Sights in Beijing

The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is located in the heart of Beijing, 1 km north of Tiananmen Square and opposite the South Gate of Jingshan Mountain. A moat surrounds the Forbidden City, within which a 3 km-long, nearly 10-meter-high city wall stands. The wall is flanked by gates on all four sides: the Meridian Gate in the south, the Shenwu Gate in the north, the Donghua Gate in the east, and the Xihua Gate in the west. Four exquisitely designed corner towers stand at the four corners of the wall.

The Forbidden City can be roughly divided into two parts: the working area in the south, known as the Outer Court, and the living area in the north, known as the Inner Court. All buildings are arranged symmetrically along the central axis. North of the residential area lies the small and exquisite Imperial Garden, which served as a recreational spot for members of the imperial family.

Some of the palaces in the Forbidden City now house comprehensive exhibitions and a vast collection of ancient art treasures, making it one of the most extensive museums in China.

Located at the southern tip of Beijing, the Temple of Heaven was the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the gods of heaven and earth and prayed for good harvests. The Temple of Heaven comprises the Circular Mound Altar and the Prayer Hall Altar, surrounded by two inner and outer walls in the shape of a Chinese character "回". The northern wall is circular, while the southern wall, intersecting the east and west walls at right angles, is square. This southern and northern circular arrangement, commonly known as the "Heaven and Earth Wall," symbolizes the ancient concept of "the sky is round and the earth is square." The outer wall has no gates on the east, south, or north sides, save for two gates on the west side: the Circular Mound Altar Gate and the Prayer Hall Altar Gate (also known as the Temple of Heaven Gate). The inner wall is surrounded by four gates: the Circular Mound Altar Gate and the Prayer Hall Altar Gate (also known as the Temple of Heaven Gate). The inner altar houses the altar and the Zhai Palace, along with a horizontal wall running east to west, with the Circular Mound Altar to the south and the Prayer Hall Altar to the north.

Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, the Summer Palace is the largest classical Chinese garden, encompassing Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. The park is divided into three zones: the political activity zone centered around the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity; the imperial and empress's living quarters, centered around the Hall of Jade Ripples and the Hall of Joyful Longevity; and the scenic tourist zone encompassing Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

Located in the western suburbs of Beijing, adjacent to the Summer Palace, the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) comprises the Yuanming, Changchun, and Qichun gardens. It was a large imperial palace built and maintained by the Qing emperors for over 150 years. Renowned not only for its gardens, but also as a rich imperial museum, its halls display numerous rare artifacts from China and abroad. The Wenyuan Pavilion within the gardens is one of the four largest imperial libraries in China, housing precious collections such as the Complete Library in the Four Treasures, the Complete Collection of Ancient and Modern Books, and the Collection of the Complete Library in the Four Treasures. Unfortunately, this world-renowned garden was looted and burned by the British and French forces in the late 19th century. It subsequently endured numerous destructions and lootings, ultimately reducing it to ruins.

The Drum Tower, located on Di'anmenwai Street, on Beijing's central axis, served as the city's central timekeeping center during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Since 1990, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower have resumed ringing and beating on New Year's Eve and the first day of the Lunar New Year. From the Drum Tower, one can see the bustling bustle of Houhai and Di'anmen Street. From the Bell Tower, looking north, one can see the buildings along Beijing's central axis, and on clear days, the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube in the distance. To the east and west of the Drum and Bell Towers lie the well-preserved hutongs, where neatly arranged courtyards and flocks of pigeons chirping overhead can be seen.

South of Chang'an Avenue, on Beijing's traditional central axis, lies Tiananmen Square, the world's largest square. At its center stands the Monument to the People's Heroes. Continuing south, past the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, lies Zhengyangmen, often referred to as the Front Gate. To the west of the square lies the Great Hall of the People, and to the east is the National Museum. Across the square, on the north side of Chang'an Avenue, stands the Tiananmen Gate Tower, beneath which the shimmering Jinshui River flows. Every morning and evening, Tiananmen Square hosts a solemn flag-raising ceremony, a must-see for any newcomer to Beijing.

