The Beijing attractions

The Beijing attractions are among some of the best and most renowned that China has to offer. That is saying quite a bit, considering the wealth of tourist attractions in China. The large and technologically advanced Beijing Airport is an interesting attraction all its own, especially since its recent expansions, but the real gems here are those that impart a truer cultural feel. Finding companies that offer Beijing China tours is quite an easy task once you arrive, so you might approach the city by arranging one or more of these Beijing China tours. Most of the nicer Beijing hotels have competent tour companies, which is a nice bonus. If you can, you'll want to schedule more than one day in Beijing, as the Beijing attractions are so numerous and dubious. We'll cover some of the more popular tourist attractions in Beijing here, and they are certainly all worthy of inclusion in your Beijing trip.

The Great Wall of China

Exploring part of the famed Great Wall of China is pretty much a "must-do" when visiting not only Beijing, but China in general. Beijing tourism certainly benefits from having the Great Wall close by, and in just a 90-minute trip from downtown, you can enjoy two sections of the fortification that have been well-restored. Beijing China tours that feature the Great Wall of China are understandably popular, though you'll want to make sure you are arranging your tour with a reliable company. You'll need to dedicate a full day to truly enjoy this amazing entry among the Beijing attractions.

Tiananmen Square

Found near the center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is without question one of the more famous tourist attractions in Beijing. If you are already familiar with Tiananmen Square, which is the largest public square in the world, you likely have seen footage or pictures of the 1989 student protests, specifically the image of one student blocking the path of a tank. Among the current points of interest at Tiananmen Square include the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Mausoleum of Mao Zedong).

The Forbidden City

If you are a bit short on time and want to make sure you see some of the top tourist attractions in Beijing, you can always couple a trip to Tiananmen Square with a visit to the Forbidden City. So impressive in form, size, and style, you simply shouldn't miss the chance to add this largest of the Chinese imperial palaces to your Beijing tourism agenda. The Forbidden City is not only one of the top Beijing attractions, but it is also one of China's most visited sites, if not the most visited. It's always a good idea to head here early if you can, as it can get quite crowded later in the day. The Forbidden City is found on the northern edge of Tiananmen Square. You can spend half a day at each if you want, but if you have time, you might dedicate a day to each.

The National Museum of China

There are gobs of museums in Beijing that can be added to the list of Beijing attractions, and among the best is the National Museum of China. It's always a good idea to visit a country's national museum, and this one is no exception. Offering insight into the history of China and its people, the museum is a wonderful cultural center which is conveniently located on the western edge of Tiananmen Square. The exhibits here trace the history of China over the course of almost 2 million years, and the museum is actually a combination of the Chinese Museum of History and the Museum of the Chinese Revolution. Tours that offer audio information in English are available at the National Museum of China, and they are certainly worth adding to your list of Beijing China tours.

The Temple of Heaven

A few miles south of Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven beckons those looking to experience the top tourist attractions in Beijing. One of the largest temples in the country, the Temple of Heaven complex is comprised of various Taoist buildings. Both the Ming Dynasty and the Qing Dynasty emperors made yearly visits to the Temple of Heaven, mostly to lead prayer ceremonies that were intended to ensure a good upcoming harvest. The complex of this Beijing tourism magnet was built between the years 1406-1420 AD, under the rule of the Yongle Emperor, who was also in power during the construction of the Forbidden City. If your interest in Chinese palaces runs deep, you'll also want to add the Summer Palace to your Beijing tourism itinerary. Designated a Key Cultural Relics Protection Site of China, the Summer Palace offers the largest royal park in the country. The Summer Palace is about 10 miles west of the center of Beijing, and it gracefully rests on the shores of Kunming Lake.

Ri Tan Shangwu Lou

For some, shopping while on vacation is high on the list. If you are in need of a Beijing shopping trip to break up your visits to historic and cultural attractions, then you'll certainly want to consider hitting the Ri Tan Shangwu Lou. Found east of Ritan Park in the Chaoyang District, the

Ri Tan Shangwu Lou is easily Beijing's most decadent shopping complex. There are almost 100 stores here selling clothing, jewelry, footwear, and so much more. While there are some cheaper shopping outlets worth perusing in Beijing, this is where you'll head if you are not up for sorting through imitation garments and things the like.

Beijing Zoo and Beijing Aquarium

Those traveling with kids will likely be interested in tourist attractions in Beijing that are more suited for the little ones. The Beijing Zoo and the Beijing Aquarium are two such attractions, and since they are adjacent to one another, you can easily spend a full day here. The ticket price for each includes the other, but if you are short on time, you might choose the Beijing Aquarium over the zoo. The Beijing Aquarium is the largest inland aquarium in the world, and it offers alluring exhibits such as the Amazon rainforest, a marine mammal pavilion, and a frightening shark tank. You'll certainly want to catch a dolphin show at the Aquarium if you can. The Beijing Zoo not only offers animal exhibits featuring such creatures as the giant panda. The zoo's scenic grounds are a joy to stroll on their own, offering flower gardens and lotus pools.