Things To Do in Beijing & Beijing Airport Layover Ideas
Things to do in Beijing if you have a Beijing Airport Layover or Extended Beijing Airport Stopover
If you have a layover at the Beijing Airport, consider taking the opportunity to get out and about to see the local sights. Beijing is the second largest city in the People's Republic of China, after Shanghai. Beijing (formerly Peking) was the seat of the Ming and Qing dynasty emperors until the formation of a republic in 1911. Beijing is the political, educational and cultural centre of the country and as such it is rich in historical sites and important government and cultural institutions. It can also be overwhelming to the uninitated, so we offer these suggestions:
Tiananmen Square
The centre of the city and most important landmark is Tiananmen Square in Dongcheng District. This is the world's largest public square and a must see for all visitors from abroad and from elsewhere in China. The square is surrounded by grand buildings including the Great Hall of the People, the Museum of Chinese History, the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the Qianmen Gate and the Forbidden City. It is also home to the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall and the Monument to the People's Martyrs and was also the site of the infamous massacre of student activists by the Peoples Liberation Army in 1989. Tip: It is not advised to talk about the massacre while in China.
The Bird's Next
The National Stadium or Bird's Nest in Chaoyang District is a new major landmark and the symbol of the 2008 Olympic Games. Two contemporary buildings in Chaoyang District are remarkable landmarks: the CCTV Building (sometimes called The Underpants or Bird Legs by locals) and the World Trade Center Tower III. Both are outstanding examples of contemporary architecture.
Medieval City Remains
There are also a number of remarkable remains from the medieval city including the Ming Dynasty City Wall Site Park (the only remains of the city wall) in Chongwen District, the Drum and Bell Towers in Dongcheng District, and Qianmen in Chongwen District.
Visit the Forbidden City
The most important palace, bar none, is the Forbidden City in Dongcheng District. The Forbidden City was home to the Imperial Court during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Unlike many other historical sights, the Forbidden City was relatively untouched during the cultural revolution due to the timely intervention of premier Zhou Enlai, who sent a battalion of his troops to guard the palace from the over-zealous Red Guards.
Other Temples
The Temple of Heaven in Chongwen District is the symbol of Beijing and is surrounded by a lively park typically packed with hordes of local people drinking tea, practicing calligraphy or tai-chi or just watching the world go by. The Yonghegong (Lama Temple) in Dongcheng District is one of the most important and beautiful temples in the country. Haidian District is home to the Summer palace, the ruins of the Old Summer Palace, Fragrant Hills, and the Beijing Botanical Garden; all are quite close together and worth a visit.
Parks and the Zoo
The city's many green oases are a wonderful break from walking along the never ending boulevards and narrow hutongs. The green areas are not only used for relaxing but also for sports, dancing, singing and general recreation. Some of the best green spots are Zhongshan Park in Xicheng District, Beihai Park in Xicheng District, Chaoyang Park in Chaoyang District and Ritan Park in Chaoyang District. The Beijing Zoo in Xicheng District is famous for its traditional landscaping and giant pandas, however like many zoos, the conditions for the animals have been questioned.
Take in a Museum
The museums in Beijing are generally not yet up to international standards. China's government is determined to change the backward perception of its museums and has invested heavily in their development. It has made most of them free to visit (though not the Forbidden City), however, for some museums tickets must be reserved three days in advance.
- Forbidden City contains one of the largest and most well known museums in Asia: the Palace Museum (also known as the Forbidden City). It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- One of the most well-known museums in Beijing is the National Museum in Dongcheng District, which was closed for renovation from 2007 to March 2011.
- The Military Museum in Haidian District has long been a favorite with domestic and foreign tourists.
- The Capital Museum in Xicheng District is a new high profile museum with historical and art exhibitions.
- The China Aviation Museum located in the Beijing/Northern Suburbs is surprisingly good and hosts 200+ rare and unique Chinese (mostly Russian) aircraft.
Take a l-o-n-g walk...
The Great Wall of China is about a 1 hour train trip or 1.5 hour bus ride from the city, so combined with time to visit the site, return to the city, and time to get to/from the airport, it is generally a longer visit than the typical layover allows for. That said, if you do have time, the site is, of course, stupendous. If you go, beware of bus scams .
As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to Beijing Airport and clear security in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.
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