China

China, the world's most populous country, is a vast and diverse nation with a rich history spanning over 5,000 years. It is home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, with iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Covering approximately 9.6 million square kilometers, China is the third-largest country by land area and boasts a variety of landscapes, from the Himalayas to the Gobi Desert. It has the second-largest economy in the world, driven by industries such as technology, manufacturing, and trade. The country operates under a one-party system led by the Communist Party of China (CPC) and has a unique blend of ancient traditions and rapid modernization. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen are global hubs for business, culture, and innovation. China is also known for its diverse cuisine, including dim sum, Peking duck, and Sichuan hot pot. With a rapidly growing tech industry, a strong presence in global trade, and a long cultural legacy, China remains one of the most influential nations in the world.

Beijing Facts

Places to See

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China Facts

Tourist Tips

Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa (L visa) before entering China. Apply at least one month in advance. Some cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou allow short-term transit visa exemptions (up to 144 hours).
Currency: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB). Many places do not accept foreign credit cards, so have cash or use mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Language: Mandarin is the official language, and English is not widely spoken. Use Google Translate or Pleco for communication.
Internet & VPN: China has strict internet restrictions (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook are blocked). Download a VPN before arrival to access blocked websites.
Weather & Packing: China has diverse climates. Check the weather for your destination—North China can be freezing in winter, while South China is hot and humid in summer.
Public Transport: Subways in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai are efficient and cheap.
High-Speed Trains: The best way to travel between cities—book in advance through Ctrip (Trip.com).
Taxis & Ride Apps: Didi (Chinese Uber) is useful but requires a Chinese payment method.

Cultural Facts

Honorifics & Etiquette: Koreans use different speech levels to show respect based on age and status.
Technology & Internet: South Korea has one of the fastest internet speeds and is a leader in technology and innovation.
Traditional Houses (Hanok): Hanok homes feature ondol (underfloor heating), used for centuries.
Korean Alphabet Day: Celebrated on October 9 in South Korea to honor the creation of Hangul.
Festivals & Holidays: Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) and Seollal (Lunar New Year) are major family holidays.
Bowing Tradition: Bowing is a key form of greeting and respect in Korean culture.
Superstitions: The number 4 is considered unlucky (similar to "death" in Korean), and writing names in red ink is avoided.
Beauty Standards: South Korea has a huge beauty industry, and plastic surgery is common for cosmetic enhancements.

Chinese Cuisine

Peking Duck – Crispy roasted duck served with pancakes and hoisin sauce.
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Steamed dumplings filled with pork and savory broth.
Kung Pao Chicken – Stir-fried chicken with peanuts, dried chilies, and a sweet-spicy sauce.
Mapo Tofu – Silken tofu in a spicy Sichuan pepper sauce with minced pork.
Sweet and Sour Pork – Crispy pork coated in a tangy-sweet sauce.
Dan Dan Noodles – Spicy, numbing Sichuan noodles with minced pork and peanut-sesame sauce.
Yangzhou Fried Rice – Classic fried rice with shrimp, ham, egg, and vegetables.
Char Siu (BBQ Pork) – Cantonese-style roasted pork with a sweet, caramelized glaze.
Red Braised Pork Belly – Slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce and spices for a rich, tender texture.
Hot Pot – A communal dish where meats, vegetables, and tofu are cooked in a flavorful broth.

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Places to visit in Beijing

Temple of Heaven

Tour Information

I booked the tour on Get Your Guide. Click here for the exact tour.

Base Tour: Includes round-trip transportation from Beijing and hotel pickup within the 3rd ring road.
Admission Ticket: Can be added for an additional fee.
Chinese-Style Lunch: Available as an optional add-on.
Cable Car or Toboggan Ride: Not included in the base price; can be purchased separately on-site.
Cost: Prices vary based on selected options. For accurate and up-to-date pricing, please refer to the official

Great Wall of China

Facts about Great Wall of China
The Great Wall of China is one of the world's most famous landmarks, stretching over 21,000 kilometers (13,000 miles) across northern China. Built in multiple dynasties, with the earliest walls dating back to the 7th century BC, the most well-preserved sections were constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). The wall was designed as a defense system against invasions, featuring watchtowers, fortresses, and beacon towers for military communication. While some parts, like Badaling and Mutianyu, are well-restored and popular with tourists, others, such as Jiankou and Simatai, remain rugged and offer a more authentic hiking experience. Contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall is not visible from space with the naked eye, but it remains a powerful symbol of China’s historical strength and perseverance.

