Oh Beijing! The Capital of the great country, People’s republic of China. The 8th most populated city on the planet! It’s hectic, it’s busy but most importantly Beijing is packed full of things to do. You could spend weeks exploring the different attractions of the city, getting lost in the city center and sampling the local dishes which is one of the best things to do despite it’s bad reputations to cleanliness and all. With just a week in the famous Chinese capital, we wanted to see and experience as much as we could.

Here are our most recommended things to do and visit in the beautiful capital of China.

Forbidden City

Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, and Gu Gong in Chinese, lies at the city center of Beijing, and once served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It was first built throughout 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty. Ancient Chinese Astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was in the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The Palace for the emperor on earth was so called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor.

Hence its name ‘The Purple Forbidden City’, usually ‘The Forbidden City’. This place is so huge that wandering in every corner will take you days, some of the the places are so preserved while other spots are under renovation. By entering it’s massive shrines and temples I can always reimagine how this place hold histories in every corner. and one more thing, I suggest you guys watch the movie “The Last emperor” a movie about China’s last emperor who lived most of his childhood in Forbidden city.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, Chinese (Pinyin) or Tiananmen Guangchang,is an open square in the centre of Beijing, China, one of the largest public squares in the world.Standing in the centre of Tiananmen Square, looking around, you get a real feeling for where you are. Soldiers march through, flags fly high and tourists are snapping pictures everywhere. Located on the giant concrete square is the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao. it is easily identifiable because of his massive portrait displayed at the center of the red temple. inside, the embalmed body of Chairaman Mao rest. entering the hall is free but dress codes are being observed inside.

Temple of Heaven

The Tallest temple or the Temple of the good harvest is the choice to represent Beijing and is widely used as the proud landmark of the magnificent capital city. The massive and colorful Temple of Heaven also known locally as (TianTan) was where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would make offerings to heaven and pray for good harvests. The Temple of Heaven was constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor YongLe, who also oversaw the creation of the Forbidden City during the same period. Seen from above, all the temple halls round and the base square, shapes also respectively symbolizing the heaven and earth. The wooden pillars support the ceiling without any nails or cement!

Yes you read that right! it is an architectural genius that awes modern architects.