustle. With ancient pagodas and temples scattered through its leafy, hilly expanse, the park is an ideal place to take in tranquility of a huge Chinese garden and bask in the glory of Chinese history at the same time. Although some of the most culturally and historically important relics were destroyed in the 19th century, many buildings dating from from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, when the park was expanded and developed, remain. The real appeal, however, is strolling through the beautiful forested hills and taking in the view from Xianglu Peak, also known as Incense-Burner peak.
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Friendship Hotel Pool
The outdoor pool located within the Ghost Street
This gourmet hotspot, dotted with a myriad of restaurants and snack shops, lies East of the Forbidden City along Dongzhimennei Street stretching from the Dongzhimennan Street overpass to the Beixingqiao intersection. Ghost Street, or Gui Jie, can be recognized by the countless Chinese lanterns that line both sides of this culinary pathway. Though many of the restaurants who call Ghost Street home are open during the day, the street is most lively at night when tourists and locals alike stroll along the charming alley ways and courtyard complexes in search of a satisfying late meal or snack. This bustling area offers a wide variety of Chinese cuisine specialties, such as "hot pot," making Gui Jie a popular destination within Beijing.
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Gou Ya Valley
Gou Ya Park is on National Freeway 110 in Shi San Ling, Chang Ping District, 40 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Covering 427 hectares, this spot has a vast natural forest. There are 22 peaks and the main peak is more than 150 meters higher than the famous Mount Tai in Shandong Province. This spot is one of northern China's major Taoist sites, as well as being a summer resort for Beijing dignitaries. There are more than 70 temples with the earliest temple built during the Yuan Dynasty.
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Grand View Garden
Readers of the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber may have tried to imagine the Great View Garden in their minds. The Grand View Garden was designed to resemble the famed garden in the book. The familiarly named yards, pools, bridges, and pavilions come alive in the garden. However, some visitors may be disappointed as the real garden might not be as beautiful as the image conjured up by the book.
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Great Wall at Ba Da Ling
Located 60 kilometers from the city proper, this is the main section of the Wall featured on all tour routes. It is the most heavily renovated, convenient, commercialized and crowded section. Centered at Wong Cheng, it extends southward to the highest point Haohanpo (heroes slope) and northward to Shierlou (twelve buildings), with a total length of approximately 5,700metres, of which 3,700 meters is open to the public and 2,000 meters for night viewing. There are cable cars to help visitors reach the top. The tourist area also includes a Great Wall at Huang Hua
Unspoilt and far from the maddening crowds, this wild section of China's greatest architectural feat curves in delightfully dilapidated fashion across a range of hills and valleys. A small restaurant serves grilled rainbow trout fresh from the lake, and you can dine under the shadow of the Wall. Warning - this path is steep and in dire need of repair. Take good walking shoes, and do not climb if you doubt your ability or fitness. From Huai Rou city negotiate with a mini-van driver to take you to the Wall.
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Great Wall at Mu Tian Yu
To the east of the Great Wall at Si Ma Tai
The Si Ma Tai Great Wall, two hours drive from Beijing in northeastern Miyun County, is renowned for its precipitous topography. Built by the Ming Dynasty general Qi Ji Guang, it is one of the few stretches of the Wall that still preserve the original construction features of that period. It not only incorporates differing characteristics from other Wall sections, but also displays some features not found elsewhere. To the west 20 watchtowers look out over gently sloping hills. To the east are 15 watchtowers atop peaks up to 1,000 meters high. The views are unparalleled.
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Great Wall Museum
Located at the foot of one section of the Great Wall, Ba Da Ling, the Great Wall Museum is composed of nine exhibition halls with exhibits focusing on the history, military equipment and installations, economic exchanges and culture of the Great Wall. Items on display include artifacts unearthed along the Great Wall, documents, photographs and models. With advanced exhibition equipment and acoustic, optical and electronic techniques, the museum provides a good understanding of the history of Great Wall.
