Although Beijing has many sites to warrant a short visit in its own right, most people combine it with a longer tour of the country. The two monuments which stand out in particular are the Great Wall, which starts east of the capital and then snakes its way west, and the Forbidden City, home to the 24 Emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties who lived in this self-contained enclave.

Also of interest are the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Lama Temple, the Ancient Observatory, the Great Hall of the People, museums, markets and shops, all of which combine to make it a place that appeals to all. In the centre of the city is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest in the world, where Mao held so many of his political rallies.







Walking the Great Wall of China.

Classic China.