3 Incredible Non-Olympic Sites of Beijing

I personally love the Olympics. With a battery of drug tests and a flurry of trumpets a sizable amount of pomp is kicked up into all sorts of circumstances. Fun.

However, even if you think “the butterfly” is a type of pastry, Beijing has a lot to offer you. In the last few thousand years it has been able to accumulate a lot more than just the uneven bars. Here are three sights you shouldn’t miss on your next visit to the city formally known as Peking.

The Forbidden City

Creative Commons picture by r_neches.

In the category of “places that display the might of an empire” the forbidden city is arguably cooler than the death star. Visitors are allowed to see about 2/5 ths of this incredible palace complex. You can marvel at the beautiful yellow roofs (the color of the emperor) and vast courtyards secure in the knowledge that Darth Vader never ordered this complex to destroy a planet.

The Temple of Heaven

Creative Commons picture by [Satbir].

Since the emperor, who was regarded as the son of heaven, gets such a cool palace it only makes sense that there should be an incredible building dedicated to heaven itself. This is that building.

As you climb the three levels of engraved marble that make up the alter of heaven you can reflect on the fact that you stand where emperors of imperial china once went to pray.

If you show up early enough, you will also be able to see locals doing their morning tai chi in the parks surrounding the temple.

Rent a Bike and Wander The More Traditional Areas

Creative Commons picture by j.fisher.

Aside from the grandeur of monuments like the temple of heaven and the forbidden city the homes of the grassroots citizens of Beijing are also worthy of a look. Built around central courtyards, many of these siheyuan houses are still in use today.