Beijing is China's capital city. It was first established around 3,000 years ago and
has historically been the capital of the nation for more than 800 years. This place
has a long and storied history and culture. Tian’anmen Square and the Great Hall of
the People bore witness to the country's century of humiliation. The Forbidden City,
Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven all have an incomparable imperial style. Beijing
is also an international city with a modern and fashionable elegance. The nightscape
of places like Sanlitun and Shichahai is intoxicating. In all its neighborhoods,
Beijing is packed with places that will evoke surprise and wonder. Beijing is a warm
and welcoming city.
Universal Beijing Resort
Universal Beijing Resort, the third in Asia and fifth worldwide, features seven themed areas, 37 exhilarating rides and entertainment facilities, and 24 spectacular shows. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience that blends Chinese culture with global entertainment, exemplified by the "Sky Mixing Instrument" design at the Transformers Metrobase. The resort has earned LEED Gold certification for its environmentally friendly and innovative design, making it the first theme park resort in the world to receive this prestigious award. Whether you're an adventurer seeking thrills or a traveler with a taste for culture, Universal Beijing Resort offers something for everyone.
The Palace Museum
The Palace Museum in Beijing, established in 1925 on the site of the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, houses a collection of over 1.8 million precious cultural relics. These include paintings, calligraphy, inscriptions, gold and silver artifacts, among 25 other categories, with over 8,000 pieces classified as first-class collections. The Forbidden City's architectural layout is meticulously designed, divided into the Outer Court and the Inner Court. The Outer Court, centered around the three main halls, was used for national ceremonies. The Inner Court served as the residence of the emperor and empress, with six palaces on the east and west sides for the empress's quarters. The four gates of the Forbidden City are Meridian Gate, Shenwu Gate, Donghua Gate, and Xihua Gate. Meridian Gate serves as the main entrance for tourists, while Shenwu Gate is the exit for visitors.
Badaling Great Wall
The Badaling Great Wall is located at the northern entrance of the Shanguanguou Ancient Road in Jundu, Yanqing District, Beijing. Renowned as one of the world's nine blockades, it is considered the essence of the Great Wall and a unique representation of the Ming Dynasty's construction. This section of the Great Wall is steep and imposing, famously known as "Yuguan Tianguan," one of the eight notable sights of Juyong Pass during the Ming Dynasty. It served as a crucial military pass and a vital defense for the capital, Beijing. The Badaling Great Wall exemplifies the majestic and precipitous style of the Great Wall. As a key defense for Beijing, the overlapping mountains and treacherous terrain make it a formidable barrier. The imposing wall winds its way north and south through the mountains, extending as far as the eye can see. As an important outpost of Juyong Pass, it is said that "the danger of Juyong lies not in the pass but in Badaling."
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace, originally known as Qingyi Garden, was the imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. It is a vast landscape garden constructed around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, inspired by the West Lake in Hangzhou and incorporating design elements from Jiangnan gardens. Known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens," it is the most well-preserved royal palace and garden in China. At its peak, the Summer Palace spans an area of 2.97 square kilometers, with three-quarters of this area covered by water. The park features numerous buildings, including over 100 scenic structures and more than 20 courtyards. The ancient buildings cover more than 70,000 square meters and include pavilions, towers, halls, and more. Notable structures include the Tower of Buddhist Incense, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat. The garden also boasts over 1,600 ancient and famous trees, showcasing the grandeur and elegance of this royal retreat.
National Museum of China
The National Museum of China, situated on the east side of Tiananmen Square and the south side of East Chang'an Avenue in central Beijing, directly faces the Great Hall of the People. It stands as the premier institution for collecting, researching, displaying, and interpreting significant material evidence of Chinese culture, history, and art. Covering an area of 70,000 square meters, the museum boasts a construction area of nearly 200,000 square meters, housing 48 exhibition halls. Its collection includes over 1.43 million pieces, featuring ancient cultural relics and artworks. In 2012, it was designated a "National First-Class Museum," and in 2020, it became a "National Key Protection Unit of Ancient Books." It also ranked second in the Global Theme Park and Museum Index report.
Prince Gong’s Mansion
Prince Gong's Mansion, situated on the western shore of the front sea of Beijing and the southern bank of Shichahai, stands as the largest and most impeccably preserved imperial residence of the Qing Dynasty. It once served as the dwelling for Heshen and Qing Wang Yonglin successively. In the first year of Xianfeng, during the Qing Dynasty, Prince Gong Yi Xin took ownership, leading to the mansion being named after Prince Gong. Covering approximately 60,000 square meters, the estate comprises over 30 structures. The heart of the mansion lies in its expansive garden, spanning 28,000 square meters and divided into three sections: east, central, and west. Prince Gong's Palace bears witness to the historical trajectory of the Qing Dynasty, from its zenith to its decline, giving rise to the adage, "To know Prince Gong's Mansion is to understand half the history of the Qing Dynasty."
Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven, formerly known as the "Altar of Heaven," is situated in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. Originally constructed in the 18th year of Yongle during the Ming Dynasty, it was later renamed the "Temple of Heaven." This sacred site served as a place of worship for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where they prayed for heavenly blessings of abundant harvests and rainfall. As the largest ancient sacrificial complex in China, the Temple of Heaven is enclosed by both inner and outer altar walls, with the primary ancient structures concentrated within the inner precinct. Within the inner altar lie the Circular Mound, the Altar of Prayer for Good Harvests, and the Hall of Abstinence. The Temple of Heaven is adorned with several heavenly gates, boasting ingenious designs and meticulous structural integrity, symbolizing the solemnity and grandeur of ancient royal sacrificial rites.
Tiananmen Square
Tiananmen Square, situated at the heart of Beijing, traces its origins back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty. Originally named Chengtianmen, it was later reconstructed and christened Tian'anmen in the eighth year of the Shunzhi reign during the Qing Dynasty. Throughout its storied history, Tian'anmen Square has borne witness to the indomitable spirit and valor of the Chinese people. Significant historical movements, such as the May Fourth Movement and the December Ninth Movement, have left an indelible mark upon this iconic site. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, access to Tian'anmen Square was restricted solely to the royal family, serving as a site of ritual and governance for the feudal dynasty. It stood as the political nucleus, epitomizing the adage "the myriad offices of the government are located on its flanks." Today, Tian'anmen Square stands as a prominent emblem of Beijing, symbolizing China's enduring journey from decline to resurgence.
Shichahai
Shichahai, situated in the northeast of Xicheng District, Beijing, is a historic depression lake formed by the ancient Gaoliang River's lower reaches. Known as the White Lotus Lake during the Jin Dynasty and Jishuitan or Haizi during the Yuan Dynasty, it gradually acquired the name Shichahai during the Ming Dynasty. The Front and Back Lakes of Shichahai, along with the West Lake, collectively span an area of approximately 340,000 square meters. During the Yuan Dynasty, Guo Shoujing engineered the Tonghui River, connecting Shichahai directly to the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, establishing it as the canal's terminus. Additionally, Shichahai encompasses the lakes within the gardens of Prince Gong's Mansion and Prince Chun's Mansion, contributing to the distinctive charm of the area.
Bird’s Nest (National Stadium)
The Bird's Nest, also recognized as the "National Stadium," stands proudly in the southern section of the Beijing Olympic Park's central area. Resembling a nest and symbolizing the cradle of life, it embodies humanity's aspirations for the future. Serving as the primary venue for both the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the 2022 Winter Olympics, this iconic stadium has borne witness to the grandeur of numerous significant events. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games, as well as the athletics and football finals, alongside the corresponding ceremonies of the Winter Olympic Games. Since the conclusion of the 2008 Olympic Games, the stadium has transformed into a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts and a premier destination for sports entertainment, making it a cherished landmark and a priceless legacy of the Olympics. Revered as a masterpiece of contemporary architecture, it is affectionately hailed as the "fourth generation gymnasium."
Olympic Garden
The Olympic Garden, nestled in Beijing's Chaoyang District, sprawls across 680 hectares, boasting lush forest resources and an impressive green coverage rate of 95.61%. Distinguished as China's premier large urban park, it pioneers the full integration of ecological and energy-efficient building technologies. Through the innovative implementation of ecological compensation methods, the park achieves remarkable energy savings of 50% to 65%. Notably, it features China's inaugural large-scale ecological corridor spanning expressways, heralding a transition in the forest park system from isolated islands to an interconnected network. This evolution ensures the preservation of urban ecological green spaces, maintaining a seamless continuity across the landscape. In 2022, the park gained prominence as a pivotal location for the torch relay of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympic Winter Games, symbolizing the harmonious convergence of the green Winter Olympics ethos, ancient capital culture, and the enduring Olympic spirit along the city's central axis.
Noodles with Soy Bean Paste
Noodles with Soy Bean Paste is a signature noodle dish from Beijing, renowned for its chewy and smooth noodles, rich and flavorful sauce, and refreshing toppings. When the noodles are thoroughly mixed with the sauce and toppings, each bite offers a rich layering of textures and a robust sauce aroma. As a traditional delicacy, Beijing Zhajiangmian has captivated countless food lovers with its unique taste and flavor, gaining popularity not only in Beijing but also spreading across the country.