The Ming Tombs are the collective name for the imperial mausoleums of the 13 emperors who passed through the Ming Dynasty after the capital was relocated to Beijing. Currently, only four sections—Changling, Zhaoling, Dingling, and the Shendao—are open to the public. Although these mausoleums are located here, only Dingling has been excavated. A guided tour of the underground palace will reveal the layout of the Ming Dynasty imperial tombs. Changling, the first of the Ming Tombs and the burial site of Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di, is also the largest of the 13 tombs. The Changling Museum showcases a variety of unearthed artifacts, including phoenix crowns, official hats for civil officials, and jade belts and hairpins for men, all of which are worth a look. Beyond the historical experience, a stroll through Zhaoling and the Shendao is also worthwhile. The Shendao is lined with vivid stone statues, and the Zhaoling area is quiet and uncrowded, perfect for a quiet stroll.

Badaling is located in the southern part of Yanqing County, northwest of Beijing, approximately 80 kilometers from the city center. Badaling is the best-preserved section of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and the most visited section in Beijing. The wall stretches 3,741 meters and sits 1,015 meters above sea level. Its strategic location has made it a historically contested battleground. In addition to the two natural scenic areas of the Remaining Great Wall and the Chadao Ancient City, the Badaling Scenic Area also houses the China Great Wall Museum and the Great Wall Cinema. The China Great Wall Museum, a themed museum dedicated to the Great Wall, comprehensively explores its history, military, architecture, economy, culture, art, and current status. The adjacent cinema features a 17-minute documentary, "The Great Wall," which airs on loop.

Known as the most majestic pass in the world, Juyongguan is a fortress along the Great Wall north of Beijing, located 10 km south of Badaling. It's 25 km from the Ming Tombs, 41 km from Longqing Gorge, and 55 km from Guanting Reservoir. The existing Juyongguan fortress dates back to the Ming Dynasty and gradually fell into disrepair after the late Qing Dynasty. The pass tower and other historical attractions were later restored. Compared to Badaling, Juyongguan is less popular. The most famous attraction at Juyongguan is the Yuntai, the base of a large Lama pagoda built during the Yuan Dynasty, and the oldest and largest existing pagoda in my country.

The Mutianyu Great Wall Tourist Area is located in Sanduhe Town, Huairou District, Beijing, 80 kilometers from the city center. It borders Juyongguan Pass in Changping District to the west and Gubeikou in Miyun County to the east. It forms the eastern section of Huanghua Town, the northern gate of the capital. Built primarily on the outer edge of a steep cliff, the area follows the terrain. Mutianyu Pass boasts a unique platform with densely packed watchtowers, double-sided battlements, and coexisting inner and outer fortifications. The elevation rises dramatically from 486 meters to 1,039 meters, and is serviced by cable cars and a slide. At the foot of the mountain lies the Great Wall Mountain Villa, offering convenient accommodation and meals. Visiting in autumn is recommended.

The Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall is located in Jiuduhe, Huairou, 30 kilometers from downtown. In midsummer, the mountains are blanketed in yellow flowers, cloaking the houses and villages. Because three sections of the Great Wall enter the water here, it's named Huanghuacheng Water Great Wall. It's one of the few Great Walls in Beijing that connects mountains and water. The Huanghuacheng Scenic Area is a great place for family leisure on weekdays, but numerous signs prohibit climbing the Great Wall. To climb the wild Great Wall, you need to access it from a nearby village. There are two routes: one is to head east from the Huanghuacheng Reservoir, then continue east past Xiaochangyukou, where you'll reach the famous "Eighteen Steps" (a relatively steep section of the Great Wall). The other is to follow the cliffs west of the Huanghuacheng Reservoir, following the section above the Chinese characters "Jintang," and continue west through Zhuangdaokou Pass to reach the Xishuiyu Water Great Wall section.

Renowned as one of China's top ten best hiking spots, Jiankou Great Wall is located in Badaohe Township, northwest of Huairou District, outside Beijing. It's 10 kilometers west of Mutianyu Great Wall and approximately 30 kilometers from Huairou District. Jiankou's terrain is more varied than Simatai, and its mountains are even more majestic and steep than Mutianyu. The ruins of ancient bricks and stones stretch across the towering mountains. This desolate, untouched natural beauty evokes the unyielding spirit of the Great Wall's millennia-old warriors, making it a popular hiking destination for outdoor enthusiasts. However, sections of the wall have collapsed, and many sections require climbing, so please be prepared.