Mutianyu Great Wall,

I recommend booking a tour that will take you from Beijing to this section of the wall. It is the most popular and takes around 1.5-2 hours to drive. I booked a tour with Get your Guide. The tour included transfer to and from the city of Beijing and the entrance fee for the cable car. to the top. We opted for extras to include an 8 course meal (loved this part) and we also paid approx. 8 euro extra for a one way down toboggan ticket from the top of the Great Wall. As part of this tour, we had the chance to freely explore around the Great wall. Below is what to expect:

Fortified Watchtowers

Mutianyu has 23 well-preserved towers, some with unique double battlements.

Ancient Stonework & Bricks

Built during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), the wall here is strong and well-restored.

Breathtaking Panoramic Views

Rolling hills, lush forests (green in summer, golden in autumn, snowy in winter).

Cable Car Ride

Take a cable car or chair lift up for an easy start with stunning aerial views. There are two sides to this section of the Great Wall. We opted for the side with the Tobbogan first, before it got too busy.

Steep Stairs & Walking Paths

Some sections are gentle, others very steep, great for hiking. Wear comfortable shoes!

Toboggan Slide Down

A fun 1,500-meter slide down from the Wall to the entrance. This was so much fun! you can control your own speed but note that they send people down close together, therefore, going slow can be more dangerous.

Zhengguan Terrace (No. 6 Tower)

A rare three-watchtower complex, great for exploring.

Great Wall

Great Wall Entrance

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Great Wall

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Forbidden City

Information

* Note, Forbidden city is closed on Monday's*

Buy Tickets in Advance: The Forbidden City has a daily visitor limit, so book online early.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: The complex is massive, and you’ll be walking a lot.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid large crowds, preferably in spring or autumn for pleasant weather.

Bring an ID/Passport: Required for ticket entry.

Visit Nearby Attractions: Jingshan Park (great for panoramic views) and Tiananmen Square are worth seeing after your visit.

Forbidden City

Facts about Forbidden City

The Forbidden City in Beijing is a vast imperial palace complex that served as the political and ceremonial center of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, from the Ming Dynasty to the end of the Qing Dynasty. Constructed between 1406 and 1420, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers approximately 180 acres and consists of nearly 1,000 buildings, showcasing traditional Chinese palatial architecture. Surrounded by a massive wall and moat, the Forbidden City was strictly off-limits to the general public for centuries, reinforcing its aura of exclusivity and power. Today, it is known as the Palace Museum and houses an extensive collection of Chinese art, artifacts, and cultural treasures, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Things to See

Meridian Gate (Wumen)

The grand southern entrance, once reserved for the emperor.

Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian)

The largest and most important hall, where emperors held grand ceremonies.

Hall of Central Harmony & Hall of Preserving Harmony

Used for imperial preparations and banquets.

Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong)

The emperor’s residence.

Hall of Mental Cultivation (Yangxin Dian)

Where later Qing emperors lived and worked.

Imperial Garden

A beautifully landscaped retreat with pavilions and rockeries.

Treasure Gallery

Houses exquisite imperial jewelry, artifacts, and gold items.

Clock Exhibition Hall

Displays a collection of antique clocks gifted to Chinese emperors.

Forbidden City

Forbidden City from Jingshan Park

Forbidden City

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Tiananmen Square

Information

Arrive early for the flag-raising ceremony to get a good spot.
Carry your passport, as security checks are strict.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Combine your visit with the Forbidden City, located just north of the square.

Tiananmen Square

Facts about Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, located in the heart of Beijing, is one of the largest public squares in the world, covering 109 acres. It is a historic and political landmark, named after the Tiananmen ("Gate of Heavenly Peace"), which marks the entrance to the Forbidden City. The square has been the site of many significant events in Chinese history, including the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Key attractions within the square include the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. Tiananmen Square is a major tourist destination and a symbol of China’s political and cultural history.

Things to See

Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace)

The iconic red gate with Mao Zedong’s portrait, serving as the main entrance to the Forbidden City.

Monument to the People's Heroes

A towering granite obelisk honoring those who fought for China's independence.

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong

The resting place of Chairman Mao, where visitors can see his embalmed body.

Great Hall of the People

The seat of China’s government, hosting official meetings and state events.

National Museum of China

One of the world’s largest museums, showcasing Chinese history and cultural artifacts.

Flag-Raising Ceremony

Witness the daily flag-raising (at sunrise) and lowering (at sunset) performed by the Chinese military.

Zhengyangmen (Qianmen Gate)

A historic city gate that was once part of Beijing’s city walls.

