Beijing, China’s capitol city, is filled with enough historical and cultural attractions to keep any tourist busy. The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The National Museum of China are some of the city’s top attractions.

The Forbidden City lies in the heart of Beijing. The Forbidden City was the residence of the Chinese emperors from the time of the Ming Dynasty until the removal of the last emperor in 1924. The Forbidden City received its name because only those invited by the emperor could come inside its walls. It is now a museum and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tiananmen Square is a massive public square outside the walls of the Forbidden City. It was the site of massive public protests in 1989. Within the square are the Monument of the People’s Heros and a monument to Mao Ze Dong the leader of China’s Communist revolution.

For those desiring to learn more about the history and art of China, visit the National Museum of China located on the eastern side of Tiananmen Square. Current exhibitions include a collection of Chinese jades, art of ancient China, a display of ancient Chinese porcelain, and exhibitions of calligraphy and ancient money.

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