While not as famous as Badaling, Simatai Great Wall is renowned for its peril and is considered the most rugged section of the Great Wall of China. This section, the only remaining Ming Dynasty section of the Great Wall, stretches 19 kilometers and is divided into two sections, east and west, by the Simatai Reservoir. The cable car trailhead is located not far from the scenic area. Before reaching the watchtowers, there's a 1,200-meter uphill hike offering panoramic views of the reservoir and the water town. The first five watchtowers are walled, but from the sixth to the tenth, there are no walls, only steps. The highest towers, Fairy Tower and Wangjing Tower, are closed to the public due to their perceived danger. The cable car offers panoramic views of the steep and winding Great Wall.

The Jinshanling Great Wall is located at the border of Miyun County, Beijing, and Luanping County, Hebei Province, 130 km from Beijing and 91 km from Chengde City. Adjacent to the Simatai Great Wall, it stretches 10.5 km from Longyukou in the west to Wangjing Tower in the east. The shortest distance between watchtowers is less than 60 meters, while the longest is just under 200 meters, making it the most densely packed section of the Great Wall. With relatively few visitors and few challenging sections, it's a great place for hiking. The scenery is most spectacular in the mornings and evenings, and in summer and autumn, after-rain clouds and rainbows create a unique spectacle at Jinshanling. May to October is the best time for photography.

The Gubeikou Great Wall is located southeast of Gubeikou Town, Miyun County, 10 kilometers northwest of the Jinshanling Great Wall. Gubeikou offers no entrance fee and is a wild Great Wall. Flanked by Panlong Mountain to the east and Wohu Mountain to the west, these mountains block the Chaohe River, leaving only a single vehicular path along the riverbank. Nearby attractions include the Yang Linggong Temple, Panlong Mountain, and the Gubeikou Anti-Japanese War Site. The Wohu Mountain Great Wall, located in Hexi Village, Gubeikou Town, Miyun County, stands at an altitude of 665.2 meters, stretches 13.6 kilometers, and features over 20 watchtowers. The Panlong Mountain Great Wall, located between the Simatai and Wohu Mountain Great Walls, stretches 5,000 meters and features 19 watchtowers. The General Tower and the Twenty-Four Eyes Tower are among the most prominent structures. The General Tower is located at the highest point of Panlong Mountain, while the Twenty-Four Eyes Tower was bombed and is incomplete.

Located on Guozijian Street (formerly Chengxian Street) inside Andingmen in Beijing, the Imperial College is adjacent to the Temple of Confucius and the Lama Temple. During the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, it served as my country's highest administrative body for education and the nation's highest institution of learning. The Beijing Temple of Confucius, originally known as the Imperial College Confucius Temple or the Imperial Confucian Temple, was part of the Imperial College. It served as the venue for the emperor's state ceremonies to worship Confucius. Together with the Imperial College (also known as the Imperial College) to the west, it formed a "temple on the left, school on the right" system. Due to the hot summers, October to April is the best time to visit, with its warm, blooming flowers and pleasant weather. You can also enjoy a stroll through the Huangchenggen Park area, admiring the flowers and watching the birds, which is quite relaxing.

The Prince Gong Mansion, once the residence of Heshen, is the best-preserved Qing Dynasty palace still standing in Beijing. It consists of three wings: central, eastern, and western. Each wing comprises several quadrangles, each surmounted by a 160-meter-long, two-story rear pavilion. The three buildings in the central wing form the main structure of the mansion: the main hall, the rear hall, and the extension tower. The east and west wings each contain three courtyards, echoing the central wing. The final section of the palace is the garden, with over 20 scenic areas, each with its own unique attractions.

The courtyard of Lu Xun's former residence has become a key component of the Lu Xun Museum, one of the earliest biographical museums established in New China. From May 1924 to August 1926, Lu Xun lived here, completing his collections of essays, including "Huagaiji," "Huagaiji Xubian," and "Wild Grass," as well as selected pieces from "Wandering," "Grave," and "Dawn Blossoms Plucked at Dusk." The museum houses over 30,000 cultural relics, including manuscripts, biographical materials, books, paintings, rubbings of inscriptions, and letters from friends.

