Strolling Along the Legendary Central Axis

A Day Tour of Beijing's Tai Miao, Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park Experience the grandeur of the imperial city and plan your next visit! Beijing, with its 600-year-old royal history and cultural heritage, offers countless attractions worth exploring. Tai Miao, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park are located close to each other, making it possible to visit all three in one day. This itinerary allows you to efficiently check off major landmarks while immersing yourself in the rich historical and cultural essence of old Beijing. Here's your ultimate guide! 1. Itinerary Planning Tai Miao (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM) ◆ Location: Situated east of the Forbidden City, symmetrically aligned with the central axis. It spans 475 meters in length and covers approximately 200,000 square meters. ◆ Highlights: - The Xiang Dian, standing at 32.46 meters tall, is the tallest ancient hall in Beijing. - Capture stunning photos of the red walls and yellow-tiled roofs. Wearing traditional Hanfu or neutral-colored clothing enhances the aesthetic. Forbidden City (11:00 AM - 3:00 PM) ◆ Transportation: Enter the Forbidden City through the north gate (Shenwu Gate) or the east gate (Meridian Gate). ◆ Must-visit spots: - The Outer Court's three main halls, especially the Hall of Supreme Harmony (a prime spot for coronation and wedding scenes). - The Inner Court's three main halls and the East and West Six Palaces, including the Palace of Heavenly Purity (the emperor's office). - The Treasure Gallery (requires a 10 RMB ticket), showcasing precious artifacts. - The Imperial Garden, known as the most tranquil corner of the Forbidden City, featuring pavilions, ancient trees, and unique rock formations. ◆ Photography Tips: - After 3:00 PM, the lighting becomes softer, ideal for portrait shots. - Dark-colored clothing enhances contrast in photos. Jingshan Park (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM) ◆ Transportation: Exit the Forbidden City through Shenwu Gate and walk along Jingshan Front Street to reach the park. ◆ Key Experiences: - Climb to the top of Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing's central axis. - Visit the Ming City Wall ruins to feel the weight of history. 2. Important Notes ! Time Management: Allocate 1.5 hours for Tai Miao, 3 hours for the Forbidden City, and 1.5 hours for Jingshan Park to avoid delays. For lunch, bring snacks or try traditional Beijing street food or imperial-themed meals near the Forbidden City. ! Tickets and Opening Hours: Due to high visitor numbers, book tickets 3-7 days in advance (via the official website or WeChat account). Bring your ID for entry. ! Clothing Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes and pair them with Hanfu or neutral-colored outfits to match the ancient ambiance and enhance photo opportunities. ! Tips: Stamp your travel journal at the Forbidden City's cultural shop or enjoy afternoon tea at the Ice Cellar Restaurant. Exploring Tai Miao, the Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park in one day allows you to stroll along the central axis and experience Beijing's profound historical and cultural heritage. Though tiring, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. You'll surely want to come back for more!