Beijing Mutton Hotpot
Beijing Mutton Hotpot is a favorite dish for the locals, representing both a delicacy and a tradition. The copper pot provides excellent heat retention, allowing the lamb to quickly cook in the boiling water, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Dipped in sesame paste, the umami of the lamb blends with the aroma of sesame, creating a mouthwatering sensation. Paired with refreshing candied garlic, it balances the muttony flavor and adds a sweet touch, enriching the layers of this delicious dish and leaving a lingering aftertaste. Regardless of the changing seasons, Beijing Mutton Hotpot remains a popular dish on the dining tables of Beijing.
Beijing Roast Duck
Beijing Roast Duck, a world-renowned dish originating from Beijing, traces its history back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties in China. Beijing Roast Duck is mainly divided into two major schools: hanging oven roast duck and braised oven roast duck. Both styles emphasize the importance of careful selection of ingredients. Using top-quality meat ducks, after being carefully marinated, they are then slowly roasted in a traditional fruitwood charcoal oven. The perfect fusion of charcoal heat and the aroma of fruitwood wood gives the duck a red and glossy appearance, with a crispy skin and tender meat. A light bite reveals the crispy exterior and tender interior, resulting in a flavorful and non-greasy taste that leaves a lasting impression.
Donkey Roll
Donkey Roll,also known as bean flour cake, is a traditional snack deeply loved by people in Northeast China, old Beijing, and Tianjin. Its unique name derives from the yellow soybean powder sprinkled on it during the final production process, resembling the yellow dust kicked up by wild donkeys rolling around in the outskirts of old Beijing. As a result, it was named "Lǘ Dǎgǔn" (Donkey Roll). The finished product features three distinct colors of yellow, white, and red, making it visually appealing. The outer layer is coated with golden yellow soybean flour, exuding a rich bean aroma. The inner filling is sweet yet not greasy, melting in the mouth with a delightful sweetness that goes straight to the heart. Overall, Lǘ Dǎgǔn has a soft and unique flavor.
Meat Pie with Door Knob Shape
The Meat Pie with Door Knob Shape, named after its resemblance to the copper nails on the red-lacquered gates of the Forbidden City, has a fascinating legend. It is said that in ancient times, the imperial kitchen created a special meat pie snack for Empress Dowager Cixi. It had a thin crust and generous filling. Once cooked, the ends were crispy while the center remained tender, juicy, and delicious. After tasting it, the Empress Dowager was greatly impressed and asked the chef what the name of this snack was. Reminiscing the glittering nail caps on the palace gates, the chef answered, "Meat Pie with Door Knob Shape." Since then, the Meat Pie with Door Knob Shape has become a symbol of good luck and prosperity in the old Beijing neighborhoods, and people believe that eating it will bring them fortune.
Quick-Fried Tripe of Old Beijing
Quick-Fried Tripeis a well-known traditional snack from Tianjin and Beijing, with records dating back to the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. Baodu is characterized by its crispy and fresh taste, without being greasy or heavy. People who enjoy Baodu often pair it with a small amount of liquor, followed by two freshly baked sesame seed cakes. This combination is considered a great pleasure in life.In Beijing, people attach great importance to "eating in autumn," and there is a saying that goes, "To enjoy autumn, eat Baodu." In Beijing's Tianqiao area, there is "Baodu Shi" (Shi's Baodu), and in Menkuang Hutong, there is "Baodu Yang" (Yang's Baodu). Other famous Baodu vendors include "Baodu Feng" and "Baodu Man."
Lamb spine hot pot
Lamb spine hot pot is a type of hotpot made with mutton spine as the main ingredient. The mutton spine, also known as sheep vertebrae, is named after its resemblance to a scorpion, and it is the core ingredient of this hotpot. After careful selection and slow-cooking with a secret recipe, the mutton spine meat is tender, the soup is delicious, fragrant without a pungent smell, leaving a lingering aftertaste. Whether it's a cold winter day or a hot summer day, Lamb spine hot pot can bring a touch of warmth and satisfaction.
