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Temple of Heaven

For a different insight into Chinese religion and history, a popular place to visit is the Temple of Heaven.

Set in a 267 hectare park, its original function was to provide a vast stage for the Emperor who came to pray for good harvests, atonement for the sins of his people and to seek divine clearance from the gods.

The temple includes a 65 meter 'Echo Wall' designed in such a fashion that a whisper is able to travel from one end to the other, the 'Triple Echo Stones' designed to affect certain acoustics, and the 'Round Stone Altar' designed to boost the emperor’s voice to over nine times its normal volume.

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Other experiences in Beijing

These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.

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    To really experience Beijing you need to get out onto the streets. The Forbidden City is one of the most fascinating places in Beijing and is well worth a visit.

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  • Beijing's Hutongs
    Quiet Hutong, Beijing

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  • Summer Palace
    The Summer Palace, Beijing

    Summer Palace

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  • The Great Wall at Jinshanling
    Great Wall of China

    The Great Wall at Jinshanling

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    Stretching for over 6,000 km to the Gobi Desert in the far west, the Great Wall remains one of the world’s true must-see sights.

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  • The Legend of Kung Fu Performance
    Young monks practising their moves, Shaolin

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    The Legend of Kung Fu Performance

    This exciting piece of theater comprises a number of spectacular and highly skilled Kung Fu demonstrations, following the story of a young Shaolin Monk as he trains in the discipline.

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  • Visit the Forbidden City
    Forbidden City, Beijing

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Visit the Forbidden City

    Closed to the world for over 500 years, and home to emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the Forbidden City is a truly fascinating place.

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Experience it for yourself

You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.