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Guo Mo Ruo Memorial Hall
Guo Mo Ruo was a true Renaissance man. He was a well-established historian, poet, translator, archaeologist, playwright, and he also took up senior posts in government. His home, a traditional courtyard house for successive Qing Dynasty ministers, was once the embassy of Mongolia. Today, it stands as a shrine to this versatile man. The most eye-catching aspect of his home is the huge amount of manuscripts and books.
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Hong Ling Jin Park
The Hong Ling Jin (Red Tie) Park is located at Bai Li Zhuang outside of Chao Yang Men. Built in 1958, the park covers a land space of 95,000 square meters and a water surface of 200,000 square meters. The park offers children's amusement facilities and boats. A group of sculptures of young heroes stand in the park. Inscriptions on the sculptures tell the stories of outstanding young people at different times throughout Chinese revolution to encourage the red-tie visitors to study hard for their motherland.
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Hou Hai
Just northeast of the Forbidden City, lies Hou Hai--a group of three lakes with Xi Hai to the north, Hou Hai in the center, and Qian Hai stretching south. The Back Lakes, as they are commonly called, make up the Hou Hai neighborhood, which is known for its maze of "hutongs," or alleyways, that are home to traditional Chinese courtyard complexes. The meandering alleys adjacent to the lake light up with lanterns at night with numerous bars and restaurants making Hou Hai a bustling hot spot for nightlife. The westernized bars are full of character, often with colorful furniture and bright lanterns galore for charming outdoor dining and relaxing. Stroll along the shoreline to take in the views of the lake where you can enjoy such warm weather activities as boating, swimming, and fishing. In the winter you can take in some ice skating when the lake freezes over.
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Jian Guo Men Shopping District
The Jian Guo Men shopping area has department stores, shops and open-air markets. In downtown Beijing, this shopping haven stretches along the major artery, Jian Guo Men Avenue. Bustling with cars, buses and people, this is a lively urban commercial area. The area includes the Jiao Zhuang Hu Underground Tunnel War Remains Museum
During the 1940s, local farmers fought alongside Mao Ze Dong's army against Japanese invaders by digging inter-linking tunnels underground. The tunnels exited into stables, wall-side cupboards, water storage tanks, and hay sheds. Some farmers who were part of the effort are still alive and available to recount their fighting experiences. This museum commemorates this extraordinary period. A film titled "Underground Tunnel Guerilla War" is a must-see here.
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Jie Tai Temple
Jie Tai Temple boasts the largest Buddhist altar in all of China and was once a forum for the schooling of monks. The 18 statues of arhats in the temple are lifelike with distinct facial expressions. Ten old pines branch out towards the heavens, under which writers, poets and emperors have left their words inscribed on tablets. Visitors can see three historical types of inscriptions and tablets. Buddhist services are held on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month.
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Jin Hai Lake Area
One of the top eight tourist attractions for Beijing, this scenic region lies 90 kilometers east of the city proper. Covering a total area of 285 kilometers, the region is known for its great gorges, clear lakes, lagoons, waterfalls, limestone features and precipitous gullies. The Jinhai Lake (literally meaning 'golden lake') is deep green and vast, providing various water activities. The three-kilometer-long Great Canyon is a miniature of the American counterpart but with no less majesty and grandeur. The surrounding area has numerous natural scenic spots.
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Jing Dong Great Gorge
The Jing Dong Great Gorge is situated at Yu Zi Mountain Village in northeastern Ping Gu County, about 80 kilometers from downtown Beijing. It has two scenic spots of particular interest, the six-kilometer gorge and Mount Jing Tai. The two are linked by a cable car, from which waterfalls are visible. The area is covered with pine woods and apricot trees. On Jing Tai Mountain, there is a deep mineral-water well, that some visitors believe relieves their ailments.
