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Winnie21Malaysia

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The Heart of Empires

#hellochristmas Step into theForbidden City (Palace Museum) and walk through the very axis of Chinese history. For nearly 500 years, this was the exclusive domain of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, the epicenter of celestial power where every major decision was made. Encompassing over 980 buildings with more than 8,700 rooms, this is the world's largest and best-preserved palace complex made of wood. It is more than a museum; it is a monumental testament to imperial ambition, architectural genius, and the lives of those who shaped a civilization. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is, quite simply, the heart of empires.

Posted: Dec 11, 2025

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The Palace Museum

4.8/5187324 reviews | Historic buildings

Beijing

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

VND 222,223

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Dreaming of exploring Beijing’s imperial past? 🚀 This trip had me wandering through the Palace Museum, uncovering antique clocks, and soaking up serene vibes at The Round City. The contrast of golden Buddha statues against deep red walls absolutely wowed me — and don’t sleep on the museum’s Western-style exhibition halls! Top Spots to Visit in Beijing: 1. The Palace Museum (No. 4, Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng District): Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Apr-Oct), 8:30 AM–4:30 PM (Nov-Mar). Entry: 60 CNY. Art lovers, don’t miss the intricate sculptures here — the stone Buddha and accompanying figures are photo gold with dramatic red and gold temple backgrounds. 2. Hall of Clocks and Watches: Inside the Palace Museum, open similar hours (verify before visiting as times change seasonally). Step into dazzling exhibition halls, blending classic Chinese and Western architectural styles. My tip: Go early, as crowds build up fast and snapping close-up shots is easier before noon. 3. The Round City (Jingshan Qianjie): Open daily, 6:00 AM–9:00 PM. This tranquil escape is ideal for a post-museum unwind. You’ll find less crowds here and a calming garden vibe — perfect for recharging between sights! Insider tips: - Book entry tickets online via WeChat to skip the lines (seriously, the queues get wild). - Water bottles allowed, but toss liquids before security checks. - Transport hack: Metro Line 1 gets you really close — hop off at Tian’anmen East station. - For snacks, local vendors outside the museum sell tasty jianbing (savory crepes). - Carve out at least half a day for the Palace Museum — there’s more to see than you think! #hellochristmas #ForbiddenCity #travel #BeijingCulture #ForbiddenCity #TravelTips #ChineseArchitecture

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Exploring Beijing 🇨🇳 is seriously a bucket-list adventure! From the mystical halls of the Forbidden City to the iconic temples where emperors prayed for good harvests, every corner pulses with ancient vibes and legendary stories—plus, the Great Wall is just a day-trip away for epic shots. Top Spots to Visit: 1. Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests (Temple of Heaven Park, Dongcheng) — Open Tues–Sun, 8am–6pm (Apr–Oct), 8am–5pm (Nov–Mar), admission ends 30 min prior, closed on Mondays. Get here super early to capture the beautiful morning sunlight against its ornate blue tiles. 2. Corridor of Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park, No. 1 Tiantan East Road, Dongcheng) — Open 24/7! Join locals practicing tai chi; mornings are alive with culture and energy. 3. The Round City (Jingshan Qianjie, Beijing) — Open 6am–9pm year-round. Short stroll from the Palace Museum, ideal for a breather in leafy tranquility right between major sites. 4. Temple of Heaven (No.1, Tiantan Road, Dongcheng) — 6am–10pm daily (Apr–Oct), 6:30am–10pm (Nov–Mar), admission ends 9pm. Come at sunset for a magical golden hour and fewer crowds. Admission ¥58. 5. The Palace Museum (No. 4 Jingshanqian Street, Dongcheng) — Tues–Sun, 8:30am–5pm (Apr–Oct), 8:30am–4:30pm (Nov–Mar), closed Mondays. Book tickets online in advance! Don’t miss the Terracotta Warriors exhibit (when available). Tips & Hacks: Ride the Metro for cheap, fast travel—Beijing West Railway Station is perfect for easy city access. Buy tickets for main sites with a combo pass for discounts. For food, try lamb skewers or Peking Duck at any local eatery nearby Dongcheng—authentic and super tasty! Weather flips fast between sunny, cloudy, and rainy, so always pack an umbrella. #hellochristmas #BeijingCulture #TempleOfHeaven #PalaceMuseum #TravelSmart #ChinaExplored

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