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Masjid

Beijing Niujie Mosque (West Gate)

Niujie St, Xicheng, Beijing, China

City guide

Overview & visitor information

Beijing Niujie Mosque (West Gate)

Niujie St, Xicheng, Beijing, China

More masjids in Beijing

Keep exploring Beijing.

More places in Beijing

Keep exploring Beijing.

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Military Museum of the People's Revolution

Museum

This fascinating museum dedicated to China’s military and its history first opened in 1960. The building’s edifice is a striking example of Socialist Realism. Even before entering the museum, there’s no doubt that it’s related to the military. Outside is a row of artillery cannons and a decommissioned boat. Once you get inside, the main hall is filled with tanks, planes, and a rocket.

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Great Hall of the People

Building

The Great Hall of the People is one of ten buildings (creatively known as the Ten Great Buildings) constructed to honor the tenth anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in 1959. All are around today – among them the National Museum of China, the Beijing Railway Station, and the Chinese People’s Revolutionary Military Museum. All were built in the modernist style, heavily influenced by Soviet architecture. The most important of these is the Great Hall of the People, home to the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislative body.

Museum of Ancient Architecturebeijing

Museum of Ancient Architecture

Museum

This museum should definitely be visited as it houses some of the most magnificent ruins and remnants of famed Chinese architecture. The halls which store these treasures are themselves historically significant as they were once part of the Altar of Agriculture where Chinese emperors came to pray during plantation and harvesting season and performed rituals pertaining to these. The Hall of Jupiter is amazing and should not be missed.

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Summer Palace

Palace

When the Hailingwang Emperor of the Jin Dynasty moved the capital back to Beijing, he needed a new palace to escape the sweltering summers. The site he chose was on Gold Mountain (now Longevity Hill), about 12km northwest of Beijing. The Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty renovated the palace and the gardens in the 18th century. Kunming Lake was expanded to resemble the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. During the Second Opium War in 1860, the palace was destroyed by British and French forces. Under the Empress Dowager Cixi, the palace was subsequently rebuilt in 1893, only to be destroyed once again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The Summer Palace we see today was the product of another restoration in 1903 (also by Cixi). It was open to the public during the Republic of China and eventually turned into a park.

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White Cloud Temple [Baiyun Guan]

Temple

This magnificent and massive temple dates back to 739 A.D. Followers of the Daoist religion come to worship here. Chinese monks in traditional costume also can be seen here. This is an interesting temple to visit.

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The Great Wall

Sight

Contrary to popular belief, the Great Wall is not visible from the moon, or even Earth’s orbit. Nevertheless, it is one of mankind’s great engineering achievements. The various kingdoms of ancient China had been no stranger to walled fortifications, and when the Qin Dynasty was established in 221 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huang ordered several existing walls to be merged together. Succeeding dynasties continued expanding the wall and renovating existing sections.

What to do with kids in town Beijingbeijing

What to do with kids in tow

Activity

Beijing Aquarium This is an inland aquarium which exhibits numerous species of under water creatures. Dolphin shows take place daily and are a highlight of this aquarium. A panda house is located nearby as well.

Beijing Aquarium Beijingbeijing

Beijing Aquarium

Activity

This is an inland aquarium which exhibits numerous species of under water creatures. Dolphin shows take place daily and are a highlight of this aquarium. A panda house is located nearby as well.

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests Beijingbeijing

Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests

Temple

This has to be one of the most stunning edifices in all of Beijing if not in all of China. The hall dates back to the early 1400s. It is made of wood and the roof is absolutely fantastic consisting of blue tiles in intricate design. The pillars that hold it up are also wooden and the number of these is significant since they symbolize time in terms of the number of seasons and the number of months in the year. This imperial structure was burnt to the ground when lightning struck it in the late 1880s but it was rebuilt the following year. This structure is especially dazzling because of the fact that it is approximately 125 feet high and has been built without a single nail being hammered into it!

Factory 798 Beijingbeijing

Factory 798

Factory

This former weapons factory has now become the hub of Chinese art and culture. This 'factory' comprises of several galleries and rooms showcasing contemporary fashions; art pieces by local and international artists; some stellar photography and some very beautiful hand painted textiles. Viewing these various exhibits is a treat indeed.

More restaurants in Beijing

Keep exploring Beijing.

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Hot Pot

No trip to China is complete without trying hot pot. You start with a cauldron of boiling broth and add whatever meat (usually deli sliced), noodles, and vegetables you want. Traditionally, mutton is used, but pretty much anything you could want is available depending on the restaurant, from the mundane (chicken and beef) to more exotic fare like tripe, fish balls, and even frogs. Many places have a buffet from which you can make a sauce to dip your food in.

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Peking Duck

No trip to Beijing is complete without trying the city’s specialty: Peking duck. This delicacy emerged during the Ming Dynasty and was the meal of choice in the Forbidden City. It has been a staple in Beijing cuisine ever since. Pekin ducks are specifically bred for use in the dish. After the duck is slaughtered and de-feathered, air is pumped in through the neck to separate skin and fat. It is then boiled and left to dry, before finally being cooked in a closed or hung oven.

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Made in China

Located in the grand Hyatt Hotel, Made in China offers a variety of authentic Chinese specialties, including Peking duck. As you might expect in such a nice hotel, the décor is opulent and the food delicious. The service is good and the staff is attentive too. If you want the duck, call in advance.

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Le Cafe Igosso

'Down to earth' best describes the atmosphere inside this restaurant. Unpretentious delicious food coupled with reasonable prices makes this a stop worth making. Sea food lovers and vegetarians will both be satisfied by the dishes listed on this menu. The pastas as in any Italian restaurant are delectable.

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Kejia Cai

This restaurant is especially interesting because the interior epitomizes Han culture. Han cuisine known as 'Hakka' is at its ultimate here. The shrimp and other sea-food dishes are the specialty. Arguably the best food in all of Beijing is served here.

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Lily Vegetarian Restaurant

This is a family restaurant. The interior is simple and sparkling clean. Absolutely divine vegetarian dishes are served here. The soups, the broths, salads and rolls are cooked using quality ingredients.