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Jing Shan Park
The most striking aspect of this park is the hill. It was made from earth dug-up to create the moat around the Forbidden City. Five pavilions stand symmetrically on the hill with the top pavilion offering a magnificent view of the city. This park is also (infamously) known as the place where the last of the Ming Emperors (Chong Zhen) committed suicide. He selected one of the park's locust trees to hang himself from after he killed his family.
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Kempinski Health Club
The excellent Lama Temple
Built in 1694, the Lama Temple (or Palace of Peace and Harmony) was the residence of Prince Yin Zhen, a son of Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty. After the prince came to the throne, half of the residence was used as an imperial palace and the other half was converted to a lamasery. It features five large halls and five courtyards with beautifully decorative archways, upturned eaves and carved details. It houses a treasury of Buddhist art, including sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas, as well as Tibetan-style murals.
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Lao She Memorial Hall
Lao She (1899-1966) was a famous writer, artist and a great master of the Chinese language. He studied and worked in London and the United States. He returned to China in 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded. His works were strongly influenced by his life in Beijing. The former residence of Lao She is a traditional si he yuan (quadrangle home with two courtyards). It was here that he wrote 23 works. In the courtyard, there are three exhibition rooms, where books, photos, and manuscripts by Lao She are on display.
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Lao She Teahouse
If you enjoy Peking Opera this is the place to go, as a troupe of aria-singing actors regularly take to the stage in this enormous teahouse cum auditorium. It is named for Lao She, the writer of China's famous pre-revolutionary play "Tea House." A large wooden hall full of tables seats 50 to 100. Tea is the major draw and there is a great snack menu including dried plums, pastries and baozi (steamed buns).
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Lao Xiang Feng Forest Park
Located at Xiao Yu Zi Village and 80 kilometers from downtown Beijing, the Lao Xiang Feng Park covers an area of 40 square kilometers. The main feature is the natural landscape. There is a peak that resembles an elephant with a winding valley stretching five kilometers . The mountain has a dense forest area, precipitous gorges and five good viewing spots. The scenery varies with the seasons. See the flowers in spring, enjoy a mountain retreat in summer, the red leaves in autumn and the snowy vista in winter.
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Li Yuan Theater
The Li Yuan specializes in making traditional Peking Opera digestible to the average tourist. Instead of typical 20-hour singing sagas, what is dished up here are some of the more palatable (to foreigners) moments involving exciting acrobatics and colorful dancing. Not for a serious student of Chinese Theater, this entertainment is meant to give foreigners small, tasty bites of Peking Opera where a full meal might cause indigestion.
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Ling Mountain
Ling Shan is an ideal summer retreat. Located on the border of Men Tou Gou District and Hebei Province, about 122 kilometers from central Beijing, Ling Shan is known for its cool air and mountain scenery. It is the highest peak in the Beijing area. Ling Shan has 18 square kilometers of forests, mainly composed of birches, and seven square kilometers of wild grassland. Squirrels, foxes, hares, pheasants, wild goats, deer and wild boars can be seen frequently in the forests. Mountain villas offer lodging facilities for 2,000 people, and dining facilities for 8,000 people.
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Liu Li Chang Cultural Street
Liu Li Chang is located in Qian Men, the oldest neighborhood in the city, where tradition seems to have been retained. Here you will find old coins, scrolls, Tibetan and Mongolian antiques, calligraphy materials and stamps. Even if you are not interested in these kinds of purchases you should visit this street for a glimpse of an older style of Beijing. The buildings have painted wooden beams and roofs topped with curved Chinese tiles.
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Long Mai Hot Springs
Long Mai Hot Springs could best be described as a place for those craving a rejuvenating getaway. One can choose to swim laps in the international-standard swimming pool or relax in the sauna. For pure pleasure, there are also more than 100 small bathing pools of warm fountain water that can be mixed with milk, peach flower petals, soda or traditional Chinese herbal medicine. If you are up to a little more action, this remote resort has table tennis, billiards, computer games, chess, karaoke and dancing facilities.
