Beijing, one of China's seven ancient capitals, is a renowned cultural city with a history of over 3,000 years and more than 800 years of history as the capital. It is an ideal time for a summer family trip; don't miss out on this Beijing Ancient Capital Cultural Tour Route!
First Stop: Temple of Heaven Park
The Temple of Heaven is located on the east side of Yongdingmen Inner Street in Dongcheng District, Beijing. It was first constructed in the 18th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1420). Covering an area of 2.73 million square meters, the overall architectural layout is orderly and well-organized, forming a 'rectangular' pattern, divided into the inner altar and outer altar. The walls of the altar are circular in the north and square in the south, symbolizing the ancient Chinese cosmological concept of 'round heaven and square earth'. The Temple of Heaven served as the site for emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to perform the Heaven Worship Ceremony and to pray for good harvests. It is the largest, best-preserved, and most exquisitely designed ancient sacrificial architectural complex not only in China but also in the world.
The Temple of Heaven is a cultural symbol of Beijing and one of the most precious physical materials and historical legacies in the history of ancient Chinese architecture. In 1998, it was inscribed on the World Heritage List.
1.Temple of Heaven architecture
The Temple of Heaven complex encompasses the Round Mound Altar and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, surrounded by two layers of walls that form the inner and outer altars, with the main structures aligned along the central axis of the inner altar from north to south. The Round Mound Altar, located in the south and also known as the Heaven Worshipping Platform, was the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties conducted the Heaven Worship Ceremony. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is situated in the north and includes the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian), the Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu), and the Prayer Gate, separated by walls. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, originally named the Hall of Supreme Harmony (Taihedian), was rebuilt in the 24th year of the Jiajing reign (1545).
The two altars are connected by the Danbiqiao, a bridge that is 360 meters long and nearly 30 meters wide, with a gentle slope from the south to the north. The Danbiqiao is lined on both sides by extensive ancient cypress forests. Within the inner altar, behind the western wall, lies the Fasting Palace, the residence where the emperor would observe fasting rituals prior to the ceremonies. Behind the western wall of the outer altar are the Divine Music Office and the Sacrificial Hall, among other facilities. The main structures within the temple include the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Qiniandian), the Hall of Preserving Harmony (the Hall of Imperial Zenith), the Round Mound (Yuanqiutan), the Circular Mound Altar (Huanqiutan), the Fasting Palace, the Hall of No Beams (Wuliangdian), the Long Corridor, and the Double Ring Longevity Pavilion, among others. Additionally, there are renowned historical sites such as the Echo Wall, the Three-Sound Stone, and the Seven-Star Stones.
In 1900, during the invasion by the Eight-Nation Alliance, their headquarters were established in the Fasting Palace of the Temple of Heaven, and artillery was set up on the Round Mound. Cultural relics and ritual vessels were plundered, and the buildings and trees suffered severe damage. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the government invested substantial funds in the preservation and restoration of the cultural relics and historical sites of the Temple of Heaven. Through multiple renovations and large-scale greening efforts, the Temple of Heaven has been restored to its current magnificent state.
2.Flower events at the Temple of Heaven
Beijing's central axis stretches down, creating a colorful landscape line for the ancient city in summer, and the Temple of Heaven is ready to welcome the vibrant month of July with its most splendid appearance. From June 28th to July 5th, the Temple of Heaven is hosting a special flower exhibition themed 'Midsummer Date, Blossoms Meet,' which not only pays tribute to the Party's birthday on July 1st but also offers a romantic visual feast for visitors to the park during the hot season.
The flower exhibition showcases nearly 40 varieties of foliage flowers, including new introductions such as 'White Butterfly(millenium bird flower ),' 'Red Lotus(Nelumbium speciosum),' and 'Golden Girl(A kind of trillium).' Over 500 prestigious plants compete in splendor, and even the supporting perennial flowers number over 8,000. The exhibition is divided into five major areas: 'Garden City Theme Area,' 'Foliage Flower Varieties Area,' 'Foliage Flower Bonsai Area,' 'Perennial Flower Border Area,' and 'Science Popularization Area.