Lao She's former residence is located in Fuqiang Hutong, on Dengshikou West Street, about 1 km from Wangfujing. Lao She spent the last 16 years of his life here, writing all of his works after the founding of the People's Republic of China. He completed 24 works here, including the plays "Fang Zhenzhu," "Longxugou," "Teahouse," "Looking West to Chang'an," and the unfinished autobiographical novel "Under the Red Flag."

The Mei Lanfang Memorial Hall, located on Huguosi Street in Xicheng District, occupies a typical Beijing courtyard house. It borders Deshengmen Inner Street to the east and is 1 km from Houhai. Mei Lanfang spent the last ten years of his life here before his death in 1961. The Memorial Hall consists of two sections. The main courtyard preserves the original appearance of his former residence, with the reception room, study, bedroom, and living room furnished as they would have been during Mei Lanfang's lifetime. The outer courtyard exhibition room features numerous precious photographs, providing a concise overview of Mei Lanfang's artistic life and social activities. The other two exhibition rooms house thematic exhibitions, which are regularly updated.

Located on the northern edge of Houhai Lake, the former residence of Soong Ching Ling was originally the garden of Prince Chun's palace. Soong Ching Ling lived and worked here for 18 years, from 1963 until her death on May 29, 1981. The exhibition hall housing Soong Ching Ling's life features nearly 400 historical photos and over 300 cultural relics. The furnishings in the main building of the courtyard are reminiscent of Soong Ching Ling's original living conditions.

The Eight Great Hutongs, once synonymous with the streets of tobacco and prostitution, are located north of Xizhushikou Street and south of Tieshu Xiejie. From west to east, they are: Baishun Hutong, Yanzhi Hutong, Hanjiatan Hutong, Shaanxi Alley, Shitou Hutong, Wangguangfu Xiejie, Zhujia Hutong, and Lishamao Hutong. In fact, the "Eight Great Hutongs" referred to by older Beijingers don't specifically refer to these eight streets and alleys, but rather to the Dashilan area outside Qianmen, as nearly a hundred brothels of varying sizes were scattered in the hutongs beyond these eight streets and alleys. Today, the "Eight Great Hutongs" are now residential areas for ordinary people, and some of the old houses and buildings still offer a glimpse into their former charm.

Dongjiaominxiang is an alley in Beijing's Dongcheng District. Historically, it served as a canal transport hub, earning it the name Dongjiangminxiang. Running from Tiananmen Square East Road in the west to Chongwenmen Inner Street in the east, it stretches nearly 3 kilometers, making it the longest alley in old Beijing. Dongjiaominxiang was once a hub for foreign embassies in the late Qing Dynasty, resulting in the numerous Western-style houses lining the street. These buildings have largely retained their original appearance, with some housing government offices, including the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, the Supreme People's Court, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs guesthouse. Plainclothes police officers are numerous on the streets, and photography is prohibited in some areas.

Jingshan Hill is located at the highest point along Beijing's central axis. Climbing Jingshan Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Beijing, capturing the ancient capital's breathtaking scenery. In spring, Jingshan Hill boasts peony displays, in summer, lotus displays, and in autumn, chrysanthemum and pine trees. Three seasons of blossoms abound, while pines and cypresses remain evergreen. Beyond its beauty, the area is imbued with the atmosphere of old Beijing life. Every morning and evening, many people, mostly elderly, exercise here, singing revolutionary songs and reminiscing about the past.

Zhongshan Park is located in the heart of Beijing, west of Tiananmen Square, bordering Tiananmen Square in front and the Forbidden City in the back. Originally the site of the Altar of Grain and Grain during the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was named Zhongshan Park in 1928, after Dr. Sun Yat-sen's coffin was placed in the park's worship hall in 1925. Zhongshan Concert Hall is also located within the park. It serves as the home venue for the China Philharmonic Orchestra and Beijing Symphony Orchestra's music seasons, and is also the primary venue for the Beijing International Music Festival.

