Being the most populated country globally, China has its fair share of large cities and metropolises. For such a large nation, Beijing is arguably the most popular and well-known among other cities, such as Shanghai and Chongqing. Here are some of the best photos taken in Beijing, a city where both ancient tradition and modern practices blend into one cultural melting pot.
CCTV Headquarters
The CCTV Headquarters in Beijing is one of the more unique buildings in the city. It is instantly recognizable thanks to its almost gravity-defying shape, with no supports from below to hold it in the middle. A marvel of engineering and a work of art, the CCTV Headquarters has served as a landmark since its completion in 2012. You’ll definitely want to give this place a visit.
Beijing Skyline
Beijing’s skyline is undoubtedly one you should see with your own eyes. The city itself is dense, with over 21 million people living within its borders. Many of its citizens live in dense apartments and buildings, resulting in a thick concrete and steel jungle that’s visible everywhere you go. This results in a very dynamic skyline that’ll take your breath away.
The Great Wall of China
As one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, The Great Wall of China is a must-see for any tourist. Originally built to protect the country from invaders from neighboring countries, the wall is now frequented by locals and foreigners alike, serving as proof of humanity’s capabilities even back in the day. While not every inch of the great wall is accessible to the public, you’re able to visit the monument from Beijing’s city, among many other possible locations.
The Temples of Beijing
One of Beijing’s top qualities as a tourist destination is that it isn’t short of any cultural sites and hotspots. The city has deeper roots in ancient traditions than other cities due to its rich history that dates back thousands of years. You’ll find many temples around the city’s outskirts, each with its own story to tell. And even if you don’t follow or subscribe to their beliefs, the temples found in China are sure to put your mind at ease.
The Forbidden City
With a name such as “The Forbidden City,” one would think that this location would be difficult (and possibly dangerous) to visit. But in truth, The Forbidden City in Beijing is one of the most frequently visited attractions, and for a good reason. The city served as the living area of many emperors and political rulers for centuries. And while it has now become more of a tourist destination, the city itself is so well-preserved that you’d definitely feel like you traveled back in time. Of course, you’ll probably be accompanied by hundreds of tourists as you go around, but you get the idea.
Chinese Sculptures
In many cultural heritage sites around Beijing and the rest of China (such as the Summer Palace), you’re likely to find sculptures such as this one shown above. These sculptures represent different concepts and ideas, with the lion used as a symbol of power. Unlike Western sculpture art, which focused on the human form, Chinese sculptures focused on animals as they represented symbology. Even today, you will find many modern sculptures with these concepts scattered throughout China, showing that the tradition is still very much alive.
Modern Architecture in Beijing
With Beijing being home to thousands of tall buildings and skyscrapers, it’s no surprise that many aim to stand out. As shown in the picture, the CCTV Headquarters becomes impossible to miss thanks to its unique shape, but other buildings capture your attention through their sheer size. As the city stands at the forefront of modern urban living, you’ll find many buildings and structures with unique shapes and colors not seen anywhere else. This may feel a little too foreign for some people’s tastes, but it gives us an interesting look at what most cities would look like shortly.
The Temple of Heaven
The Temple of Heaven gives us an idea of how deeply rooted religion was within ancient China. The temple itself was constructed and then visited by emperors during two different dynasties to hold ceremonies. These ceremonies were done to ask Heaven for bountiful harvests. While the temple is not nearly as tall as the many skyscrapers found within the modern city, its purpose of reaching the heavens can clearly be seen within its architecture and design.
Zaha Hadid Architecture
Zaha Hadid is a renowned architect and designer responsible for creating some of Beijing’s most unique structures, as shown above. Many of her works are contemporary, with fluid, circular, and often minimal shapes that seem like they come from a sci-fi movie. They’re not exactly universally loved, and some prefer more rigid and simple designs, such as the HongQuiao Pearl Market. But Zaha Hadid’s works remain unique in a city that’s littered with concrete and steel buildings.
Beijing’s Countryside
Many people know Beijing for its tall skyscrapers and urban pleasures, but a trip just outside its city center will give you a very different experience altogether. The countryside surrounding Beijing is home to The Great Wall of China, but there are many other places to visit, too. Small towns and temples can be found nearby, and even if you don’t visit a human-made area, you can still appreciate the natural wonders of China’s rich lands. If you want to take your mind out of the
You only need to take a quick road trip to do so the hustle and bustle of modern living.
Conclusion
China’s a vibrant and culturally rich country that’s home to plenty of history and a modern hub of economic activity. Beijing essentially holds the best of both worlds and is one of the ideal places to visit if you want to learn more about the world’s most populated nation.