PenCities

Top Sights

• Bird’s Nest and Water Cube
  The National Stadium and The National Aquatics Centre are located at north fourth ring road in the capital. Due to the structure of these two stadiums, they are commonly known as the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. The Bird’s Nest was where the opening and closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games took place.
• The China National Museum of Fine Arts
  The China National Museum of Fine Arts is one of the 10 main pieces of architecture built in the first 10 years after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. It was completed in 1962 under the leadership of the late Premier Zhou Enlai and the late Chairman Mao Zedong. It is a state-level art gallery run by the Ministry of Culture. The China Art Gallery is a treasure trove of rare, modern and contemporary Chinese artwork.
  
  No.1, Wusi Street
  Tel: (86-10) 6401 7076
  
• The Capital Museum
  The Capital Museum features the history of Beijing and Chinese architecture. A must for anyone who wants to know more about the city.
  
  16 Fuxingmenwai Dajie
  Tel: (86-10) 6337 0491 / 6337 0492
  
• The Forbidden City
  When in Beijing, a visit to the Forbidden City is a must. This was once off-limits to most of the world, as well as to locals. It is the largest cluster of ancient buildings in the world, a city within a city, and its sheer size and magnificence are overwhelming.
• The Great Wall
  If you have the time, drive out to Badaling to climb The Great Wall. Photos do not do justice to the magnificent structure, and seeing this awesome symbol of man’s endeavours in person, is truly breathtaking.
• Factory 798 Art Area
  “798" is located in the Dashanzi area, to the northeast of central Beijing. It is the site of state-owned factories including Factory 798, which originally produced military machinery. Beginning in 2002, artists and cultural organisations began to divide, rent out, and re-make the factory spaces, gradually developing them into galleries, art centres, artists’ studios, design companies, restaurants and bars. It has become a "Soho-esque” area of international character, replete with "loft living", attracting attention from all over the world. Bringing together contemporary art, architecture and culture within a historically interesting location with an urban lifestyle, "798” has evolved into a cultural concept of interest to experts and normal folks alike. Opened in early November 2007, the Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art is a new addition to the 798 Art Area. Financed entirely by Belgian philanthropists, Guy and Myriam Ullens, the centre now features 30 artists and 137 works.
  
  Tel: (86-10) 6438 4862 / 6437 6248
  
• Liulichang Culture Street
  A few minutes away from the Hepingmen subway station, this street is a traditional, cultural market selling old jewellery, antiques and ancient calligraphy. Note that goods marked with a red seal are over 100 years old and require an export license.
• The Summer Palace
  The Summer Palace with its gardens and water features offer a sense of tranquillity. It was fully restored by the Empress Dowager more than 100 years ago and is situated on a lake, upon which you can see the magnificent Marble Boat.
• Temple of Heaven
  The Temple of Heaven is truly worth a visit. It was built in 1420 for the emperors of the Qing and Ming Dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven.
• Tiananmen Square
  Tiananmen Square is the landmark that is synonymous with Beijing. Every day it is filled with locals flying kites, doing exercise, tourists snapping away or for those lost in time, just simply strolling around. Within the square lies the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the Great Hall of The People and the Museum of Chinese History.