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Lu Xun Museum
Acting as a memorial to one of the most influential thinkers of the May Fourth Movement, the Lu Xun Museum offers a chance to see where Lu Xun lived, wrote and inspired many young students with his progressive ideas on government and society. A long-time professor of Beijing University, Lu Xun wrote numerous documents from 1912 to 1936, detailing his ideas of a new China. A detailed explanation of the history of the May Fourth Movement and Lu Xun's role in it can be found, along with his writing desk and utensils, manuscripts, diaries and works of calligraphy.
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Mao Ze Dong Mausoleum
This massive mausoleum and memorial hall was built right in the center of Marco Polo Bridge
The Lu Gou Bridge has been standing over the Yong Ding River for 800 years. The entire bridge is made of huge granite blocks, with carved stone lions crouched along the railings on both sides. No two lions are alike, and smaller carved lions can be found strategically placed on and beside them. In ancient times the bridge was renowned for spectacular views of the moon during the Mid-autumn Festival. On July 7th, 1937, the bridge featured again in China's history when it served as a key point of assault on Beijing by the Japanese forces.
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Mei Lan Fang Memorial Hall
As China's most famous Peking Opera star, Mei Lan Fang (1894-1961) lived in this courtyard home from 1951 until his death. The 716-square meter yard has been restored to the state of Mei's home during his later years. The hall has rooms displaying the gifts that Mei received, as well as a video showing the opera master peforming on-stage.
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Miao Ying Temple
Miao Ying Temple has been an icon of Beijing since the city's construction in AD 1271. It is also called the ‘White Pagoda Temple', by Beijing locals, due to its white pagoda. Miao Ying's Nepalese architect introduced an exotic style to the structure that will immediately draw the attention of visitors. In earlier times, Miao Ying Temple was the site for holding important Buddhist ceremonies for imperial families. Consequently, a large amount of treasures were preserved and still today, archaeologists continue to periodically unearth hidden artifacts.
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Milu Deer Garden
Originally the imperial animal garden of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, this park has now become a breeding ground for five varieties of deer, including the extremely rare David's deer. David's deer were unique to China until the late 1800s when some were transported to Europe. They subsequently became extinct in China, but in 1985 several were relocated here, and the population has since flourished. This is a fun day out for all the family.
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Ming Dynasty Wax Palace
Close to the north side of Xi Guan Huan Dao in Chang Ping County, Ming Huang Wax Palace is one of the largest in the world. With advanced equipment in acoustics, optics and electronics, the palace offers visitors a chance to understand the 276-year history of the Ming Dynasty. There are 26 selected stages and 374 wax figures prepared from large slabs of wax.
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Ming Tombs
Some 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing and hidden amongst scenic mountains are thirteen tombs from the Ming Dynasty era. The Emperor Yong Le first chose to build his tomb here in 1407, and successive emperors have followed suit. The tomb of Emperor Shen Zong is one of three excavated so far. Dubbed the Underground Palace, it is a dark and gloomy cement-like bunker. Perhaps more noteworthy are the more than 3,000 archaeological artifacts displayed in the vaulted stone halls. Usually, a trip to the Ming Tombs is a part of Great Wall tour packages offered by travel agencies.
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Minority Cultural Palace
The exhibitions are always changing at the Minority Cultural Palace. Past displays have included art, coins, book fairs, stamps, Buddhist artifacts and computers. In fact, if you can name it, it probably had a show on it. The popularity of the space is due to its size. Nice, big and square. The exhibitions change rapidly, so you will have to phone ahead to find out what's showing while you are in Beijing.
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Mount Yun Meng
One of Beijing's four state-level forest parks, the mountain's steep cliffs, deep-cut valleys and thundering waterfalls are popular with painters. Rich in wildlife and mineral sources, it is also often a destination for scientific research trips. The recreational offerings change with the seasons. Local people usually visit the area to view flowers in April and May. In July and August, visitors often find themselves walking enshrouded in a floating mist. In September and October wild fruits are ripe for picking.
