One-day Tour Routes along the Central Axis of Beijing

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Route 1: Tian'anmen Square-Zhengyangmen-Qianmen Street-Temple of Heaven

1. Tian'anmen Square

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: West Chang'an Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Tian'anmen Square is the center of Beijing and the largest city center square in the world.

2. Zhengyangmen

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: North End of Qianmen Street, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Ever since it was first built, Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower has served as a symbol of old Beijing. After its reconstruction in 1915, it became a great sightseeing spot popular among the locals.

3. Qianmen Street

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No.16 Qianmen Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Qianmen Street is one of the most famous commercial streets in Beijing and the home of many time-honored brands. It is 845 meters long, stretching along the biggest ancient city protection area in Beijing and the only planned commercial block situated near Tian'anmen Square.

4. Temple of Heaven

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: East of Tianqiao, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Temple of Heaven was the ritual site for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties where they would go to offer sacrifices to the gods of heaven and pray for a good harvest. The profound culture and history and its grand style have become the epitome of the ancient civilization of the Orient.


Route 2: Olympic Forest Park-China Ethnic Museum

1. Olympic Forest Park

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: Intersection of National Stadium South Road and Beichen East Road, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The Olympic Forest Park is on the north point of the Central Axis and the nearest forest park for the local people. It is not only an ecological barrier but also an urban garden for leisure and entertainment. The Southern Garden of the Olympic Forest Park mainly consists of large landscapes such as Yangshan Mountain, Aohai Sea, and the Undercurrent Wetland, while the Northern Garden is mainly composed of small stream landscapes such as the Rustic Charm in Flower Land, the Swift Tower and the Arboretum.

2. China Ethnic Museum

Address: No. 1 Minzuyuan Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: China Ethnic Museum is an important base for displaying "New Beijing, Great Olympics" and fully revealing the concept of "People's Olympics, Hi-tech Olympics, and Green Olympics". More than 100,000 cultural relics can be found here. The restored scenarios of exhibitions cover four sectors - architecture, environment, culture, and relics.


Route 3: Bird's Nest-Water Cube-China Science and Technology Museum

1. Bird's Nest

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 1 National Stadium South Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The exterior design of the National Stadium (also known as the Bird's Nest) is like a semi-open bird nest. It adopts advanced energy-saving design and environmental protection measures allowing the audience to enjoy good natural ventilation and natural lighting, thus reducing the energy consumption. The indoor areas of the stadium are equipped with high-efficiency, energy-saving and environmentally friendly light sources. Its structure is well integrated, revealing the unique, elegant, and harmonious design.

2. Water Cube

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 11 Tianchen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The Water Cube was one of the main venues for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. It was transformed into the "Ice Cube" during the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games to host the curling and wheelchair curling competitions. As the largest and most sophisticated indoor theme water park in China, the Water Part in the Water Cube is operated by an intelligent temperature control system all year round to offer the most suitable water temperature for its visitors. All amusement facilities are imported from world-class suppliers.

3. China Science and Technology Museum

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 5 Beichen East Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The Dome Theatre of China Science and Technology Museum, as one of the world's largest dome theaters, possesses advanced dome theater projection equipment and demonstration equipment for astronomical phenomena.


Route 4: Shichahai-Bell Tower-Drum Tower

1. Shichahai

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 23 Yangfang Hutong, Xicheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Shichahai has been a summer resort from the Qing Dynasty. It is the largest and best-preserved historical block in Beijing and it plays a special role in the planning and development history of Beijing. Shichahai has unique scenery and exclusive courtyard restaurants, accommodation, and bars, reflecting the authentic culture of Beijing.

2. Bell Tower

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 41 Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The bell of the Bell Tower, with a height of 7.02 meters, a diameter of 3.4 meters and a weight of 63 tons, is the largest and heaviest existing ancient copper bell in China. The sound of it is mild but loud and can be heard from far away.

3. Drum Tower

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: North End of Di'anmen Wai Street, Central Axis, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The Drum Tower was used to announce time in ancient China. It faces south, measures 46.7 meters high, and stretches 56 meters from east to west and 33 meters from north to south.


Route 5: Taoran Pavilion (Taoranting) Park-Jingshan Park

1.Taoranting

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 19 Taiping Street (north bank of city moat), Xicheng District, Beijing Municipality

Suggested sightseeing route: South gate of Taoranting Park - The Park of Chinese Famous Pavilions -Cloud Painting Tower & Clear Sound Pavilion - Joyful Pavilion & Cibei Nunnery - Nanping Wantiao Pavillion - Tanying Liujin Scenic Area-Auspicious Sign Pavilion - Tomb of Martyr Gao Junyu

2. Jingshan Park

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 44 Jingshanxi Street, Xicheng District, Beijing Municipality (opposite the back gate of the Palace Museum)

Introduction: Jingshan Park lies in the central area of Beijing and has a variety of pavilions. Wanchun Pavilion is located at the highest point of the Central Axis. Standing in this pavilion, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Palace Museum and the Central Axis. Jingshan Park features tens of thousands of flowers such as peonies and Chinese herbaceous peonies. It hosts peony exhibitions in spring, lotus exhibitions in summer, and chrysanthemum exhibitions in autumn.


Route 6: Yonghe Temple-Palace Museum-Beijing Qingnianhu Park

1. Yonghe Temple

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No. 28 Yonghe Temple Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: In the southern part of Yonghe Temple stands three tall stele towers, a huge screen wall, and a pair of stone lions. The bell and drum towers stand on either side of Zhaotai Gate, the entrance of Yonghe Temple, with a winding corridor running outside it, creating a magnificent but solemn and unique sight. Next to the drum tower stands an eye-catching eight-ton copper pot for cooking laba rice porridge.

2. Palace Museum

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: No.4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: The Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, is located in the center of Beijing and is regarded as the pearl of the Central Axis. It is the largest and best-preserved wooden structure palace complex in the world.

3. Beijing Qingnianhu Park

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[Photo: Visual China Group]

Address: Andelibei Street, Andingmenwai Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing Municipality

Introduction: Beijing Qingnianhu Park has various scenic areas including Shuoyuan Garden, Lotus Pond, and Yiyuan Garden. A range of amusement facilities, such as racing cars, bumper cars, pirate ships, and air fighters and free playgrounds for children, gateball courts, and fitness equipment are set here. It also offers facilities for a variety of aquatic recreational activities, such as boating and fishing. At night, you can enjoy the colorful lights and dance to the music.

(Source: Visitbeijing.com.cn)