Welcome to Beijing, China! This past summer, I finally visited China for the very first time after collecting 43 other countries’ stamps in my passport. I was extremely excited to visit a country with such a dynamic history, strong culture and traditions, and the country of my heritage. For my first foray into China, I decided to join a private tour with an English-speaking guide, a driver and a very necessary air-conditioned car. Day 1 of the itinerary included the following iconic sights:
1. Tiananmen Square (天安门广场)
It was a special moment to step foot in Tiananmen Square where many political moments have taken place. Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People’s Republic here in 1949. Pro-democracy protests led to the Tiananmen Square Massacre in 1988. The Square is surrounded by state buildings including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and Mao’s Mausoleum.
A long fence runs along the perimeter of the Square. To enter the heavily guarded Square, there are controlled pedestrian entrances with security check points. All bags and cameras are screened through an x-ray machine. There is an express line for visitors without any bags. Look carefully and you’ll notice security cameras tucked under lampposts dotted throughout.
Suggested time to spend: 25-30 minutes – This is enough time to clear security, take a few photos in the Square and then to traverse over to the Forbidden City
2. Forbidden City (紫禁城)
Setting foot in the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, felt like being transported into a scene of The Last Emperor. Many of the walled gates feature arched entryways. The centre arch was reserved for the emperor while the flanking arches were used by his family and officials. The empress was only allowed to enter once in her lifetime on her wedding day.
Enter through both the Tiananmen and Meridian gates before reaching a tree-lined path where the ticket office is located (April-October 60 RMB; Other months 40 RMB). If visiting in the summer, be prepared to feel like being in a mosh pit as you’re tossed this way and that trying to get a glimpse of the emperor’s throne.
Suggested time to spend: 3-4 hours
3. Jingshan Park (景山公园)
When you reach the north end of Forbidden City, cross to the north side of the street to visit Jingshan Park (separate admission required – 10 RMB). Climb the steps to the pavilion and you will be rewarded with a sweeping view of Forbidden City. There is also a giant buddha temple inside the pavilion.
Suggested time to spend: no more than 45 minutes
4. Temple of Heaven (天坛)
There are many contrasts between the Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City. In the Forbidden City, the emperor held the greatest power; in the Temple of Heaven, the Heavens held almighty power. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of Heaven has royal blue roof tiles symbolizing Heaven, which contrasts the golden yellow tiles of Forbidden City. This religious complex was built for the emperor to use only twice a year when he would pray for abundant harvests.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
How to Get to These Attractions by Subway
Even if you’re not part of a tour, visiting these attractions is very easy to do on your own. To reach Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Jingshan Park (provided you’ll visit the park following Forbidden City), take Subway Line 1 to either Tiananmen West or Tiananmen East station. Exit to street level to enter Tiananmen Square, where you’ll go through airport level security checks. Only Chinese citizens need to show their ID’s to enter.
To reach the Temple of Heaven, take Subway Line 5 to Tiantan Dongmen station. Take Exit A to enter the Temple’s East Gate.
Read My Other Beijing Travel Itineraries:
Beijing Day 2: Sacred Way, Ming Tombs, Great Wall of China
Beijing Day 3: Summer Palace, Hutong, 798 Art Zone, Kung Fu Show
Have you travelled to Beijing? Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments below or by sharing it using the social media links!
Safe Travels!
xx Deb
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