In the midst of midsummer, a floral extravaganza adds a touch of brilliance to the good life. Meet in the midst of summer, gather amidst blooming flowers, and join us for an encounter at the Temple of Heaven in July.
3.Temple of Heaven delights
The Temple of Heaven's feast upholds a six-hundred-year-old cultural heritage, integrating ceremonial grace into its dishes and blessings into its drinks, infusing every bite with the essence of the Temple of Heaven. The restaurant offers a variety of meals, including breakfast and main courses, focusing primarily on Beijing and Shandong cuisines. It features not only traditional delicacies such as roast duck and innovative Beijing dishes but also courtly cuisines developed and restored based on the Temple of Heaven's prayer ceremonies, such as pickled cabbage braised pork and handmade dim sum.
The Temple of Heaven's Time-Picker Theme Restaurant offers not only a variety of beverages such as coffee and tea but also serves as a cultural space for leisure and relaxation, allowing you to savor the tranquility of time amidst a classical garden setting.Visiting Information
Address: No. 7A, Tiantan Dongli, Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng District;
Admission: Entry ticket is 15 RMB, and the combined ticket is 34 RMB; Full-time undergraduate and below students aged 18 and above (inclusive) enjoy half-price; Minors under 18 (exclusive) and seniors aged 60 and above (inclusive) enter for free. Valid ID cards or other official documents are required for direct verification at the entrance, no ticket purchase is necessary.
Opening Hours: The main gate of the park is open from 6:00 to 22:00 (entry is not allowed after 21:00), and the attractions within the park are open from 8:00 to 18:00 (entry is not allowed after 17:30). Attractions such as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are closed every Monday (except for public holidays).
Ticketing Options: You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the on-site ticket windows.
The landscape lighting of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is illuminated on Fridays, Saturdays, and major holidays in the evening, with the lighting turned on in conjunction with the city's streetlights.
Second Stop: Qianmen Street
In the Four Nine City, to savor the 'Beijing flavor,' Qianmen Street is a must-visit destination. It is a shining pearl on the central axis of Beijing, witnessing the transformation of the city and carrying countless stories.
"This 800-meter-long street, running north to south along the central axis of Beijing, faces the Forbidden City across Tiananmen Square. The street starts at the Tianqiao in the south and ends at the Zhengyang Gate, the main gate of the inner city during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Towering right in front of the palace, it was the tallest among the 'Nine Gates of the Capital' and was affectionately called by the people as 'Qianmen Louzi' and 'Da Qianmen'."
1.Qianmen Time-Honored Brands
At the northernmost end of Qianmen Street, there stands an antique two-story building with carved eaves and painted rafters, gray tiles, and red beams. From a distance, it forms a picturesque scene with the Qianmen Wai five-gate arch, which is just a few meters away; this is the Da Bei Photo Studio.
Founded in 1921, Da Bei Photo Studio initially opened in Shi Tou Hutong and was renowned for its expertise in taking opera costume photos. It is a 'Time-Honored Brand of China' in the photography industry, enjoying a prestigious reputation nationwide and is one of the earliest photo studios in China.
Over the past century, Da Bei Photo Studio has preserved its excellent vintage style in its traditional photo collection while keeping pace with the times in the new era. It has innovated and introduced themed portraiture, holiday limited edition photos, and more, continuously meeting customers' new demands. In addition, Da Bei Photo Studio also offers old photo restoration services to consumers, capable of addressing various issues with old photos and helping to restore them.
At the eastern entrance of the Qian Yu Kou Time-Honored Food Street, there stands a Qing Dynasty building with green bricks and black tiles, exuding an antique charm—it is the 'Bian Yi Fang' restaurant, a time-honored brand in China. After more than 600 years of development, Bian Yi Fang has developed its culinary characteristics based on Beijing roast duck as the main ingredient, with the braised oven Peking duck as the leading product, and Shandong cuisine as the foundation.