Tiananmen Square

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Jingshan Park

Information

Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and to see locals practicing traditional activities.
Sunset is the best time for photography, offering golden views of the Forbidden City.
The entrance fee is affordable (usually around ¥2-¥10, 1.30 euro).
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll need to climb some stairs to reach the peak.
Combine your visit with the Forbidden City for a complete historical experience.

Jingshan Park

Facts about Jingshan Park
Jingshan Park is a historic imperial garden located directly north of the Forbidden City in Beijing. Originally built during the Yuan Dynasty and expanded during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the park was once a private retreat for emperors. It features a 45.7-meter (150-foot) artificial hill made from soil excavated from the Forbidden City's moat, offering the best panoramic view of Beijing. At the hill's peak stands the Wanchun Pavilion, a popular spot for photography and sunset views. The park is also historically significant as the site where the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, tragically took his own life in 1644. Today, Jingshan Park is a favorite among locals for morning exercises, tai chi, and traditional Chinese opera performances.

Things to See

Wanchun Pavilion (万春亭)

The highest point of the park, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City and Beijing skyline.

Five Pavilions (Five Peaks)

A series of beautifully designed pavilions along the hill, each with historical and cultural significance.

Chongzhen Emperor Memorial Site

A tree marking the spot where the last Ming emperor, Chongzhen, ended his life in 1644.

Peony Garden

A must-see in spring, featuring a stunning variety of peony flowers in full bloom.

Traditional Activities

Join locals practicing tai chi, dancing, or singing Peking opera in the mornings.

Jingshan Park

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Wangfujing Street

Facts about Wangfujing Street

Wangfujing Street is one of Beijing’s most famous shopping streets, known for its mix of modern malls, luxury brands, and traditional Chinese shops. Located in the Dongcheng District, this pedestrian-friendly street has been a commercial hub for over 700 years, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Today, it is home to major shopping centers like the Beijing Department Store and Oriental Plaza, as well as the famous Wangfujing Snack Street, where visitors can try exotic street food such as scorpions and starfish. The street also features historical landmarks like the Wangfujing Catholic Church, built in the 17th century. As one of Beijing’s busiest areas, Wangfujing attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a must-visit destination for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

Things to See

Wangfujing Snack Street

Try a variety of traditional Chinese street foods, including dumplings, candied fruit, and exotic snacks like scorpions.

Wangfujing Catholic Church (St. Joseph’s Church)

A historic 17th-century church with beautiful architecture and a peaceful courtyard.

Beijing APM & Oriental Plaza

Modern shopping malls featuring international luxury brands, Chinese designer boutiques, and trendy fashion stores.

Beijing Department Store

One of China’s oldest department stores, offering local products, souvenirs, and traditional crafts.

Night Walks & Lights Display

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at night with neon lights, street performers, and a lively crowd.

Information

Visit in the evening to enjoy the lively atmosphere and street food scene.
Bring cash or a digital payment app (like Alipay or WeChat Pay), as some small vendors may not accept foreign cards.
Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Bargain when shopping at smaller stores and souvenir stalls.
If you prefer a quieter experience, visit during weekday mornings.

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Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven

Facts about Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven, located in Beijing, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most important religious and architectural landmarks. Built in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it served as a sacred site where emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Covering 273 hectares, the complex features stunning examples of traditional Chinese architecture, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular wooden structure with a triple-tiered blue-tiled roof, built entirely without nails. Other key structures include the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, both designed to symbolize the connection between heaven and earth. Today, the Temple of Heaven is a popular tourist attraction and a gathering place for locals practicing tai chi, calligraphy, and traditional music.

Things to See

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Admire the magnificent circular building, famous for its unique architecture, vibrant blue roof, and historical significance as a place of imperial prayers.

Imperial Vault of Heaven

A smaller structure surrounded by a circular wall, once used for storing sacred tablets during ceremonies.

Circular Mound Altar

A flat platform with three tiers, used for sacrifices to heaven during the winter solstice, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Echo Wall

A unique architectural feature where sound travels in unusual ways, allowing one person to speak into the wall and be heard clearly at the opposite end.

The Seven-Star Stones

A set of stones near the Circular Mound Altar, symbolizing the Big Dipper constellation, used for celestial rituals.

The Long Corridor

A beautifully decorated covered walkway connecting different parts of the temple complex, providing a pleasant stroll.

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Information

The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to avoid crowds and see locals engaging in activities.
Don’t miss the beautiful acoustics of the Echo Wall—try speaking at one end and see the effect!
Take time to explore the surrounding park and gardens for a more relaxed experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking around a large area.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Pearl Market for souvenirs.