Beijing, China

Historic Sites & Landmarks in Beijing, China

  • Temple of Heaven Beijing, China 1420

    Completed in 1420, this magnificent temple was considered the meeting point of Earth and Heaven. For 500 years it hosted the emperors' sacrifices and prayers for a good harvest at the winter solstice.

  • National Grand Theatre Beijing, China

    Nicknamed "The Bird's Egg," this opera house in Beijing is a distinctive work of modern architecture. Designed by Paul Andreu, it is an ellipsoid dome of titanium and glass surrounded by an artificial lake.

  • Wangfujing Church Beijing, China 1904

    Originally founded in 1653, Wangfujing (a.k.a. St. Joseph's) Church was rebuilt in 1904 in the Romanesque style.

  • Niu Jie Mosque Beijing, China

    There are around 200,000 Muslims in Beijing. The Niu Jie mosque in the Muslim Quarter of the city is a colorful building in Chinese style, with text in Chinese and Arabic.

  • White Cloud Temple Beijing, China

    Once the most influential Taoist center in China, this recently renovated temple is now the home of 30 monks and the China Taoism Association.

  • Lama Temple Beijing, China

    This temple is fairly touristy but is still worth a visit for its colorful 17th-century architecture. It is an active Tibetan Buddhist center, but one that is officially sponsored by the Chinese government.