As soon as I arrived in Beijing, the capital of China, I decided to set out and explore this massive city. The moment I got off the train at the station, I opened my map and started walking toward a place that caught my eye. Although I didn’t have much information about Beijing, I wanted to share my first experience in this city with you. After walking for 2 km, I discovered that the place I had reached was the Forbidden City. In this post, I will share the details of my first day in Beijing, my exploration of the Forbidden City, the Beijing subways, and how I experienced the famous Xidan Street.
A Journey to the Forbidden City: First Exploration in Beijing
As soon as I landed in Beijing, I opened my map as any traveler should and tried to find the most interesting place near the train station. I walked for 2 km toward the spot I had singled out. Since I didn’t have much information about this city, I didn’t exactly know what the place was. However, discovering that it was the Forbidden City once I arrived was quite exciting. The Forbidden City is known as one of the most important and symbolic structures in Chinese history. This massive palace complex housed the Ming and Qing dynasties and served as the home of Chinese emperors for hundreds of years.
Beijing Subways and Xidan Street: First Strolls in the City
After my short walk in the Forbidden City, I decided to explore other important sites in Beijing. The city's extensive subway network makes it easy to reach every corner. Beijing subways stand out with both their cleanliness and modern design. During the time I spent on the subway, I was able to feel the energy and dynamic nature of the city.
After my subway ride, I headed to Xidan Street, one of Beijing’s most famous streets. It is a very lively place filled with shopping malls, restaurants, and various shops. Xidan Street is an important shopping and entertainment hub for both tourists and locals. While walking down this street, I had the opportunity to meet the modern face of Beijing.
A Friend Who Lived in China for 4 Years: Mori and the Chinese Language Experience
At the end of the day, I met up with my friend Mori from Guinea, who had lived in China for four years. As Mori gave me information about life in Beijing, I also recorded him speaking Chinese. His command of Chinese showed how challenging the language can be, but it also revealed how he survived as a foreigner living here.
Conclusion: The Excitement of the First Day in Beijing
This first day I spent in Beijing was a great start to exploring China's capital. From the Forbidden City to Xidan Street, from the Beijing subways to the time I spent with Mori, the first experiences I had in this city showed me how large and diverse Beijing is. If you plan to visit Beijing one day, I recommend that you consider the experiences I have shared in this post and enjoy the thrill of exploring the city. Enjoy watching!
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