Beihai Park is one of my country's oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens. The towering White Pagoda atop its mountain is its symbol. Beihai Park's vast expanse of water is rare in Beijing, and its garden style uniquely blends the graceful elegance of southern China with the grandeur of northern China. The spring blossom season at Beihai Park runs from March to May, followed by a lotus exhibition from July to August and a chrysanthemum exhibition from October to November. The park attracts large crowds of visitors year-round.

The Temple of Earth, also known as the Fangze Altar, is the second largest of the five altars in the ancient capital of Beijing. It was the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the "Emperor of the Earth," and it remains the largest existing altar dedicated to the earth in my country. Autumn is Ditan's most beautiful season, when the gardens' ginkgo trees shimmer in a golden glow. Compared to the bustling Diaoyutai Ginkgo Avenue, Ditan is less crowded. Furthermore, the Ditan Book Fair, an annual Beijing book festival, has a significant influence among readers and has become a beloved, well-known, and popular book and cultural event for the city's residents. Ditan also hosts a lively temple fair every Spring Festival.

Located in the central Chaoyang District, Beijing's Chaoyang Park is a large, comprehensive cultural, recreational, and entertainment park, primarily focused on landscaped gardens. The park offers a wide range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Court was one of the temporary venues for the Beijing Olympics. After the Games, it became a beach resort, hosting numerous beach festivals. Chaoyang Pop Music Week is held sporadically every May Day and National Day. For casual music fans, Chaoyang Park's spacious lawn is also a great place for family outings and music enjoyment.

Fragrant Hills Park is located in the western suburbs of Beijing. Its main peak, Xianglu Peak, commonly known as "Ghost Sees Sorrow," stands at an elevation of 557 meters. The park boasts numerous cultural relics and historical sites, including "Clear Snow on the Western Hills," one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Beijing; the Biyun Temple, a temple that embodies the architectural styles of the Ming and Qing dynasties; the "Five Hundred Arhats," China's only remaining wooden gilded structure; the Zongjing Dazhao Temple, the imperial palace for the Sixth Panchen Lama; and the Jianxinzhai, a quaint courtyard with distinct Jiangnan characteristics. The renowned red leaves of Fragrant Hills were named one of the "New Sixteen Scenic Spots of Beijing" in 1986, representing the capital's most vibrant autumn colors. Every late autumn (mid-October to mid-November), tens of thousands of tourists from China and abroad flock to Fragrant Hills to enjoy the autumn scenery.

This botanical garden is a perfect place for travelers with children. Plants bloom throughout the year. Enjoy tulips and peach blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, and golden leaves in autumn. At the innermost part of the garden is Cherry Valley, where lush trees, gurgling streams, and a vast Metasequoia forest quietly stand, creating a fairyland-like experience. Every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 AM, they release artificial smoke screens, which are well worth seeing.

Located on the North Second Ring Road, south of the Temple of Earth, the Lama Temple is Beijing's largest and best-preserved Yellow Sect Tibetan Buddhist temple. It draws constant incense year-round, and on the first day of the Lunar New Year, some pay handsomely to be able to hold the first incense stick of the new year. Many Tibetan Buddhist lamas, all originally from Tibet, conduct religious activities at the Lama Temple. The Imperial College and the Confucius Temple are to the west, while the Lama Temple is just across the road from each other in the east. It's recommended to plan your itinerary to visit both.

Badachu Park is nestled in the western foothills of the Taihang Mountains, bordered by Hutou Mountain to the west, Qinglong Mountain to the east, and Cuiwei Mountain to the north. It encompasses 332 hectares, with its highest peak at 464.8 meters above sea level. In autumn, over 100,000 trees, including cotinus coggygria, tung oil maple, and other species, blanket the mountains in vibrant red leaves after the frosts, creating a truly breathtaking spectacle. Three of Badachu's most noteworthy attractions are Lingguang Temple, home to the towering Buddha Tooth Relic Pagoda. Dabei Temple, where the Main Hall houses the lifelike Eighteen Arhats, sculpted by the renowned Yuan Dynasty sculptor Liu Yuan. Finally, the meticulously designed Xiangjie Temple is particularly noteworthy for the two imperial steles with dragon heads and tortoise pedestals beneath the Main Hall, inscribed with inscriptions from the three Qing emperors, Kangxi, Qianlong, and Jiaqing.

