Top 10 Sites to Visit in Beijing China: Part 1

Part 2 of the article can be read here.

A dynamic, modern metropolis with a booming financial center, extensive subway lines, skyscrapers and a vibrant expatriate district, Beijing is also one of the world's oldest settlements, and contains many remnants from it's imperial past. You can spend years exploring the city and still find new neighborhoods and sites you haven't seen before. From the Olympic Park to the Temple of Heaven, Beijing has something for everyone. For those who are new to the city or just staying a short time, here is a top ten list of must-see sites.

Just down the street from Hepingmen Subway Station on the 2nd line of the Beijing Subway, Liulichang is a charming street divided into two parts by Xinhua Road South. Both the west and east sides of the street are lined with old brick and stone buildings that have been renovated. Liulichang Street West is home to art supply shops, bookstores and small artist and craft studios selling paper cuts, Shadow puppets and traditional Chinese art paintings and calligraphy. The west side is more laid-back, serving both the local community as well as tourists. Liulichang East Street is a little more touristy and is home to dealers of real and fake antiques. Be prepared to bargain for anything you want, as the prices will be greatly inflated.

Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Olympic Park can be reached via the 8th line of the Beijing Subway. Exit from station "Olympic Park." The Bird's Nest and the National Aquatics Center are the two most interesting and unique buildings in the park. A symbol of modern China and new Beijing, the Olympic Park is worth a visit. Eat before you arrive, as there is very little around the park except for the buildings, and what is there, is overpriced.

Located down the street from Gulou Subway station on the 2nd line of the Beijing Subway, the Bell and Drum Towers stand as the tallest buildings in the area. Hundreds of years old, the towers are among the oldest of Beijing's monuments. Keepers of time, the towers would signal the closing of the gates. Visitors can climb to the top of each tower and look out over the tile roofs of old Beijing.

Qianmen Street is located south of Tiananmen Square and just across the street from Qianmen Station on the 2nd line of the Beijing Subway. Repaired and partially rebuilt as a pedestrian market street for the Beijing Olympics, Qianmen Street features pleasant stone architecture and brand name stores. The main reason for visiting the area is Qianmen's side streets and the Dashilan (pronounced Da-shuh-lahr) market. The side streets are still home to old Beijing noodle shops, local snacks and street vendors.

The Temple of Heaven Park is home to a number of imperial shrines, chief among them the Temple of Heaven. Built in 1420 and in use until the republican revolution, the Temple of Heaven is where the Emperor of China would come each year to sacrifice and pray for a prosperous harvest and a secure kingdom. Aside from the main shrines, the park contains many old cedar trees and is a favorite spot for tai chi practitioners, as well as Beijingers who come together to sing old revolutionary songs.