#1. Beijing
Beijing, China’s massive capital, has history stretching back 3 millennia. Yet it’s known as much for its modern architecture as its ancient sites such as the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nearby, the massive Tiananmen Square pedestrian plaza is the site of Mao Zedong’s mausoleum and the National Museum of China, displaying a vast collection of cultural relics.
Other major attractions include the Summer Palace, the retreat of emperors with pavilions and gardens along Kunming Lake. Temple of Heaven is a park that's home to the colorful, circular Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Beijing Olympic Park, built for the 2008 games, encompasses a long promenade and Beijing National Stadium, dubbed the “Bird’s Nest” for its interlocking steel grids. The Back Lakes district offers narrow old streets (hutongs) lined with boutiques and cafes. The 798 Art District hosts cutting-edge galleries. A popular side trip is an excursion to a nearby section of the Great Wall of China.
Beijing isn’t just the political centre of China – it’s the cultural heart of the country too. The nation’s top artists, writers, movie-makers and musicians converge here, making this the place to take the pulse of China’s ever-evolving cultural scene. With top-class museums, galleries galore, and an increasing number of music venues, there’s enough to keep you busy day and night. Beijing is also the centre for the traditional Chinese performing arts. Whether it’s the mystique of Peking opera, tumbling acrobats or the graceful lines of Chinese classical dance that entrances you, the capital has it and more.