Pekin is the capital of China and forms the social, political, and cultural sphere of the country. It is a chaotic and vibrant city that is constantly evolving. In addition, Pekin struggles to maintain its traditional character and is developing by leaps and bounds. This city has modern and majestic skyscrapers. But it also has traditional houses that are located in the old hutongs of the city.
Why choose Pekin?
The Far East is considered a very peculiar and magical place. Therefore, it is a rather curious destination for all visitors. Pekin is a city full of legends and myths everywhere. In addition, it has a past marked by emperors of divine descent and luxurious palaces.
During your visit to Pekin, you will get to know the forbidden city. This is a fortress where the emperors ruled for more than 500 years. But that’s not all, you can also visit the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Even Pekin is the perfect starting point to get to know one of the seven wonders of the world. We are talking about the Great Wall of China.
On the other hand, communism is something that continues to be present in Pekin. Nowadays, many people remember with pain the time of Chairman Mao. They even pay homage in his mausoleum located in Tian’anmen, one of the largest squares in the world.
Pekin is one of the most populated cities in the world. However, some citizens still live in traditional houses located in hutongs. This is a true spectacle for tourists who take pictures, know the culture, and more.
You have to be realistic, this city is not just about skyscrapers, traditional houses, or small temples. Apart from this, Pekin has a head and a cross. This is manifested in some citizens who have a habit of sneaking, pushing, screaming, and spitting. Either way, these little details also define Pekin’s unique tourism.
Pekin festivals
Apart from everything Pekin has to offer, enjoying the festivities is another way to get to know the city.
Chinese New Year
The festivities in Pekin begin with the celebration of the Chinese New Year or also called the Spring Festival. This is the first day of the first Lunar month. All this according to the Gregorian calendar varies between January and February. Normally the celebrations last 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival.
Dragon festival
The Dragon Festival is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month between May and June. This party is held to drive away bad spirits and bad luck. Through the invocation of the dragon, a figure that represents good fortune.
Double Seven Party – Pekin
Continuing with the festivities in Pekin, we have the double seven. This is done in mid-August and is considered as Valentine’s Day in China. Furthermore, it is also a date that coincides with the stars of the Perseids. For this reason, many people take the opportunity to go to the field to enjoy the show.
Double nine party
The double nine party is the perfect occasion to celebrate longevity and good luck. This festival is celebrated on the 9th of the month of 9. Also, it coincides with the time of the flowering of chrysanthemums.
Mid-Autumn Festival – Pekin
The mid-autumn festival is also called the Full Moon Festival. This day people usually go out to enjoy the beauty of the satellite while eating a moon cake.
China Anniversary
To conclude with the festivities in Pekin, we have the anniversary of the People’s Republic of China. This is a massive and patriotic celebration that takes place on October 1. In addition, its main stage is the military parades in Tiananmen Square.
The best places to meet in Pekin
Forbidden City
The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987. This is a group of buildings that were used as the Imperial Palace during the Qing and Ming dynasties. Years later it was also used as the seat of the Chinese government. It is currently the biggest attraction in this city. We recommend heading north to enjoy the beautiful views from Jingshan Park.
Temple of Heaven
The temple of heaven is recognized worldwide for its genuine circular shape. In addition, it was previously used to pray for the crops and give thanks for the fruits.
Yonghe Temple – Pekin
Yonghe Temple is one of the most visited and prominent in the country. In addition, it is considered one of the most important Buddhist buildings in the city. During your visit you will be able to appreciate the figure of Maitreya that is 18 meters high. Also during the tour you will be able to visit the Confucius Academy.
Tian’anmen Square
This site is located south of the Forbidden City and is the largest square in the world. Here, the Mausoleum of Mao stands out. A place of pilgrimage for millions of Chinese people and the portrait of Tian’anmen on the door. On the other hand, on Qianmen Street you can try the famous lacquered duck. An exquisite dish that several prestigious restaurants in the city sell.
Summer Palace
The Summer Palace includes wooded areas, Kunming Lake, and beautiful gardens. However, apart from this also some years ago it was used as an imperial and government residence. In addition, it stands out for its Seventeen Arches Bridge, the Marble Boat, and the Fragrant Buddha Pagoda.
Excursion to the Great Wall
Currently one of the most requested activities by tourists is the excursion to the Great Wall. However, despite being more than 8,000 km long, only a few areas are open to the public. For example, some authorized sections are Juyongguan, Simatai, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, etc.
Silk Street
Silk Street is the perfect place for haggling. Here you can find clothes and different accessories at very affordable prices. However, you will have to sweat them because getting offers is not easy. On the other hand, if you want a place without so much pressure, there is the Pearl Market.
Beihai Park
Beihai Park is considered a green lung of Pekin. It is located west of the Forbidden City. It has more than 70 hectares and has been open to the public since 1925. In addition, there are some Buddhist temples, traditional buildings and gardens here.
Olympic Green
The 2008 Olympic Games left an unforgettable mark on the Chinese capital. For this reason, the Olympic park with the Bird’s Nest is an example of how important they were. On the other hand, within the complex other buildings also stand out. For example, the Beijing National Aquatics Center or the China National Convention Center.
Hutongs – Pekin
The only negative about the games was the destruction of the Hutongs. This was done to build stadiums, hotels, and new buildings. Therefore, this area is disappearing little by little. However, you can still walk through them and taste the exquisite cuisine. Even the two most charming areas are Dazhalan and Shichahai.
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