Beijing, China Attractions

The National Stadium was built for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 and is often referred to as "the Bird's Nest" for its dazzling design, which is a singular architectual masterpiece. Stretching for 21 hectares of Beijing's Olympic Green, the National Stadium was the main stadium for games of the XXIX Olympiad and was designed by architects Pierre de Meuron and Jacques Herzog. To learn more, visit www.n-s.cn/en/

The National Aquatics Center or "Water Cube" as it is known is another one of the architectural marvels that was built for the Olympic Games in Beijing and is located not far from the Bird's Nest stadium. For a fee, you may even go for a few laps in the very crowded pools. To learn more, visit en.beijing2008.cn/46/39/WaterCube.shtml.

Everything in Beijing is big. Tian'an Men Square is roughly the size of 90 football fields, wandering through the Forbidden City feels like a minimarathon, and of course the Great Wall is  very long. It is fitting then that hosting the Olympics in Beijing meant building awe-inspiring, people-dwarfing structures. And all at a sizable price tag of $40 billion.

The Forbidden City is one of the greatest monuments to the splendors of Chinese civilization. The Forbidden City is home to the most extensive existing imperial palace in China and covers more than 700,000 square metres. A staggering array of sights may be seen once crossing through the Wu Men Gate in addition to the Palace ranging from gardens to ceremonial halls. To learn more about the Forbidden City, visit www.dpm.org.cn/index1024768.html

The Temple of Heaven was built concurrently with the Forbidden City and is one of Beijing's most significant attractions. Located on the south side of Tian'an Men Square, the huge park features an altar to Heaven where Chinese emperors would perform rites to gain the favor of heavenly forces to help ensure the empire's health and success. To learn more about the Temple of Heaven, visit en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Heaven

The Summer Palace, also referred to as the New Summer Palace, is a lovely complex of walkways, gardens, pavilions, and bridges sit on a picturesque spot along the Kunming Lake. Once an imprerial palace, today the Summer Palace is a public park and a delightful place for picnics in between exploring the historic grounds. To learn more, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/beijing/0201022182.html#ixzz1QFyBMC5

The Great Wall of China (or Badaling Great Wall) is an attraction of mythic proportions. Built during the Warring States Period (453-221 B.C.) when the kingdoms of China were battling each other, the Great Wall of China is the largest historic monument in the world and can even be seen from astronauts in space observing the Earth many thousands of miles away. To learn more about China's Great Wall, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/beijing/0201020275.html#ixzz1QFymTNEU

The Ming Tombs are home to 13 of the 16 Ming Dynasty Emporers who were rulers of China from 1368-1644). Lined with statues of protecting guards and animals who were meant to look after the Emporers in the afterlife, the entrance to the Tombs is a long and fascinating walk. Once inside, there are three restored tombs, as well as a number of untouched tombs which may be toured without admission charge. To learn more about the Ming Tombs, visit www.frommers.com/destinations/beijing/0201020278.html#ixzz1QFz5jESn

The Silk Market was once the the Silk Alley Market, a series of bustling outdoor stalls. Today, the Silk Market is located within a huge shopping mall. Not just for silk, the market is famous for spot for Chinese handicrafts and western-style designer goods. To learn more, visit www.xiushui.com.cn

Houhai Street offers a lovely lakeside location for enjoying a drink. The charming Beijing street is lined with bars and places to relax with a drink outdoors in view of the lake, which are especially delightful as the sun goes down. To learn more about Houhai Bar, visit www.fodors.com/world/asia/china/beijing/nightlife.html