Beijing, the capital city of China, has a long history seeped in intrigue, fascinating tales of succession and power, and monuments that inspire a sense of awe and nostalgia. It would be easy to spend several weeks visiting the historical sights in Beijing and only just scratch the surface. From the giant monuments to power, like the Great Wall and Forbidden city, to homage museums to organization, like the coin museum, you'll find history surrounds you at every step in Beijing.
The foremost museum in Beijing is the Museum of Chinese History, which holds a vast collection of artifacts from the dawn of Chinese civilization to modern day. Any museum buff would thrive at this palace of information and cornucopia of history.
The Beijing Big Bell Museum is a bit of an odd site for many, but the collection of bells of all sizes is amazingly transfixing and leaves most with a lasting interest in bells.
The Forbidden City Palace Museum holds the history for the Imperial Palace and the Emperors. As such, it is a wealth of information about life in the Forbidden City and the history of China's most famous structure.
Beijing's Coin Museum is interesting because it is believed China was the first to use a legal tender. Coins that date back several thousand years are on display here, and attract coin collectors and coin buffs globally.
The Great Wall, Summer Palace and Forbidden City are historical landmarks and important in their own right without the aid of museums, brochures or informative but annoying hand held listening devices. A visit to China is hardly complete without visiting these locations.
Finally, Bai Ta Si and the Confucian Temple are living examples of the past. A religion that blossomed in China and still holds sway today.
Eastern side of Tiananmen Square
Dong Cheng District
5000 Years of History, 1 Building...
A31, North Third Ring Road
Collection of bells of all sizes...
Forbidden City, Dongcheng, Beijing
A wealth of information on the Forbidden City and More...
De Sheng Men, Middle Road, North Second Ring Road
Xi Cheng District
And these are coins!...
Wan Shou Temple, North of West 3rd-ring Road
Hai Dian District
Classical art in a temple setting...
North of Tiananmen Square
Dong Cheng District
China's greatest imperial palace complex...
13 Guo Zi Jian
In memory of China's greatest sage...
Fucheng Men Nei Dajie 171
Xi Cheng Qu (a 10-min. walk east from the metro stop)
Georgous, historical hot spot...
Ba Da Ling Special Zone, Great Wall
Yanqing County
History of the Wall, on the wall...
Hai Dian
Breathtaking Gardens & Ancient Art...