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If you're keen to visit a destination steeped in history, why not stay in hostels in Beijing? The city is well known for its fantastic historical sites, from the Great Wall of China to lesser-known gems. In fact, there is so much to see that you may struggle to choose where to go first! To find out five of the top attractions, read on. Perhaps the most famous historical site to see during your stay in cheap hostels in Beijing is the Great Wall of China. While it is believed to date back to the Qin Dynasty, little of the wall from this time remains - and much of what you will see today can in fact be traced to the Ming Dynasty. Spanning over 6,000 km, this incredible feat of architecture is a Unesco World Heritage site and you'll find that it is an awe-inspiring sight to see. Indeed, it may well be the highlight of your trip! However, there is much more to see in and around Beijing besides the wall. One of these is the Marco Polo Bridge, which can be found approximately 15 km outside of the city. Crossing the Yongding River, the 285-metre structure is made of white marble and dates back to 1189. It took four years to build and you'll find it is incredibly fascinating to behold, with the pillars lining the bridge featuring carvings of lions. A little further outside the city are the Ming Tombs, which are situated just south of Tianshou Mountain. Out of the 16 Ming emperors, 13 were buried here and legend has it that the surrounding hills guard the site from winds carrying evil influences. Here you will be able to see the tombs, as well as a range of amazing historical artefacts dating back to that time period. Back in Beijing, the ruins of Yuanmingyuan are perhaps one of the most haunting places to visit during your stay. Previously vast gardens that spanned some 347 hectares, only ruins now remain. The gardens were packed with beautiful buildings, which took 150 years to construct. However, attacks in 1860 and 1900 saw them destroyed. Now you can walk among the stone remains, which are impressive sights in themselves. Lastly, the Drum Tower and Bell Tower are also great places to visit on your trip. The former was built in 1272 and was used as the local timekeeping centre. Situated close by is the Bell Tower, which still tolls today - and can be heard some 20 km away. Book hostels in Beijing with Hostelbookers and discover this city's fascinating historical sites. And you could find that by staying in cheap hostels, you have more money to spend on your trip!
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