Beijing Sightseeing

Ancient Observatory
The Ancient Observatory is located at the southeast corner of Beijing's Jianguomen Bridge and was built in 1442, during the Ming Dynasty. Its history spans more than five hundred years, making it one of the most historically interesting observatories in the world. There are several well-preserved bronzed astronomical instruments on view, which date back to the time of the Qing Dynasty. The design of the instruments reflects both the influence of Oriental craftsmanship and European understanding of measurements and physics.

Beijing Underground City
The network of tunnels that run under Beijing were built by Mao as shelters in case of nuclear attack by the Russians. The tunnels wind for over 30kms and cover an area of 85 square kms, eight to eighteen meters under the surface. They were constructed from 1969 to 1979 by more than 300,000 local citizens and finally re-opened to tourists in 2000. They were equipped with shops, restaurants, schools, clinics, reading rooms, factories, and even a roller skating rink. On busy streets, some shelters are now used as low priced hostels, while others have been turned into shopping and business centres. Foreign visitors are only allowed to see a small, approved section accessed via a small shop front in Qianmen, south of Tiananmen.

Ming Tombs
Fifty kilometres northwest of Beijing is a site comprising of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Known as the Ming Tombs, the mausoleums have been perfectly preserved, as has the necropolis of each of the emperors. Only the Changling and Dingling tombs are open to the public. Tours can be booked with travel agencies in the city or by taking public transport or taxi.

Prince Gong's Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion is a good example of ancient Chinese architecture and has an interesting history. This was originally the home of the notorious Heshen, a courtier of Emperor Qianlong, who was made to commit suicide just after the emperor's death. The mansion was bestowed upon Prince Gong by Emperor Xianfeng, hence the name. The mansion can be found to the northwest of the Forbidden City.

Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square is one of the most well known landmarks in the city and has huge cultural significance for China. It covers over 40 hectares and is thought to be the world’s largest public square, capable of cramming in one million people. It is the site of several key events in the country’s history, the most notable being the 1989 massacre when protesters were gunned down by the military for their part in protests against the Communist Party of China. There are many important buildings surrounding the square including the Museum of Chinese History, the Chairman Mao Mausoleum, the Gate of Heavenly Peace and Great Hall of the People.

Yonghe Lamasery
The largest and most interesting lamasery in China can be found in the northeast of the city. The ancient Yonghe Lamasery was built in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty and originally served as residence for Count Yin Zhen. When he later became Emperor and went to live the Forbidden City, this dwelling became known as the Yonghe Palace and was then converted to a lamasery in 1744. The Temple was opened to the public in 1981 and is now home to monks and novices from around the country. Inside can be seen several exhibition rooms with numerous cultural relics and portraits of the Dalai Lama. There are a number of famous Buddha statues, including the 18 metres high ‘Big Buddha’, carved out of a single piece of white sandalwood.

Visit the Great Wall Of China
It is a must for any visitor to China and fortunately, parts of The Wall are accessible from Beijing on a daytrip. The nearest section of the wall is at Badaling and excursions with English speaking guides can be booked with one of the tour operators in the city. The downside is that it can get very busy, so you may want to consider visiting Jin Shan Ling, Huang Shan and Si Ma Tai sections that are farther away but quieter. The Wall is the longest and largest manmade structure in the world, stretching over 4,000 miles from the Shanghai Pass in the east to Lop Nur and separating North China from Inner Mongolia. Construction began in the 5th century BC and continued through to the 17th century. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Stroll through the Milu Yuan
This beautiful park is the best place in Beijing to view and study animals and contains the strange deer like creature, Pere David's deer (milu). It became extinct in China during the Qing dynasty but was rescued by Lord Bedford who purchased 18 of these animals from zoos across Europe. There are now hundreds roaming around in the ecology centre and in the wild. The park also contains the World Extinct Wildlife Cemetery, which highlights the plight of endangered species.

Celebrate Chinese New Year
If you can find somewhere to stay in Beijing during the New Year, you will experience celebrations unlike anywhere else in the world. Celebrations last for 15 days and are guaranteed to offer excellent photo opportunities and a very memorable experience.

Enjoy Peking Duck
Beijing is the true home of this delicious dish. Many local restaurants serve this dish in true Chinese style as well as a number of other famous dishes.