Zhizi Grilled Meat
Zhizi Grilled Meat, a traditional delicacy with a history of over 300 years, originates from the nomadic people of the northern frontier during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. It is particularly popular in Beijing, with well-known establishments such as Roukao Wan and Roukao Ji enjoying a stellar reputation in the capital. The unique feature lies in the circular iron plate pierced with iron bars, known as "Zhizi," which is heated using fruitwood or pinewood as fuel. Thinly sliced and carefully marinated pieces of select beef or lamb are grilled on the Zhizi using long chopsticks, until the meat is fragrant, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Old Beijing Tanghulu
Old Beijing Tanghulu is crafted from hawthorn, strawberries, dates, and assorted fruits. These fruits are coated in sugar and then sun-dried, resulting in a delightful balance of sweetness without being overly oily, and a tantalizing tanginess. Legend has it that the origin of Old Beijing Tanghulu is intertwined with Emperor Guangzong of the Southern Song Dynasty. Empress Huang, afflicted by a loss of appetite due to illness, stumped imperial physicians with her ailment. However, a traveling doctor proposed a remedy: consuming rock candy cooked with hawthorn (known as red haw). Remarkably, this remedy restored Empress Huang's health. The practice soon spread among the common folk, who began stringing hawthorn fruits together for sale, eventually evolving into the beloved Tanghulu enjoyed today.
Old Beijing Xiao hanging pear soup
Old Beijing Xiao hanging pear soup originated in Beijing, is made of rock sugar and snow pear as the main materials, fresh and smooth, sweet and not greasy, is a traditional Chinese daily dessert.
The small hanging pear soup refers to a container, at that time, a copper lifting crane was used as a tool to weigh pear soup, and a lifting was a pot, and a half lifting was a half pot. Xiao hanging pear soup is one of the famous snacks in old Beijing. It is made of rock sugar and snow pear as the main material. It is refreshing, sweet and not greasy. In the imperial capital of the Qing Dynasty, this drink was very popular.
Kung Pao Chicken
Kung Pao Chicken is a traditional dish with Han characteristics, originating from Beijing palace cuisine. The dish features a bright red color, offering a balanced heat that is spicy yet not overpowering. The chicken is tender and crisp, delivering a delightful texture and flavor. In the late Qing Dynasty, Ding Baozhen, an official in Shandong, created this dish by stir-frying diced chicken, red peppers, and peanuts. He later popularized it during his tenure as governor of Sichuan. After his death, Ding Baozhen was posthumously honored with the title "Prince Taibao," a prestigious title of "Gong Bao" during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Consequently, this dish was named "Gong Bao Chicken" in his honor and the name has been used ever since.
Beijing roast mutton
Beijing Roast Mutton, also known as Beijing-style roast mutton, originated in the Ming Dynasty and is one of the traditional dishes of Beijing cuisine, famously referred to as "the first roast in Beijing." The preparation process of Beijing roast mutton is meticulous, generally involving six steps: simmering in soup, tightening the meat, marinating, cooking, simmering, and frying. A variety of ingredients are used to ensure the roast mutton is evenly balanced with both lean and fat portions, resulting in a dish that is tender yet firm, lean but not dry, and fatty but not greasy, with a satisfying chewiness.
Fried Sausage
Fried Sausage, a traditional Beijing snack, is part of the Jing cuisine and is renowned for its unique garlic flavor. Its history can be traced back to a Manchu dish, a variant of fried deer tail. Due to the scarcity of deer tail, pork intestines became a substitute. During preparation, the shaped sausage is sliced and fried in an iron pan until both sides are crispy and bubbling. After frying, the sausage is drizzled with a carefully prepared garlic brine. The garlic used for the brine is pounded to release its full aroma, adding a distinctive flavor to the fried sausage.
Beijing-style Shredded Pork in Bean Sauce
Beijing-style Shredded Pork in Bean Sauce is an authentic traditional Beijing dish. It is known for its enticing reddish color, rich aroma, and a harmonious blend of salty and sweet flavors. According to legend, in the 1930s, an old man named Chen lived with his grandson in a large courtyard in northeast Beijing's Forbidden City and made a living from selling tofu. One time, Chen stir-fried thin slices of lean pork with bean sauce for flavoring. With no pancakes available, he used tofu skins cut into squares, creating an imitation of "Peking Duck." As his grandson grew up, he continuously improved the dish, resulting in today's version of Beijing-style Shredded Pork in Bean Sauce, which boasts a rich sauce and tender, finely shredded pork.
Qianlong Cabbage
Qianlong Cabbage is made using the heart of Chinese cabbage, mixed with sesame paste, honey, sugar, aged vinegar, and salt. This dish is refreshing and appetizing, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. According to legend, during one of Emperor Qianlong's incognito visits to Jiangnan, Ji Xiaolan prepared a banquet featuring wild vegetables to capture the emperor's attention. One of the dishes was Chinese cabbage dressed in sesame paste. Emperor Qianlong was so impressed by its delicious taste that he highly praised the dish. As a result, it was named "Qianlong Cabbage" and became widely popular among the people.