In 2008, the Bian Yi Fang braised oven Peking duck technique was included in the 'National Intangible Cultural Heritage List'. As soon as you step into Bian Yi Fang, the aroma of roast duck greets you. To enrich their core product offerings, Bian Yi Fang has also innovated and developed patented Peking ducks with 'Flower Fragrance' and 'Vegetable Fragrance'. According to the solar terms, they have introduced 24 solar term characteristic dishes and have excavated and restored traditional famous dishes such as 'Qingjiangrou' (Clear Sauce Meat) and 'Tongzi Ji' (Barrel Chicken), making the traditional Chinese dietary culture deeply rooted in people's hearts.
Yizhao, originally established in 1935, moved to Qianmen Street in 1936 and became the largest department store on the street at that time, with a history of 89 years to date. In 1955, Yi Zhao underwent a public-private partnership and gradually transitioned to a state-owned enterprise, mainly dealing in knitted goods and textiles. In 2021, after an upgrade and renovation of the Yi Zhao store located at No. 41 Qianmen Street, the company actively explored new business models for the time-honored brand, creating the 'Yizhao Chinese New Year' brand Hanfu project.
In recent years, 'Yizhao' has actively explored new business models, retaining its traditional business offerings while launching a Hanfu experience project in Qianmen and the Temple of Heaven, creating the 'Yizhao Chinese New Year' Hanfu brand, contributing to the promotion of traditional Chinese culture.
2.Exploring Qianmen
Zhengyang Gate was the main south gate of the inner city of the Ming and Qing dynasties' Beijing, constructed in the 17th year of the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty (1419). Due to its location at the very front of the imperial city, it is commonly known as the 'Front Gate.' To enhance the defense of the city gate, an arrow tower and a connecting barbican between the city tower and the arrow tower were added on the south side in the fourth year of the Zhengtong era (1439). In 1988, Zhengyang Gate was declared a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. It was opened to the public in 1991.
Among the various gates in the capital, Zhengyang Gate holds the most prestigious status. The main city tower of Zhengyang Gate reaches a height of 43.65 meters, which is 9 meters taller than the Tiananmen Rostrum. The arrow tower of Zhengyang Gate is the only one among the nine inner city gates that has an open archway. This archway is usually closed and only opened for the emperor's processions or during his visits to the imperial suburbs for sacrifices. Zhengyang Gate is a vivid reflection of the urban layout, military defense, ceremonial systems, and architectural art in the late feudal society of China.
After its construction, Zhengyang Gate experienced destruction from wars and fires. The existing city tower and arrow tower were rebuilt in 1906 under the supervision of Yuan Shikai. In 1915, to improve traffic conditions, the Republic of China government commissioned the German architect Ross Kigel to devise a reconstruction plan for the arrow tower. The barbican was dismantled, and European-style relief sculptures and a zigzag ramp for horse-drawn carriages were added to the arrow tower, which is the current state.
The Beijing Print Guild Hall is located at No. 22 Qingyun Hutong, Qianmen, by the Sanli River, covering an area of approximately 838 square meters with a construction area of about 713 square meters. It was funded and established by merchants dealing in pigments and tung oil from Pingyao, Shanxi Province in its early years, hence the name 'Beijing Print Guild Hall'. It was renovated by the Tianjie Group and completed in 2009. In 2021, it was awarded as one of the 'Top Ten Internet-Famous Check-in Places' in Beijing, and in April 2023, it received the designation of 'First Batch of Performance Art New Spaces' in Dongcheng District. The 400-year-old theater building transcends time, radiating vitality of the era.
The Beijing Print Guild Hall is a key venue for the 'Theatrical Guilds' project, led by the Beijing Municipal Propaganda Department, which has been implemented in Dongcheng District. The first performance here took place on October 8, 2021, and since then, more than 70 performances have been held, including Kunqu Opera, Pingju, Hebei Bangzi, Quju, Quyi, acrobatics, crosstalk, stand-up comedy, and stage plays, all aimed at creating a 'small yet refined,' 'small yet beautiful,' and 'small yet elegant' cultural performance space. Nowadays, every weekend sees a resident schedule of Quyi, acrobatics, traditional opera, crosstalk, and stand-up comedy performances.