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Museum of Ancient Pottery
Learn all about the art of Chinese pottery making from ancient times to present day. The museum offers very nice examples of Ming and Qing Dynasty works, as well as some relics from Neolithic times. The museum itself is small, and many of its works can be found in larger, more impressive museums around Beijing. Reportedly, on some weekends, a pottery wheel is brought out and a hands-on instruction is presented.
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Museum of Chinese Agriculture
Containing some pleasant indoor and outdoor exhibits of the history of agriculture in China, the Museum of Chinese Agriculture contains an interesting and wide array of tools, grains, plants and farming methods dating from Neolithic times to present day. See exhibits on how rice was and continues to be produced in South China and how the government has introduced numerous new farming techniques to Chinese farmers. There is also a nice section on bamboo growing in the back area of the complex. Call ahead to find out if there is anything special being exhibited. Many English captions are offered at various exhibits.
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Museum of Chinese Coins
Money can come in many different forms: bulky as bronze shovels, iron knives and gold bars, or as small as shells and silver dollars. With a collection of nearly 1,000 items of currency, this educational museum seeks to trace the evolution of Chinese currency while unveiling the aesthetic values of the Chinese people, and the development of the social, economic and cultural conditions in China.
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Museum of the Xi Zhou Dynasty Capital
Archaeological digs at the site of the ancient Yan Kingdom lasted for more than two decades, starting in the 1960s. The exhibition halls at this museum display the findings: ovens, goblets, bronze ware, and articles made of pottery, jade or stone. Much is still unclear regarding the history of the Yan Kingdom, one of the few kingdoms in North China. Visitors with archaeological interests are allowed to visit the excavation site at the museum. A group of tombs for aristocrats and a tomb for the burial of wagons, horses and slaves can be seen on the original site.
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Nan Tang Catholic Church
This stunning architectural find, rising like a colorful fairy-tale castle from the maze of dust-gray alleyways around Xi Dan, was founded by the Jesuit missionary Matteo Ricci in the early 17th century. Ricci came to China in 1582 and made his way to Beijing with the intention of converting China as a culture rather than merely as a religious practice. However, his incorporation of Chinese ceremonies into Catholic rites was later condemned by the pope. Nan Tang (Southern Cathedral) was burned down and was rebuilt in 1904.
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National Aquatics Center
Home of the swimming and diving events for the 2008 Olympic games, the National Aquatics Center is set to be a worthy compliment to the architecturally stunning National Stadium next door to it in Beijing's Olympic Park. The entire structure, in the shape of the simple cube that represents the Chinese character meaning "home," is made of a super-thin, highly transparent plastic material called ETFE, which allows for greater penetration of light and heat, reducing energy costs by a third. The building's stark cube shape is contrasted by the fact that it appears to be sculpted from light, airy foam bubbles--hence its name, the Water Cube. The idea is the marriage of nature (water) and human culture (the cube shape). The water theme and the lightness of the building also serve to represent a ying to the architectural yang of the National Stadium's bold "Bird's Nest" design. Designed by PTW Architects, CSCEC International Design and Arup, construction began in December 2003 and should be completed in plenty of time for the 2008 Games. The complex will seat 17,000 spectators for the Olympics, and will be refit after the Games to seat 6,000.
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National Museum of China
Located on the eastern side of National Stadium
The opening ceremonies for the 2008 Olympics will showcase Beijing's new, architecturally stunning National Stadium, a truly impressive feat of design and engineering. Conceived by the world famous Swiss architectural firm of Herzog & Meuron in collaboration with Chinese artists and designers, the stadium breaks the mold of conventional stadiums. Modeled after the natural design of a bird's nest in which interwoven twigs converge and support each other, the open facade of the stadium will allow for natural ventilation. The theme of the structure is synergy, and the graceful interweaving of what at first appears to be a chaotic tangle of supports creates a building in which an organic balance is struck between the natural and human worlds. Besides the opening and closing ceremonies, the major Olympic track and field events will be held in the Bird's Nest. The stadium will be configured to sit up to 100,000 spectators during the Olympics, with seating reduced to 80,000 after the games.
