Last Updated: Jul. 2026 If you’re fascinated by the classic Chinese novel Dream of the Red Chamber or wish to admire an exquisite Chinese garden, Beijing’sGrand View Garden is an excellent choice. This park was specially constructed for filming the 1987 television adaptation of Dream of the Red Chamber, bringing…
Information verified as of: Jul. 2026 Planning to visit the Beijing Opera Museum to see Peking Opera? Check out this 2026 field-tested guide first. We’ll explain why it only merits a 2-star recommendation, including directions via Metro Line 7, the WeChat booking process, and practical tips to avoid pitfalls. It’s…
For foreign visitors who love history and culture, Beijing has a very special place: Guozijian Street. Here, you’ll find not only the highest imperial academy from over 700 years ago but also a temple dedicated to Confucius. In this article, you’ll learn the stories behind each building and receive detailed…
Last Updated: May 2026 If you’re interested in ancient Chinese art and temple culture, Fahai Temple—a hidden gem in Beijing—is a must-visit. Free from the crowds of popular tourist spots, it houses masterpieces of the Ming Dynasty murals that rival those of Dunhuang. Hailed as “the finest of Ming Dynasty…
Jiuyanlou is the largest watchtower on the Great Wall and boasts the most arrow slits—nine on each of its four sides, totaling 36. It is hailed as the “First Watchtower of the Great Wall.” This article provides a detailed overview of its location at the junction of the Inner and…
Jiankou is Beijing’s most treacherous section of the Wild Great Wall. It’s three notorious “gates of death ” —the “Heavenly Ladder,” “Eagle’s Flight,” and “Beijing Knot”— have left countless hikers trembling. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the Zhengbeilou Viewing Platform, the story behind its archaeological-style restoration, essential gear,…
The Huanghuashui Great Wall is Beijing’s only natural wonder where the Great Wall meets the water. This article details the “Three Spectacular Views” (the Great Wall entering the water, the Ming Dynasty chestnut orchard, and Haoming Lake), offers leisure activities such as boat tours, camping, and family hikes, and includes…
The Jinshanling Great Wall, rebuilt under the supervision of Qi Jiguang, features the “Three Architectural Wonders”—inscription bricks, parapets, and horse-stopping walls—making it a favorite section of the Great Wall among photographers. This article provides a detailed guide to the three iconic photo spots, hiking routes, transportation tips to avoid pitfalls,…
Simatai is the only section of the Great Wall that retains its original Ming Dynasty appearance, and it is also the only Great Wall site in the country open for night tours. This article provides a detailed explanation of the history behind the “ inscribed bricks,” the Heavenly Ladder, Fairy…