In August 2023, the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Cultural Experience Space was established at the Beijing Print Guild Hall, comprising three core cultural sections: Peking Opera performances and research, ICH course development, and planning of Hanfu and ancient-style cultural activities. It features three core teams: a Peking Opera troupe of over 30 members, an ICH content collective with hundreds of inheritors, and a Hanfu event organization team capable of coordinating events for hundreds of participants.
In the spring of 2014, Madame Tussauds Beijing was established in the Qianmen Commercial Street in Beijing. On April 11, 2024, Madame Tussauds Beijing celebrated its 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, Madame Tussauds Beijing has kept pace with China's development, highlighted Chinese characteristics, and been committed to the inheritance of local culture and the expression of the Chinese national spirit. Through wax figures of leaders in various fields, it has shown Beijing Madame Tussauds' understanding to the era and also presented role models to tourists from all over the world.
Here, film and television stars such as Li Bingbing and Brad Pitt are virtually by your side; here, as you walk, the Four Gentlemen of the Plants—plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum—bloom one by one; here, ancient poems steeped in the fragrance of Chinese culture float alongside dazzling golden light. Madame Tussauds Beijing uses sound, light, and multimedia technology, combined with lifelike wax figures of superstars, to create an immersive entertainment experience for you.
3.Qianmen cuisine
Gongyan is a Beijing Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage site and the first Han cultural cuisine theater in China, located at No. 50 Qianmen Street. Gongyan inherits ancient imperial court cuisine, promoting the characteristics of strict material selection, exquisite cooking, and innovative dishes. It adheres to the principles of drawing on various strengths, inclusiveness, integration, and progress with the times. The restaurant embodies the philosophy of applying ancient wisdom to modern use, integrating foreign elements into Chinese culture, combining northern and southern Chinese culinary techniques, and merging Chinese and Western culinary arts. Committed to presenting 'new imperial cuisine' that is traditional yet not conservative, innovative yet rooted in heritage, with profound cultural connotations and high artistic value. This is a humble tribute to historical classics and a beautiful aspiration for the future path.
Gongyan not only recreates the court food culture that has spanned thousands of years, creating an artistic elegance that integrates feasting, dining, etiquette, and music for guests, but also allows you to travel back through the long river of history to the Tang Dynasty, experiencing the refined pleasures of 'gentle breezes, music, and dance' enjoyed by ancient literati and scholars during their banquets.
The history of Fangzhuan Factory Noodle No. 69 dates back to 1996. The founders were a family at No. 69 Fangzhuan Factory Alley, near Nanluogu Lane, and the business has been passed down through three generations. With thirteen types of vegetable toppings and a bowl of fried sauce noodles, it offers high-quality black pork for an upgraded experience, ensuring satisfaction with every bite. Fangzhuan Factory Noodle No. 69 has been consistently awarded as a Michelin-recommended starred restaurant in Beijing for several years, and has also been endorsed by celebrities such as Nicholas Tse.
Fangzhuan Factory Noodle No. 69 has been committed to promoting the culinary culture of old Beijing. While focusing on fried sauce noodles, it also explores snacks from the Hutongs, such as old Beijing bean paste, imperial kitchen-style braised pork elbow, and Beijing-style stewed tripe, allowing tourists from different regions to taste a variety of authentic Beijing cuisine.
ACTIONCAFE, a hidden gem of a Western restaurant located in a Hutong, offers exquisite cuisine and an elegant atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying afternoon tea, dining, hosting a gathering, or treating guests, you can expect a unique and memorable dining experience.
The Qianmen branch boasts a terrace full of atmosphere, like a romantic haven on the central axis, making it an ideal spot for summer photo opportunities.
