What to Do in the Dongcheng District of Beijing
Beijing is the capital city of China, and has been the seat of the Ming and Qing Dynasty rulers until 1911. It is a city rich with history, and is the cultural and political centre of China. It is a huge city with several districts, each containing their own unique blend of historical sites, restaurants, and nightlife.
Dongcheng District
One of the most popular districts in Beijing is the Dongcheng District. It is located in the north east of the central city area. There are many historical attractions to enjoy in this fascinating part of the city. Here are some of the best attractions within the Dongcheng District:
Tiananmen Square
Built by Mao, this is the largest public square in the world. It is surrounded by government buildings and impressive Soviet monuments, and it the fact that it is a popular gathering place for visitors to Beijing means that it there is a diverse crowd here from all over the world which is perfect for people watching. Check out the four majestic marble lions which guard the front of the Tiananmen Gate, and look for the bullet hole in the stomach of the northwest one from the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. Also located within the square is the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall where you can see people laying flowers at the feet of Mao’s statue inside.
The Forbidden City
This beautiful historical complex of buildings held the purpose of the Imperial Palace from the era of the Ming Dynasty all the way up to the Qing Dynasty, making it the home of emperors and their families for nearly 500 years. It is the largest surviving palace complex in the world, and is a popular tourist attraction in the Dongcheng District of Beijing. It is now under the charge of the Palace Museum, and showcases a beautiful collection of artwork and artefacts from the imperial ages. It is worth visiting this beautiful complex of buildings to see the splendid painted decoration, grand hallways, and magnificent treasures that are on display here.
Yonghe Temple
The Yonghe Temple, also known as the Lama Temple, is a Tibetan Buddhist temple located within the Dongcheng District of Beijing. It was built by ancient Chinese emperors who were fascinated with the Tibetan version of Buddhism. It has been a working temple for many years, and there are still Tibetan and Mongolian monks who live and teach here. While you are here, check out the amazing 18 metre statue of Maitreya Buddha which is carved from a single piece of sandalwood.
These are just a few of the important historical sites that you can visit within the Dongcheng District of Beijing.
A convenient place to stay in the Dongcheng District is the Radisson Blu Hotel Beijing, which is located right next to the China International Exhibition Centre. The modern rooms are equipped with satellite TV and air conditioning, and the hotel facilities include a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Enjoy your visit to fascinating Beijing!
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