Beijing
"That is a sleeping dragon," Napoleon once said. "Let him sleep! If he wakes, he will shake the world." In 1803, the future French emperor recognized China's potential. Presiding over the greatest military and economic power of his day, Napoleon had an eye for opponents. Less than two centuries later, China's gross domestic product surpassed that of both Britain and France and continues to steadily climb. If he arrived in Beijing today, Napoleon would undoubtedly say, "I told you so."
Nowhere is China's influence more apparent than Beijing. As China's political and cultural hub, Beijing offers a glimpse into the nation's expansive history and its rapid modernization. You'll find preserved palaces rubbing elbows with new subway stations and tranquil lamaseries sharing space with world-class stadiums. Many of the city's historical sites, such as the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, are well-known to the world. Yet, the most popular attraction is located outside Beijing: The Great Wall of China serpentines through the hills north of the city. When you witness this astounding accomplishment of ancient China, you too will sense the immeasurable potential of this modern country.
JAN
35
18
0.1
FEB
42
23
0.2
MAR
54
35
0.3
APR
69
49
0.9
MAY
80
59
1.4
JUN
86
68
2.9
JUL
88
73
6.7
AUG
86
70
4.5
SEP
78
60
2.1
OCT
66
47
1.1
NOV
50
32
0.5
DEC
38
21
0.1
Best Time to Visit
September to October
Crisp autumn air and clear views of the Great Wall
Primary Reason
Urban & Culture
Historical & Heritage
Ancient
Architecture
Asia
East Asia
China
Beijing Municipality
Top 5 Things to Do
The Great Wall
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
Tiananmen Square
Hidden Gem
Cuandixia Village
A preserved Ming-era mountain village offering a peaceful step back in time.