First time
Beijing is the capital city of China and has a population of approximately 15 million. It is located in the northeastern portion of China, and is divided into ten districts and eight counties.
Millions of tourists visit the city each year. If you are a first time visitor, the capital of China has many things to keep you occupied. It is a very lively and stylish city. The 2008 Summer Olympics were held here, and it is also home to many cultural and historical attractions. There are many things that you need to keep in mind if you are a first time visitor to the city.
Getting There
The main airport in China’s capital city is the Beijing International Airport, located close to the heart of the city. There are a range of airlines that fly out of the city, including many international flights. You can get nonstop flights to Beijing from London, Stockholm, Chicago, and many more cities around the world. There are many places that offer
cheap flights to Beijing. You just need to keep looking until you find the right deal for you.
Getting Around
First time tourists probably will want to either to use the subway or take a taxi. It is very easy to get a taxi in the capital city. However, you need to keep in mind that most cab drivers do not speak English, so you need to make sure you know your destination in Chinese. Cab fares in the city will vary.
The metropolis has a very good subway system that is easy to navigate. All of the signs in the subway station are written in both English and Chinese. You can buy tickets at any subway station.
Attractions and Things to do
You will not be bored when you visit the capital of China, as there are many things to see and do. China offers a variety of attractions, including famous landmarks, palaces, and cultural attractions. Here are a very of the things that the city has to offer:
- Tiananmen Square: This is located in the heart of the city and is considered the largest public area in the world. In fact, it is be said to be able to hold around 500,000 people; however, witnesses say that over a million people gathered in the square for an event in 1949. There are three monuments situated in the square, and many people use the area to fly kites, picnic, or buy balloons for the children.
- Summer Palace: This palace was built in about the 12th century. There were continuous upgrades to the palace, and it eventually became the site of a beautiful Chinese garden. The palace also consists of many gorgeous structures, such as pavilions, towers, bridges, and corridors. Summer palace is a landmark of beauty that you will never forget.
- Great Wall: You cannot visit China without seeing The Great Wall. It is one of the great wonders of the world, stretching over 5,000 miles.
- Ming Tombs: There are 13 tombs of Ming Dynasty emperors that are open to the public. The tombs have amazing architecture, consisting of walls, gates, courtyards, stairways, and pavilions. There are stories told about each emperor, so it is quite an educational experience.
- Galleries and Museums: The city has many art galleries and museums that will give you a cultural experience.
Where to Stay
There are many accommodations for you to stay while you are visiting the capital. If you want to stay closer to the major attractions, shops, and restaurants, you probably should choose the city’s eastern district or the central district. However, there are hotels closer to the airport which has good deals and you can avoid the traffic.
People who have never been to
Beijing will have an eye opening experience when they visit the capital city. Once you travel to the city, you will always want to return. You will make memories to last a lifetime.
