Beijing Hotels

Beijing on which the Forbidden City stands makes for one sentimental journey through China's imperial past. Many temples and palaces show how opulence and grandeur ruled over the land. A few hours drive from Beijing will take you to the monumental Chinese attraction which evokes awe among those who have seen it. The Great Wall remains as the most popular landmark for travelers holidaying in Beijing. Be mindful though that summer in Beijing is definitely not the time to visit this favored feature, if you prefer a more peaceful means of enjoying the experience!

Attractions

You can get a glimpse of one of the world's oldest civilisations by taking on China's foremost tourist sites. Beijing definitely has the best sights the country has to offer.

Crowds swell onto the Great Wall which can be viewed in various locations a few hours drive from the city. The sections of Badaling and Mutianyu that have been fully restored are closest to the city. A bit far from the swelling crowds is the Simatai section recommended for its spectacular location amidst steep hills. Although partially restored, it is not as touristy as the other sections.

The Forbidden City is also a major draw in Beijing which sits in the heart of the capital. This was the former home of the emperors and offers visitors a showcaseof the customs, history and architecture of imperial China. Right infront is Tiananmen Square and nearby is the People's Revolutionary Museum, the Great Hall of the People and Mao's Mausoleum. Summer Palace, on the other hand, served as a relaxing royal retreat in Kunming Lake when hot and humid days swept across Beijing.

The Temple of Heaven is also another famous Beijing attraction. It used to be the site of ancient rites during harvest moons to ensure bounty in the land. The park provides a quiet time amidst old cypress trees. You'd come across locals practising tai-chi in the mornings and folk songs being played by street musicians at dusk.

To immerse yourself in more of old Beijing, do drop by the old villages called hutong where narrow, winding alleys link courtyard-style houses that are not short on charm and quaint appeal! For more fine examples of old architecture, the areas surrounding Houhai and Qianhai lakes used to be home to generals and officials inthe Imperial Army so expect to admire houses that are well-preserved. A worthy side trip from Beijing, Xian is best remembered as the main hub of the Silk Road trade. Here you can visit the Terra Cotta warriors, an impressive archaeological find 45 minutes from the city centre.

Events

In either late January or early February, the Lunar New Year is the biggest public holiday in all of China. All business establishments are closed, and there is an exodus of locals heading home to their provinces, so do remember that travelling within this period is definitely chaotic. If you do find yourself in Beijing, enjoy the fireworks and parades.

Mid-Autumn Festival brings out mooncakes in late September. Beijing can also get busy during the International Labour Day and National Day holidays on the weeks surrounding the 1st of May and the 1st of October respectively.

Climate

• Spring (April - May) 0 to 24 oC; temperate

• Summer (June - August) 20 to 31oC; sunny, wet and humid

• Autumn (September — November) 6 to 18oC; pleasantly warm with very little rainfall, best time to visit

• Winter (December — March) -7 to -5oC; less humid with little rainfall, the weather is quite cool