Beijing is a mix of history and modern beauty that will blow your mind away with its opulent gates, walls, palaces, gardens, temples, and more. Tourists from around the world come here every year to take in everything this city offers, and so can you. You can learn the various facts about Beijing that will enhance your vacation.
There is a lot to do, so focusing on a few things is good for a great holiday. Here are some interesting Beijing facts to know that can help you explore the best of the city.
Historical Facts About Beijing
Beijing has a long history because it has been in existence for thousands of years now. These are just a glimpse of the important and fun historical information about Beijing throughout its past.
Many Historical Artifacts Have Been Found Here
Scientists have uncovered ancient human species that used to live in Beijing at least over 700,000 years ago. Even when you roam around the city, most of the buildings are ancient, such as temples and palaces. History buffs will find Beijing to be a real treat. It’s actually one of the exciting facts about China and most of its cities in general.
The City Has Expanded In Rings With Time
Two major attractions are in the middle of the city, which include the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Because of this, the rest of the city has expanded into rings. Each of these rings is marked by a circular road that goes through the entire city.
In 1987, The First KFC Was Built Here
The first KFC came during the late 20th century to the city, and the building was three stories. It also sold more than 2,000 chicken buckets and made over $84,000 within the first day. Now, KFC has become one of the top fast-food chains in China.
Cultural Facts About Beijing
Culture and Beijing are synonymous because it has deep cultural roots that date back to ancient times. So, having insights into the ancient traditions can help to understand the city today. Here are some facts about Beijing, China, and its deep cultural heritage.
It Is The Hub Of Culture In China
China is famous for the endless historical sites and traditional architecture. Consequently, there are plenty of these attractions and important structures to explore in Beijing.
Even Chinese art is spread throughout the city for you to experience and appreciate what centuries of traditions have come to offer. If you want to dive into the local culture and lifestyle, make your way through the narrow hutongs (alleyways) of the city.
Peking Duck Is A World Famous Dish That Originates From Here
Peking Duck is an imperial dish that was first introduced to the country in the 14th century. A notable feature of this dish is the crispy skin and tender meat that will keep you wanting more. There are also different ways to enjoy this food in Beijing, so while it is not the most budget-friendly dish, it is definitely something to try.
People Love Biking Around The City
More than 12 million bicycles are in the city which sees tons of people riding for commute daily. Even you can cycle around the city to take in a unique experience of Beijing, but make sure you are at least a decent cyclist seeing there’s going to be plenty of bicycle traffic. Nevertheless, it is a great way to familiarize yourself with the geography of this place.
Interesting Facts About Beijing For Kids
With its deep history and cultural values, Beijing is a city where a wealth of knowledge and wisdom can be extracted; not to mention the impact of China in today’s economy. Here are some fun facts about Beijing that can help kids to understand more about this city.
Many Dynasties Have Been Part Of Beijing
Beijing is not just the capital of China because it was also the capital of at least six dynasties that came and went. This includes the Qin Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Yuan Dynasty, and many others. You can still see the influences of these dynasties in modern-day Beijing.
The Transportation System Is Exceptional
A great way to get around the city is to use the public transportation system, which is nothing short of fantastic. Currently, 24 lines run in the subway, which include two airport express lines, nineteen rapid transit lines, and many others. These should get you to most of the main tourist hotspots and key landmarks in Beijing.
Beijing International Airport Has Its Own Police And Fire Department
Many people use this airport to enter and leave China, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. Now, they even have a visa-free transit policy of 144 hours. At the time of writing, citizens from more than fifty countries can enjoy six days in Beijing without requiring a visa. But this is always changing due to the political landscape so double check before visiting.
Useful Beijing Facts For Travelers
It is easy to get overwhelmed in this huge city, which is why it is good to have some idea of what you want to explore and witness. Here are some fun facts about Beijing that can help scope out your itinerary.