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New Otani Chang Fu Gong
The big attractions at the Otani are the Japanese baths and sauna, which include various hot and cold pools, steam room and massage. Workout facilities include an 18-meter pool, an outdoor tennis court, three treadmills, one step machine and two stationary bikes. It's really more of a place to relax and soak those sore bones. Well worth a visit.
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Nine Dragons Amusement Park
This high-adrenaline park offers a wide range of fun activities from parachuting and yachting for daredevils to an underground water world with over 200 varieties of aquatic creatures. For the kids, there is a castle full of toys and games. Visitors can sit in slow-moving carriages that cruise through the labyrinth-like Dragon Palace, where Chinese beauties, crab soldiers, a King Dragon and other well-known characters from Chinese folklore are on display. Overnight accommodation in wooden cottages is available, and a variety of restaurants serve a choice selection of seafood.
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Old Summer Palace Ruins
This site consists mainly of broken columns and marble facades. The original palace was destroyed by Anglo-French troops who set fire to it after the Taiping Rebellion in 1860. Few relics survived the three-day-and-night fire, but traces of the palace's architectural beauty can still be seen. The site, including a vast lake, is far larger than the new Summer Palace. It is popular with people seeking a quieter and more secluded alternative to the overcrowded excesses of the Summer Palace and other major tourist spots.
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Ox Street Mosque
The design of this mosque reflects its locale. It has curved eaves, colorfully painted supports and beams, and glazed roof tiles. It is located on the eastern side of Niu (Ox) Street, home to a large community of Chinese Muslims (known as Hui). The temple was built under the direction of Nastruddin, the son of an Arabic mullah who came to China in 996. The call to prayers is announced from the minaret five times a day, beginning at dawn. The prayer hall can accommodate 1,000.
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Prince Gong's Palace
In the middle of the 19th century Gong Wang Fu mansion and gardens belonged to Prince Gong, the brother of Emperor Xian Feng and the brother-in-law to the Empress Dowager Cixi. The Prince was a talented artist particularly in the arts of gardening and poetry thus this garden is a poetic experience. Visitors can follow winding paths through the garden to view the pagodas and buildings from a variety of angles. Little streams, stone hills, and corridors rising along a mound create a tranquil atmosphere. Visitors may also go angling beside the central pool.
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Purple Bamboo Garden
Located at the south end of Bai Shi Qiao Road and near the west of the Capital Gymnasium in Hai Dian District, the Purple Bamboo Garden is a mountain-water landscaped garden. As the name suggests, the garden has a large variety of bamboos, more than 50 species, with the most prominent being the black bamboo. It covers an area of 140,000 square meters, including three lakes and two small islands on the lakes. Five arched bridges connect the lakes, isles and main garden area and there are scattered corridors and pavilions throughout.
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Qing Liang Valley
Approximately 100 kilometers from downtown Beijing, the Qing Liang Valley Natural Scenic Spot is located at Shi Cheng town, north of the Miyun Reservoir, Miyun County. It is a five kilometer long streamlined landscape corridor famous for its scenery. The pools form a chain with many waterfalls. Among the falls, the Zhen Zhu Waterfall is the most majestic. This spot is equipped with Japanese-style villas offering venison on the menu caught in the mountains.
