Beijing at a glance
As the capital of the People's Republic of China, Beijing commands attention. It is a rapidly evolving political and cultural center that will challenge your perspective. While the city is hyper-globalized, marked by futuristic skyscrapers and flashy shopping malls, it remains deeply rooted in tradition through its ancient architecture and Hutong alleyways. From locals practicing Tai chi in the parks at dawn to the curious medicine shops lining the streets and the distinct flavors of its local cuisine, this is an ancient civilization that demands your full attention.
The climate is continental with extreme temperature shifts. Expect very cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers.
Exceptional heritage
A major political and historical hub, the massive 100-acre Tian'Anmen square is flanked by Soviet-style architecture, including the Mausoleum of Chairman Mao, the Great Hall of the People with the Chinese flag flying out front, and the National Museum of China, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Nearby, the Beijing Opera House features a bold, unconventional design that contrasts sharply with the solemnity of its surroundings.
The Gugong, or Forbidden City, served as the imperial residence for five centuries and contains 9,000 rooms filled with elaborate materials: stone from Beijing, marble from Shanghai, wood from Yunnan and Sichuan, and bricks from Shandong. Designed according to traditional Chinese residential principles, the symmetry is precise. Doors, courtyards, statues, palaces, and gardens are filled with symbols of longevity, prosperity, and harmony. Just beyond the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park offers a sweeping panoramic view and a lively atmosphere, especially on weekends when street performers gather.
Climb the steep stairs of the Drum Tower and then lose yourself in the surrounding traditional hutongs for a genuine change of pace. In the evening, the Red Theatre hosts a high-energy show featuring monks and kung-fu.
The Temple of Heaven, or Tiantian, is a city icon set within a park of 4,000 cypress trees. Look closely at the delicate patterns on its triple-tiered blue roof and the circular wooden rotunda that symbolically connects the heavens to the earth.
The Niujie Libaisi, the city's largest mosque, is another fascinating stop. You will only recognize it as a place of worship by the Arabic Quranic verses on the walls. It sits in the heart of a modern neighborhood that remains home to a significant Muslim community.
Compare the Tibetan Yonghe gong Lama Temple to the other religious sites you visit. The highlight here is the massive bronze statue of the founder of this Lamaist movement.
Enchanting spaces
If you want to experience the true atmosphere of the Summer Palace, arrive early (daily 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and avoid the weekends. Built at the edge of an artificial lake and surrounded by 420,000 trees, including over a thousand that are more than a century old, the scale is massive.
If time allows, check out the Tibetan frescoes, the Island of Hydrangeas, and the white dagoba in Beihai Park. For a pleasant walk, head to the Qianhai and Houhai lakes in Shichahai, the lakes of the 10 monasteries. The vibe here is social, filled with majong players, folk dancers, and the distinct sound of erhu, a two-stringed instrument known for its piercing, high-pitched notes.
Chang Cheng, the Great Wall, is the ultimate symbol of China's architectural ambition and scale. With a length estimated between 5,600 and 13,000 miles, walking a section is an unforgettable experience. The Badaling section is the most accessible and crowded, equipped with a cable car. For a more rugged alternative, try the Mutianyu section, where you can ride a toboggan back down.
When to go?
The best times to visit Beijing are during the spring and fall.
How to get there?
Air France, Air China, and China Eastern Airlines operate two daily flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Beijing, specifically arriving at Shoudu Jichang, an airport with a terminal design that mimics a dragon. Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Thai Airways, and others also offer connections with layovers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, or Bangkok.
How to get around?
Public transit is the most efficient way to see the city. You pay for the ditie subway based on the distance traveled. Purchasing a prepaid Yikatong transit card will quickly pay for itself.
An immense city with breathtaking tourist sites. A crossroads of Chinese cultures. Aside from the rent, the cost of living remains low. You can easily stay here for a week without ever getting bored!
The downsides all the same: distances, traffic, pollution. Unfortunately, it is not a myth.