Visiting Gùgōng Bówùguǎn is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing. It is the largest and most famous palace complex in the world, and was the residence of twenty four powerful rulers of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The location of the palace was determined by astronomers, who believed that this is the center of the world. Today the palace is enclosed by a high city wall with four corner towers and a deep moat filled with water. According to the legend, The Palace of Heavenly Emperor has 10,000 rooms, and so the Sons of Heaven, the Emperors of China, should be modest in order not to overshadow the all-mighty, thus the Forbidden city consists of 8 buildings with a total of 9 999 rooms.

Every morning at sunrise visitors can marvel at the ceremony of raising the national Chinese flag over Tian’anmen Square. The Square of Heavenly Peace is over 400,000 sq.m., can fit up to 1 million people, and is the place where all cultural events of China take place. Come here on the weekend to see how locals fly traditional kites.

Construction of this magnificent fortification started in the 3rd century BC. Total length of the renowned Chángchéng is almost 9,000 kilometers, but the best preserved sites, such as Badaling, are within proximity to Beijing. Natural landscape and terrain was used during the construction of the Great Wall, and all mountains and hills are now part of it.

Temple of Confucius or otherwise known as Kǒngmiào was built as a tribute to the great Chinese philosopher and teacher, to the impact that his ethical and political doctrine had on the history of China. This temple is one of the top 10 things to do in Beijing.

One of the most fascinating palaces in China, the Summer Palace will enchant any visitor with its grand architecture and beautiful gardens. The history of the palace is 800 years old, a time during which it was subject to various destructions. In 20th century it was restored to the state in which we can see it nowadays. The Palace boasts a marvelous park with numerous sculptures, bridges and tunnels, as well as the majestic Kunming Lake.

Valley of the Tombs was the place where upon accession all emperors were building their tombs. It is now an eternal shelter for 13 Ming emperors. At the moment visitors can see two underground crypts, the way to which is led by the Alley of the Spirits, filled with sculptures of animals, who are thought to be protecting the emperors’ peace.

A unique monument with a large park and temples is located in the southern part of the city and is among the top 10 things to do in Beijing. It was believed that the emperor is the messenger sent from heavens, so Tiāntán was built in 1420, as a way for the emperor to be connected to his roots. The architecture of the temple is based on symbolism and initially had three entrances – the central one for gods, the eastern one for the emperors and the westerns for everyone else.

To feel the atmosphere of traditional Chinese life, have a closer look and discover the history of Beijing, you absolutely must visit the QianMen street, one of the oldest ones in the city. In 2005 the Chinese government invested a large amount into the reconstruction of historical buildings and sites on this street. Tourists can see the work of local shoemakers, try the famous Peking duck, as well as purchase some of the best teas in Beijing.

This amusement park is located on a total area of 1 million sq.m. and has 6 theme zones, with 120 rides and stunning Chinese attractions. Adults and children can find themselves in either Lost Maya, Atlantis, Aegean Sea, Firth Forest, Shangri-La or Ant Kingdom.

When in Beijing, it is a great opportunity to visit some of the world-famous Chinese markets. Tourists have a choice between the Silk or the Pearl Markets, Yabaolu street, which is full of malls and shopping centers, or even the flea market of Panjiayuan.