Beijing
Beijing (北京) is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People's Republic of China. It was also the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. As such it is rich in historical sites and important government institutions.
The city is well known for its flatness and regular construction. There is only one hill to be found in the city limits (in Jingshan Park to the north of the famous Forbidden City). Like the configuration of the Forbidden City, Beijing has concentric "ring roads", which are actually rectangular, that go around the metropolis.
Much of city is presently in upheaval as infrastructure is being frenetically constructed and sights are being renovated for the Olympics; the best time to visit as a tourist will thus probably be right after them.
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Hotels in Beijing
| | Hanting Express Beijing West Fourth Ring Rd  |
Score 7.25 from 2 reviews | | Beijing Fengtai District Dacheng Rd No.3 |  |
| Close to Beijing’s Xikezhan station, Hanting Beijing Hotel offers you accommodation with a good location at a reasonable price.
With public transport nearby, take public transport and travel to different parts of Beijing with ease. Being near to the 2008 Olympic stadium, the hotel is very convenient for guests who come to Beijing for the big event. Business guests do not have to travel far to reach the business centre.
At the end of the day, return to the comfort of your air-conditioned room and enjoy a cup of hot tea brewed with the tea leaves we provide for you. ... more | | |
 | Beijing Jing Guang Run Hotel |
Score 5.325 from 3 reviews | | Guang An Men Nei Street, Xuanwu District | |
| Ideal for tourism, business and shopping, this hotel is near to Tiananmen Square, and takes only 10 minutes walk to Zhuangsheng Square and Xuanwumen.
Jing Guang Run Hotel is located on the northern side of Guanganmen Inner Street, Liangguang Avenue and adjacent to Caishikou Station on subway line 4. The hotel incorporates catering, accommodation, business services, office facilities and a leisure centre. With a completely new look, it offers you a clean, safe, convenient and comfortable leisure environment, with warm and considerate services, and the aim to extend a feeling of home to you.
The Jingxiangyuan Restaurant is characteristic of strong Hunan and Jiangxi flavour, hosting various high quality banquets and serving you breakfast, as well as offering bar, lounge, and meeting and banquet facilities. ... more | | |
 | Forte International Apartment Hotel  |
Score 6.675 from 2 reviews | | No. 235 Chaoyang North Road, Chaoyang District | |
| Forte International Apartment Hotel is located in the middle of 3 of Beijing’s commercial areas; the CBC, Lufthansa Area and Chaoyangmen Area. Modern apartments are fitted with free Wi-Fi and Cable TV.
All of the self-catering apartments have been individually decorated, with separate seating and dining areas. Guests receive complimentary bathroom amenities during their stay.
There are a number of restaurants, serving both Western and Eastern cuisines, within walking distance of Forte Apartment Hotel.
Guests can make use of a number of services offered by the hotel, including babysitting services, room service and a ticket service. ... more | | |
 | Tianxiang Heritage Courtyard Hotel Beijing  |
Score 7.625 from 4 reviews | | No. 16, Shijinhuayuan Hutong, Dongsi North Street, Dongcheng District | |
| Extra beds can only be placed in deluxe rooms and suites.
All the rooms are with wooden or block floor, no carpets.
... more | | |
 | Feiying Youth Hostel  |
Score 5.4 from 5 reviews | | 10 Building, Changchunjie Hou Street, Xuanwu District | |
| You can taste different kinds of economical and materially beneficial Western breakfasts. ... more | | |
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| | | More hotels in Beijing |
The Great Wall
The Great Wall is considered to be one of the most impressive structures in the world. It winds it way for endless (alright then, approximately 6,350) kilometers through Chinese valleys, desert areas and over mountains. The defensive wall dates back from the 5th century B.C. and was enlarged and lengthened in the following centuries by successive dynasties.
The Great Wall is mostly visited at three spots. Badaling is the most easily accessible, and consequently most crowded, spot that is located at a two hours’ drive from Beijing (by train it might take more hours). The Mutianyu section lies further away from Beijing and can be reached by cable car. Simatai is quite difficult to reach by public transport but unmistakably worth the extra effort.
| Great Wall at Mutianyu and Beijing Cloisonne Factory |
6 hours |
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The great Wall from a different view! This is a great tour to compare the Mutianyu section of the great wall to the Badaling section featured in most other Great Wall tours.
This portion of China's ancient engineering marvel features an optional cable car ride, or an opportunity to climb more than 1,400 steps to the top.
Mutianyu Great Wall is much steeper than Badaling Great Wall, and a more challenging climb. This section is older than Badaling, and features outer and inner parapets and three watch towers.
A visit to a nearby Cloisonne Factory is also included in this half day tour.
Tour Highlights:
- Mutianyu Great Wall
- Beijing Cloisonne Factory
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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Tiananmen Square
Most people can probably recall the peaceful demonstrations for democracy on this square in 1989 that resulted in the killing of an unknown number of students (figures range from 300 to 3,000 victims). The square, where Mao announced the founding of the People's Republic of China, got its name from the Tiananmen, or "Gate of Heavenly Peace," on the southern part that lead up to the Forbidden City. Several impressive gates, such as the Tuenanmen Gate, the Qianmen Gate and the Xuanwumen Gate, mark the square. This is also the place where you can visit the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (Mao's Mausoleum) and the Great Hall of the People. If you go to the Mausoleum, check your bags in at the check stand next to the art museum just west of the mausoleum. They don't allow any bags, cameras, etc. in the museum. Don't forget to have a look at the Monument to the People’s Heroes, a tribute to those who have died fighting for working class Chinese in the Boxer Rebellion and the revolution.
| Capital Museum and Hutong Tour |
8 hours |
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The tour starts at the Capital Museum, one of the best places to learn about the history and culture of China's capital city. The museum is divided into two halls, each with six floors of exhibits. You can learn about ancient Beijing and the thousands of years of customs and culture, then see extraordinary collections of historic objects including statue, jade, bronze and more.
Before lunch, you will attend an elegant tea ceremony, where you'll experience the centuries-old tradition and taste of local tea varieties.
After lunch at a local restaurant it's a visit to the magnificent gardens of Prince Gong's mansion. Beijing's largest and the best preserved Qing Dynasty royal mansion. Next, you'll take to the streets of old Beijing by rickshaw, also known as a pedicab. This portion of the tour allows you to get a taste of life in the city as your driver pedals throught the old, narrow streets or hutongs. It includes a stop to visit a home of a real Chinese family and a climb to the top of an old drum tower for a bird's eye view of the area.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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