Things to Do in Beijing other than Watch People Run around in Circles

The Olympics officially start today, so if you're in Northwest China, and don't feel like watching 200 pound people with muscles on top of muscles jumping into pits of sand, check out these world-renowned sites in and around Beijing

Attraction 1: The Forbidden City




Very much a city within a city, The Forbidden City housed the Chinese Emperors and their entourages for over 500 years. And their entourage would make Vinny Chase look like a knife salesman from Queens in comparison.

Built from 1406 to 1420, The Forbidden City contains 980 buildings currently with over 7000 rooms. It became a world heritage site in the 1987, just before the Chinese communist government trampled and shot the student protester at...

Attraction 2: Tiananmen Square



Student protests against the communist government happened here in 1989. Separated from the Forbidden City by Tiananmen Gate, Tiananmen Square is a must for any recent history buff, though don't expect any tank rides. Well, if you do get yourself a tank, you're either going to jail for a really long time or you go by 007 in some circles.


Attraction 3: The Ming Tombs




The Ming Tombs lie about 50 Miles Northwest of Beijing, so you'll have to find yourself a car rental, and it is definitely worth the trip. These tombs sit on almost 30,000 acres of land, at the foot of Mt. Yan. It includes 13 emporer mauseleums (I'm not really sure what a Mauseleum is), seven tombs for concubines (I know what this is) and one grave for euneuchs (no idea). Overall, their are 13 emporers buried here. Watch your step. Hopefully, none will rise up, reincarnated as Jet Li, with only Brendan Frasier there to defend you.


Attraction 4: The Great Wall of China





About 30 miles northwest of Beijing is one segment of the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall stretches more than 4000 miles, and was built and rebuilt over a span of 2,200 years to keep away those pesky Mongol bandits from the North. During the reign of the Ming Dynasty, the wall was patrolled by as many as 1 Million soldiers, and more than 2 Million workers died building this 'wall'. Almost none of them are buried in the Ming Tombs. That spot is reserved for the more important people - the emporers and their mistresses with little feet.


So, enjoy Beijing. Find out more about this amazing city at the Beijing Travel Guide.