Beijing’s history dates back 3,000 years, and is peppered with captivating myths and memorable personalities. (If you thought Game of Thrones’ Dragon Queen was intense, just wait until you learn about Empress Dowager Cixi, a.k.a the original “dragon lady.”) Of course, while Beijing’s ancient history is fascinating, there’s so much to learn about its modern events, ranging from the protests at Tiananmen Square to its current role in the global economy.
From the Chinese takeout dishes you know and love to foods you’ve never witnessed before, this city is fit for any foodie. Most menus are written in Chinese, which means ordering can turn into quite the guessing game. Bite into a sumptuous looking dumpling and you might find anything from bean paste to barbecued pork to an unidentified mush that’s as mouthwatering as it is mysterious. Our best advice is to be adventurous and open-minded (just be careful if you have any allergies or food restrictions).
Put simply, Beijing’s architecture is breathtaking. It’s completely unlike anything we’re used to back in the States. For a good starting point, head to the Forbidden City, a palace complex that (as hinted by its name) used to be prohibited to the public. In addition to its impressive walls and gates, cast your eyes upwards to find “roof charms.” These beast statuettes are only found on the roofs of the Chinese empire’s official buildings.
What’s so great about the Great Wall? Well for one, this architectural feat is the largest man-made structure ever built. Parts of it date all the way back to the 7th century B.C., and its construction was taken on by several different dynasties. While there are many sections you can visit, we love the portion known as Badaling. Not only is it the best-preserved, it also makes for an easy day trip from Beijing.
With its intricately painted buildings, stunning royal gardens, and envious views of the Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace might be the most beautiful place in all of Beijing—and that’s saying something. Once the imperial family’s favorite summer getaway, it was designed as a place to achieve harmony with nature. More than 250 years later, it’s just as harmonious as ever, and also the best-preserved imperial garden in the world.
Get transported back in time as you wander through Beijing’s hutongs, or alleyways that surround traditional courtyard residences. These beautifully preserved neighborhoods look almost identical to how they did when they were built hundreds of years ago. Plus, EF travelers get to fully immerse themselves in residential hutong life, enjoying a decadent dinner at a local family’s home. To finish off your visit and explore the rest of the neighborhood, hop on a rickshaw—a bike-like vehicle that’s pulled by a cyclist.
Put down the Starbucks—Beijing is all about tea culture. In addition to starting each day with a strong cup, visitors should make sure to enjoy at least one traditional tea ceremony. Here, tea masters expertly prepare several types of tea, often including oolong, green, and black varieties. Guests are invited to sample and smell each serving, using two specially designed cups. Fun fact: Instead of verbally thanking the tea master, guests tap their index and middle fingers on the table as a sign of gratitude.