Things to do in Gaobeidian

Taking advantage of the National Day holiday, I visited Kaishan Temple, a thousand-year-old temple in Gaobeidian City, finally completing my year-long tour of the eight major Liao Dynasty architectural complexes. Kaishan Temple is probably the most unassuming and understated of the eight. Located in a narrow, noisy alley in the town, the temple offers free admission by swiping your ID card. In 1996, Kaishan Temple was designated a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The main hall of Kaishan Temple is a Liao Dynasty structure. This five-bay wide and three-bay deep hall is supported by only four golden pillars, considered an ultimate example of pillar-reduction construction. A Tang Dynasty white marble Thousand-Hand and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin statue in the main hall is the temple's most prized possession, predating the Liao hall itself by three hundred years and classified as a national first-class cultural relic. The main hall lacks a suspended ceiling; all the original Liao Dynasty mortise and tenon joints are exposed, allowing visitors to directly observe the construction standards of a thousand years ago. Kaisan Temple does not have a dedicated parking lot. The path in front of the temple can probably accommodate eight or nine cars, so parking is usually quite tight.

This road trip to Hebei included a special trip for the children to the Xiong'an Impression Exhibition Hall, allowing them to immerse themselves in understanding this city of the future. The exhibition hall is divided into three main areas: symbiosis, co-construction, and sharing. Naked-eye 3D light and shadow, AR interaction, and a huge city model vividly present Xiong'an's past, present, and future. The light and shadow painting of Baiyangdian Lake helped the children understand the original water town atmosphere of this land; the giant 3D sand table intuitively displayed the three cities above ground, underground, and in the clouds, captivating the children's attention. There were also digital cycling and interactive installations, offering educational experiences beyond dry text explanations. The only downside is that the first-floor exhibition hall is not large; the entire experience takes about thirty minutes.

Following the scholar-guide Dahai on a tour of the Forbidden City, his lively and engaging explanations, rich in knowledge, gave us a new understanding of history. Following in his footsteps felt like stepping back into the Forbidden City!

One of the best memories of Beijing! It was really cool getting to see the animals up close. A really extensive park with lots to see. Worth a visit if you love animals!

Absolutely amazing experience at Universal Studios Beijing! This was my third visit, and every time feels just as exciting as the first! I bring tour groups to Beijing, and we always love visiting this incredible park. So many unforgettable moments and fantastic attractions! One day is definitely not enough to explore everything. We’ll keep coming back again and again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Badaling section of the Great Wall stands out as an absolute must-visit destination because it offers the most magnificent and iconic vision of China’s ancient defenses. Restored to showcase the wall at its peak engineering glory from the Ming Dynasty, Badaling features wide, solid granite paths flanked by grand watchtowers that wind dramatically along the steep, rolling ridges of the Yan Mountains. Standing atop its highest towers awards you breathtaking, sweeping panoramic views of stone battlements snaking into the distant horizon. Beyond its majestic scale, Badaling is uniquely accessible with well-paved walkways, convenient cable cars, and direct high-speed rail links from central Beijing, making it an indispensable experience for capturing the timeless grandeur and historical legacy of the Great Wall.

张洋导游讲解的非常好！All visitors should book the national Museum of China trip. It is not easy to book on your own, book through Trip.com and have a guide to share the history with you..

Sanyi Palace is perfect for a Three Kingdoms fan like me, as there are many stories about the glorious deeds of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei in the courtyard; however, the courtyard is densely covered with greenery and has a large number of mosquitoes. If you visit in the summer, be sure to bring mosquito repellent spray and long-sleeved clothing for protection. I got bitten several times during my visit 😂😂😂.

✨ Temple of Heaven, Beijing – A Journey Through HistoryA visit to the magnificent Temple of Heaven was truly a memorable experience. 🏯Surrounded by beautiful ancient architecture, peaceful gardens and towering trees, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a glimpse into China’s rich imperial history.The highlight was the stunning Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, with its iconic blue roof, intricate wooden structure and impressive design. It was once where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests and blessings.Walking through the peaceful grounds, I could feel the beauty of history, culture and spirituality all around me.A beautiful blend of tradition, architecture and nature. Another unforgettable memory from Beijing! ❤️Discovering the past, appreciating the present.

The Chinese architecture is breathtakingly beautiful, and the extravagant lifestyles of the high-ranking officials stand in stark contrast to the impoverished lives of the common people. It's also a great place to learn about the history of the Qing Dynasty.