Soyini Grey

in China If based in Beijing, there are certain cultural touchpoints you must visit when in China. We’ve already been to the Great Wall; now you need to visit the Forbidden City. Built in 1406, the Forbidden City is the perfect encapsulation of China in one location. It is rooted in history and stands as a snapshot of a pivotal period in the country’s development, perfectly preserved and placed on display. Its name comes from the fact that the public was forbidden to enter it on pain of death.

For the visitor, the most important consideration is what they want from their visit. Is it to achieve a physical milestone, or do they want to experience amazing views of Beijing and take great photos? At 20,000km long, there is no human who can realistically achieve those steps. However, there are week-long hiking tours that will lead you through this physical manifestation of Chinese ingenuity and proactiveness.