Jietai Temple is famous for its pines, known collectively as the Five Pines of Jietai: the Moving Pine, the Free Pine, the Nine-Dragon Pine, the Pagoda-Hugging Pine, and the Crouching Dragon Pine. Every gentle breeze brings the rustling of pine trees, creating the unique "Jietai Pine Waves" landscape. Jietai Temple also boasts the largest and most complete collection of Liao Dynasty artifacts in northern my country. Most notably, it preserves rare Liao Dynasty Buddhist treasures such as pagodas, sutra pillars, and ordination platforms.

Tanzhe Temple is located at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain in the southeastern Mentougou District of western Beijing, approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. The ancient saying, "Tanzhe Temple came first, and Youzhou City came later," primarily refers to the fact that Tanzhe Temple is the largest and oldest imperial temple in Beijing, while the so-called "Youzhou City" can be directly understood as Beijing itself.

Dajue Temple, founded during the Liao Dynasty, is renowned for its clear springs, ancient trees, magnolias, and elegant surroundings. The magnolias of Dajue Temple, along with the lilacs of Fayuan Temple and the peonies of Chongxiao Temple, are considered one of Beijing's three most beautiful flower temples. Dajue Temple's temple complex faces east, with its main gate oriented toward the rising sun, reflecting the Khitan architectural style of the Liao Dynasty. Conceived along the mountainside, the temple primarily comprises the central temple complex, the imperial palace complex in the south, and the monks' quarters in the north. The plaque on the third main hall, the Hall of Infinite Life Buddha, inscribed with the inscription "Observing the Movement and Stillness," was written by Emperor Qianlong and holds great historical value.

Hongluo Temple is a temple known for its efficaciousness in seeking marriage and children. It's not often visited, as the temple is situated on a hill, offering a variety of temples to visit along the way. Behind the temple, there are three paths. The right path is the Arhat Path, a relatively gentle path lined with statues of the Five Hundred Arhats. The middle path is straight and winding, while the third is the Guanyin Path, dotted with various Guanyin statues. At the foot of the mountain, there's a pond for releasing animals, home to countless turtles, a truly fascinating sight.

The National Stadium, also known as the "Bird's Nest," is located south of the Olympic Park on Beijing's North Fourth Ring Road. With a construction area of approximately 260,000 square meters and a capacity of 100,000 spectators, it hosted the athletics and football events of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. After the Olympics, it became a large-scale professional venue for Beijing residents to participate in extensive sports activities and enjoy sports entertainment, becoming a landmark sports building and an Olympic legacy.

Located within the Beijing Olympic Park, the National Aquatics Center was one of the iconic structures of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. During the Games, it hosted swimming, diving, synchronized swimming, and water polo competitions. After the Games, it was transformed into an internationally advanced activity center integrating swimming, fitness, and leisure activities. The "Water Cube" and the National Stadium, the "Bird's Nest," are located on either side of the central axis, complementing each other from afar and creating a unique "People's Olympics" landscape.

Located at the northernmost end of the extended central axis of Beijing, the Olympic Forest Park is Asia's largest urban green landscape, larger than the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace combined. The park is divided into two sections, north and south, connected by a plant-filled ecological bridge spanning the Fifth Ring Road. The South Park features large-scale natural landscapes, while the North Park is dominated by smaller streams and wild, dense forests. The park is a veritable "green lung" of Beijing. The most famous sights in the park are Yangshan and Aohai. Beyond its beauty, it also serves as a leisure and entertainment destination for local residents, offering a glimpse into authentic Beijinger life while enjoying the scenery.

A place where a generation of Beijingers grew up, it has a pretty diverse collection of animals, including gorillas, elephants, giraffes, ostriches, hippos, lions, and tigers. If you're interested in national treasures, you can visit the Panda Pavilion (there are only three pandas), or go to Houshan to see the monkeys. The aquarium even has a dolphin show. The zoo's surroundings are also quite nice, with lush trees and a large lotus pond.