There Are Close To 200 Museums Here
As the cultural capital of China, you can imagine there are tons of museums here. From very momentous ones to also funky and peculiar variations. There is even a museum dedicated entirely to watermelons, known as the Daxing Watermelon Museum.
Check out the ancient and imperial treasures in Beijing that will take you back in time in the museums. We recommend that you at least visit the National Museum of China and The Palace Museum.
It Has Multiple UNESCO Sites
You can visit the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Ming Tombs, Forbidden City, Peking Man site, and Grand Canal. If you don’t have time to visit all of them, don’t fret. It is impossible to really understand the country or even the city even if you spend months here.
Nonetheless, try to factor some time into exploring a few of these sites as they offer some deep insights into the history of Beijing and even China. Some of them are also just impressive to marvel at even if you don’t read into the legends and stories.
October And May Are The Best Times To Explore
Colorful scenery, pleasant weather, and blue skies are the top reasons to visit Beijing in October or May. The winters can be harsh, and summers can be sweltering. Shoulder seasons with milder weather might just be the best seasons to explore the Chinese capital.
Book A 7 Star Hotel For A Luxurious Time
Pangu Hotel is the epitome of luxury in Beijing, and you can book a stay here if you have the budget. Its luxe suite offers marble bathrooms, a personal butler, a digital fireplace, a view of the Olympic Park, and more. Makes you feel like a king in Beijing.
Tourists Can Roam In The Forbidden City
Forbidden City is the largest palace in China, covering more than 700,000 sq. meters with courtyards, palace rooms, halls, and more. It is an extremely popular attraction, but the complex has a capacity of around 80,000 people.
Common Facts About Beijing
Beijing is a popular destination and well-known city, which is why many people have already heard of it. Here are some general facts about Beijing that are good to know.
Tiananmen Square Came Into Existence In The 15th Century
Tiananmen Square is an important Chinese landmark you don’t want to miss while you are in the city. It has many key attractions around and within it that you can visit. These include the Great Hall of the People, the Monument of the People’s Heroes, the National Museum of China, and more.
Air Pollution Is A Major Problem
Vehicle emissions and coal burning have resulted in poor air quality in Beijing. It has consistently been one of the biggest complaints about living in the Chinese capital. However, it is gradually getting better as most people shift to bicycles and collectively work towards bettering the environment.
Calligraphy Ink Pads And Brushes Are Great Souvenirs To Take Back Home
Take something for your loved ones back home, like calligraphy ink pads and brushes. It has been a sacred art in China for thousands of years, which is why it is still prevalent today. You can also try taking a calligraphy class while here to understand what it is all about.
Other Interesting Facts About Beijing
Here are some other fascinating facts about Beijing that you might not know before.
Beijing Opera Is Important To The Theater Culture
Although it might be as popular as in the past, traditional theater continues to be a vital part of the culture. It includes acting, singing, dialogue, and more. Many people practice this art in opera houses as well as parks.
The Bird’s Nest Stadium In Olympic Park Is A Complex Structure
The Beijing Olympic Forest Park was built more than 14 years ago for the Beijing Olympics in 2008, and it is one of the places you should not miss.
The most striking structure here is undoubtedly the Bird’s Nest stadium, that has a capacity of 80,000. The architecture was created by Ai Weiwei; it is highly complex, resembling the structure of Birds Nest (thus its name).
There Are A Lot Of Traffic Jams Within The City
It is said that the world’s worst traffic jam took place in Beijing and lasted for 12 days. Even now, the traffic is still pretty bad, which is why the metro and bicycles are popular ways of commuting around.
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Discovering More Fun Facts About Beijing
The Chinese capital is truly a fascinating city, filled with an abundance of history and culture, and unique attractions. There are so many amazing facts about Beijing to be uncovered that continue to make it a famous destination for tourists around the world.
Whether you are a history buff, a food lover, or simply an adventurer seeking to explore new places, there are many reasons to visit Beijing. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that people return to this incredible city time and time again.
