By Steven

How could you not fall in love in this Beijing, if it's guarantee that you'll find some thing, place, or activity that suits you the best here in this city? This capital of China is a mega city, and an important world capital and global power city, Beijing is arguably the most developed city in China after Shanghai. However, behind all these technological advancement and development, Beijing is still a well-preserved hub of Chinese traditions and cultures, and still is one of the oldest cities in the world.

In this city of modern and tradition combined are of course, a culmination of culture-rich and top of the line attractions and activities. Whether you're a person of culture who enjoys history and antiquity, or an up-to-date person who enjoys the latest, hottest stuff, Beijing is definitely the go-to place for you!

If you're not convince, here's the 10 things to do in Beijing that will make you fall in love with this city:

#1 Climb (and conquer) the Great Wall of China

As a Chinese saying goes "you're not a man if you've never been to the Great Wall". Sexism aside, the Great Wall of China is the symbol of Beijing, or even the whole China itself! Over 10 million of people, locals and foreigners alike, visit the Great Wall every year, and it is the place for scenic views, historical values, and also quality cardio session!

The wall are sectioned into four main areas open for tourists each offering a different experience. The Badaling (八达岭) is the best-restored and most accessible site of the wall, but it's also the most visited section so be prepared for crowds.

The Mutianyu (慕田峪) is another best-preserved part of the wall, equally as popular as Badaling but a little less crowded due to it's accessibility.

While the Simatai (司马台) and Jiankou (箭扣) sections are not fully restored and are harder to reach, they are much quieter compared to other sections. You can also pitch a tent here to spend a night and continue your climb tomorrow!

#2 Explore the Forbidden City

With so many lands and manpower available, it is easy to know why China does many things in a grand scale. And it's no difference in the ancient time where hierarchical ruling of the Emperor is at full display. The ZiJinCheng (紫禁城), translate literally as the Purple Forbidden City, is the largest known palatial complex in the world built over 74 hectares and comprised of a staggering 980 buildings. That's a lotta buildings for you to explore!

The city was home of the Emperor from 1420 to the beginning of the Republic in 1924. After millennia of forbidden from the public, the city now housed the Palace Museum, one of the most visited spots in the world. Consider getting a room around the palace for a few days if you wished to explore the entire city!

#3 Get your prayers at the Yonghegong Lama Temple

Originally the home of Prince Yong during the Qing Dynasty, the buildings that make up the Yonghegong Temple complex encompasses a mix of traditional Han and Tibetan architectural styles, presenting a visual feast of vivid colors and intricate patterns.

The site has acted as a residence and school for Buddhist monks from Mongolia and Tibet for several centuries, and still serves this purpose today.

While indulging yourself in books and artworks stacked and packed around the complex, don't forget to admire the impressive statue of Maitreya Buddha that stands at 60 feet tall!

#4 Enlighten yourself at the Temple of Confucius

The China and its society that we know today are the offspring of Confucius intellectual forces. And this 14th Century Temple in Beijing inherits the compassion and wisdom he helped instill into every area of Chinese life.

Apart of enriching yourself with Confucius teaching, some highlights of this temple include the wooden "textbooks" left behind by early Confucian scholars, and an ancient cypress-tree that is said to be able to detect when an evil person is passing beneath it and smack them around the head.

#5 Pray for a good fortune at the Temple of Heaven

In ancient China, a bad harvest could result in open rebellion against the Emperor, as it may be a sign that the Emperor is incompetent or not the chosen one to say the least. So the Emperor would visit the Temple of Heaven for good harvest in the year. And to today the temple still held a significant place in Chinese political life.

The mesmerizing Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the center of the complex is undeniably the main highlight of your visit. But you should also visit the "whispering wall" where secrets can be passed across large distances due to a quirk of acoustics, perfect for confessing your love!

#6 Go for a day trip to Tianjin

One of China's nine major "central cities", Tianjin is full of old and new delights . Some highlights of the city include the many 19th Century European style churches and colonial buildings, the panoramic views from the "Tianjin Eye", and the Grand Canal.

Book lovers and architecture fanatics should also visit the cutting-edge Tianjin Binhai Library, where the interior of the library is a must-see-to-believe architecture wonder.

#7 Explore the Hutongs

Hutong (胡同) translates to alleyway in Mandarin. These tight residential alleyways are where many of Beijing's local live and they're always full of character, each offer you a different experience and site of live.

Enthrall yourself with amazing street foods, quirky knick-knack shops, Impromptu games of Mahjong or simply the good folk of Beijing going about their daily lives while taking a lazy afternoon strolls in these Hutongs!

#8 Eat all the foods

How can you ignore the most important part of a trip and your life - eating! And in Asia no less, you're in for a treat! Of course you should always try out Chinese dumplings regardless of which part of China you're in, but be sure to try out Peking duck when you're in Beijing, it's literally in it's name!

Some other local foods in Beijing include hotpots, steam stuffed meat buns, Chinese crepes and many more. So leave the calories count behind and eat your heart out!

#9 Reminiscent the Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium

The 2008 Olympics in Beijing not only brought more fame to China, but also some architecture wonders most notably in the form of Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing!

The striking "bird's nest" design is inspired in part by world-renowned artist, Ai Weiwei, and is spectacular when lit up in the evening. Whether you're a sport fans or not, visiting this stadium is a must in your Beijing trip book at least for a feast of your eyes, if not for a perfect travel check in photo!

#10 Take a dip at the Beijing National Aquatics Center

Another architecture wonders thanks to the Olympics, the Beijing National Aquatics Center, or more famously known as the Water Cube with an outer wall based on the Weaire–Phelan structure, a structure devised from the natural pattern of bubbles in soap lather, but inside housed a Olympics-scaled pool, and also, a FREAKING WATER PARK!

The water park, known more accurately as the "Happy Magic Water Cube Waterpark is home to some of the coolest slides for all age groups, perfect for killing the heat during summer and also fun weekend family bonding session!