6 Must-See Imperial Sights in Beijing, China

As Beijing springs into the 21st century, the city’s grandiose ancient architecture could at times be easily forgotten. However, when it comes to its stunning historical panorama, few cities or even countries on this planet could even remotely compete with the Chinese capital.

During my one-month stay in Beijing last year, the majority of my weekends were well-spent commuting to different parts of the bustling city and rediscovering what the bustling city has on offer.

Here are six must-see imperial delights to get you started if you ever step on the soil of the place I once called home.

1. The Forbidden City

If you’re Beijing-bound, you’d know better than to miss the spectacular sight of the Forbidden City. Located at the very heart of Beijing with its origins dated back to the 14th century, the Forbidden City is currently home to China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, historical artworks, stunning artefacts and the like.

In ancient times, any mortals found entering the grounds of the grand palace without proper invitation would be instantly executed. But now, you could easily pay ¥40 or ¥60 for a full-day admission. Allow yourself a whole day for exploration to slowly take in the historical legacies of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity and more… You’ll tremble at the grandiosity of the mighty Gugong and the historical significance it encompasses.

Price: Nov-Mar ¥40, Apr-Oct ¥60, Clock Exhibition Hall ¥10, Hall of Jewellery ¥10, audio guide ¥40

Hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM Apr-Oct, to 4:30 PM Nov-Mar, Last entry one hour prior to closing, Closed Mon Sep-Jun

2. Temple of Heaven

Nestled in the southeastern part of central Beijing lies the 267-hectare Temple of Heaven, a magnificent complex of imperial buildings with methodical Confucian design and symbolism. Comprised of three lavish groups of constructions, namely the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, the majestic temple grounds are all strictly constructed according to philosophical requirements.

Once a tranquil oasis visited by ancient Emperors for performing annual rituals of prayers to the heaven for fruitful harvests, the one-of-a-kind altar is now jam-packed with both proud locals and curious tourists from all over the world.

Price: Park/through ticket Apr-Oct ¥15/35, Nov-Mar ¥10/30, Audio guide ¥40 (deposit ¥50)

Hours: Park 6:30 AM – 10 PM, Sights 8 AM – 5:30 PM Apr-Oct, Park 6:30 AM – 8 PM, Sights 8 AM – 5 PM Nov-Mar

Location: Tiantan Donglu, Běijīng, China

3. The Great Wall

He who has not climbed the Great Wall is not a true man.

Perhaps The Great Wall needs no introduction. Quintessentially China’s most renowned engineering triumph, this impressive series of fortifications stretches from its scattered remains in Dandong, Liaoning in the east to Lop Lake in the west, with faint traces along the southern edge of Inner Mongolia.

With its extremely rundown and eroded exterior, it is definitely not as luxurious as the city’s other splendid tourist attractions. However, once you think of the decades of work emperors and civilians across various dynasties had dedicated to this extensive project, you’ll be thoroughly stunned. A symbolic and potent reminder of China’s long-standing history, The Great Wall is a must-see miracle of the East.

4. The Summer Palace

A former paradise for emperors and nobles fleeing the scathing torpor of the old imperial city, the Summer Palace is a vast ensemble of glittering lakes, lush gardens and magnificent pavilions.

A marvel of design to many, it is certainly my favourite spot in ancient Beijing. Merely a royal garden before the grand renovations initiated by Emperor Qianlong of the 18th century, the palace is now centred around the world-renowned Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. A mandatory sight is the Long Corridor, an aesthetic stretch of covered walkway trimmed with a beautiful plethora of paintings.

Empress Dowager Cixi’s unsinkable Boat of Purity and Ease on the north shore is also another highlight. Constructed infamously with the funds originally earmarked for building up a new royal navy, the extravagance and otherworldliness of this impeccable structure is hard to describe with sheer words. A premier historical landmark, a must-visit in my opinion.

Price: Apr-Oct ¥30, Through ticket ¥60, Nov-Mar ¥20, Through ticket ¥50, Audio guide ¥40

Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM, Sights 8 AM – 5 PM Summer, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Winter

Location: 19 Xinjian Gongmen, Běijīng, China

5. Lama Temple

If you only have time for one temple (The Temple of Heaven is more like an altar), make the magnificent Lama Temple your top priority. A glittering spectacle rife with Tibetan colours, you’ll be riveted by its phenomenal frescoes, eye-popping carpentry and magnificent Tibetan prayer wheels.

Located within Beijing’s dynamic Dongcheng district, the renowned attraction is still an active place of worship for devoted pilgrims and tourists alike. P.S. — You mustn’t miss the bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages, a fabulous artwork collection dated back to the Qing dynasty!

Price: ¥25

Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM

Location: 12 Yonghegong Dajie, Beijing, China

6. Old Summer Palace

The Old Summer Palace might reek of humiliation from the massive Anglo-French loot in the Second Opium War, it is still a must-see sight in Beijing. A grandiose complex of European-style palaces, elaborate fountains and baroque statuary, the palace is undoubtedly the crème de la crème of China’s ancient architecture.

Though the majority of wooden palace buildings had been previously burnt down by the British and French, luckily remains of the hardier, stone-made ones survived. Now an incredible mecca of collapsed columns and marble chunks, Yuanming Yuan is a well-loved tourist spot flooded with history buffs and architecture enthusiast.

Price: Adult ¥10, Through ticket ¥25, Map ¥6

Hours: 7 AM – 6 PM Apr-Oct, to 5:30 PM Nov-Mar

Location: 28 Qinghua Xilu, Běijīng, China