Third Stop: Shichahai
As an urban museum of Beijing, China, Shichahai marks the northern end of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and serves as the baseline of the central axis when the Yuan Dynasty's capital, Dadu, was established. Thus, there is a saying, 'There was Shichahai before there was Beijing City.' With seven centuries of accumulation, management across three dynasties, and the prominence of dozens of generations of nobles and officials, Shichahai perfectly embodies the grandeur of the imperial city.
The unique historical charm of the capital city is epitomized here, where the culture of the imperial nobility thrives. Strolling through Shichahai, one can immerse themselves in the seamless blend of history and the present.
1.Shichahai scenic area
The Prince Gong's Mansion Museum, located at No. 17 Qianhai West Street in Xicheng District, is a comprehensive public cultural institution integrating functions such as cultural heritage protection, museum construction, tourism opening, cultural space creation, and cultural industry development. It covers an area of 61,000 square meters, including both the mansion and the garden. The site comprises more than 30 architectural complexes, divided into the eastern, central, and western routes, each of which runs from south to north through multiple siheyuan (courtyard houses).
On February 23, 1982, the Prince Gong's Mansion and its garden within the Prince Gong's Mansion Museum were listed by the State Council of the People's Republic of China as a second batch of national key cultural relics protection units. On May 18, 2017, the Prince Gong's Mansion Museum was rated as a third batch of first-class museums at the national level.
The Former Residence of Song Qingling, located at No. 46 Houhai North Lane, has been listed by the State Council as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. Preserved in its original state, it showcases the vivid scenes of Song Qingling's life, including her work, study, reading, receiving guests, holding discussions, banqueting, resting, entertaining, feeding pigeons, and enjoying flowers. The residence also houses an exhibition on the life of Song Qingling. It serves as an important venue for visits, tours, activities, and conferences and has been recognized as a National Youth Education Base, a National Primary and Secondary School Students' Research and Practice Education Base, a National Red Tourism Classic Scenic Area, a Central State Organs Ideological Education Base, a Beijing Municipal Government Integrity Education Base, and a Beijing Patriotism Education Base.
Since its opening to the public in 1982, the Former Residence of Song Qingling has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors from home and abroad each year. It has hosted hundreds of domestic and international exchange activities and is becoming a treasure trove for collecting artifacts related to Sun Yat-sen and Song Qingling, an authoritative institution for the study of Song Qingling's life and great thoughts, a strong position for promoting the spirit of Song Qingling, and an important platform for enhancing cultural exchanges between China and other countries.
The Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall is located in the Huitong Temple on the north bank of the West Sea in Shichahai, covering an area of nearly 800 square meters with a construction area of 400 square meters. From August 2007 to August 2008, the Xicheng District Government renovated the Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall, improved its infrastructure, and adjusted and updated the original exhibition content and form.
The renovated Guo Shoujing Memorial Hall was opened to the public for free on September 28, 2008. The memorial hall has four exhibition halls, which introduce Guo Shoujing's life and scientific research activities with the main themes of 'Major Life Events,' 'Jishuitan in the Yuan Dynasty,' 'Water Management in Dadu,' and 'Astronomy and Calendar Making'.
2.Shichahai cuisine
Kaorou Ji, a time-honored Chinese brand established during the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty, mainly offers Beijing-style grilled meat and halal stir-fried dishes. For hundreds of years, the business of Kaorou Ji has thrived, and the secret lies in the 'Three Uniques.' The first unique is the grilled mutton. Kaorou Ji's grilled mutton is selected with care and seasoned with a special marinade, then roasted on a specially made grill to achieve a smooth and delicious texture without any mutton odor, often leaving people craving more even after having one or two jin (a unit of weight). There is a distinction between 'civil eating' and 'martial eating' in the way of enjoying Kaorou Ji's grilled meat.