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Red Gate Gallery
An awe-inspiring 15th century watchtower is the setting for this delightful gallery. Cutting edge works of modern Chinese art play off the cavernous interior and classical columns and beams of Ming dynasty architecture. Oils, inks, acrylics, sculptures, photography, printmaking and performance art by some of today's best-known artists are displayed. Redgate has gained an international reputation for showcasing the work of new and emerging Chinese artists and introducing them to the world. The staff is considered a fountain of information about what is happening in Chinese and international art circles. Exhibitions vary monthly. Call for details.
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Red Snail Temple
An old legend holds that two giant red snails lived on the hill behind this temple. According to the legend the snails emitted strange lights at night and were thus worshipped by local villagers. Hence, the mountain was renamed Red Snail Hill and the temple, Red Snail Temple. Originally the temple was called Great Brightness Temple when it was built in 348 AD. Now, the temple has become a scenic spot open to the public. The scenery around the temple is breathtaking.
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Ri Tan Park
Ri Tan Park was once part of a network of imperial altars used for worshiping the natural world. The park was the location for an altar, built in 1530 AD, that was used for praying to the sun. All traces of the former red altar mounted on a stone platform are now gone and Ri Tan Park is mostly known as a tranquil place to enjoy a leisurely afternoon. A mini-golf course can be found within the park grounds. The popular Chinese pursuit of kite flying can also be practiced here.
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Shi Du Park
The scenic Shi Du region is located approximately 100 kilometers from Beijing city center. Covering 300 square kilometers, it features dramatic karst limestone formations, craggy mountains and winding gullies. The area is like a beautifully painted corridor; crystal clear rivers cut through the mountains, and water-pools can be found at the feet of the slopes. Historic sites and cultural relics are dotted amongst the natural scenery. Entertainment facilities have been added in recent years so tourists can enjoy bungee jumping, water-skiing and other outdoor activities.
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Shi Hua Dong Cave
One of the city's eight top suburban tourist attractions, the Shihuadong is located in the city's southwest suburb, 56km away from downtown Beijing. The scenic spot is known for its perilous peaks, dense forests, karst topography and wonderful lava caves. Shi Hua Dong Cave, a seven-layered limestone measuring 3000m in total, was considered one of the four most famous limestone caves by the first World Limestone Research Conference (1993). Besides various natural limestones, there are many carved stones and inscriptions left over from the Sui and Tang Dynasties (AD 581-907). The nearby Yin Hu Cave, where a 830m underground river flows, is assumed to be the dwelling place of ape Beijing Man. Take 7-route tourist bus or 917-route bus (at Tian Qiao), you can reach the scenic spot directly.
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Silver Fox Cave
The Silver Fox Cave is located at Ying Shui Village, Fo Zi Zhuang, Fang Shan District. Enjoy the spectacular sights in the karst cave with the unusual formations and stone flowers. Boating trips run on a stream 106 meters below ground level, where you will see waterfalls along the way. The average temperature in the cave is 14 degrees Centigrade - warm in winter and cool in summer. The cave is a natural museum.
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Silver Mountain Pagoda Forest
The Pagodas Forest is located at Yin Shan, 30 kilometers north of Chang Ping District. There are 18 pagodas on Yin Shan Mountain. They are masterpieces of ancient Chinese architecture and holy sites of Buddhism. Between the towers there is dense pine forest planted during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The pagodas were built during the four dynasties of Jin (1123-35), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911). There are also a number of caves in the area.
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SOHO New Town
SOHO New Town is an enoromous concrete wonder in the heart of Beijing's Chaoyang District. It houses apartments, offices and shops, and has popularized the concept of teaming the three in a single complex, so to speak - 'SOHO' stands for Small Office Home Office. The structure is one of gigantic proportions, consisting of 10 buildings and covering an area of approximately 480,000 square metres. 48 shops, 283 offices and 1,897 apartments occupy the New Town, and it also houses schools, a clubhouse, restaurants, cafes, a cinema, a swimming pool, and tennis courts. The yellow, pink and electric blue colours of the exteriors add to its imposing appearance, and its towering presence reigns over the neighbourhood.
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