Historical Beijing Tour

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square is centrally located in Beijing and easily accessible by public transport.

By Metro

How to Get to Jingshan Park

Closest Metro Stations:

1. Tiananmen East Station (天安门东站) – Line 1

2. Tiananmen West Station (天安门西站) – Line 1

3. Qianmen Station (前门站) – Line 2

Directions from the Metro:

• From Tiananmen East/West, it’s a 5-minute walk to the square.

• From Qianmen Station, walk north through Qianmen Gate to reach the southern part of the square.

By Bus

• Bus Routes:

• Bus numbers 1, 2, 52, 82, 120, 728, and several others stop near Tiananmen Square.

• Get off at Tiananmen East or Tiananmen West for direct access.

By Taxi or Rideshare

• Ask the driver for “Tiananmen Guangchang” (天安门广场). Note that vehicles cannot stop directly on the square; they’ll drop you nearby.

Tickets for Tiananmen Square

• Tiananmen Square Entry: Free of charge and open 24/7.

• Security Check: Visitors must go through a security check when entering the square. Bring your passport, as ID is often required.

Best Times to Visit

• Early morning (before 9:00 AM) for smaller crowds.

• Visit in the evening for beautiful lighting and fewer visitors (though some attractions like the mausoleum will be closed).

Flag Raising Ceremony

• Every morning at sunrise, a flag-raising ceremony is held by the People’s Liberation Army at the north end of the square.

• Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunrise to get a good viewing spot.

The Forbidden City (Palace Museum, 故宫博物院)

The Forbidden City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in China. It served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is a must-visit for history lovers.

Getting to the Forbidden City

The Forbidden City is located at the northern end of Tiananmen Square, and it’s very accessible.

Tickets and Admission

Ticket Prices

• Peak Season (April–October): 60 RMB

• Off-Peak Season (November–March): 40 RMB

• Additional charges for special exhibitions (20 RMB) or entry to the Treasure Gallery (10 RMB) and the Clock Gallery (10 RMB).

How to Book Tickets

• Tickets must be booked online in advance (no on-site ticket sales).

• Official website: Palace Museum Official Website (only in Chinese).

• Alternative: Use travel platforms like Ctrip or Klook that support international visitors.

• Passport information is required for booking.

Entry Times

• Open: 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (April–October) | 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (November–March)

• Last entry: 1 hour before closing time.

• Closed on Mondays (except during public holidays).

How to Explore the Forbidden City

Main Highlights

1. Meridian Gate (Wumen)

• The grand southern entrance to the Forbidden City. Visitors will enter here and follow a linear path through the palace.

2. Outer Court

• Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihe Dian): The most iconic building, where emperors held grand ceremonies.

• Hall of Central Harmony (Zhonghe Dian): A smaller hall where emperors prepared for ceremonies.

• Hall of Preserving Harmony (Baohe Dian): The site of imperial banquets and examinations.

3. Inner Court

• Palace of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Gong): The emperor’s residence.

• Hall of Union (Jiaotai Dian): Storage for imperial seals.

• Palace of Earthly Tranquility (Kunning Gong): The empress’s residence.

4. Treasure Gallery (Optional)

• Located in the eastern section, it houses treasures like jade carvings, gold ornaments, and imperial jewelry.

• Additional ticket required (10 RMB).

5. Clock Gallery (Optional)

• A fascinating collection of clocks and timepieces gifted to emperors.

• Additional ticket required (10 RMB).

6. Imperial Garden

• A serene area with ancient cypress trees, rockeries, and pavilions marking the end of the Forbidden City tour.

Tour Duration

• Allocate at least 3–4 hours to explore the Forbidden City. A deeper dive, including the Treasure and Clock Galleries, may take 5–6 hours.

Tips for Exploring

• Audio Guides: Available at the entrance for 40 RMB (prices are subject to change) or use an app like “China Guide” for detailed self-guided tours.

• Avoid Peak Hours: Mornings between 9:30 AM–11:30 AM are the busiest. Arriving early or after 1:00 PM offers a quieter experience.

• Stay Hydrated: The complex is vast, so bring water. There are small snack kiosks, but options are limited.

Jingshan Park (景山公园)

Jingshan Park is a historic imperial park located directly north of the Forbidden City. It was originally built as a private garden for the emperors during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. The park’s centerpiece is Jingshan Hill, an artificial hill constructed using the excavated earth from the Forbidden City’s moats. Its peak offers some of the best panoramic views of Beijing, especially the Forbidden City.

How to Get to Jingshan Park

By Metro

• Take Line 8 to Shichahai Station (什刹海站), then walk 15–20 minutes to the park.

• Alternatively, after exiting the Forbidden City, it’s a short 5-minute walk to the north entrance of Jingshan Park.

By Bus

• Bus Routes:

• Take 101, 103, 109, 124, 812, or 814 to Jingshan East Gate (景山东门).

By Foot

• From the North Gate of the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park is directly across the street. Walk north for about 5 minutes.

Entrance and Tickets

• Admission Fee:

• Regular: 2 RMB

• Senior citizens (over 60): 1 RMB

• Hours of Operation:

• April to October: 6:30 AM–9:00 PM

• November to March: 6:30 AM–8:00 PM

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong (毛主席纪念堂)

The mausoleum houses the embalmed body of Chairman Mao Zedong, founder of the People’s Republic of China. It’s a significant landmark for visitors and locals alike.

