What not to miss in China

Tiān'ānmén Square

At the heart of Běijīng, one of China’s main attractions is a medley of Soviet-style 1950s buildings. Tiān'ānmén Square is the world's largest public square and because height restrictions have long kept structures low, this is the place to get your glimpse of the China sky. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to watch the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise. But don’t expect the troop of People's Liberation Army soldiers to smile much. Instead, get your photo taken with the great helmsman's portrait, fly a kite with the local children and witness Chinese culture in action.

Forbidden City

Any China travel specialist will tell you that if you’re visiting Běijīng, the Forbidden City is a must-see. Circled by a 52m-wide moat and located in the centre of bustling Běijīng, this impressive complex of ancient buildings is one of the main tourist attractions in China so don’t expect to have it to yourself. For 5000 years the Forbidden City was exactly that, forbidden, though now it is largely known for being home to the welcoming Palace Museum. It can take more than a day to explore everything in the Forbidden City. For the best options, contact us and we’ll be happy to put together an itinerary.

Summer Palace

A hugely popular attraction, the Summer Palace was once a luxurious royal garden and home to members of the Qing Dynasty. A landscaper’s dream, here you’ll find pavilions, beautiful bridges, temples and towers that will make you feel as though you’re on a movie set. To avoid the crowds, take a walk around the lake along the West Causeway, returning along the East Shore and imagine yourself back in time, to when you would have been walking with royalty. Contact your China travel specialists today and a Concierge Traveller agent will be happy to work some time at the Summer Palace into your holiday in China.

Great Wall

“He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man.” Or so says the Chinese proverb. You’d better get yourself into the category of greatness if you’re heading to China on holiday, not that you can really miss it in Běijīng. The Great Wall, stretching from Shanhaiguian in the east, to Lop Lake and the Gobi Desert in the west, was originally built to protect the northern borders of the Chinese Empire against various nomadic groups or military intruders. The wall is such a feature of Chinese pride and history that it features in the second line of the Chinese National Anthem. Millions of tourists flock to the wall each year and if you want to be one of them, don’t hesitate to contact your Concierge Traveller specialists, who’ll be happy to help organise your entire Chinese escape.