Shangri-La Beijing is located near the financial district and Technology Park. It is also close to the historical Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo, providing an excellent base from which to explore Beijing's many attractions.
Temple of Heaven
A great example of Ming architecture, the Temple of Heaven was built specifically for the worship of heaven and prayers for good harvests. The temple complex is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese architectural design and art.
The Forbidden City
The magnificent Forbidden City is the world's large and preserved imperial palace complex. Surrounded by a formidable moat and wall are 9,999 rooms.The Forbidden City is so called because it was off-limits for 500 years. It was home to two dynasties of emperors - the Ming and the Qing - and functioned as the administrative centre of the country.
The Great Wall
The Great Wall is one of the wonders of the world. This immense wall was designed originally to defend against marauding nomads. The wall spans 5 provinces (6,700 kilometres), winding across deserts, grasslands and mountains. Many visitors see the Great Wall at Badaling, 70 kilometres northwest of Beijing. The surrounding scenery is raw and impressive, and visitors can climb the wall and enjoy a memorable panoramic view.
Tiananmen Square
The world's large public square, Tiananmen Square is an immense courtyard with breathtaking views. The square is surrounded by a variety of historical edifices: the Chinese Revolution History Museum, Chairman Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, and the Monument of the People's Heroes. Tiananmen Square is the symbolic centre of the Chinese universe. The rectangular arrangement, flanked by halls to the east and west, echoes the layout of the Forbidden City. Watch the impressive flag-raising ceremony performed at sunrise and sunset each day.
Ming Tombs
Approximately 45 kilometres from central Beijing, the Ming Tombs are situated in a picturesque valley in Changping District. They were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. Amidst the calm serenity of the mountainous region 13 Ming Emperors, 23 Empresses and several royal concubines are laid to rest. The tombs have successfully faced the onslaught of time, manifesting the high technical and aesthetic level achieved by ancient Chinese architecture. Although, greatly similar in design the 13 tombs vary in magnitude and intricacy.
Beijing is the striking metropolitan core of a country with one of the world's oldest civilizations. Beijing has a history of over 3,000 years, with countless renowned historical, ancient and cultural sites.
In the past 20 years, the capital of the People's Republic of China has developed into a modern metropolis, and the nation's political, economic, trade, educational and cultural centre.
Beihai Park
Built by the Great Ghengis Khan, Beihai Park is a beautiful and peaceful place to stroll, grab a snack, rent a boat and watch calligraphers painting characters on the paving slabs.
Olympic Green
The main venue for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Beijing Olympic Green includes eye-catching monuments such as the National Stadium (popularly referred to as the "Bird's Nest") and the National Aquatics Centre (known as the "Watercube").
Other sites in the Olympic Green include the Olympic Village, the Olympics Tennis Courts, the National Indoor Stadium and the China National Convention Centre (CNCC). The park is also home to picturesque lakes and a lush forest park which is ideal for an evening stroll.
Shopping Districts
Beijing offers a myriad of exciting shopping possibilities. The Chinese capital is flooded with a wide array of merchandise ranging from native specialties such as silk and pearls to international branded goods and economical substitutes.
Wangfujing Street and Xidan Commercial Street, two big commercial sections of the city, are home to numerous shops and departmental stores. Souvenirs, inexpensive clothing and electronic items of good quality are among the wares found here.
Beijing’s markets are legendary for their bargaining possibilities. Xiu Shui Market and Hong Qiao Market and the Jinsong Weekend Market are three popular centres for reasonable prices.
The city is also famous among visitors for Chinese antiques and curios. The original Ming era architecture of Liulichang Cultural Street in Xuanwu District makes shopping for antiques in the area a veritable visit back in time.
Beijing is home to several “Feature Stores” such as Rui Fu Xiang, a silk shop established in 1893. These shops have stood the test of time, symbolizing the commercial prowess of this ancient city.