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM–12:00 PM

• Closed: Mondays (except on public holidays).

How to Visit

1. Entrance: The entrance is located on the southern side of Tiananmen Square, near Qianmen Gate.

2. Security Check: Visitors must go through a strict security check. Large bags, cameras, and phones are not allowed inside and must be deposited at a storage facility nearby (small fees apply).

Tickets and Costs

• Free Admission: No tickets required to enter the mausoleum, but you may need to queue.

• ID Required: Bring your passport for identification.

Etiquette and Rules

• Visitors are expected to behave solemnly and dress respectfully.

• Photography, speaking loudly, and lingering near the casket are prohibited.

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive early (before 7:30 AM) to avoid long queues, especially during holidays.

• The experience is quick, lasting about 5–10 minutes as visitors move in a continuous line.

National Museum of China (中国国家博物馆)

The National Museum of China is located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square. It showcases over 1.4 million artifacts, ranging from ancient Chinese history to modern achievements.

Highlights

1. Ancient China Exhibit: Artifacts from Neolithic pottery to Qing Dynasty treasures.

2. Modern China Exhibit: Explore China’s revolutionary history and cultural reforms.

3. Temporary Exhibitions: Rotating international and domestic art and cultural exhibitions.

Opening Hours

• Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last admission at 4:00 PM).

• Closed: Mondays (except on public holidays).

Tickets and Costs

• Free Admission: General admission is free, but you’ll need to reserve a ticket.

• Reservations:

• Book online via the official website (available in Chinese; assistance may be needed for non-Chinese speakers).

• Bring your passport for ID verification.

Tips for Visiting

• Allocate 2–3 hours to explore the museum.

• Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and holidays.

Wangfujing Snack Street (王府井小吃街)

Wangfujing Snack Street is a vibrant food hub in Beijing, offering a mix of traditional Chinese street food, exotic snacks, and local specialties. Located near the bustling Wangfujing shopping district, this street is a favorite among locals and tourists for its exciting flavors and lively atmosphere. It’s a must-visit for adventurous eaters or those looking to sample authentic Beijing delicacies.

How to Get to Wangfujing Snack Street

By Metro

• Closest Station:

• Wangfujing Station (王府井站) – Line 1

• Exit from Exit A and walk about 5 minutes south to reach the snack street.

By Bus

• Bus numbers 10, 41, 52, 120, and 420 stop near Wangfujing.

• Get off at the Wangfujing Station bus stop and walk south.

By Foot

• From Tiananmen Square, it’s about a 20–25 minute walk (approximately 2 km).

Opening Hours

• General Hours: 10:00 AM–10:00 PM

• Best Time to Visit: Evening hours (6:00 PM–9:00 PM) for the lively night market vibe and when most vendors are open.

What to Eat at Wangfujing Snack Street

Wangfujing Snack Street offers a wide variety of snacks, from iconic Beijing specialties to more unusual dishes. Here are some highlights:

Traditional Beijing Snacks

1. Tanghulu (糖葫芦)

• Skewered hawthorn fruits coated in crunchy caramelized sugar.

• A sweet and tangy treat popular during cooler months.

2. Jianbing (煎饼)

• A savory Chinese crepe filled with egg, scallions, crispy crackers, and optional meats or sauces.

3. Baodu (爆肚)

• Stir-fried tripe with garlic and chili for those who want an authentic taste of Beijing cuisine.

Street Food Classics

4. Grilled Meat Skewers (羊肉串)

• Lamb, chicken, or beef kebabs seasoned with cumin and chili, grilled fresh on the spot.

5. Baozi and Dumplings (包子/饺子)

• Steamed buns and dumplings filled with pork, vegetables, or seafood.

6. Zongzi (粽子)

• Sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, often filled with red bean paste or pork.

Exotic and Adventurous Foods

7. Scorpions and Insects (炸蝎子/昆虫)

• Deep-fried scorpions, centipedes, or silkworm larvae on skewers for adventurous foodies.

• Tip: These are more of a novelty than a local tradition, but they’re a fun talking point!

8. Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐)

• Fermented tofu with a pungent aroma and crispy exterior, served with chili sauce.

Desserts and Sweets

9. Fried Ice Cream (炸冰淇淋)

• Crispy on the outside and cold inside, this sweet treat is a crowd favorite.

10. Sesame Balls (麻团)

• Fried glutinous rice balls filled with red bean or black sesame paste.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Wangfujing Snack Street is not just for food; you’ll also find shops selling:

• Traditional Beijing snacks (prepackaged) like Peking duck jerky or candied fruits.

• Handicrafts and small souvenirs.

• Local tea varieties such as jasmine or oolong tea.

Cost of Food

• Most snacks cost 10–50 RMB, depending on portion size and ingredients.

• Exotic items like scorpions or silkworm skewers may cost more (around 20–60 RMB per skewer).

Nearby Attractions

• Wangfujing Shopping Street: Luxury brands, department stores, and souvenir shops line this busy street.

• Donghuamen Night Market (if operating): Another food market nearby that offers a similar range of snacks.