World City Guide

Key Attractions

Tiananmen Square
Located at the heart of modern Beijing (the scene of many historic events), Tiananmen Square was renovated during the first half of 1999, in preparation for the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It now has two green areas, trees and subtle ground-level lighting. Attractions in the square include the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall, where Mao Ze Dong’s preserved body is on display, the Museum of the Revolution and the Great Hall of the People.

Chairman Mao Memorial Hall
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 0830-1130, plus Wed-Fri 1400-1600 Tue and Thu.
Free admission.

China National Museum
Opening hours: daily 0900-1530.
Admission charge.

Great Hall of the People
Opening hours: 0830-1500, but closed during government meetings.
Admission charge.

Forbidden City
Built in the 15th century, the Forbidden City (or Palace Museum) is a vast complex of courtyards, halls, pavilions and gardens, which was home to 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It now houses a vast collection of priceless relics, including paintings, ancient pottery and bronzes, and is one of many UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the city.

Tiananmen Square
Tel: (10) 6513 2255.
Website: www.dpm.org.cn
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1700 (10 Apr-14 Oct); 0830-1630 (15 Oct-31 Mar).
Admission charge.

Temple of Heaven
Just south of Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven (located within Temple of Heaven Park), is China’s largest temple complex, built in the 15th century and used for prayer by the emperor to ask for good harvests. The architecture of the temple is exquisite and the roofs are covered with blue glazed tiles. The grounds of this UNESCO World Heritage Site also contain the Echo Wall, which carries the merest whisper.

Tian Tan Lu (north gate entrance)
Tel: (10) 6702 8866.
Opening hours: Daily 0830-1800; daily 0600-2000 (park).
Admission charge.

Lama Temple
Located in the northeast of the city, the Lama Temple, built in the late 17th century, used to be a centre of learning for the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism. Today, there are about 70 monks (or lamas) in residence. The temple consists of a series of halls, connected by courtyards. An impressive 18m (59ft) Maitreya, carved from a single sandalwood tree, stands in the furthermost hall, which is accessible to the public.

Yonghe Gong Dajie
Tel: (10) 6904 4494.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1630.
Admission charge.

Drum Tower and Bell Tower
Every Chinese city once had drum and bell towers that were used to advise citizens of the time of day and announce curfews. The Beijing Drum Tower, in the north of the city, was originally built in the 13th century and reconstructed around 1420 when the Bell Tower was first built. The towers, which are quite different in style, offer good views across Beijing.

Di’an Men Wai Dajie
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700.
Admission charge.

Summer Palace
The Summer Palace in the northwestern suburbs, was used by the royal court as a retreat to escape from the heat of the city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The former imperial residences are located on the shores of Kunming Lake, which contains small islands, ornamental bridges and a marble boat that was once a teahouse. The Summer Palace is best reached by taxi.

Northwest Suburbs
Tel: (10) 6288 1610.
Opening hours: daily 0630-1800 in summer, 0700-1730 in low season.
Admission charge.