Beijing China Picture Gallery

China is an amazing country with many fascinating things to see and do. Of course, one of the most visited locations is Beijing. This thriving city has enough attractions to keep you busy for weeks. The Beijing pictures below are just a small glimpse into the vast historical and heritage of the city. Tourism to China has increased tremendously over the past several years. If you are planning to visit China and want to guarantee you see the best attractions, schedule your Beijing tours prior to your departure.

If you are planning a trip to Beijing, remember that American citizens are required to travel with a valid passport and < ahref="china-travel-visa.html">visa to China. You can apply yourself if you are in no hurry or, if you need it quickly, apply for expedited Chinese visa service.

Emperor's Throne in the Forbidden City of Beijing China.
The Forbidden City was originally constructed in the 15th Century by the Ming Emperor Yongle. China's emperors governed from the Forbidden City and rarely ventured outside the palace grounds. Twenty-four emperors lived in the Forbidden City over the course of over 500 years. The City is divided into three parts, the outer court, where the emperor received senior officials and conducted affairs of state, the inner court, where the emperor lived with his family, and the Imperial Garden, where the family spent most of their leisure time.

Lion Watching Over the Forbidden City of Beijing China
The Forbidden City is fronted by Tiananmen Gate, a symbol of ruling power in China. Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China from the tower of the gate. On national days, the tower is used as a rostrum for reviewing parades. Today, a large portrait of Mao Zedong hangs on the front of Tiananmen Gate. To the left of the portrait is the slogan "Long Live the People's Republic of China" and to the right "Long Live the Unity of the Peoples of the World."