The second unique is the view. Yinjing Bridge is one of the famous 'Eight Views of Yanjing' in old Beijing, known as the place for 'Yinjing Mountain Viewing.' It is said that standing on Yinjing Bridge and looking into the distance, one can see the Western Hills of Beijing, and after the rain, the setting sun can be seen. The third unique is the appreciation of lotus flowers. Kaorou Ji is located within the Beijing Royal Garden — the Sanhai Scenic Area. Sitting in Kaorou Ji, one can see the lotus flowers covering the Houhai Lake. There was a literati who once wrote a poem praising the artistic conception of the scene: 'When enjoying the lotus flowers outside Di'anmen Gate, the red lotus in the trees reflects on the blue pond, just like sitting on the Tianxiang Pavilion, drunk and talking softly.
The term 'Northern Ji' in 'Southern Wan, Northern Ji' refers specifically to Kaorou Ji Restaurant, located beside the Yinjing Bridge in Shichahai. In addition to its mainstay of Beijing-style grilled meat, Kaorou Ji also offers signature dishes such as fried prawns, chicken with sea cucumber, and bamboo fungus with pig's trotters.
The 'Tonghe Ju,' a doyen of Lu cuisine and a time-honored Chinese brand, primarily offers dishes from the Shandong Fushan cuisine. Historical records indicate that Tonghe Ju was originally established in the second year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1822).
Tonghe Ju currently has a business area of 600 square meters, with the dining hall composed of six smaller halls surrounding a nearly 400 square meter main hall. The main hall is decorated in a style that combines simplicity and modernity, exuding elegance, uniqueness, spaciousness, and brightness. Each smaller hall has its own distinctive features, and the names of these halls resonate with the restaurant's name, Tonghe Ju, which are Tianhe Hall, Dihe Hall, Renhe Hall, Heyue Hall, Tonghe Hall, and Tongle Hall, reflecting the harmony of heaven, earth, and people.
Makai Restaurant is located under the famous Bell and Drum Tower, a landmark along the central axis of Beijing. Founded in 1953, it is renowned for its strong technical prowess and is a time-honored Chinese brand well-known in the capital. The restaurant mainly serves Hunan cuisine, with a rich variety of dishes, especially loved by diners for its smoked and cured, fermented bean, and chopped chili series dishes.
Today, Makai Restaurant has reopened near its original location, expanding its business area from 1,500 square meters to 2,700 square meters, and has fully upgraded the dining environment. While retaining the signature dishes such as hot and sour tripe, Mao-style braised pork, and twin-flavored mandarin fish that have defined the restaurant, it has also revived 'lost' famous dishes from the old Makai Restaurant, such as braised turtle claw, boat turn meat, and soft steamed silver cod. There are now higher standards for ingredient selection, cooking techniques, and plating. At the same time, based on the changing tastes of customers, a series of fashionable new dishes that young people love have been developed. The restaurant has also established and improved food safety management systems such as 'transparent kitchen and bright stove' and 'sunshine catering project,' allowing customers to dine with confidence and enhancing the overall dining experience. The restaurant's unique culinary quality, rich cultural atmosphere, and safe and healthy experience make Makai Restaurant a shining pearl of culinary culture on the central axis of Beijing.
3.Shichahai boat tours
The waters of Shichahai have withstood the test of time for over 800 years, continually supporting the water transport culture of the capital. As the only open scenic area in the capital with a vast water surface, taking a Shichahai boat tour is one of the most characteristic ways to explore the area. Additionally, Shichahai boat tours are the only water activities in the city that offer night cruise services.
Since 1989, with the rapid development of Beijing's tourism industry and the increasing popularity of Shichahai, six piers have been successively constructed. Shichahai boat tours include both self-propelled boats (rowing boats) and non-self-propelled boats (pedal and electric boats). Every spring during the Grain Rain season, the Shichahai pier also holds an annual traditional ceremony—the Shichahai Boat Tour Launch Ceremony.
Shichahai is a great place to escape the summer heat, and taking a boat ride on Shichahai offers a unique experience. Sailing on Shichahai, rich in historical and cultural heritage, allows you to appreciate the surrounding ancient architecture and scenery, immerse yourself in the historical context and cultural depth of Beijing, and seemingly instantly leave behind the hustle and bustle of life to feel refreshed and comfortable.