The Beijing Aquarium is located within the Beijing Zoo. A guided tour is essential. Upon entering, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking array of rainforest wonders, including beluga whales, Chinese sturgeons, sharks, and other large animals. For a closer encounter with marine life, take a trip around the seabed. From the upper level, through a transparent curtain wall, you can witness feeding demonstrations. Don't miss the soft, slender jellyfish; they'll surely amaze you. There are also spectacular dolphin shows and humorous sea lion performances, but crowds can be high on holidays, so it's best to arrive early to secure a spot.

This planetarium is especially suitable for children. It's divided into Hall A and Hall B, and there are also 4D movies. Hall A is small and features a full-dome movie. The main attraction is Hall B, which has three floors and offers a systematic understanding of the planets. There are also real meteorites, ancient astronomical equipment, and, of course, the most fascinating spherical dome movie. "Palace in the Sky," in particular, uses ancient Chinese methods to observe and identify stars in the sky, which is a novelty for children.

The National Library of China (NLC), located on the Changhe River south of Baishiqiao Bridge in Haidian District, Beijing, and adjacent to Zizhuyuan Park, is abbreviated as "CNTL." The main building has 19 floors of above-ground stacks and three floors of underground stacks. Flanking the main building are five floors above ground and one floor underground, the podium houses 46 reading rooms. The NLC welcomes readers aged sixteen and over, while the Children's Library caters to children aged six to fifteen. The library also welcomes middle school students and children accompanied by their parents on weekends and national holidays.

Located on Beijing's West Third Ring Road, the CCTV Tower stands 405 meters tall, making it China's third tallest tower. A high-tech complex integrating broadcasting and television broadcasting, tourism, dining, and entertainment, the tower boasts a 238-meter-high open-air observation deck equipped with a high-powered telescope, offering breathtaking views of Beijing. The tower also boasts a majestic and elegant nightscape, and a revolving restaurant in the sky offers self-service dining and panoramic views.

The Chinese Nationalities Park, located within the National Olympic Park, covers 50 hectares and is divided into two sections, north and south. The park features 56 ethnic groups' traditional architecture and famous local landscapes, recreated at a 1:1 scale, with each ethnic group having its own area. The two sections are separated by a road running between them. To connect the two sections, a connecting bridge, called the "Nationalities Bridge," has been built above the road, resembling a pedestrian overpass.

The Science and Technology Museum is divided into three sections: one for young children exploring science through play, another for older children, and finally a section featuring special effects films, including dome, giant screen, and 5D projection. The museum has four floors. Children aged 7-12 are more suited to the Science Park downstairs, while children in middle school can explore the upstairs. From the advanced technologies of ancient China to the development of the most advanced computer chips, from the application of various new materials to animal incubation and environmental protection, knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics can all be learned here.

Beijing World Park, located in Dabaotai, Huaxiang, Fengtai District, Beijing, is one of Asia's largest miniature theme parks. Designed based on the five continents, it features 17 scenic areas, including Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Northern Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Oceania, Western Asia, East Asia, and South Asia. A water system, arranged in the shape of the four oceans, connects the park. The park features 110 cultural and natural landscapes from nearly 50 countries, along with nearly 100 sculptures, including the Statue of Liberty, Manneken Pis, the Danish Mermaid, Chopin, and Mozart, all meticulously crafted to lifelike detail.

Beijing Happy Valley is a one-million-square-meter theme park located southeast of Sifang Bridge on the East Fourth Ring Road in Chaoyang District. It comprises six themed zones: Fjord Forest, Atlantis, Lost Maya, Aegean Harbor, Shangri-La, and Ant Kingdom. Over 120 experiences cater to diverse audiences. In the summer, the park also opens at night for a romantic and mysterious experience.

The National Museum displays national treasures in chronological order, arranged from bottom to top. A highlight is the "Ancient China Exhibition" on the basement level. Here, you can see artifacts that appear on the covers of history books, such as the Four-Ram Square Tripod and the Houmuwu Ding, both treasures of the National Museum. Those interested in modern China should head up to the central hall on the first floor, where a wealth of art is on display. Among them is the familiar oil painting "The Founding Ceremony of the Nation." There are also permanent exhibitions showcasing bronzes, jades, coins, porcelain, and Buddhist statues.

The Capital Museum is divided into two exhibition areas, east and west. The east area is a circular exhibition area. When you walk into it, you will find a screening room on the first floor, which shows a city background promotional video. The west area is also the main exhibition area of the museum, which mainly reproduces the history of Beijing. Here, you can not only learn about the evolution process of Beijing's royal city, but also see the inherited folk customs, porcelain, Buddhist culture and the Peking Opera culture that cannot be ignored.

This is a museum that boys are more interested in. It displays guns, airplanes, tanks and cannons used in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the War of Liberation and the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, as well as eye-opening ancient war equipment: from the Qing Dynasty's cast cannons to primitive wooden oxen and horses, siege weapons and bronze chariots, each of which has a history worth telling.

The exterior of the National Art Museum of China is modeled after the "Nine-Storey Tower", the landmark of the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang. It has a strong national character and consists of five floors. The exhibits are mostly modern and contemporary, ranging from calligraphy, oil paintings, landscape Chinese paintings, prints, and sculptures. The exhibits are changed regularly, and some special exhibitions are held regularly. It is well worth visiting if you come across an exhibition by a famous artist.

The China Film Museum has four floors. The first floor houses a cinema, where films are regularly screened. You can visit the official website for details. Each hall has a theme, and spending three hours there offers a comprehensive understanding of the development of Chinese cinema, various film genres, filmmaking techniques, and current and established Chinese film actors. The animation and special effects halls are particularly popular with children. The museum also offers a number of interactive activities.

Tsinghua University is located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing. Shui Mu Qing Hua (Water and Wood Tsinghua) is one of the most captivating scenic spots on the campus, situated just outside the back gate of the I-shaped Hall. Amidst the ever-changing forests and hills, a beautiful stream flows through the surrounding landscape. Nestled among the trees and hills are two exquisitely elegant pavilions, the four characters "Shui Mu Qing Hua" (Water and Wood Tsinghua) emblazoned on the front of the pavilion, creating a majestic and graceful scene.

Peking University, founded in 1898 and originally named the Imperial University of Peking, was China's first comprehensive national university and the highest educational authority at the time. Following the Xinhai Revolution, it was renamed its current name in 1912. The iconic landscape of Peking University is Weiming Lake. From the shores of Weiming Lake, one can admire the reflections of the pagoda on the lake to the east; the sunset over the Bell Tower to the west; the lake, mountains, and forests to the south; and the towering buildings to the north, each scene imbued with poetic beauty. Other notable attractions include the bronze statue of Cai Yuanpei, the statue of Cervantes, the Shide Building (the unicorn and red steps in front of the building are relics of the Old Summer Palace), and Shao Garden.

The 798 Art District is located on Jiuxianqiao Road in Chaoyang District, 16 kilometers from Beijing Capital International Airport. Originally a factory area from the 1950s, the 798 Art District, with its Bauhaus-style buildings, attracted numerous artists. From this period, the integration of idle factories with modern art has gradually formed a multicultural space integrating galleries, art offices, cultural companies, bars, and shops.

The Huantie Art District is located along the Dashanzi Circular Railway, just 1km from the 798 Art District and adjacent to the Film Museum. Free from commercial influences, this is a place where most artists can create.

Songzhuang Art District is located in northern Tongzhou District, 13 kilometers west of Chaoyang District's central business district and 2 kilometers north of Beijing Capital International Airport. This artistic community is home to artists living and creating, hosting studios of leading contemporary artists such as Fang Lijun, Yue Minjun, and Yang Shaobin. During normal times, hundreds of studios here are open to the public, allowing visitors to observe the artists' daily lives and purchase paintings on-site.

Fangjia Hutong No. 46 is located on Andingmen Inner Street, conveniently located near the Drum Tower, Beixinqiao Bridge, and Di'anmen. Formerly an auditorium and boiler room built in the 1990s, the area is now home to several cultural and creative companies. The Trainspotting restaurant, Emon's Town, and the Heatcat Club are popular with young people.